People living with dementia, and their families and caregivers, often have unique care needs. The Hospital’s 32-bed inpatient unit at the Freeport Campus provides two types of specialized care: geriatric assessment and neurobehavioral care, with a focus on providing a comprehensive, person-centered approach for individuals with dementia.
“Medications are not always a complete solution,” explains Joan Munro, Geriatric Assessment and Neurobehavioral Units Resource Nurse. “Instead, it’s important to focus on engaging individuals in meaningful daily activities. Socialization plays a crucial role for those with dementia and involving family members can provide essential support. Incorporating recreational activities and enjoyable meals encourages participation and helps stimulate appetite. Ultimately, for individuals exhibiting behaviors associated with dementia, promoting meaningful daily routines and activities can be more effective in reducing those behaviours.”
To provide the highest level of care, the team maintains strong connections with Senior Geriatric Services, the Community Responsive Behavior Team, geriatric emergency management (GEM) nurses in emergency departments, and several geriatricians. They also accept referrals from family doctors, memory care clinics, acute care facilities, and community hospitals, including St. Mary’s General Hospital and Cambridge Memorial Hospital. Individuals may come to the unit in different ways and with different needs, and our team works with each person and their caregivers to help address their unique needs.
Creating a Dementia-Friendly Environment
Our treatment approach goes beyond medication, using activities and the unit’s design to create a safe and engaging environment for individuals with dementia.
“We’ve designed spaces with murals that provide a sense of openness and nature, contrasting the typical beige hallways found in many hospitals,” explains Clinical Manager Ben Cressman. “Thanks to generous funding from our Foundation and donors, we’ve acquired specialized equipment for dementia care, such as interactive electronic cats that engage patients. Additionally, we encourage involvement in everyday tasks — many patients enjoy activities like sweeping, which gives them a sense of purpose and helps redirect challenging behaviors into meaningful interactions.”
Our approach is also patient-centred, and activities are tailored to reflect each patient’s interests and past experiences. As Joan Munro explains, “Individuals who were lawyers might be given file folders with papers to simulate a meaningful workday, helping them connect with their previous roles. Similarly, those from the trucking industry who enjoyed moving things are engaged in meaningful tasks, even if they require careful supervision. We also offer doll therapy, which appeals to many patients — by providing something to hold and cuddle. Additionally, patients often participate in folding linens, which we recycle for infection control purposes. This activity not only keeps them busy but also taps into familiar routines, such as laundry or cleaning, which many patients find comforting.”
This holistic approach to care helps patients feel comfortable and engaged, which in turn reduces their anxiety and promotes positive behaviours.
Recreation Therapy and Music Therapy as activity-based interventions that have been very effective in supporting patients with dementia. Through Recreation Therapy, patients engage with meaningful leisure-based activities, whether it involves movement, cognitive-stimulation, socialization or opportunities to reconnect to their interests. Gardening, adapted sports, social events and arts and crafts are some of the many recreation therapy opportunities available. Through Music Therapy, patients participate in music-based activities to promote cognitive awareness, attention and executive functioning skills, ultimately reducing disruptive behaviours. This can include active music-making, spontaneous lyric creation, and reminiscing with familiar songs.
Supporting Families Through the Journey
In addition to patient care, our program is deeply committed to supporting families. As Shannon, the program’s Social Worker, explains, “Many of our patients come to us after long periods of support from families who may have struggled to meet their needs at home. Often, these families include senior spouses facing their own health and mobility issues. I help families and patients transition to our unit, where most stay for about four to six weeks, although some may require longer-term placement. Dealing with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia can be devastating for both patients and families, as it is a progressive disease. I support families through this difficult journey, helping them navigate moments of clarity and the emotional challenges of seeing their loved ones change over time.”
Shannon ensures that patients returning home or transitioning to retirement homes have access to essential resources like the Alzheimer's Society and coordinates with Ontario Health at Home and other services to facilitate long-term care applications, PSW support, and respite care. These resources offer valuable support to both patients and their caregivers, ensuring that care continues beyond their time at Grand River.
A Team Dedicated to Exceptional Care
Michelle Heffernan, Education Practice Lead, praises the teamwork that makes the program so successful: "It’s a true pleasure to work with this team, which, in my 20 years of nursing, represents the best example of teamwork I've encountered. I collaborate with allied health professionals, social workers, management, and frontline nursing staff to support nurses in their patient interactions and professional development. Additionally, I play a role in orientation and onboarding, allowing me to engage with nurses from the start of their careers and support them as they grow.”
This teamwork is at the heart of everything our teams do and ensures that patients and their families receive the highest level of care. As we continue to raise awareness for Alzheimer's during this special month, we remain dedicated to fostering a compassionate, supportive environment that helps both patients and their families navigate the challenges of dementia.
Personalized Support from All Team Members
Lisa Stephenson, an Occupational and Physiotherapy Assistant at the Freeport Campus, adds another dimension to our care: “I work with patients, assisting them with activities of daily living such as toileting, shaving, and dressing. We aim to create a natural environment for our patients, often taking them outside for fresh air. I’m passionate about supporting the geriatric population in our community and helping them maintain a sense of normalcy during their time in the Hospital.”
Coming Together
By highlighting our unique program, we hope to shine a light on the innovative approaches, dedicated team members, and invaluable resources that make a difference in the lives of those living with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. Together, we can provide the support, care, and understanding that these individuals and their families need.
For more information on Alzheimer’s and dementia, please visit the following resources:
Alzheimer Society of Waterloo Wellington
These organizations provide valuable support and resources for individuals affected by Alzheimer's and dementia.
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