Adult Care Transition (ACT)
Program

Adult Care Transition (ACT) Program

Preparing for the next chapter in care

The transition to adult care is often overwhelming for youth living with T1D, which can negatively impact their self-management. Many youth do not know how to advocate for themselves in clinical settings, which has a huge impact on both their health (long-term and short-term) and mental health & well-being. Self-advocacy is a skill. The sooner youth start having conversations about their health needs, the sooner they can develop those skills.

Transition Workshops

Based on our Guide to Adult Care, DHF offers workshops for youth getting ready to transition from pediatric to adult care, addressing:
  • Knowing their rights & advocating for their health needs
  • Understanding the differences between pediatric and adult care
  • Preparing for adult care appointments
  • Establishing new boundaries with support networks
  • Finding their ideal healthcare team

Part 1: Youth Workshop, Adulting with Diabetes

  • In-person/virtual youth workshop for up to 12 transition-ready youth (aged 17+)
  • Facilitated by DHF staff and two volunteer peer leaders
  • All participants are invited to join the online support forum after the workshop
Register for an upcoming event:

Part 2: Online Support Forum for Youth

  • All workshop participants are invited to join a Google Chat group led by their Peer Leaders
  • The space is intended for community building, with Peer Leaders posting periodic questions about participants’ adult care experiences/questions
  • Group will be invited to meet via Google Meet bi-monthly to connect and share experiences, concerns and successes
  • Support forum is monitored by DHF Staff

Part 3: Caregiver Workshop

  • In-person/virtual workshop for parents/caregivers
  • Covers what to expect in the adult care transition, with a focus on how to help their child become the leader in their health management while still supporting as needed (from DHF’s caregiver resource guide)
To learn more, youth/families can email [email protected]
Guide to Adult Care, T1D Adult care
Caregiver resource guide, T1D Caregiver Resource guide, T1D Caregiver resources, t1D Caregiver, T1D Parent resources

ACT Workshop, Barrie ON

Adult Care Transition Workshop
Adult Care Transition Workshop
Adult Care Transition Workshop
Adult Care Transition Workshop
Participants were asked about what they need to manage T1D…

(Click on image to enlarge.)

Adult Care Transition Workshop

ACT Program Participant Testimonials

{

I feel so much better about my daughter going off to university and managing her T1D on her own.

ACT Program Participant
{

It really helped me to feel like I’m not alone in my transition as well as gave me a lot of resources moving forward with diabetes. I learned a lot as well as gained insight from mentors for living as an adult with diabetes.

ACT Program Participant
{

It was fun and my first time meeting other T1Ds. [The workshop] gave me some nice info about T1D and how to manage it. Don’t be afraid to say how you’re feeling! It felt comfortable and gave me a boost in confidence.

ACT Program Participant
{

It has given me good advocacy skills, confidence as well as a sense of community around my diabetes and transition to adult care.

ACT Program Participant
{

I learned about the importance of self-advocacyand accommodations. I love the sense of community!

ACT Program Participant
{

I was not previously not aware that blood work for the A1c needs to be done previous to the appointment. Definitely something to think about! Thank you, so much!

ACT Program Participant
{

I appreciated the meal hall help from Anna.

ACT Program Participant
{

After this, I now know what support teams may look like and appointments. It was great to connect with everyone!

ACT Program Participant
{

Thank you so much for the all the informative slides, content and resources!

ACT Program Participant
{

I feel more prepared! I haven’t been able to have a thorough meeting with my pediatrics clinic about moving to adult clininc!

ACT Program Participant
Generously supported by:
Gloria Bylis Foundation
TD Bank logo, our donors