Welcome to The Lived Experience Network South East Ontario!

Often, individuals encounter various experiences both positive and negative throughout different healthcare touchpoints in their dementia journey. However, they lack the means to share this information in a way that makes them feel heard and benefits both others and the healthcare system. The Lived Experience Network aspires to be that place.

The Lived Experience Network is an open community of people living with dementia or similar diagnoses and their family/friend care partners (past and present) living across South Eastern Ontario, to engage in advisory conversations, sharing their lived experiences, advice and input with the health care community and each other in hopes of improving the system of care.

The Lived Experience Network South East Ontario is a cooperative effort of the Alzheimer Societies of SE Ontario in collaboration with Providence Care Community Seniors Mental Health Behavioural Support Services.

Our goal is Exchanging Knowledge, Partnering for Change.

We believe to create meaningful services and supports, the voice of those using these services must be heard. Our aim is to create a "knowledge bank" of people living across Southeastern Ontario to be that voice. Whether you are a person with lived experience (past or present) or a health care/community supports professional, you are welcome to join us in achieving this goal.

How Can You Be Involved?

Lived Experience Members:

• Advisory Zoom Lived Experience Chats/Meetings: Visit our Join the Conversation page to learn the dates and times of upcoming Advisory Lived Experience conversations via Zoom. Email sosvald@alzking.com to learn about our topic and to register. Although registering is not mandatory, it helps us provide a better experience for participants.
• Email our Lived Experience Facilitator, Sharon Osvald at sosvald@alzking.com or phone (343) 645-6240 and begin your own personal conversation with your suggestions for change.

SE Ontario Health Care Professionals:

• Visit the Lived Experience Perspectives page to see our latest e-newsletter/report and to sign-up to receive a quarterly "Lived Experience Perspectives" e-newsletter/report
• Do you have questions or topics for evaluating, planning and/or improving your health care service?  Contact Sharon at to explore how the Lived Experience Network South East Ontario can be part of your advisory conversation.