Life in Long Term Care

The Virtual Behavioural Medicine (VBM) Program

Transforming dementia care in long-term care homes with the Virtual Behavioural Medicine Program

Location: Baycrest, Toronto, ON

Caring for people living with dementia and responsive behaviours in long-term care homes can present significant challenges. Neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia, such as aggression, agitation, and paranoia, can strain resources and staff, while hospital transfers can be distressing and disruptive for residents. The Virtual Behavioural Medicine (VBM) Program offers a game-changing solution, providing rapid access to expert dementia care through secure virtual consultations that help long-term care teams manage complex behaviours for residents experiencing Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia.

A virtual lifeline for long-term care homes

In February 2020, Baycrest launched the Virtual Behavioural Medicine (VBM) Program, a ground breaking initiative designed to bridge the gap between long-term care homes and world-class specialists. As the demand for dementia care grew, so did the program’s reach. In 2022, UHN Toronto Rehab Institute joined as a service partner, strengthening the collaboration and expanding support for those who need it most.

Today, Baycrest’s VBM program serves individuals aged 18+ with dementia across the province, reaching those in long-term care, retirement homes, acute care, and the community. Meanwhile, UHN Toronto Rehab Institute focuses on supporting seniors aged 65+ within the long-term care sector, ensuring specialized care for the most vulnerable. Baycrest and Toronto Rehab work closely to deliver integrated VBM services through a centralized intake and triage process, ensuring efficient prioritization of patients across Centralized Access to Seniors Specialty Hospital beds (CASS beds). Together, this partnership provides a vital connection to expert care, transforming how dementia-related behavioral challenges are managed across Ontario.

Proven impact

Prior to the introduction of VBM, the only option for residents with Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia was admission to a specialized neurobehavioral unit. After the development of the VBM, the proportion of admissions to the Behavioural Neurology Unit at Baycrest was reduced by 60.42%, allowing more residents to remain in their familiar environments without unnecessary transitions (Freedman et al., 2022). This shift in the need for admission represents a significant improvement in dementia care and is a testament to the efficacy of the Virtual Behavioural Medicine model.

A tailored approach to behavioural management

Through virtual visits, the VBM team works closely with long-term care staff to address each resident’s unique needs using evidence-based pharmacological interventions. The team of specialists carefully assesses medication regimens, optimizing treatments to reduce distressing behaviours while minimizing side effects. By leveraging expert clinical insights, they help care teams refine approaches supporting resident well-being and staff safety. Frequent follow-ups ensure ongoing medication adjustments and treatment optimization, providing rapid access to sustained support for long-term care teams managing complex dementia-related behaviours.

Bringing specialist care to every long-term care home

VBM is here when long-term care teams need rapid access to additional behavioural support. The program provides expertise when traditional behavioural interventions are no longer effective. Rather than replacing existing behavioural support strategies, VBM acts as a specialized escalation service, stepping in when complex behaviours persist despite initial interventions. This collaborative approach ensures that care teams feel supported in managing even the most challenging cases.

VBM plays a vital role in supporting transitions from acute care / specialized dementia behavioural units to long-term care, ensuring that residents continue to receive the necessary behavioural interventions throughout the process. VBM helps to bridge this gap by providing specialized behavioural expertise during this critical period. Our team works closely with acute care and long-term care staff to ensure a seamless transition, addressing any ongoing behavioural concerns and ensuring that interventions are consistent and tailored to the individual’s needs. This continuity of care helps optimize treatment and support, providing both the resident and the care team with the confidence needed to navigate transitions successfully.

A VBM referrer shared their experience,

"The collaborative efforts of the VBM team were invaluable; they provided continuity of care and enhanced our team's confidence in successfully meeting the complex needs of our resident."

By working closely with long-term care staff, VBM helps stabilize residents, prevent unnecessary hospital admissions, and reinforce the capacity of care teams to navigate difficult behavioural challenges effectively.

The program also offers VBM E-Learning for Caregivers, a free valuable resource designed to enhance knowledge and skills in managing complex behaviours and to gain information on the VBM model of care.

How to access the VBM program

Every referral requires a Physician or Nurse Practitioner’s signature to access the VBM program. Referrals are processed through the Behavioural Supports Ontario (BSO) Centralized Intake Office at Baycrest.

Through this process, healthcare practitioners benefit from rapid access to VBM support. The BSO VBM Centralized Intake Office hotline is available seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., including weekends and holidays, ensuring timely assistance when needed.

For more information and to access the referral form, visit the VBM website.