Grant: Operating Grant

Over 500,000 Canadians are living with dementia, a number expected to more than double by 2038. More than one half of these people will spend the last part of their life in a long-term care (LTC) facility or nursing home. We like to believe that these people receive the best possible care, yet unfortunately that is not always the case. Several researchers have shown that LTC residents receive poor quality of care, that family is dissatisfied with care, and that it is increasingly difficulty to recruit and retain staff to work in LTC. These concerns are often the result of staff not knowing the person they care for, confusion between different staff groups, or poor care planning. It is exactly these elements that impede the quality of care and quality of life of people with dementia in LTC. To address some of these issues, this study intends to evaluate the implementation of the Neighbourhood Team Development Program; an innovative care model designed to enhance resident centeredness in LTC. The Program includes specific staff training and team development, a supportive care environment, resident centeredness processes, and the evaluation of expected outcomes. The Program will be implemented over the next 3 years; this study will focus on the implementation evaluation. The researchers will collect data on satisfaction with and effect of the Program from 700 residents, 90 family members, and 700 staff in 6 LTC facilities in Ontario during and after the implementation of the Program. This Program has the potential to enhance resident centeredness in LTC, including preserving residents' independence and dignity, emphasizing quality of life, and promoting best practices. This study will also contribute to the evaluation of new care models in LTC, better care for people with dementia, and sustainable approaches to better serve the needs of Canadians with dementia.