Joanne Berrigan
AlzheimersHelp.ca

Elite Concierge Counseling for Dementia Support

Experience personalized, expert support as you navigate the challenges of dementia. By maintaining a small caseload, I am able to offer dedicated, one-on-one counseling with flexible availability:

  • Weekdays: 8 AM – 8 PM
  • Weekends: 11 AM – 1 PM

I prioritize your needs with same day follow-up whenever possible, to ensure tailored support and so you know that you’re not alone.

Book your spot now and receive the comprehensive, compassionate care you deserve.

Contact us

Caring for a loved one can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. With the right support, you can find balance, reduce stress, and improve the quality of life for both you and your loved one. Reach out today and let us help you navigate any challenges brought on by dementia so that you and your loved one can thrive together. You deserve support, and you both deserve to enjoy life—let’s get started.

Welcome to AlzheimersHelp.ca

With the right support, you can find balance, reduce stress, and improve the quality of life

Caring for a loved one can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. With the right support, you can find balance, reduce stress, and improve the quality of life for both you and your loved one. Reach out today and let us help you navigate any challenges brought on by dementia so that you and your loved one can thrive together. You deserve support, and you both deserve to enjoy life—let’s get started.

Learn More
About Me

For the past 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of joining hundreds of clients and caregivers as they have navigated a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or other devastating diseases. 

When a diagnosis of dementia is given, lives are often shattered and caregivers are left feeling very alone and helpless. What has helped them regain their footing, their quality of life and sense of control is to know that they are heard because the professional the call upon is reliable and returns their calls promptly. Knowing that they are not alone and that they have choices makes dealing with any challenge possible.

Every journey with my clients has been different, yet every person I’ve worked with has shown how determined they were to live, love, laugh and get through on their own terms. I admire each caregiver I’ve supported – each for their own unique reasons – and I’ve always felt that the person living with dementia is uniquely, very special and just as deserving also.

About us
Our Services

Tailored, comprehensive support for caregivers

and individuals living with dementia.

Accompany to appointments & Advocacy

Going to appointments when you’re preoccupied and already exhausted from simply getting to your destination can be overwhelming....

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Behavior Challenges

When a person living with dementia (PLWD) exhibits behaviour that is disruptive, destructive, or just simply not helpful, an exploration discussion and careful observation can help identify...

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Communication Challenges

When communication is ineffective, confused or otherwise unclear and is causing difficulty for anyone involved in conversation – it may be due to a wide variety of reasons.......

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Counselling for the continuous changes and losses with dementia

A diagnosis of dementia brings many challenges, most of which revolve around coping with limitations and loss—such as changes in roles & loss of privileges, abilities, future......

Learn More

Navigation of the health care system and/or community based resources and supports

When taking care of someone with dementia, a big challenge can be finding enough time to get anything done - and although there is a lot of support out there– it is fragmented and......

Learn More

Maintaining independence & integration

Identifying abilities and strengths can foster independence and can also make it more comfortable for a person living with dementia to join various social or recreational activities....

Learn More

Planning ahead

Proactively exploring the changes and challenges that may lie ahead and exploring the choices for support can put your mind at ease knowing that you have options.......

Learn More
Our Services

Tailored, comprehensive support for caregivers

and individuals living with dementia.

Accompany to appointments & Advocacy

Going to appointments when you’re preoccupied and already exhausted from simply getting to your destination can be overwhelming....

Learn More

Behavior Challenges

When a person living with dementia (PLWD) exhibits behaviour that is disruptive, destructive, or just simply not helpful, an exploration discussion and careful observation can help identify...

Learn More

Communication Challenges

When communication is ineffective, confused or otherwise unclear and is causing difficulty for anyone involved in conversation – it may be due to a wide variety of reasons.......

Learn More

Counselling for the continuous changes and losses with dementia

A diagnosis of dementia brings many challenges, most of which revolve around coping with limitations and loss—such as changes in roles & loss of privileges, abilities, future......

Learn More

Navigation of the health care system and/or community based resources and supports

When taking care of someone with dementia, a big challenge can be finding enough time to get anything done - and although there is a lot of support out there– it is fragmented and......

Learn More

Maintaining independence & integration

Identifying abilities and strengths can foster independence and can also make it more comfortable for a person living with dementia to join various social or recreational activities....

Learn More

Planning ahead

Proactively exploring the changes and challenges that may lie ahead and exploring the choices for support can put your mind at ease knowing that you have options.......

