Baycrest

The funding will support Baycrest in developing a specialized transitional unit in the nursing home, where the "next" practices in behavioural manage- ment will be created and shared throughout the organization and with community partners. In addition, clinical and educational outreach teams will support other long-term care facili- ties and Community Care Access Centres in the Toronto Central LHIN. The teams will enable the transition of patients from one place of care to another and will help to prevent unnecessary or prolonged hospitalizations, emergency department visits and inappropriate long-term care admissions. An education consortium is also being developed with key partners to enhance and integrate behav- ioural education and training across service provid- ers in the Toronto Central LHIN. The focus will be on education and training for caregivers, primary care professionals, long-term care teams, nurses, and personal support workers in the community. "Baycrest was chosen to lead this initiative be- cause of our established leadership in caring for aging adults with dementia who exhibit complex behavioural symptoms," notes Dr. Karima Velji, chief operating officer and chief nursing executive at Baycrest. "We were also chosen because of our designation as a provincial Centre of Learning, Research and Innovation which will allow us to leverage our expertise in teaching and training future health-care providers in behaviour support strategies." GENEROUS GIFT FROM FREEMAN FAMILY ENHANCES SENIORS' QUALITY OF LIFE In 1959, Baycrest opened the first adult day program in Canada. Currently, the Baycrest Community Day Centre for Seniors is one of the largest and most innovative in Canada, offering a variety of programs structured according to the cognitive ability of each individual. The Day Centre offers excellent care: it is always full and in demand. Now, a $1 million leadership gift from the Freeman family has posi- tioned the program to move beyond local seniors and families. It is poised to share knowledge with the broader health-care community worldwide. Their gift will fund a research assistant to help identify and implement innovations for supporting seniors at home, and will make possible research on the impact of the program on those we serve – and the broader community. A portion of the gift will be devoted to subsidies for some clients in financial need who could not otherwise participate in these programs. In recognition of the family's leadership, the programs for the well elderly and physically frail, and those with mild cognitive impairment have been renamed The Freeman Family Day Centre. "The Day Centre provides stimulation and a renewed sense of independence for isolated or lonely seniors living in the community," says Risa Freeman, speaking on behalf of the family. "We are very proud to be associated with them. It is wonderful to know family members and caregivers can have a sense of comfort and respite, confident their loved ones are cared for in a safe, secure environment." 2011/12 Baycrest and Baycrest Foundation Annual Report 11 Yetta and Zoltan Freeman's family gift will fund research and innovation. "The Day Centre provides stimulation and a renewed sense of independence for isolated or lonely seniors living in the community"

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