Aging

Manitoba-Specific Resources

Continuity Care

Continuity Care is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting families in Manitoba to plan for an enriched quality of life for their family member with an intellectual disability. Continuitycare They help families achieve peace of mind by planning for the future and creating connections that last a lifetime - covering important topics like future housing, legal planning, financial supports, and building a circle of support around your loved one.

Membership includes a copy of their Circle of Life Workbook, free registration at workshops, individualized support, assistance with planning, advocacy and resource connections, and a quarterly newsletter.

Address: 2-120 Maryland St, Winnipeg, MB R3G 1L1
Phone: 204-779-1679
E-mail: info@continuitycare.ca
Visit Continuity Care

Abilities Manitoba - Aging & Dementia Supports

Abilities Manitoba provides leading practice guidelines for organizations supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities as they age, including guidance on healthy aging, dementia screening, and establishing baseline functioning to identify changes over time - particularly important for those with Down syndrome who face increased risk for dementia. Their resources include the Manitoba Aging Framework and a list of provincial trainers for NTG dementia screening training.

Visit Abilities Manitoba

Manitoba Aging Framework

Developed by the Manitoba Advisory Committee, this framework provides guidance and direction for service providers, families, and community groups supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities as they age, with a particular focus on dementia care pathways and person-centred planning.

Download the Manitoba Aging Framework

Community Living Disability Services (CLDS)

Community Living Disability Services provides case management and community supports for adults with intellectual disabilities in Manitoba, including supports related to aging, housing transitions, and planning for the future. Contact your regional CLDS office for information on available services and supports in your area.

Essential Resources

CDSS - Healthy Aging for Adults with Down Syndrome (Canadian Down Syndrome Society)

Includes the downloadable guide Today and Tomorrow, plus links to screening tools, caregiver guidebooks, and healthcare communication templates.

Visit CDSS

NDSS - Aging Resources (National Down Syndrome Society)

A curated collection of guides and fact sheets on aging, Alzheimer's, caregiving, end-of-life planning, and healthcare guidelines - several available in Spanish and other languages.

Visit NDSS

Alzheimer's Disease & Down Syndrome Overview (Alzheimer's Association)

A clear overview of the connection between Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease, including prevalence, causes, symptoms, and challenges in diagnosis.

Learn More at the Alzheimer's Association

NTG Early Detection Screen for Dementia (NTG-EDSD)

This screening tool helps families and caregivers record changes they observe in their loved one over time, establishing a baseline of cognition and abilities that can be invaluable for early detection. It is recommended to begin using this tool when your loved one is in their thirties.

Access the NTG-EDSD Screening Tool

Medical Care Guidelines for Adults with Down Syndrome (Global Down Syndrome Foundation)

A comprehensive, evidence-based set of medical care guidelines developed to support clinicians caring for adults with Down syndrome, with family-friendly versions and practical toolkits.

Review the Medical Care Guidelines

Healthcare Communication Tools (Surrey Place)

Helpful templates including "About My Health" and "My Hospital Form" to support adults with intellectual disabilities in communicating their needs and preferences to their healthcare teams.

Browse the Healthcare Communication Tools

Down Syndrome Regression Disorder - Webinar with Dr. Jonathan Santoro

A detailed and accessible webinar focused on the signs and symptoms of DSRD, the recommended diagnostic workup, and available treatment options.

Watch the DSRD Webinar

DSRD Self-Assessment Tool (Down Syndrome Australia)

A practical checklist to help caregivers track observed changes across communication, motor skills, behaviour, cognition, and daily living - and to support conversations with medical professionals.

Access the DSRD Self-Assessment

Caregiving & Down Syndrome Resources (NDSS)

A collection of resources specifically for caregivers of individuals with Down syndrome, covering health, aging, and long-term planning.

Browse the NDSS Caregiving Resources

End-of-Life and Down Syndrome (NDSS)

A compassionate resource to help families and caregivers navigate end-of-life planning and care for individuals with Down syndrome.

Access the End-of-Life Resource

Grief & Loss - Plain Language Resource

An accessible, plain-language guide to help self-advocates understand and cope with grief and loss, using simple language and visuals.

Explore the Grief & Loss Resource

Bereavement Resource (Down's Syndrome Association)

A resource for parents and caregivers to help guide their loved one with Down syndrome through the difficult process of grief and bereavement.

Read the Bereavement Resource