Baycrest

16 16 BrainMATTERS SPRING|SUMMER 2021 REMOTE ACCESS TO SPECIALISTS A new virtual pilot program now being offered by the Sam and Ida Ross Memory Clinic also ramped up speed to launch in April 2020. The Virtual Behavioural Medicine (VBM) Program is a collaboration between the Memory Clinic and the Toronto Central Behavioural Support for Seniors Program (TC-BSSP). It offers rapid response virtual assessment and treatment for people with challenging responsive behaviours caused by dementia, such as verbal and physical aggression, who are at risk of being transferred to acute care emergency departments. These individuals would usually require admission to an inpatient Behavioural Neurology Unit, which have wait times of up to one year. Since it began, the VBM Program has seen a steady increase in referrals from acute care, long-term care and the community, and the wait time for an assessment ranges from 5 to 15 days. Based on the data to date, it is anticipated that the need to admit patients to the Behavioural Neurology Unit at Baycrest can be reduced by 65 to 80 per cent. That means more people can be more quickly assessed and treated in familiar surroundings to improve their quality of life. DONOR SUPPORT FOR E-VISIT TECHNOLOGY Another constructive outcome of the required restrictions on in-person visits at Baycrest has been the introduction of eVisits and virtual social and recreational programs for Baycrest residents and patients, as well as seniors living in the community. Donor support for the successful Safeguarding our Seniors fundraising campaign allowed Baycrest to purchase laptops, iPads, headsets, smart TVs, digital stethoscopes and webcams, in addition to crucial personal protective equipment (PPE). Numerous Baycrest staff were redeployed to mobilize and activate the use of technology for virtual care with health professionals; eVisits with family and friends; and virtual recreational and social- engagement programs. The long-term impact will be improved access to Baycrest services to help older adults who are aging in place in the community stay healthier longer.

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