People living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias can access more support in their community with a new partnership that is bringing services closer to homes in east Toronto as well as Providence’s patients, residents, and clients.

On March 2, 2018, Providence Healthcare and the Alzheimer Society of Toronto (AST) celebrated a service integration that has AST staff co-locating at Providence. This means that those seeking support can better maximize their visit to Providence by linking with a community of experts at a single site.

With over 43,000 individuals in Toronto living with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia and a projected 40% increase in the prevalence of dementia within the province over the next ten years, the formation of an integrated satellite clinic speaks not only to the need for additional resources, but the commitment of both organizations to improve person-centred care.

Providence is strengthening an already long-standing relationship that includes Adult Day Program (ADP) counselling and support for enhanced clients, the iPod project in the Cardinal Ambrozic Houses of Providence, and the Minds in Motion program offered through the Scotiabank Learning Centre. It looks forward to the collaborative approach to care it brings as AST works more closely with its clinicians.

“The Alzheimer Society partnership is a natural fit because they’re experts in dementia and family caregiving. Also, they have the registered social workers that can help the caregivers when they really require that intensive counselling,” adds Adult Day Program manager Elizabeth Davison. “They do navigate the system for families.”

Collaboration will continue to expand the provision of education, counselling, workshops and social programs to patients, residents and clients at Providence and the community at large.

In total, four AST staff are located on-site: education coordinator Joanne Tandoc, social workers Risa Kim and Erin Hawker-Budlovsky, and community programs coordinator Romina Oliverio – with their offices located on the B Wing 1st Floor (B116).

For more information or to book an appointment contact the Alzheimer Society of Toronto at (416) 322-6560.