Terms of Reference - Client Services Working Group

Purpose
The purpose of the Client Services Working Group is to further develop a more coordinated and efficient system for clients and caregivers affected by dementia.

Goals

To identify and address gaps in service provision
To promote timely access to dementia services
To identify strategies to educate the community regarding available services

The Client Services Working Group will report to the Steering Committee on a regular basis.

Priorities
The initial task of the Client Services Working Group is the creation of a Care Map for dementia services. The group will then work on other projects as they are identified.

Membership
The Client Services Working Group will seek representation from the following sectors:

Algoma Community Care Access Centre - Care Coordinator
Seniors' Mental Health
Alzheimer Society
Psychogeriatric Resource Consultant
Long Term Care Facilities
First Nations Communities
Nursing/Homemaking Service Providers
Community Living Algoma
Physicians
Community Mental Health programs
Family Caregivers
Community Agencies
Algoma, Cochrane, Manitoulin, Sudbury District Health Council
Hospitals

Membership should include an appropriate mixture of urban and rural perspectives.
A maximum of 10 members will form the Client Services Working Group.

Meeting Frequency
Meetings will be quarterly at minimum, with additional meetings as necessary. The group may consider the option of teleconference as necessary.

Chair
A designated chair (or co-chairs) will be identified through consensus of the members at the first meeting. The term of office will be 2 years. The chair will report to the Steering Committee at least biannually and more frequently as necessary.

Meeting Format
The Client Services Working Group is an advisory group rather than a decision-making body. As such, formal motions and voting procedures will be waived. Every effort will be made to reach any required decisions by consensus. In the event that consensus cannot be reached, the group members may resort to a vote.

The chair will circulate a meeting agenda prior to the meeting.

A secretary will be designated to record meeting proceedings. Following the meeting, meeting summaries will be developed and distributed to all members by email where possible. Surface mail will be used for members who do not have email capability.