The Dementia Care Working Group was established in April 2022 to address dementia care as a priority area. With a focus on enhancing health outcomes and the well-being of individuals living with dementia and their caregivers, this group unites subject matter experts, community leaders, and representatives with lived experience. The group aims to tackle critical gaps in dementia care by leveraging a quality improvement framework to identify challenges and develop actionable solutions.
Central to the mission of the DCWG is the alignment with existing resources, such as Ontario’s quality standards for dementia care and recommendations from the renewed Ontario Dementia Strategy. The group’s work reflects a commitment to providing equitable, timely, and community-focused care for those navigating the complexities of dementia at all stages of the illness. By fostering collaboration across sectors and offering coaching and support to its members, the Dementia Care Working Group is a driving force behind Niagara’s efforts to improve dementia care.
To find out more or to participate in DCWG activities, outline your interest in an email to the group’s Co-Leads Teena Kindt (TKindt@alzheimerniagara.ca) or Casey Knight (cknight@wellandmcmasterfht.com).
Dementia Care Working Group Members
Teena Kindt
Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region
Casey Knight (Co-Lead)
Welland McMaster Family Health Team
Lynne Rousseau
Happy in My Home, Community Support Services of Niagara
Sarah Putman
Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region
Megan Thomas
March of Dimes Canada – Niagara Region
Chantel Lyons
March of Dimes Canada – Niagara Region
Bianca Gagnon
Centre de santé communautaire Hamilton/Niagara
Julia Baxter
St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton – Senior Mental Health Outreach Services
Lori MacCullouch
Niagara Health
David Ceglie
Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre
Stacey Hancharyk
Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre
Candace Day
Niagara Chapter – Native Women Inc.
Sabrina Piluso
NOHT-ÉSON
Jori Warren
Patient/Client/Family/Caregiver Representative
Olga McNeill
Patient/Client/Family/Caregiver Representative
Frank Ruberto
Niagara Medical Group Family Health Team
Bobbie VanGelder
Niagara North Family Health Team
Dr. Larry Chambers
Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine – Niagara Regional Campus
Naomi O’Brien
Niagara Region – Seniors Community Programs
Meredith Maxwell
NOHT-ÉSON