We are now the “North Simcoe Muskoka Dementia Network”
The Dementia Networks of Simcoe County and Muskoka completed a joint strategic planning initiative to identify future directions and establish a framework for collaboration within the new North Simcoe Muskoka Local Health Integration Network (LHIN 12). The result of this process is the amalgamation of the Simcoe County and Muskoka Dementia Networks to become the “North Simcoe Muskoka Dementia Network”, to align with the LHIN 12 boundaries.
The planning process was facilitated by Dr. David Sheridan of Shercon Associates Inc., and was carried out with extensive stakeholder involvement.
The planning document is attached below.
An interim steering committee drafted a proposed terms of reference and structure for the NSM Dementia Network and and agenda for a forum.
On May 30, members of Simcoe North and Muskoka attended a Network forum in Orillia to begin work as a new network and establish terms of reference and a steering committee.
An interim steering committee is coming together in March to draft a proposed terms of reference and structure for the NSM Dementia Network and and agenda for the forum. The tentative date is Friday May 30 in Orillia.
Strategic Planning Document
|
|
Implementation plan from strategic planning day
|
|
|
|
About the Simcoe County Dementia Network
Vision:
Our Vision is that persons directly affected by dementia in Simcoe County will experience optimal quality of life through a network of health and support services which respects individual choice and strives for excellence.
Goal:
To facilitate the achievement of a client-focused integrated, comprehensive and sustainable system of quality health and support services.
Dementia Networks in Ontario
In September 1999, the Ontario government launched the Ontario Strategy for Alzheimer Disease and Related Dementias, a comprehensive plan to invest $70 million over five years in ten specific initiatives to improve the quality of life for Ontarians affected by Alzheimer Disease and other dementias.
Initiative 9-A called for regions across Ontario to develop Dementia Networks to improve the system of care for persons with dementia, their families and caregivers. Networks were launched April 12, 2002 by the Ministry of Health & Long Term Care along with a “Guide to Developing a Dementia Network”. Dr. Ken LeClair, a leader and visionary in this process described why Dementia Networks are needed. Today, 36 communities in Ontario have formed dementia networks.
The Psychogeriatric Resource Consultants (PRCs) (initiative #8) are available as a resource & facilitators
|
|
A Guide to Developing a Dementia Network
|
|
|
|
Why Form Dementia Networks?
Improved linkages between service organizations are necessary as persons with dementia, their families and caregivers require:
an array of different services at different times across sectors
continuity of care and accessibility of different services at different times according to the progression of the dementia
Dementia often causes interdependent changes in physical, intellectual and emotional functions of the person and the support of physical and social environments
Greater knowledge, skills, coordination and access to individuals in organizations who have the ability to address issues across the physical, intellectual, emotional, functional, environmental, and social domains are needed.
From presentation by Dr. Ken LeClair at Dementia Network Launch,
April 12, Newmarket
| 