Learn More
Professional Member
Certified
Awarded

Endorsements from clients and health care professionals to show the quality of care provided

Dear Joanne, You have been our lifeline during my husband’s very difficult journey with dementia. You gave him a sense of purpose and still brought him moments of joy, while offering me peace of mind knowing he was in the best hands. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping us navigate our lives when we didn’t know where to turn. Your dedication and care have made all the difference, and I am forever grateful. With heartfelt thanks,
Adriana MontgomeryCaregiver
Joanne provided support over the years that I was caring for my husband who had Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia, COPD, and anxiety. Her positive energy and gift of understanding of the challenges of Alzheimer’s helped me wade through many unfamiliar issues that I faced daily and that made my burdens as a caregiver lighter. Joanne went out of her way to be sure we were getting the best services for our needs. This, and the combination of her insights, breadth of knowledge and her warm heart always changed the mood of our home and made my loved one smile.
Judy ShoneCaregiver
My father had many very difficult evenings due to his dementia, and we knew he didn't have many people that he could talk to or who understood him. Even when we were with him, we often found it hard to figure out what he needed or what was upsetting him. Joanne had an incredible way of meeting him exactly where he was, understanding his confusion, calming him and helping him feel like himself again. She made the connection that others just couldn’t, and that made a huge difference for our family. Her kindness, patience, and ability to see the person behind the dementia brought my father comfort in ways we will always be grateful for.
Luke & Madison MontgomeryCaregivers
I have been working with Joanne from Alzheimer Helps for over 5 years now as we navigated the disease for a loved one. Her knowledge of Alzheimer's disease and how to help loved ones diagnosed with it is unparalleled. From strategies to enhance communication, behavioural strategies to help reduce his fear in certain situations, providing programs and resources available for those diagnosed and their families and even selecting long term care homes, she's been a tremendous asset to our family. If you're feeling alone, overwhelmed and need some help getting through this season of life, I highly recommend giving Joanne and Alzheimers Helps a try.
KaterinaCaregiver
I know that I have dementia, but I get so angry sometimes when people do things for me without asking or don’t explain themselves to me. You are the only person that I have in my life that actually listens to me. We have normal conversations and I am always so happy to see you – I can’t really remember details and I know I get confused but I know that you help me so much and I always have a better day when I see you! If I could just clone you, I know that there’s so many other people with dementia that would find you just as much of a blessing that I do… Other people just don’t understand what it’s like to be living with dementia and how you feel like they’re always looking in (on you) but not looking at you. I’m so grateful because I know you really SEE me
Leonie GravesPerson living with dementia
Joanne sees each person living with dementia as a valuable individual and finds the unique set of tools and resources that will address that relationship or situation. Her caring approach, combined with an encyclopedic knowledge of neurocognitive disorders, provides my patients with specific strategies tailored to their life, family and home…..her skill set is unique in our region. Simply put, she is my go-to person for understanding the complexities and realities of living with neurocognitive disorders. Joanne is a tireless advocate for the client, their dignity and care, but of Joanne’s many skills as a dementia care expert, it’s her creativity to find solutions that stands out when working with my patients.
Melinda Brown, MSW RSW, Halton Health Care Social WorkerColleagues
Joanne stands out as one of the most insightful and empathetic collaborators I've encountered. Her expertise in navigating the challenges of dementia has been invaluable and her ability to challenge established paradigms with respectful and thought-provoking ideas is truly remarkable. What sets Joanne apart is her unique approach to difficult concepts which she articulates with clarity and compassion. I have often found myself drawing on her language to convey complex ideas… and she has a remarkable talent for bringing lightness even to the more somber aspects of our work. Her contributions not only enhance our understanding but also foster a supportive environment for those affected by dementia….I whole wholeheartedly recommend her for any endeavor in this vital field.
Dr Lora AppelYork University & UHN Open Labs
I have had the honour and pleasure working with Joanne Berrigan for the better part of 5 years now. Heart and passion are at the forefront of everything the does both professionally and personally. Her knowledge and understanding surrounding people living with dementia is extensive, and her care and communication with loved ones and caregivers is clear, honest and compassionate. When it comes to families experiencing a loved one going through cognitive decline, and all the areas of life it impacts, Joanne Berrigan validates all the very real emotions with individuals and families and can pave a plan moving forward with in the best interests of all involved. Dementia is an unpredictable disease and it is easy to feel sadness and anxiety about the future, I would highly recommend having someone like Joanne on your care team to help you navigate this journey.
Nicole Truman | BA PGCE RSSWCare Manager & TAP Program, Acclaim Health
I have had the pleasure of working with Joanne in the world of dementia care for over 15 years. In that time I have always been impressed by her absolute dedication to the care and quality of life for persons living with dementia. Her understanding of the value of knowledge crystallized when she published her book. In that book her caring nature is clear and most importantly her knowledge of the complexity of navigating the journey of dementia is evident. Her desire and skills in problem solving is built upon her years of supporting not only the person with the diagnosis as well as their care partners. I wish her all the best on this next career journey.
Karen R. Dementia Education Development, Alzheimers Society Ontario.
Previous
Next

