Cognitive health initiative for Francophone seniors in the GTA: Options fo Service Models

Type de ressource
Rapport
Auteurs/contributeurs
Titre
Cognitive health initiative for Francophone seniors in the GTA: Options fo Service Models
Résumé
Like the general population, the Francophone population is aging and at a faster rate than the population as a whole. While the median age for the Ontario population is 40.1 years, it is 44 for Francophones, and the largest age categories among Francophones are 45-54 and 65 and over: almost one out of five Francophones is included in these age groups. Although the population of the Central Region, including the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), is somewhat younger, the median age of Francophones is still higher than that of the Central Region population as a whole (41.1 vs 39.4) 4. Yet services for people with cognitive disorders and their families and caregivers are fragmented and do not necessarily meet their needs or the demand for service. The situation for those seeking services in French is even worse. Language and culture are key factors in providing quality, safe care. Language barriers constitute a major obstacle for people with dementia and their caregivers and families. Many Francophones lose their second language and revert to their mother tongue as they age, particularly when they are under stress; this is especially true for people coping with dementia. It is essential that Francophones with dementia and their caregivers have equitable access to a continuum of culturally sensitive quality care in French at every stage of the dementia journey. To meet the growing needs of the GTA’s aging Francophone population, the two French language health planning entities, Reflet Salvéo and Entité 4, have partnered on a feasibility study on cognitive health together with the five GTA LHINs (Central West, Mississauga Halton, Toronto Central, Central and Central East), Centres d’Accueil Héritage (CAH) and the Glendon Centre for Cognitive Health. The purpose of the study is to develop options for service models for memory services, including a memory clinic, focussing on very early detection and intervention for mild cognitive impairment but also addressing the need for referrals and supports for those farther along on the dementia journey, and their caregivers. The initiative will build on work previously done on memory centre services in French and on initiatives developed and implemented in the five GTA LHINs. The models proposed will align with LHIN and provincial strategic priorities for dementia and services for seniors and focus on helping people experiencing cognitive decline to remain active participants in their communities for as long as possible. Methodology The first step was a brief analysis of a previous literature review along with a number of studies, reports and plans dealing with the impact of dementia and current service models as well as provincial and LHIN strategic priorities and initiatives for the next several years. Research was also conducted into the availability of services for people with dementia and their caregivers both overall and in French. The next steps involved gaining an overview of existing models and opportunities. As a second stage, interviews were held with LHIN representatives to develop a picture of LHIN priorities and approaches to dementia services in a context of profound system transformation affecting home and community care, primary care and putting the focus on patients, including seniors. Subsequently, following development of a discussion guide, interviews were conducted with health service providers, both those serving the population as a whole and those identified to provide services in French. Another important step was seeking the voice of the Francophone community through a mixture of focus groups and online surveys. Once options are developed, we will go back to providers and the community to seek their input and validate our recommendations. Work on the project as a whole was overseen and supported by a steering committee that included representatives of the two French language health planning entities and the five GTA LHINs as well as the Glendon Centre for Cognitive Health and Centres d’Accueil Héritage (CAH).
Date
2017
Langue
en
Référence
Reflet Salvéo, & Entité 4. (2017). Cognitive health initiative for Francophone seniors in the GTA: Options fo Service Models.
Groupe(s) linguistique(s) minoritaire(s)
Population concernée
Pays
Province ou territoire canadien
Type d’étude
  • Mixte