In 2019 NESGC led the development of a Northeast Dementia Strategy that addressed:

The 10 key areas of investment as outlined by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC);

• The needs of people living with dementia;
• The needs of the caregivers;
• The complexity of the health care system;
• The expansive region that includes urban, rural and remote communities;
• The cultural diversity of residents of the NE LHIN;
• Recommendations by Sub-region and community care group level; and
• Health Quality Ontario’s (HQO) dementia quality standards

A project Steering Committee comprised of People Living with Dementia (PLwD), caregivers and health service providers (HSP) advised the project. The Steering Committee for the project operated under the guidance of the Regional Specialized Geriatric Steering Committee.

The project began and was grounded in the “pathway of care” and experience of PLwD and their caregivers, and this lens directed the approach of the work completed.

Extensive consultations were held using one-on-one interviews, focus groups in four communities and by teleconference, complemented by online surveys for both PLwD, their caregivers and HSPs. Data was collected from a variety of sources and supplemented with follow-up requests to get as much detail as possible.

The Dementia Plan for the Northeast LHIN is defined by seven goals against which its progress can be measured over time:

1. PLwD and their caregivers are included and engaged in the planning, monitoring and evaluation of the Dementia Plan
2. People in the NE understand dementia, take steps to accommodate PLwD and their caregivers in daily life, and know how to access services
3. PLwD receive timely identification and periodic clinical and care planning assessments to develop care plans that meet their needs
4. PLwD and their caregivers have the information, tools and choice to live in their homes/care for their loved ones with continued quality of life
5. PLwD and their caregivers have access to a range of primary and community services in their homes and communities to maintain a high quality of life
6. PLwD and their caregivers receive the clinical assessments and the treatment and rehabilitation to address complex medical, functional, behavioural and psychosocial problems
7. PLwD and their caregivers experience a workforce that has the knowledge, skills and commitment to provide respectful high-quality services.

For a copy of the dementia strategy please email: nesgc@hsnsudbury.ca