All behaviour has meaning.
Hospitalization can be stressful for anyone, for a person living with dementia a sudden change in environment may be very difficult and result in an increase of responsive behaviour and psychological symptoms of dementia.
The Behaviour Support Clinical Service at Queensway Carleton Hospital launched in 2017 and has continued to expand to meet the growing needs of our patients living with dementia.
Model of Care
In alignment with the provincial framework set by Behavioural Supports Ontario, the Behaviour Support Clinical Service promotes the use of non-pharmacological interventions whenever possible, utilizing behavior analysis and person-centered care planning. It’s goal is to reduce visits to the emergency department and facilitate successful transitions at discharge.
Team and Roles
Our core team is comprised of two specialized registered nurses and a geriatric psychiatrist, who provide consultation to patients in our acute and sub-acute care beds. Our off site sub-acute behavioural support team is enhanced by the addition of four behavioural therapists and a recreational therapist.
Collaboration
The team collaborates with families, community partners in addition to the multidisciplinary team in the hospital to create smooth transitions and well supported discharge plans.
- The Behaviour Support Clinical Service is the primary lead for QCH’s Behavioural Emergency Response Team (BERT) Call Initiative to further support the care of this population as well as provide both formal and in the moment coaching to colleagues.
- The Behaviour Support Clinical Service also support the Horticulture Therapy program at our off-site sub-acute hospital location.