Circular diagram representing the Appropriate Use of Antipsychotics (AUA) Approach in the middle, surronded by the five bubbles describing the approach: Conduct medication reviews, Practice person-centred approaches to care, Partner with staff, patients and families, Apply deprescribing guidelines, Collect and monitor data

Resources on the Appropriate Use of Antipsychotics for People Living with Dementia

With support from expert advisors, Healthcare Excellence Canada has created these simple tools designed to help long-term care staff and essential care partners provide the best support for people living with dementia. These resources also guide care providers and partners on managing responsive behaviours without medication.

These tailored resources are valuable for everyone involved in dementia care – from healthcare leaders and prescribers to family members and care partners – offering insights into more effective ways to address responsive behaviours.

What’s inside for home leaders?

  • Tips on how to establish a team of staff, family members and care partners who are dedicated and accountable to lead the initiative.
  • Focused insights to ensure staff, people living with dementia and their families have the information and skills they need to improve care, support and deprescribing.
  • Guidelines on how to celebrate success and review progress in improving care, support and appropriate use of antipsychotics for people living with dementia.

Learn more about guidance for healthcare leaders (PDF 300KB)

What’s inside for people living with dementia and their care partners?

  • Tailored information on why antipsychotics are not the best choice for reducing responsive behaviours.
  • An overview of the serious side effects that come with inappropriate antipsychotic usage.
  • Insights into the benefits of supervised and strategic deprescribing plans.

Learn more about guidance for people living with dementia and care partners (PDF 235KB)

What’s inside for prescribers?

  • Insights on how adopting a team can best identify the people who are candidates for deprescribing antipsychotics.
  • Tips on the benefits of applying a slow and steady approach to deprescribing antipsychotics.
  • Guidance on how to lead and participate in team huddles that allow you to review and adjust the supportive care and deprescribing process effectively.

Learn more about guidance for prescribers (PDF 252KB)

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