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February 07, 2013

Baycrest and partners launch inaugural conference in Toronto Feb. 12, Fairmont Royal York Hotel

Toronto, ON - As increasing numbers of frail elderly enter long-term care with multiple and complex health issues, leaders, educators, researchers and students in the field of geriatrics will gather at Toronto’s Fairmont Royal York Hotel on Feb. 12 to discuss strategies for ensuring frontline workers have the latest, evidence-based training to provide optimal care to nursing home residents.

The day-long event is hosted by Baycrest Health Sciences, Bruyère Continuing Care and Schlegel Villages – three organizations at the forefront of efforts to develop a new generation of teaching long-term care homes.

In 2011, the three health-care facilities were named Ontario Centres for Learning Research and Innovation in Long-Term Care by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care as part of an initiative that aims to enhance the quality of seniors’ care across the province.

“An important part of our mandate as a Centre for LRI is not only to increase our capacity for research and innovation within the health-care system, but also to enhance skills and core competencies for frontline workers in long-term care across the province,” says Dr. Paul Katz, vice-president, Medical Services and chief of staff at Baycrest, and executive co-lead of the Baycrest Centre for LRI.

“With this first annual conference, we’re providing a platform for leaders in the field to reach health-care providers from across Ontario and share their expertise.”

Experts will give presentations, deliver workshops, and participate in an afternoon panel discussion – all tied together by a common theme, Transforming practice in long-term care through innovative approaches to education.

“Education is a crucial part of enhancing the quality of care we provide in long-term care, particularly when it comes to translating knowledge into best practices,” says Dr. David Conn, vice-president of Education at Baycrest and executive co-lead of the Baycrest Centre for LRI. “This conference will offer insight into that topic and present emerging and innovative approaches to education.”

Conference presentations will address topics such as learning through simulation in long-term care, Montessori methods for residents with dementia, and using arts-based activities as learning tools.

An afternoon panel session will round off the day’s events, giving presenters the opportunity to come together to discuss and debate education and training in long-term care. Panelist Dr. Katz warns the sector is facing a “perfect storm” of challenges—an aging workforce in LTC, residents with more complex medical needs, and difficulties recruiting leaders and health-care professionals to work in this field.

See Program Here

Health and science media will have access to conference presenters for interviews. Media are asked to RSVP their attendance ahead of the conference by calling 416-785-2500, ext. 5724.


For more information about this press release, please contact:
Steph Parrott, Public Affairs
Baycrest Health Sciences
416-785-2432, ext.5724
sparrot@baycrest.org

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