The pilot phase of the project tailoring community-led Advance Care Planning (ACP) programs for those living with dementia concluded last month. In partnership with four partner organizations, we piloted and evaluated the guided group conversation event and two-part ACP information sessions. Along with providing a full toolkit of resources, the project team also trained staff and volunteers from each organization to become ACP facilitators for people living with early stages of dementia and their family and friends.
In all, the pilot:
• Partnered with 4 community organizations
• Trained 11 new ACP facilitators
• Delivered 4 guided group conversation events
• Delivered 5 two-part ACP information sessions
• Collected, analyzed, and integrated evaluation data from organizers, facilitators, and participants to improve the programs for implementation
Next steps
With the conclusion of the pilot phase, the project team turns their attention to implementation, where the goal is to implement the improved programs with 10 community organizations across the province.
To begin, the team will undertake more facilitator training. Between mid-March and mid-April, 10 training sessions will equip up to 40 new facilitators with the skills to lead the programs. Then, from April to June 2021, each implementation site will offer two each of the guided group conversation event and the two-part information sessions.
The implementation partners represent all areas of BC:
• Adult Cognitive Wellness Centre (Langley)
• Greater Victoria Caregiver Support Program – Family Caregivers of BC (Vancouver Island)
• CareRx Vancouver Downtown (Lower Mainland)
• Sunshine Coast Hospice Society (Sunshine Coast)
• Williams Lake Hospice Society (Interior BC)
• Terrace Hospice Society (Northern BC)
• Abbotsford Association for Healthy Aging (Lower Mainland)
• New Denver Hospice Society (Kootenays)
• Ridge Meadows Seniors Society (Lower Mainland)
• L’Chaim Adult Day Centre (Lower Mainland)
Following the implementation phase of the project, the materials will be ready for wide distribution.
This initiative is supported by funding from Public Health Agency of Canada. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of Public Health Agency of Canada. Cette initiative bénéficie du soutien de l’Agence de la santé publique du Canada. Les opinions qui y sont exprimées ne représentent pas nécessairement les positions de l’Agence de la santé publique du Canada.