Joanne is an amazing woman. I felt completely overwhelmed, guilty, hopeless, and like a failure at times…but Joanne took time and explained things to me. She also had a way of talking to my dad that he understood – without making him feel like a confused child, and it was such a relief – and then, in the same meeting, she would check in on me, making sure I knew why certain things were happening, and what resources there was to support me, and how it all could be beneficial. That combination of support and answers—for both my dad and me—made all the difference. Honestly, without her, I would have given up, and my dad would likely be in a care home. I wouldn’t have had the strength to take on my mom’s care, either- but she helped me there too. Joanne gave me the strength, support and the understanding to do what I truly wanted to do for my parents – to effectively care for them in my home. I can’t thank her enough.

Daughter of Doug P

Caregiver

Testimonials

Dear Joanne, You have been our lifeline during my husband’s very difficult journey with dementia. You gave him a sense of purpose and still brought him moments of joy, while offering me peace of mind knowing he was in the best hands. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping us navigate our lives when we didn’t know where to turn. Your dedication and care have made all the difference, and I am forever grateful. With heartfelt thanks
Adriana Montgomery Caregivers
Joanne provided support over the years that I was caring for my husband who had Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia, COPD, and anxiety. Her positive energy and gift of understanding of the challenges of Alzheimer’s helped me wade through many unfamiliar issues that I faced daily and that made my burdens as a caregiver lighter. Joanne went out of her way to be sure we were getting the best services for our needs. This, and the combination of her insights, breadth of knowledge and her warm heart always changed the mood of our home and made my loved one smile.
Judy ShoneCaregivers
My father had many very difficult evenings due to his dementia, and we knew he didn't have many people that he could talk to or who understood him. Even when we were with him, we often found it hard to figure out what he needed or what was upsetting him. Joanne had an incredible way of meeting him exactly where he was, understanding his confusion, calming him and helping him feel like himself again. She made the connection that others just couldn’t, and that made a huge difference for our family. Her kindness, patience, and ability to see the person behind the dementia brought my father comfort in ways we will always be grateful for
Luke & Madison MontgomeryCaregivers
I have been working with Joanne from Alzheimer Helps for over 5 years now as we navigated the disease for a loved one. Her knowledge of Alzheimer's disease and how to help loved ones diagnosed with it is unparalleled. From strategies to enhance communication, behavioural strategies to help reduce his fear in certain situations, providing programs and resources available for those diagnosed and their families and even selecting long term care homes, she's been a tremendous asset to our family. If you're feeling alone, overwhelmed and need some help getting through this season of life, I highly recommend giving Joanne and Alzheimers Helps a try.
Katerina Caregivers
I know that I have dementia, but I get so angry sometimes when people do things for me without asking or don’t explain themselves to me. You are the only person that I have in my life that actually listens to me. We have normal conversations and I am always so happy to see you – I can’t really remember details and I know I get confused but I know that you help me so much and I always have a better day when I see you! If I could just clone you, I know that there’s so many other people with dementia that would find you just as much of a blessing that I do… Other people just don’t understand what it’s like to be living with dementia and how you feel like they’re always looking in (on you) but not looking at you. I’m so grateful because I know you really SEE me.
Leonie GravesPerson living with dementia
Joanne sees each person living with dementia as a valuable individual and finds the unique set of tools and resources that will address that relationship or situation. Her caring approach, combined with an encyclopedic knowledge of neurocognitive disorders, provides my patients with specific strategies tailored to their life, family and home…..her skill set is unique in our region. Simply put, she is my go-to person for understanding the complexities and realities of living with neurocognitive disorders. Joanne is a tireless advocate for the client, their dignity and care, but of Joanne’s many skills as a dementia care expert, it’s her creativity to find solutions that stands out when working with my patients.
Melinda Brown, MSW RSW, Halton Health Care Social WorkerColleagues
I have had the honour and pleasure working with Joanne Berrigan for the better part of 5 years now. Heart and passion are at the forefront of everything the does both professionally and personally. Her knowledge and understanding surrounding people living with dementia is extensive, and her care and communication with loved ones and caregivers is clear, honest and compassionate. When it comes to families experiencing a loved one going through cognitive decline, and all the areas of life it impacts, Joanne Berrigan validates all the very real emotions with individuals and families and can pave a plan moving forward with in the best interests of all involved. Dementia is an unpredictable disease and it is easy to feel sadness and anxiety about the future, I would highly recommend having someone like Joanne on your care team to help you navigate this journey
Melinda Brown, MSW RSW, Halton Health Care Social WorkerColleagues
Care Manager & TAP Program, Acclaim Health I have had the pleasure of working with Joanne in the world of dementia care for over 15 years. In that time I have always been impressed by her absolute dedication to the care and quality of life for persons living with dementia. Her understanding of the value of knowledge crystallized when she published her book. In that book her caring nature is clear and most importantly her knowledge of the complexity of navigating the journey of dementia is evident. Her desire and skills in problem solving is built upon her years of supporting not only the person with the diagnosis as well as their care partners. I wish her all the best on this next career journey.
Karen R. Dementia Education Development, ASONicole Truman | BA PGCE RSSW
Previous
Next

