Potential for Community Relocation among Residents of Alberta's Psychiatric Facilities: A Needs Assessment

Objective: To identify the proportion of residents in Alberta's psychiatric hospitals who would be relocatable to community-based alternatives to care if appropriate programs were made available. Methods: A survey of a representative sample of residents in all psychiatric hospitals and care centres was undertaken, excluding patients in specialized programs for forensic psychiatry, brain injury, and substance abuse. Results: Findings indicate that 11% of institutionalized patients could be considered good candidates for relocation to community-based alternative care. A further 35% were considered to have potential for relocation provided an intensive and complex array of services was first made available. Conclusion: Results support a phased-in approach to hospital downsizing and the need for considerable transitional funding. Because hospital downsizing is unlikely to save dollars, at least in the short term, reforms must remain guided by humanitarian motivations to improve quality of life for persons with severe and persistent mental illnesses.

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Short-term strength and balance training does not improve quality of life but improves functional status in individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a randomised controlled trial

Diabetologia ◽

10.1007/s00125-019-04979-7 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 62 (12) ◽

pp. 2200-2210 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Kavita Venkataraman ◽

Bee Choo Tai ◽

Eric Y. H. Khoo ◽

Subramaniam Tavintharan ◽

Kurumbian Chandran ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Peripheral Neuropathy ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Balance Training ◽

Improve Quality ◽

Term Strength ◽

Short Term ◽

Short Term Strength ◽

Randomised Controlled

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THE PRICE OF DEMENTIA: POLICY STRATEGIES TO NARROW HEALTH DISPARITY GAPS, REDUCE COSTS, AND IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.1690 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S451-S451

Author(s):

Nora Super ◽

Rajiv Ahuja ◽

Kevin Proff

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Current System ◽

Caregiver Training ◽

Policy Recommendations ◽

Improve Quality ◽

Cognitive Screening ◽

Brain Health ◽

Community Based Interventions ◽

Community Based

Abstract Historically, a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRDs) created a sense of hopelessness among those diagnosed, their families, and physicians. The misperception that there is no available medical treatment or interventions inhibited patients from receiving cognitive assessments or exploring home- and community-based interventions that could improve quality of life. Today, researchers have developed evidence-based pathways to improve brain health, reduce dementia risk, and enhance lifelong cognitive function. This report highlights recent scientific advancements focused on medical and lifestyle interventions that reduce the risk of ADRDs and slow the disease progression. To improve the current system and reduce the risk of dementia and improve brain health, the following policy areas are recommended: 1) promote brain health strategies to delay onset and reduce the stigma associated with cognitive decline; 2) increase early detection and cognitive screening efforts; 3) build a dementia-capable workforce; 4) create seamless transitions from health systems to community-based services to better support those with dementia; 5) improve caregiver training and support; and 6) increase funding for research related to ADRDs. Understanding that ADRDs disproportionately impact certain populations, these policy recommendations include strategies to narrow health disparities. Previous Milken Institute research highlighted the disproportionate health impacts of dementia on women, which costs the economy trillions of dollars. This report expands on that analyses and stratifies the data by race and income as well. Ensuring that these policy recommendations address disproportionately impacted groups will benefit the broader healthcare system and alleviate the burden felt by all patients and families.

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