A Planning Framework and Toolkit

A Planning Framework and Toolkit for Improving the Lives and Care of Persons Living with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias and Their Families

The implications to society of the growing number of persons who will be affected by Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) cannot be overstated. By 2011, the number of new cases of dementia in Canada will increase dramatically. Understanding the needs of those with ADRD and their families, and planning how best to address those needs, is critical to the maintenance of high quality of life for dementia families. After the conclusion of Ontario's five-year Alzheimer Strategy in 2004, the Roundtable on Future Planning for People Affected by Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias was convened to develop a planning framework that would address the impact of ADRD on government programs, communities, and Ontario as a whole. The Roundtable included members from a number of key sectors -- researchers, health care, social services and other professionals, policy makers, family partners in care and persons living with dementia. MAREP director, Dr. Sherry Dupuis, was a member of the Roundtable and played a direct role in the development of the planning framework and the accompanying toolkit. The planning framework incorporates a vision, a set of six guiding principles, three planning pillars, and five enabling mechanisms that should guide research and practice in dementia care. The toolkit translates the framework by identifying specific actions that can be taken to put components of the framework into practice. The overall aim of the framework and the toolkit is to help all those involved in dementia care enhance their effectiveness in supporting people with ADRD and their families and to promote cross-sector linkages and the development of strong partnerships in dementia care. For more information about the framework or the toolkit, contact Sherry Dupuis at 519-888-4567, ext. 36188 or at sldupuis@healthy.uwaterloo.ca.

Click here for a copy of the planning framework in English.

Click here for a copy of the planning framework in French.

Click here for a copy of the accompanying toolkit.