1. Aging & Developmental Disability-Just the Basics

2. OPADD NIAGARA Beginnings Creation of Niagara Region OPADD 7 Representatives from Developmental 6 Representatives from Seniors Sector

3. Committee Representation CCAC CL Associations Alzheimer's Seniors Community Services Access Centers Networks of Specialized Care Long Term Care Psycho-geriatric Resources MCSS Program Supervisor Specialized Clinical Services

4. Beyond Committee Formation Getting the word out about OPADD Provincial & Niagara Network Initiative March 2007 joint sector workshop hosted

5. Purposeful Planning-Just the Basics Developmental Sector – *Aging 101 The natural aging process

6. Purposeful Planning-Just the Basics Seniors Sector- *Developmental Disability 101 Start at the very beginning

7. Purposeful Planning-Our Ultimate Vision Bring them all together towards Building Effective Partnerships

8. Why? So t hat every older adult with a developmental disability would have the same rights to supports and services as all older Ontarians. Each sector would become dedicated to ensuring quality of life for older adults with developmental disabilities through transition planning that includes equal access to seniors' community and residential programs.

9. Questions?

10. The Impact of Dementia on Canadian Society NOW: 500,00 Canadians - 1 in 11 persons over 65 have Dementia - 72% are women - Not all are old - 71,000 < 65 (14%) - 50,000 < 60 (10%) - Brain changes of AD (plaques and tangles) are found in 100% of adults with Down Syndrome over age 30

11. Some Other Interesting Statistics… A new case every 7 seconds (world) A new case every 4 minutes (Canada) 3 rd most expensive disease in Canadian Healthcare (causes > 70% Nursing Home admissions) 1 in 4 Canadians have a family member 1 in 2 Canadians knows someone with dementia The prevalence of dementia in Canada will increase in the next twenty years from the current 450,000 to approximately 750,000

12. First Link®: Purpose An active referral program to help support persons with dementia and their families throughout the course of the disease.

13. First Link®: Why was it started? To link newly diagnosed individuals and families to learning, support, services To maintain linkages and provide support throughout the continuum of the disease To increase effective utilization of community resources To reduce incidence and intensity of caregiver stress To raise community awareness about ADRD

14. Key Elements of First Link® Direct referrals Early intervention and on-going support Community collaboration Learning opportunities All services are FREE

15. Community Collaboration Community partnerships are essential to the success of dementia services and supports Increased communication through initial referral process and referral follow up Reduced duplication of services Access to the right provider at the right time Families appreciate and benefit from learning from different health care professionals

16. Dementia Education Series’ First Steps – (PWD and care partner) First Steps for Family and Friends (early stage information) Care Essentials (day-to-day challenges - mid stages) Options for Care (mid to late stage) Care in the Later Stages (end-stage)

17. Currently… A referral to First Link® is considered best practice in the provision of dementia care 26 Alzheimer Society Chapters are offering the First Link® program in Ontario: the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan and of British Columbia are also offering First Link® Anywhere in Canada, the Alzheimer Society should be the health care providers first contact after diagnosis

18. OPADD Hamilton Hosted a regional forum 2004 Sponsorship from OPADD Local communities identified local priorities Developed a project workplan Developed Hamilton Steering Committee

19. MCSS Innovation Fund Short term fiscal funding 2006 1 of 4 keystones: Aging & Developmental Disabilities Key Activities: a) build on previous work from community forum b) assessing needs – use of service provider surveys c) literature review

20. Definition Adults with a developmental disability who are experiencing the losses/impacts typically associated with the aging process

21. Survey Findings Numbers of people with a developmental disability in LTC Numbers of people with a developmental disability over age of 65 in DS agencies Needs of target population

22. Best Practices Findings Range of service and support options Flexible support model

23. Major Themes Continuum of care and support options Building capacity through training and working collaboratively across two sectors Supporting the family and individual through change

24. Key Areas for Action Training Collaborative service models Advocacy and planning

25. Approach Collaborative regional committee with representation from both sectors Promote and sponsor local and regional training Strengthen cross-sector involvement Share knowledge, experience, resources Identify key issues

26. From Institution to Community Journey to community after 70+ years Meeting Planning Transition

27. Transition System Issues Role of each partner Policies and procedures of each sector Employee issues Training Reporting, accountability Integration

28. The Experience Supports Relationships Quality of life

29. Living Began at 80 years +++