b'BEHAVIOURAL SUPPORTSMeeting complexity with compassionLaunching a new Behavioural Support Transition Unit at Berkshire Care CentreBy Charlotte Altenburg, Katelynn Aelick & Jillian McConnellB ehavioural Support TransitionAs dementia progresses, somethe largest offers 32, with an average Units (BSTU) are making aindividuals may experience increasedoffering of 19 spots. meaningful difference inexpressive behaviours which can the lives of people with dementiaescalate to the point where a moreData snapshot: BSTUs in LTC and other geriatric mental healthsupportive, tailored environmentAcross the province, demand for conditions who experience complexis needed. BSTUs address this gapBSTUs is high. From April 1, 2024 and responsive behaviours acrossby offering enhanced assessment,to March 31, 2025, Ontarios BSTUs Ontario. In this article, the leadershipindividualized care planning andaccepted 602 new applications. In team at Berkshire Care Centre inspecialized staffing, with the goal ofthat same time frame, 300 individuals downtown Windsor, in collaborationreducing the frequency, severity andmoved into a BSTU with over half with the Behavioural Supports Ontariorisk of responsive behaviours and thencoming from a hospital setting. (BSO) Provincial Coordinating Office,supporting successful transitions toA total of 112 individuals were reflects on the current landscape ofa lower-intensity care setting oncedischarged to other settings, with the BSTUs in the province and shares thebehavioural goals are met. most common successful discharge story behind the opening of one ofdestination being the long-term care Ontarios newest units at Berkshire. Admission to BSTUs requires anhome where the BSTU is located. application through Ontario HealthFor those who were successfully What is a BSTU?atHome. A resident must be eligibledischarged, their average length of BSTUsare specialized, transitionalfor long-term care based uponstay in the BSTU was 349 days. Over environments located within long- meeting the requirements as set half of the BSTUs in operation in that term care (LTC) homes that provideout in the legislation. time frame operated at overshort-term, focused support to people97% occupancy. living with dementia or geriatricThere are currently 23 BSTUs mental health conditions whoseoperating within long-term careBSTUs represent an essential part behavioural support needs can nohomes across Ontario and collectivelyof Ontarios broader behavioural longer be met safely in their they offer 463 spots. BSTU size varies:support system in partnership with current setting.the smallest BSTU offers six spots andBehavioural Supports Ontario. By 42 LONG TERM CARE TODAY Fall/Winter 2025'