McCormick Mobile Pilot Project Update
The McCormick Care Foundation is thrilled to share an update on McCormick Mobile, a pilot project made possible entirely through donor support. In partnership with Western University, this unique initiative is breaking new ground in dementia care by delivering personalized education directly to the homes of care partners, empowering them to better care for their loved ones.
We are proud to announce that McCormick Mobile was funded 100% by donors as the 2022 Ritz Gala’s primary funding priority, and we are deeply grateful for the generosity that has brought this impactful program to life.
About McCormick Mobile
Launched by McCormick Dementia Services, McCormick Mobile was co-designed with care partners, researchers, and our interdisciplinary care team. Over six weeks, participants in the pilot program received customized training tailored to their specific needs in their own homes, focusing on effective communication strategies, simplified personal care, behavioral interventions, and engaging activities. The program provides education and hands-on support in the familiar environment of participants’ homes, making a significant difference in the daily lives of both care partners and the people they care for.
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Pilot Study and Key Outcomes
Ten clients and their primary care partners were involved in this initial phase, with half attending McCormick Dementia Services’ adult day program (ADP) and half on its waitlist. This structure enabled us to compare outcomes across different situations. Each participant underwent a series of pre-and post-program assessments to evaluate changes in key caregiving factors, including self-efficacy, social isolation, communication skills, and caregiver burden.
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The six-week training plan was delivered in-home every Tuesday, followed by a phone check-in on Thursdays:​
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Social Work Assessment: Initial evaluation and discussion of communication strategies and behavioral insights.
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Social Work Interventions: Further techniques for managing challenging behaviors.
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Nursing Education: Medication management and delirium awareness.
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Personal Support Worker Guidance: Practical skills for safe handling and assistance with daily activities.
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Recreation Specialist Insights: Techniques to adapt and create meaningful activities.
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Social Work Wrap-Up: Self-care strategies and planning for continued support.
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Each session was personalized, with team members providing real-time coaching, detailed documentation, and weekly check-ins to fine-tune the program.
Positive Impact and Community Response
Thanks to your support, McCormick Mobile has made a remarkable impact. Care partners have shared their appreciation for the program’s tailored approach, which allowed team members to respond to each unique home environment:
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"Interacting with people in their home environments has provided the opportunity for an additional level of specialized service and a way to build ongoing connections. A win-win for all!" – Mobile Team Member
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"With the success of McCormick Mobile, I hope to see the model continue to progress… The value of interdisciplinary collaboration cannot be understated." – Mobile Team Member
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"I think it’s really good, I think it’s a good program… Being able to ask questions, have somebody there to be able to see what you’re dealing with." – Mobile Participant
Next Steps and Lasting Legacy
The pilot phase of McCormick Mobile has concluded, and Western University researchers are now analyzing the data collected. Once complete, these findings will be shared publicly, helping us plan for the future of this model and demonstrating the program’s impact. In the long run, we aim to expand McCormick Mobile to reach even more families, enabling care partners to safely support their loved ones at home and reduce unnecessary emergency visits.
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Your support through the 2022 Ritz Gala allowed McCormick Care Foundation to prioritize this innovative project. With ongoing efforts to secure sustainable funding and create community partnerships, we hope McCormick Mobile will serve as a model for dementia care education, expanding its reach and deepening its impact.
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Our Deepest Thanks to Our Donors
We are profoundly grateful to every donor who made this pilot project a reality. Your support is making a difference in the lives of families in our community, allowing McCormick Dementia Services to provide specialized, in-home training that meets families where they are. Special thanks to the dedicated Western University researchers, Dr. Marie Savundranayagam and Dr. Anne Garnett, whose collaboration is invaluable.
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For more details on the future of McCormick Mobile, please connect with us at admin@mccormickcarefoundation.ca.
Thank you for your compassion, vision, and commitment to building a future where families facing dementia challenges have the support they need.