Grant: Op Gr.: Eval. of Dementia Programs, Services, & Care Models - Stream 2 - General

Supporting care partners of people affected by cognitive impairment in aging is of particular concern along the dementia journey. Ensuring early conversations about the nature and progression of dementia, defining essential decision-making points and discussions about changing care needs are complex and require a skilled approach. To this end, the Strengthening a Palliative Approach to Care in Long-Term Care (SPA-LTC) program has developed a toolkit of resources to move these conversations up-stream within this context. Building on the success of SPA-LTC, we will integrate further tools and resources to augment the supports available for those living with dementia and their care partners. This augmented intervention will be coined SPA-D. By integrating into existing systems such as the supports provided through the Alzheimer's Society First Link Coordinators and within existing long-term care programs that are implementing a palliative approach, will we be able to provide and evaluate a palliative approach to dementia care for individuals at all points along their dementia journey and to tailor care based on what the person living with dementia and their care partners need, regardless of their living environment. The overall purpose of this study is to evaluate the integration and uptake of SPA-D, as an evidence-based solution to improve a palliative approach to dementia care. We will build on our previous work to understand how to optimize current resources and develop strategies to build capacity in care partners and formal care providers and assess the impact of SPA-D on decision-making, preparedness for the future, and knowledge regarding dementia care. This project will also serve as a solid foundation for further implementation of SPA-D towards improving the quality of end-of-life care for those living with dementia and their care partners.