TORONTO — The Ontario government is investing $9 million over three years to launch a new program that will improve care for residents with dementia in long-term care homes. The Improving Dementia Care Program (IDCP) uses emotion-based models of care for residents with dementia and is part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario’s long-term care system by making targeted investments that ensure residents get the quality of care and quality of life they need and deserve.
“Our government is proud to invest in innovative dementia care and supports to improve the well-being of long-term care residents, their caregivers and families,” said Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care. “Through initiatives like the Improving Dementia Care Program, we can improve the quality of care for residents while improving the work experience of staff.”
Emotion-based models of care are designed to improve the well-being of long-term care home residents with dementia through care that prioritizes resident needs and fosters close relationships between staff, residents and families. The IDCP will support staff training and new programs for residents and is expected to serve 1,800 people in its first year. Long-term care homes can apply to participate in the IDCP through their Ontario Health regional office.
Advancing dementia care is one more way the government is ensuring Ontarians get the quality of care and quality of life they need and deserve. The plan to improve long-term care is built on four pillars: staffing and care; quality and enforcement; building modern, safe, and comfortable homes; and connecting seniors with faster, more convenient access to the services they need.
"These investments are one more way our government, under the leadership of Premier Ford, is helping to protect Ontario’s seniors. The new dementia care pilot will help our seniors live with the dignity and respect they deserve."- Raymond ChoMinister for Seniors and Accessibility
"These investments are one more way our government, under the leadership of Premier Ford, is helping to protect Ontario’s seniors. The new dementia care pilot will help our seniors live with the dignity and respect they deserve."
- Raymond ChoMinister for Seniors and Accessibility
"The Alzheimer Society of Ontario supports the government’s three-year investment to improve the care for residents in long-term care homes living with dementia. Emotion-based models of care are crucial for enhancing the quality of life for residents living with dementia by improving the quality of care that staff in long-term care provide every day. The Improving Dementia Care Program recognizes the integral role that emotion-based care programs — such as the Alzheimer Society of Ontario’s U-First! training — play in delivering the person-centred care that people living with dementia require."- Cathy BarrickCEO, Alzheimer Society of Ontario
"The Alzheimer Society of Ontario supports the government’s three-year investment to improve the care for residents in long-term care homes living with dementia. Emotion-based models of care are crucial for enhancing the quality of life for residents living with dementia by improving the quality of care that staff in long-term care provide every day. The Improving Dementia Care Program recognizes the integral role that emotion-based care programs — such as the Alzheimer Society of Ontario’s U-First! training — play in delivering the person-centred care that people living with dementia require."
- Cathy BarrickCEO, Alzheimer Society of Ontario
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Stuart OsborneOffice of the Minister of Long-Term CareStuart.Osborne@ontario.ca
Ministry of Long-Term Care Media LineCommunications BranchMLTC.Media@ontario.ca
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