Joanne is an amazing woman.
When I took my dad into my care (in my home), I looked for advocacy, support and guidance to help me be the daughter he needed – to understand his dementia and his needs. Now, with my Mom starting to slip into an angry and resistant state of confusion due to her late stage kidney disease, I’ve felt completely overwhelmed, guilty, hopeless, and like a failure at times. Throughout this journey with both of them, anyone who has taken a moment to explain what’s happening, instead of just telling me to do this or that, has been a true ray of hope – and Joanne is at the top of that list for this type of help. She provided practical options & emotional support to help get me through some very difficult times.
Joanne had a way of talking to my dad that he understood – without making him feel like a confused child, and it was such a relief. Then, in the same meeting, she would check in on me, making sure I knew why, and what resources there was to support me, and how it was beneficial. That combination of support and answers—for both my dad and me—made all the difference. Honestly, without her, I would have given up, and my dad would likely be in a care home. I wouldn’t have had the strength to take on my mom’s care, either- but you helped me there too.
You gave me the strength and the understanding to do what I truly wanted to do for them – to effectively care for them in my home. I can’t thank you enough.

Daughter of Doug P

Caregivers

Qualifications & Recognition

Honours degree in Psychology (1997) & BA in Gerontology (2004). Dementia Consultant for Dr Lora Appel – York University (2019-present); Advisory Committee for Centre for Elder Research at Sheridan College (2021-present); Professional Member of Canadian Counselling & Psychotherapy Association (2024); Manager of Counsellors, students & volunteer teams (2009-2024). Toronto Star Reader’s Choice: Best Mental Health Consultant (2020); author of 3 books about dementia (available on Amazon), training manual related to dementia and the challenges of aging (2012 & 2019); Alzheimers Society of Peel Academic award (2003); reconfiguration of training materials for staff; presentations at various conferences about mental health issues & support group design; over 15 years of dementia specific Counselling (2009-present); manager of Counsellors, students & volunteer teams (2009-2024).

Certified In

GPA, CPI, HSEP, PIECES, administration of the MoCA, & training in administration of other Cognitive assessment tools (Regional Geriatric Program: 2024), Safe Talk, Trauma Informed Care, Indigenous & LGBT2SQ cultural awareness & safety. Certified by Age Safe Canada (2024).

About Me

For the past 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of joining hundreds of clients and caregivers as they have navigated a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or other devastating diseases. In the face of feeling shattered, abandoned, and helpless, what I have seen to serve them the most is being assured that they are not alone and that they have choices. While it may sound cliché, my most valuable gift has been the honor of being invited to join and share time in each client’s unique story. 

Every journey has been different, yet every person I’ve worked with has shown how much they appreciate the sincere connections they maintained with others, the choices they were given and knowing they’d been heard and valued. Each of them determined was to live, love and laugh on their own terms – always connected and always very special.

About us

Caring for a loved one can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. With the right support, you can find balance, reduce stress, and improve the quality of life for both you and your loved one

Quick Links

Caring for a loved one can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. With the right support, you can find balance, reduce stress, and improve the quality of life for both you and your loved one

Quick Links

Contact Me

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