Introduction to the CARES-D Project

This project aims to enhance the quality of rehabilitation services provided to long-term care (LTC) residents living with dementia. With dementia affecting as many as 80% of LTC residents, there is a critical need to ensure that rehabilitation interventions are tailored to meet their unique needs. Despite evidence showing that rehabilitation can improve physical function and quality of life, residents with dementia are often overlooked in rehabilitation services due to challenges faced by providers.

Our project seeks to address these challenges by developing a comprehensive training program for rehabilitation providers, helping them gain the knowledge and confidence needed to offer effective, dementia-inclusive care. By combining insights from systematic reviews, stakeholder consultations, and behaviour change theories, this program will provide evidence-based strategies that can be implemented in day-to-day care, ultimately improving outcomes for residents and fostering a more inclusive rehabilitation environment in LTC.