The Guide to Virtual Creative Engagement for Older Adults (VCE Guide) can help Long Term Care (LTC) teams address the under-stimulation and loneliness felt by residents arising from pandemic restrictions. The VCE Guide features a curated list of free virtual services appropriate for residents with various health conditions and ability levels.
While the tool was designed with focus on LTC environment it can be applied in a variety of settings including acute care and community. LTC Recreational therapists, social workers, nurses, and other team partners, may find the VCE Guide useful for choosing appropriate recreation activities for their clients. BSO Leads, LTC-BSOTs, GMHOTs and other behavioural support teams can use this tool in multiple settings to support care plan creation when addressing responsive behaviours triggered by isolation, lack of stimulation and restlessness.
Tool features:
- Summaries of each service and the easiest way to access them
- Tips and recommendations to encourage resident engagement
- Guidance around the most appropriate service for each resident’s abilities and interests
- Ten categories of engagement activities
Dementia Isolation Toolkit - Developed by Dr. Andrea Iaboni, Geriatric Psychiatrist, TRI, UHN
Virtual Approaches to Cognitive Screening During Pandemics - Canadian Geriatrics Society (journal article)
AdvantAge Ontario - COVID 19 Templates, Toolkits, Resources
Tips for Dementia Caregivers - Alzheimer's Society (including tips for caregivers at home, and tips for supporting loved ones in LTC homes)
Psychological First Aid - For Frontline Healthcare Workers of the COVID 19 Crisis: by Dr. Melanie Joanisse, Clinical Psychologist
PIECES - 3 question template to prioritize COVID 19 concerns
Ethical considerations for managing residents who lack the cognitive ability to adhere to IPAC protocols in LTC settings
Should I live elswhere, or stay in my retirement/assisted living home? - Decision aid
LTCH admission and discharge amendments during COVID 19
Communication Tip Sheet - LTC - For healthcare professionals who have been redeployed to work in LTC (communication tips for clients with cognitive impairment)
Dementia Programs/Services during COVID 19 & LTC FAQ - Services offered by Alzheimer's Society of Toronto and LTC FAQ
Resources for Caregivers - Alzheimer's Society Tip Sheet
Ethical Guidance for People who work in LTC: What Is the Right Thing To Do in a Pandemic?
The Dementia Isolation Toolkit Working Group is made up of clinicians and researchers with experience working in LTC. This tool focuses on LTC residents who have cognitive impairment and who are unabel to understand why these infection control measures are necessary.
Should I leave LTC during COVID 19 - decision aid
Thinking about removing my loved one from LTC during COVID 19 - checklist
COVID-19 Resource Page - Behaviour Supports
BSO and brainXchange have partnered to create a resource webpage that provides access to reputable Public Health resources, Practical Tips, Wellness Strategies, Family Care Partner resources, and more.
Wandering Resource - TC BSO Coordinating Office and RGP of Toronto
(Conseils Pour Soutenir Les Client Qui Errent Et Doiven Etre Isoles Physiquement - En Francais)
Guidance for supporting frail older adults who wander and require physical isolation using non pharmacological strategies.
COVID-19 Fact sheets in 35 different languages
Nicotine Support
A tip sheet for use as a guide when residents of LTC who smoke are placed in isolation due to COVID 19 to reduce the risk of withdrawal and subsequent behaviours.
Ontario COVID -19 Mental Health Network
This is a network of licensed therapists who provide pro bono one-to-one teletherapy for healthcare workers who have been impacted by COVID-19 in their workplace. Their definition of "healthcare worker" includes PSWs and Service Associates who work in long term care facilities. To find out more visit: https://covid19therapists.com
Pandemic Planning and Services Supports: Older Adults Living with Complexity - compiled by RGPs of Ontario
More COVID-19 Resources - Regional Geriatric Program (RGP) of Toronto
COVID-19 and Older Adults: Key Points For Emergency Department Providers - The Geriatric Emergency Department Collaborative (GEDC)
Some of the important points that are outlined in the link above:
- Fever may not be as high in older adults
- Separate older adults with respiratory symptoms from those that don’t
- Communicate slowly and clearly when wearing a mask
- Ensure messages are clear and directions are easy to understand (e.g. voicemail)
- Caregivers should have a back-up plan in case they become ill
- Increased risk of delirium and dehydration for older adults
- Warm handoffs/checklists to support transition in care
- Getting enough sleep is important for everyone