The prevalence of Chronic Disease increases with age so that by 80 years of age almost all report one chronic disease and nearly half three or more. However this does not necessarily mean associated ill health or disability in these individuals. In this presentation we will discuss strategies to promote and support healthy aging.

This presentation describes a framework for assessing the extent to which senior friendly principles are present in hospitals and the results of a recent survey of all hospitals in Ontario. The new Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria is the first purpose-build Senior Friendly Hospital in Canada. Some of the environmental design features incorporated in it are illustrated.

This project was the first of its kind in Canada to build a partnership with the local police, community mental health services, urgent care centers / emergency departments, and a host of other community agencies to address the growing number of crisis situations that come to the attention of the police involving seniors with cognitive impairment.

The presentation provides an overview of

• Drugs commonly implicated in precipitating delirium
• Suggests additional resources including attached articles and web links
• Reviews a framework to confidently engage in discussion with patient / family, and other health care members concerning drugs relating to delirium / agitation
• Describes pharmacological considerations in delirium / agitation

This session overviews issues of pain and driving assessment in the older adult with dementia