b'DEMENTIA CAREImproving care andreducing hospitalizationsfor responsive behavioursBaycrest virtual consultation program is available across OntarioBy BaycrestA Behaviours improved with the VBMs two-pronged virtual program to assess and treat people with challenging behaviours caused by dementia andintervention approach. Dr. Freedman came on board related cognitive disorders is helping long-termalong with the Long-Term Care Behavioural Support care homes, as well as hospitals and family caregivers, toOutreach Team, said Shitu Wang, the Behavioural Supports provide better care for people living with dementia. Resources Team Lead at the home. It took two months of sustained work with our team using medications and non-Launched in April 2020, the Virtual Behavioural Medicinepharmacological interventions identified by the Behaviour (VBM) Program is a collaboration between the Sam andSupport Team. The results were especially positive with Ida Ross Memory Clinic at Baycrest and the Torontoconversations and activities all done virtually.Central Behavioural Support for Seniors Program housed at Baycrest, which sees patients through virtual visits over theWhen the Downsview Long-Term Care Centre in Toronto secure Ontario Telemedicine Network rather than referred a resident with physical aggression to the VBM in person. Program, there were similar results. The resident was Individuals with challenging responsive behaviours, suchquickly assessed, and the program worked collaboratively as physical and verbal aggression, agitation, hallucinationswith their interdisciplinary team to develop and implement and paranoia, receive pharmacological and non- effective strategies to stabilize their condition. Following pharmacological interventions to mitigate their behaviours. this, the resident no longer required one-to-one monitoring. Its like having a virtual Behavioural Neurology Among the benefits of the VBM Program is that its teamin-patient unit in each location, says Dr. Freedman. And of specialistsincluding neurologists, a nurse, a socialjust like on an in-patient unit, we have weekly rounds to worker, a pharmacist and the BSO teamcan provide areview patients as a team.rapid response where and when they are needed. They work with care teams in long-term care homes, as wellThe VBM program has also implemented bi-weekly case as with acute care hospitals and family members in thereview rounds involving the whole team to look at each community, to help them develop and implement carecase and ensure that any gaps are filled, all available plans, access behavioural and social supports, and resources are optimized, and a transitional plan and provide follow-up.supports are in place for a persons discharge fromthe program.Analysis shows that before a consult with the VBM program, 96% of people were in clear need of admissionA physician referral is necessary to access the VBM to a specialized neurobehavioural unit. After implementingprogram. Referrals are processed through the TC-LHIN the program, only 38% needed inpatient care. Behaviour Support Hotline at Baycrest. Health care Two stories from long-term care homes show thepractitioners requiring support can contact the BSO significant impact of the program. Hotline seven days a week, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., including weekends and holidays, to be connected to The Apotex Centre, Jewish Home for the Aged, had asupport as well as to the VBM program as needed. LTCTnew admission with behavioural symptoms of extreme aggression, both verbal and physical. The individual neededTo refer a resident to the VBM Program, please contact the security and extra staff 24 hours a day. A referral was madeBehaviour Supports Coordinating Office at to Dr. Morris Freedman, Head, Division of Neurology,416-785-2500, ext. 2005 or toll-free at 1-844-785-2500 or Baycrest, who explained that he could assess the residentbehaviouralsupport@baycrest.org. This story was adapted without seeing them in person. There was no need tofrom an article previously published on Baycrests website transfer them to an in-patient unit. in 2021.18 LONG TERM CARE TODAY Fall/Winter 2022'