Program offering support to hundreds in the last decade
Feb 01, 2010 - 04:30 AM
By Parvaneh Pessian
WHITBY -- When Susan Cudahy's father Charles began showing signs of memory loss, it was evident to his family that specialized help was needed.
Upon referral from their doctor in Peterborough, he underwent an assessment at the Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences, where he was later diagnosed with early stage Alzheimer's disease.
"After the diagnosis, we met with staff that was able to assist us with the next steps and help us learn what support and resources are available to us," Ms. Cudahy said.
"We never felt like we were facing it alone."
The facility at 700 Gordon St. in Whitby established its memory clinic 10 years ago. Since then, the program has helped hundreds of patients and their families manage the challenging symptoms associated with dementia-related disorders.
"The memory clinic is dedicated to the early diagnosis of individuals with suspected dementia," said Sheryl Bernard, administrative director for the special services program at Ontario Shores.
"Assessments take place over three clinic visits and include both the patient and their family."
The clinic works in partnership with the University Health Network's Neurosciences Program and the Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Ontario Shores' patients benefit from a team of professionals working together to provide a comprehensive health assessment from various specialties.
These include neurology, geriatric medicine, geriatric psychiatry, occupational therapy, neuropsychology and social work. Staff at the memory clinic also participate in innovative research and drug trials.
The program is just one of the many services being offered as Ontario Shores continues to strengthen education and research in the rehabilitation process, said president and CEO Glenna Raymond.
"There have been lots of initiatives over the last couple of years around improving patient care -- some of these are through partner organizations, working collaboratively with others," she said during a recent presentation before Whitby council to update the Town on the status of the facility.
Formerly known as the Whitby Mental Health Centre, Ontario Shores divested from the Ministry of Health five years ago. It was reborn as a public specialty hospital, functioning under a community-based board of directors, and adopted a new name and vision six months ago.
Recommend :