Today’s letters: We can do much more to help people with dementia

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Do better for dementia patients

Re: A revolution in dementia care is needed, Jan. 22.

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There is indeed a need to “revolutionize our infrastructure” on so many fronts to offer quality of life options for persons with dementia, including on the long-term care home front.

If COVID-19 wasn’t a motivating force for the Ontario government to adopt a fundamental shift in changing our long-term care homes from “institutions to homes,” then what will it take?

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There are new, innovative approaches to care that are growing in Canada to enhance the lives of residents. Some include: The Butterfly approach, The Eden Alternative, and the Green House Project. These approaches include creating smaller living areas so that residents can live in a safe, warm and caring environment that looks and feels like home. In these places, staff deliver person-centred care through flexible routines and schedules that meet the residents’ needs and preferences, and that provide meaningful activities, bringing comfort and joy to the residents and caregivers.

These approaches to care have proven to reduce risk of infections; decrease over-medication of residents; and minimize staff sick leave and turnover.

CARP Ottawa is working to influence change in long-term care from “institutions to homes” so that we never again have to witness the horror of those early days of COVID devastation.

Dawn Cooper, Manotick, Volunteer Board Member, Canadian Association for Retired Persons, Ottawa Chapter, CARP Ottawa Advocacy Working Group on Long-term Care

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Be careful around energetic dogs

Dog parks are wonderful. However, I would like to warn your readers of a danger that lurks there called the “zoomie” — a burst of energy from dogs that can cause irreparable damage.

While I was walking in the Conroy Pit Dog Park last November, a golden lab and golden retriever, fighting over a stick, suddenly jumped in the air and knocked me to the ground. The result: multiple fractures in my ankle, tibia and fibula; knee surgery; seven screws;, one implant; two plates and almost three months (so far) dealing with a full leg cast.

As a busy realtor, I have lost business and may not be able to work for several more weeks. The doctors tell me that my leg may never be the same again.

My family and I are careful not to intrude on the dogs’ fun, but “zoomies” do happen, so please be extra careful when enjoying a dog park. We thought that we were.

Dog owners: even though the park is there for your dogs to let off steam, please be careful that they don’t get carried away. I was very fortunate that my young granddaughters were not injured. The damage could have been much worse.

Sharon Forbes, Ottawa

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