Baycrest

BrainMatters • Spring/Summer 2023 • 9 For his part, Rene feels that the now-operationalized Possibilities by Baycrest™ model in use at the Baycrest Terraces is a new milestone in cognitive care. "I don't think there is any better place in Canada for a loved one," he said. "It is a super-impressive, well- executed use [and blend] of technology and exceptional personal care. I was trying to help my mother return to a pre-COVID norm of increased communication and physical interaction, including gestures of love such as holding hands, hugs and kisses." Rene adds, "As a caregiver, it makes me feel incredibly proud and fulfilled to see the Possibilities model now operational at Baycrest. Seeing the positive impact that Possibilities has on the lives of residents and their families, as well as the enthusiasm and dedication of the staff, is truly heartwarming. I feel grateful to have been a part of this initiative and look forward to seeing its continued success in the future." Ian was similarly impressed and honoured to provide input for the model alongside staff at Baycrest. "Having 'distance-managed' my mum's eight-year journey in the U.K., initially with [her] cognitive impairment… through her progression with dementia, I wanted to contribute my learnings to the Possibilities program, and was excited about the vision and potential of a world-class model of care," he said. As a caregiver, it makes me feel incredibly proud and fulfilled to see the Possibilities model now operational at Baycrest. Rene Pardo I wanted to contribute my learnings to the Possibilities program, and was excited about the vision and potential of a world- class model of care. Ian Goldman With the help of Ian, Rene and Bev, Baycrest clinicians and scientists will help residents and their caregivers maximize their potential throughout their cognitive health journey by understanding each individual's abilities and then identifying their unique possibilities. For the Lived Experience Advisory Group, the future of dementia/cognitive care has just gotten brighter. The knowledge that Possibilities by Baycrest™ is now in play provides a tremendous sense of accomplishment. Ian noted the whole group agreed that one of the most critical elements of the model was ensuring that the resident's personhood was "very well understood" by all care providers. Similarly, it was imperative that the resident's "values, passions, life experiences and vital connections to people and causes, as well as their likes and dislikes — even when these might be masked by their disease and the resulting behaviours" all be taken into account. Possibilities by Baycrest™ delivers a unique, evidence- based memory care model that maximizes a person's abilities along their cognitive health journey, which can be applied in community, clinical and residential settings. The model's innovative approach is suitable for people across the cognitive spectrum, from the worried well, to those with an initial diagnosis and mild cognitive change, all the way to the most severe stages of dementia. To learn more about the Possibilities by Baycrest™ model, visit: possibilities.baycrest.org

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