New Promising Practices Hub launches, presented by Shannex

The Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia is pleased to announce Shannex as the sponsor for our new Promising Practices Hub which expands on our annual Promising Practices Showcase. This new Hub will continue to explore opportunities to provide support and enhance the lives of individuals living with dementia in the province.

Launched in 2022, the Promising Practices Showcase is presented each year at our Annual Dementia Care Conference, inviting and encouraging professionals working in dementia care in Nova Scotia to bring forward their ideas and efforts. The Showcase provides an opportunity for the sector to learn about new programs, care approaches and tools that have positively impacted the lives of those affected by dementia. 

It was established to give those working in dementia care a platform to present their initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for people living with dementia, both in community and care settings. Coming together to share these ideas ensures that valuable resources are accessible throughout the province.

“Each year, we call for nominations of homegrown ideas from across the sector, and our conference committee evaluates these submissions based on transferability, uniqueness, and impact on individuals living with dementia,” says John Britton, CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia. “We've seen numerous brilliant and practical ideas, with even more emerging. From a nursery in a closet to a sensory room and family support groups, these innovators show how creative thinking can drive significant positive change.”

Previous Promising Practices Initiatives include:

• Sensory Rooms: A space in a long-term care facility with items for sensory stimulation and deprivation
• Dementia Friendly Memory Collection: A collection of dementia friendly books and items to be checked out from a library
• Therapeutic Nursery: A nursery-like space in a long-term care facility to keep and use therapeutic dolls
• SenSupport Loan Program: A curated collection of dementia support items to be loaned out to use at home

Thanks to the support of Shannex, these ideas will continue to thrive beyond the conference with the creation of the new online Promising Practices Hub. This new digital resource will share the projects featured each year at the conference along with additional resources curated for the dementia care sector, providing healthcare professionals with a space to learn from one another and implement impactful changes for individuals living with dementia.

“Shannex has been a leader in improving living standards for over 36 years. We are excited to be partnering with the Society on this initiative to enhance the quality of life for those affected by dementia,” says Catherine MacPherson, Chief Operating Officer at Shannex.

The Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia has played a crucial role in providing support, resources and advocacy for those on the dementia journey. Together, we are building a stronger care network to ensure that all Nova Scotians have access to vital tools and information. The Promising Practices initiative is focused and innovative, reaffirming our commitment to delivering high-quality care for years to come.

Explore the Promising Practices Hub to discover more innovative initiatives and resources that are making a difference in the lives of individuals living with dementia!