December 16, 2013
Emily Hill, Western University

Description:

A student from Western University’s Faculty of Health Sciences is conducting a research study on how palliative care is delivered to persons with dementia within long-term care facilities in Ontario. Specifically, the study will investigate:
– what palliative care looks like as it is currently delivered

– how persons with dementia access palliative care

– the policies that affect how palliative care is accessed and delivered

Findings from this study will help enhance the understanding of how persons with dementia transition to end-of-life care in Ontario, and where improvements are needed.

Purpose:

As part of the WCA’s goal to be a leader in innovative dementia care by 2022, exploring new ways to provide care and support is an integral part of this effort. This exploration involves collaborating in research activity and working with our community partners to discover how we can enhance the lives of those in our care.

Process:

The study involves interviewing 10 health care staff members at McCormick Home about their experience with palliative care and persons with dementia. Staff participation is voluntary.

Participants:

The student conducting the research, Emily Hill, isa Master of Science candidate in the Health and Aging Field of the Faculty of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences graduate research program at Western University. The staff members involved are committed to safeguarding any confidential or identifying information about residents, families or other members of the McCormick Home community. The information gathered will remain confidential and will only be viewed by Emily and her research advisory team.

To enhance her findings, Emily will also be conducting this study at up to 10 other long-term care facilities in the area.

Timing and Location:

Interviews with participating staff members began in late November. The full study is expected to be completed by August 2014

If you have any questions, please contact Steve Crawford, CEO, WCA, at 432-2648 ext. 2319, or by e-mail at scrawford@mccormickcare.ca