H.J. McFarland Memorial Home is one of 17 long-term care homes in Ontario to participate in the Improving Dementia Care Program (IDCP) supported by the Government of Ontario.
The funding, announced in January 2026, is allowing the long-term care homes to implement emotion-based models of care. The aim is to enhance the well-being of long-term care home residents with dementia through care that prioritizes their interests and experiences, fosters relationships, and emphasizes dignity and respect.
“The impact of the provincial funding has already been significant,” says Dione Mills, Director of Long-term Care with the County of Prince Edward. “Residents are benefiting from increased opportunities for meaningful connection, engagement, living with purpose meaning and joy. Staff are better equipped to provide individualized support throughout the day. And residents’ families have told us about the subtle but impactful changes they see in the home environment and in staff interactions with residents.”
Staff shared more information about the program and its impact with Hon. Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Ontario’s Minister of Long-term Care, when she visited H.J. McFarland Memorial Home on May 15. She was joined by Tyler Allsopp, Member of Provincial Parliament for the Bay of Quinte and Mayor Steve Ferguson.
“We are looking forward to the new home being completed in June 2027, we had a great tour today looking at the Dementia Care Program. The Ontario Government has put forward $9 million dollars to help support dementia care in 17 homes across the province.” says MPP Allsopp. “It is great to see these programs in action, especially in our community, and get the chance to meet all of the nurses and residents here at HJ McFarland.”
“We are grateful for the provincial government’s ongoing support of our long-term care home. It has allowed H.J. McFarland Memorial Home to continue building a culture that prioritizes dignity, purpose, belonging, and emotion-based care for all residents,” Mayor Steve Ferguson says.
H.J. McFarland Memorial Home has chosen to implement DementiAbility as the emotion-based model of care across the organization. As part of the implementation, staff have created new and refreshed existing activity and sensory kits, developed engagement spaces, and made the environments look, feel and smell more like home. Another initiative has been the resident “A Bit About Me” profiles to help staff better understand each resident’s history, preferences, and identity.
Home staff have also been excited to involve residents’ families as part of this journey. Families have been invited to contribute to resident profiles by sharing personal history, interests, routines, and photos of their loved ones from their younger years to help strengthen person-centered care. These photos are displayed outside resident rooms alongside current photos and personal profiles inside their rooms to spark conversation, support recognition of the individual beyond their diagnosis, and help all staff build deeper connections with residents.
If you have questions about the program or want to learn, please contact Danielle Preston, Recreation and Volunteer Services Supervisor, at 613.476.2138 extension 134 or email dpreston@pecounty.on.ca.