St. Catharines, ON – Residents of Niagara are experiencing faster and more efficient access to cognitive assessments thanks to ongoing collaboration and innovative partnerships led by the NOHT-ÉSON. These strides in dementia care stem from a strong focus on system integration, ensuring that individuals and their care partners can access assessments and resources sooner.
“Our focus has been on integrating services and partnerships across the region,” said Sabrina Piluso, Executive Director of the NOHT-ÉSON. “By removing barriers and connecting people with the right care, we’re ensuring that Niagara residents have quicker access to the cognitive assessments they need, which is critical for early diagnosis and improved outcomes for people living with dementia.”
The NOHT-ÉSON’s efforts began in 2022 when dementia care was identified as a priority clinical area, leading to the establishment of the Dementia Care Working Group.
“Timely assessments significantly enhance the quality of life for those living with dementia and their families,” said Teena Kindt, CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region and Co-Lead of the Dementia Care Working Group. “Early diagnosis opens the door to critical support, education, and resources, and we’re thrilled to see how collaboration is improving outcomes in our community.”
Key initiatives have driven improvements for patients and clients. The reopening of a community memory clinic in South Niagara and the decision by Niagara Medical Group and Portage Medical Family Health Teams to open their memory clinic doors to all community members have streamlined referrals and improved access to care. The Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region also launched a mobile geriatric cognitive assessment program, bringing assessments directly to eligible patients’ homes—an especially vital service for housebound individuals.
Additionally, the Niagara Family Physician Dementia Community of Practice was established to enhance dementia diagnosis and post-diagnostic support. Funded by a $41,000 grant from the Niagara Community Foundation, this initiative involves ten doctors specializing in dementia care, a geriatrician, and various community partners, all working to implement system changes that benefit patients and caregivers alike.
“The success of the Dementia Care Working Group is a testament to the power of collaboration,” added Piluso. “From mobile assessments to better physician training, these initiatives are transforming dementia care in Niagara.”
Through these efforts, the NOHT-ÉSON is not only reducing wait times but also improving the quality of care and support for those living with dementia. While challenges remain, the progress achieved underscores the potential for collaboration to revolutionize health care delivery in the region.
Dementia Care Working Group (DCWG)
Established in April 2022, the DCWG focuses on improving health outcomes and well-being for individuals with dementia and their care partners. Comprising experts, community leaders, and those with lived experience, the group addresses gaps in care using a quality improvement framework to develop actionable solutions.
Aligned with Ontario’s dementia care quality standards and the renewed Ontario Dementia Strategy, the DCWG is committed to providing equitable, timely, and community-focused care. Through collaboration and support, it drives efforts to enhance dementia care in Niagara.
Memory Clinics in Niagara
Speak with your family doctor or nurse practitioner about getting a referral to the following clinics:
- Niagara Medical Group Family Health Team (Niagara Falls): 905-356-2236
- Portage Medical Family Health Team (Niagara Falls): 905-354-9393, ext. 1
- Niagara North Family Health Team (St. Catharines): 905-988-9617, ext. 226
- Niagara North Family Health Team (Niagara-on-the-Lake): 289-272-0180
- Welland McMaster Family Health Team: 905-704-3660
- Niagara South Family Medicine (Port Colborne and Ridgeway): 289-478-5221
Mobile Cognitive Assessor Program
Assessments are conducted in patients’ homes, which eliminates the need for travel and offers a more comfortable and familiar setting. A family physician can refer eligible patients to the Mobile Cognitive Assessor program by completing a referral form that can be found on the Niagara Medical Group Family Health Team’s website. Click here to access the Programs and Services webpage. The form can be found under the Memory Clinic heading.
Specialized Geriatric Assessment Program
Niagara Health offers inpatient and outpatient programs. Physician referrals are required, and services are provided at the Niagara Falls site. For more details on the program and the referral form, click here.
Dementia Resources
The Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region, an NOHT-ÉSON partner organization, has information about dementia, prevention, and programs available on its website.
The Dementia Care Working Group has developed a brochure filled with community resources. Click here to download the brochure.
The NOHT-ÉSON’s Strategic Plan and Dementia Initiatives
Representatives of the NOHT-ÉSON spoke with YourTV Niagara to discuss greater health and social care integration and dementia-related activities undertaken by its network partners and the Dementia Care Working Group. Click on the image below to watch the video.
Information on the NOHT-ÉSON’s Strategic Plan
Increasing appropriate and timely access to cognitive assessments is part of the NOHT-ÉSON’s efforts to enhance system integration, one of the network’s six strategic pillars. For more information on the NOHT-ÉSON’s strategic plan, click here.
