In LTC homes across the province, there has been a shift towards making the resident and the resident’s essential visitors (EVs) a key partner in care. One way that LTC homes can facilitate this change is through care conferences. Care conferences are collaborative care planning meetings that include health care providers, the resident and EVs to discuss and agree on a unique person-centred care plan to optimize quality of life. The success of care conferences relies on all parties being knowledgeable about the goals and purpose and taking an active role in the discussion. However, work by Dr. Baumbusch outlines that many EV’s are often not properly informed;aware;educated of how to meaningful participate in this process. Productive outcomes rely on the facilitation of mutual exchanges of information between participants, empowering all parties to engage as equals. Our team, comprised of academic researchers, embedded health care researchers, end users and industry partners will co-create on an online toolkit to empower EVs during LTC care conferences. Specific objectives include:
1) Raising awareness of the LTC care conference process for EVs
2) Empowering EVs to feel informed and confident in their role in LTC care conferences
