Behavioural Supports Ontario
Behavioural Supports Ontario (BSO) provides specialized services to older adults with/at risk of responsive behaviours related to dementia/neurocognitive disorders (NCD), mental health conditions, substance use, and other age-related progressive neurological disorders. The BSO team also supports family caregivers and professional care partners.
Responsive behaviours—such as social withdrawal, cursing or yelling, or purposeful wandering—are seen as expressions of unmet needs. Examples of unmet needs include boredom, fear, pain, or the need for adapted communication.
Referral Process
BSO operates as an interagency, interdisciplinary team, with referrals processed through a central intake. Once a behavioural assessment is completed, they work with clients and care partners to identify and address unmet needs. Services are available wherever the client resides, with the SAH team seeing many clients who reside at home. Support through care transitions is also available and has been a significant focus for the team. The BSO team can also facilitate access to specialty physician consultations and services.
Referrals can be made by anyone through our central intake, provided consent from the client is obtained. Indirect consultation is available when direct consent is not possible. For more information, please see our brochure or call 1-855-276-6313.