Grant: Meetings, Planning and Dissemination Grant: Aging

As a result of an inquest held in Ontario regarding a tragic incident and deaths in a nursing home, consumer groups, service providers, and policy makers have been working with the Ontario government to improve capacity to undertake more detailed assessments, more intensive care, supports and treatment for residents who exhibit complex and difficult behaviours. These merging interests, in addition to support and recommendations from Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs), have lead to a consensus regarding the need for specialized behavioural support systems (BSSs). In addition to providing better care for those with complex behaviours, the LHINs see integrated systems as making a contribution to reducing Alternate Level of Care pressures in hospitals, reducing wait times and providing a vehicle for emergency diversion. In January, 2009, several stakeholders identified an opportunity to facilitate a series of knowledge exchange sessions among organizations where the 'governance body' has endorsed the development of a BSS project in their community, government staff involved in policy, programs or funding such units/services, LHINs planning or supporting a BSS project, and experts from the field. These early leaders convened on April 27, 2009 in Toronto, and the discussion evolved the current understanding and future directions to develop an integrated BSS across Ontario. At this event, the participants identified and advanced knowledge on at least 18 current or planned BSS units/services, including design elements, community resources and collaboration models, key issues and success factors and the role these kinds of projects have in enhancing care for persons with complex dementia-related behaviours. The participants identified a need for strong provincial stewardship and the need to build a shared model. CIHR funding is requested for Part 4 of this series; a 2-day in-person knowledge exchange session that will build on the previous series components.