We are a dedicated group of professionals and volunteers working closely with family, care partners and other service providers to form a care team that is focused on client and care partners needs.

The Director works closely with the McCormick Day Program manager and nursing manager to oversee the day program, and with the social workers to support the delivery of care partners support programs. Program development, evaluation, and performance and financial management are part of the role.

The Day Program Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operational functions of the day program, and is the direct report for the recreation team. The manager also works closely with educational institutions that wish to have recreation students complete practicum hours in a day program setting.

The Nursing Manager is a registered practical nurse (RPN) who also serves as the team leader for the nursing staff. Responsibilities for this role include collaborating with academic institutions in providing practicum placements for nursing and personal support worker students, as well as working closely with outside geriatric resource teams who may be involved in the care of some of our clients.

The Recreation Program Specialists are responsible for the development of specialized recreational programs to meet the individual needs of the 175 to 200 clients registered in the day program at any one time. This requires detailed knowledge of the day program client, including their interests and levels of ability. Each recreation staff member has a university degree or a college diploma in recreational programming. Each day program client has a “primary worker” assigned to them from the recreation group, who is responsible for monitoring the client’s changing needs, updating their care plans and providing feedback to the care team and care partners as needed.

The Nursing Group includes registered practical nurses (RPNs) who can administer medication, and personal support workers (PSWs) who assist with meals, personal care and bathing as needed. All nursing staff work together to meet the clients’ social/emotional needs and monitor changes in their health status. Concerns are promptly reported to care partners.

The Social Workers are university-trained (at a bachelor or masters level) professionals who are registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. They work closely with the day program staff to integrate the clients into the program and then monitor their functioning throughout their stay. Another important social work role is to assist the care partners in a variety of ways, such as through education, counseling, referrals and planning for the future. Their services are not restricted to day program users.

The Administrative Assistants not only provide many supportive secretarial functions to the team, but also work closely with care partners in areas such as arranging transportation for day program clients, billing, booking overnight respite and welcoming and directing visitors at the reception desk.

Volunteers are a vital part of the McCormick Dementia Services program. They come from various backgrounds, including students, retired persons, craftspeople, musicians and entertainers. All donate their time to enrich the lives of the day program clients. Some stay for a school term or a year, others stay committed and engaged with the program for many years. Their contribution is invaluable.