“It’s comforting to know that my mother is being taken care of."
Dementia affects more than just the patient – the entire family feels the impact when a loved one experiences the loss of cognitive function.
The Behavioural Health Program at St. Peter’s Hospital provides specialized care for adults with dementia who exhibit behaviours that are risky to themselves or those around them.
The goal of the Program is to help patients transition back into a community setting. Evidence-based assessments and interventions are used to reduce the intensity and the frequency of challenging behaviour.
“My mother has her good days and her bad days,” explains Joe Teepell, whose mother Dianne is a patient in the Program, “but the care she’s receiving is very beneficial.”
The Teepell family is grateful for the regular updates they receive regarding their mother.
“It’s comforting to know that my mother is being taken care of,” says Sam, Dianne’s daughter. “Her caregivers are very attentive to her needs.”
In addition to providing care for patients with dementia, the teams at St. Peter’s Hospital also conduct ground-breaking research.
Esther Coker, a Clinical Nurse Specialist at St. Peter’s Hospital, is leading a project to implement DementiAbility Methods, a program comprising person-centred, non-pharmacological approaches to dementia care. This program provides a framework to engage patients in meaningful activities according to their needs, interests, skills and abilities, helping to promote physical, cognitive and social stimulation.
Donor support of The Foundation’s UNPLUGGED – An Unforgettable Virtual Concert Experience event is helping to fund this innovative research initiative.
