DEMENTIA ALLIANCE of Alzheimer Societies of Brant/Haldimand Norfolk/Hamilton Halton

DEMENTIA ALLIANCE of Alzheimer Societies of Brant/Haldimand Norfolk/Hamilton Halton

A Request for Stakeholder Input

Effective April 1, 2010, the Alzheimer Societies of Brant, Haldimand Norfolk and Hamilton Halton integrated their delivery of services to those affected by dementia under a new corporation called Dementia Alliance. This corporation is composed of three board members from each of the local Societies, and is meant to create efficiencies and ensure the best use of our financial and human resources to meet the Rising Tide of persons affected by dementia across our communities. Our local Societies continue to exist and act as the local face of our services and assist in our fundraising and public awareness efforts.

As part of its new mandate, Dementia Alliance (DA) has initiated a process to establish a three-year strategic plan identifying future directions and priorities. This discussion paper has been prepared to inform you about the project and solicit your input.

The Process to Date

Members of the Board of Directors established project terms of reference and selected an external planning consultant to help facilitate the process. A work plan was approved in June 2010.
An "environmental scanning" phase involving a document review, stakeholder survey and interviews with some external stakeholders was carried out in July.
On August 19, the Board and Management Team participated in a strategic planning retreat. They reviewed the information from the environmental scan and developed preliminary versions of a vision, mission and strategic goals.
On September 8 about 35 Board and staff members from the three societies attended a consultation forum to review the planning session output and provide further input.

What Happens Next?

The next step of the consultation process begins with this discussion paper, which reflects the thinking of the participants in the planning process so far. This is "work in progress" that will evolve as we hear more from our various stakeholders. Please read it carefully and consider the questions posed.

Individuals, groups or organizations may complete the following online form. Focus questions have been provided to guide discussion and feedback. Your responses need to be received by Tuesday, September 28, 2010. The plan will be revised based on feedback, an implementation planning session will be held with staff, and the final plan will then be reviewed by the Board on October 7, 2010.

Issued September 14, 2010

THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT

The following "SWOT" analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) for Dementia was assembled from stakeholder feedback and expanded and refined at the planning session:

Strengths:	Programs Clear dementia mission Client focus Partnering Staff, management, volunteer and board expertise Critical mass and efficiencies Resource sharing Coordination across areas Consistent with LHIN directions
Weaknesses:	Resource levels Size and diversity of catchment area Confusion to public re: role of DA Image/branding Service gaps Missing Niagara as part of the Alliance
Opportunities:	Increasing senior population Increasing awareness of dementia issues Partnerships and joint initiatives System navigation Prevention programs Rising Tides Broader market across Golden Horseshoe Local networks
Threats:	Interface with provincial and national societies Changes in government policy Competing government priorities Economic downturn Needs/resource gaps Stigma and ageism attitudes Workload and potential for burnout
Any strategic initiatives undertaken by the Dementia Alliance should build on strengths, rectify weaknesses, capitalize on opportunities and address threats.

Focus Question:

Should any other strengths, weaknesses, opportunities or threats be considered?

Strengths:
Weaknesses:
Opportunities:
Threats:

MISSION, VISION AND VALUES

Mission

A mission statement is a clear description of the purpose, mandate and "business" of an organization. The following mission statement is proposed:

The Dementia Alliance exists to leverage the resources of its members in order to enhance the delivery of programs and services in their communities.

The member Alzheimer Societies exist to assist persons with dementia and those who care for them.

Focus Question:

Feel free to suggest revisions to mission statement.

Vision and Aspirations

A vision statement describes the "preferred future state" of an organization and its stakeholders. The current vision statement for the three societies is as follows:

The vision of the Dementia Alliance is that people affected by dementia live full, dignified lives.

Focus Question:

Feel free to suggest revisions to the Alliance vision statement.

Participants at the August planning retreat and the September consultation forum engaged in a visioning exercise and identified the following organizational aspirations for the Alliance:

Expanded levels of quality service
Innovative best practices
Stable and adequate resources to meet the Rising Tide
An employer of choice

Focus Question:

Have any organizational aspirations been missed?

Values

Organizational values are formal statements of beliefs that guide an organization in its relationships with its stakeholders as it discharges its mission in pursuit of its vision. The Dementia Alliance adheres to the following values:

We care about delivering the best service to our community members while respecting their individual circumstances
We appreciate the strengths and diversity of people and the knowledge in our communities
We deliver integrity, accountability and service excellence.

Focus Question:

Have any important values been missed?

EMERGING GOALS

The following high-level draft goals were developed at the planning retreat. The goals pertain to services to clients, the organization in the community, and developing the organization and its resources.

Program Development

1.1  Expand services to new or underserviced populations such as the developmentally disabled,
        culturally/linguistically diverse and faith communities.
1.2  Increase emphasis on health promotion and earlier intervention.
1.3  Continue to develop and expand community partnerships.

Profile and Linkages

2.1  Develop an effective marketing and communications strategy.
2.2  Raise public awareness of dementia.
2.3  Strengthen teaching and advisory connections with post-secondary educations.

Organizational Development

3.1  Strengthen and articulate relationships between the Dementia Alliance and the Societies.
3.2  Increase the use of technology in service delivery.
3.3  Increase the use of volunteers.
3.4  Commit to continuous quality improvement through a focus on quality, excellence in service
        and best practices.
3.5  Establish a succession plan.
3.6  Ensure financial sustainability through expanded revenue sources.

Focus Questions:

Are there any suggested revisions to the draft strategic goals?

Program Development:
Profile and Linkages:
Organizational Development:

Have any important goals been missed?

What do you feel should be the most important priority of Dementia Alliance in the next year?

Individual/Group completing form: (Optional)

Your input is greatly appreciated.