With dementia rates “skyrocketing,” the executive director of the Kawarthas-area chapter of the Alzheimer Society is welcoming new funding from the provincial government that’s intended to help more people living with dementia and their families receive the support they need.
The Ontario government announced on Monday (December 9) it is providing $99,900 to the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton.
According to a media release, the funding will support services offered through the Alzheimer Society of Canada’s community-based “First Link” care navigation program, that aims to help people living with dementia and their families navigate dementia care and access education and resources.
Jen Johnstone, executive director of Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton, shared her reaction to the funding announcement with kawarthaNOW.
“At a time when dementia rates are skyrocketing — up 65 per cent by 2030 — this funding has been desperately needed,” Johnstone said. “We applaud the government for their recognition of this rising crisis, and for providing support for care partners and persons with dementia across our four-county region.”
First Link is described as a community of experts ready to help people recognize the signs of dementia and learn how to navigate the challenges that come with a diagnosis. First Link connects people with dementia-focused health services, support, and information in their community.
VIDEO: First Link® – Help for people living with dementia and care partners
“With this funding, they will be able to hire additional staff members, reduce wait times, and provide timely support for new clients, ensuring that everyone receives the care, education, and resources they need to navigate the challenges of dementia,” stated Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MPP Laurie Scott in the release.
The funding is part of the Ontario government’s $6.9-million investment over two years to support those who have received a dementia diagnosis on their care journey. Funding will support hiring an additional 36 full-time equivalent staff members, shortening wait times for existing patients and providing support for approximately 7,000 new clients across Ontario, according to the release.
“The provincial government aims to support individuals and families dealing with dementia complexities, enhance the Alzheimer Society’s capacity, and promote community awareness,” said Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith. “These efforts are essential for improving quality of life and addressing the increasing need for comprehensive dementia care as the population ages.”
As a result of the funding to the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton, clients will have access to a coordinator who will assist with care planning, care co-ordination, and referrals to community services. Connection is an important part of the journey, Johnstone said.
“No one should need to navigate the journey of dementia alone. This funding is a critical step forward.”
The executive director told kawarthaNOW she encourages all community members who have someone with dementia in their lives to reach out to the organization for support.
“A diagnosis of dementia is not required to access our services — in fact, we can support you to receive one if it is needed,” she added.
To learn more about the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton, visit at alzheimer.ca/pklnh/. To learn more about First Link, visit alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/programs-services/first-link.
In Ontario, more than 250,000 people live with dementia, and this number is expected to grow as the population continues to age.
As part of the 2022 Budget, Ontario is investing $120 million over three years for dementia services. In the 2023 Budget, the province accelerated the commitment of $1 billion over three years to stabilize the home and community care workforce and support the expansion of home care services.
In the 2024 Budget, the government is investing an additional $2 billion over three years to boost this acceleration, support earlier investments to increase compensation for personal support workers, nurses and other frontline care providers, and to stabilize expanded services, according to the release.
