NEWS RELEASE
MPP LISA THOMPSON
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The Ontario government is investing $86,100 to the Alzheimer Society of Grey-Bruce and $111,600 to the Alzheimer Society of Huron Perth to connect more people to dementia care, support and services they need, when they need them. This funding will support services delivered by the Alzheimer Society of Ontario’s community-based First Link® Care Navigation program that connects people living with dementia, and their families, with help navigating care, education, and resources.
“I am proud to share that the Ontario government is investing in the Alzheimer Society of Grey-Bruce and the Alzheimer Society of Huron Perth to ensure individuals and families affected by dementia can access the care, support, and resources they require at every stage of their journey,” said Lisa Thompson, MPP for Huron-Bruce. “This investment reinforces our government’s commitment to improving the quality of life for those impacted by dementia across our communities in Huron-Bruce.”
“Our seniors built our communities, and now in their golden years, our provincial government will be there to support them,” said Matthew Rae, MPP for Perth-Wellington. “These investments will significantly improve the ability to connect those diagnosed with dementia to the resources and care they need locally.”
This 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. Clients will have access to a coordinator who will assist with care planning, care coordination, and referrals to community services.
“Our government is taking bold and innovative action to connect people, at every stage of life, to the care and services they need, when they need them, said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Investing in increased access to dementia care through investing in this high-quality community-based program will allow more families to connect their loved ones to additional services they need in their community.”
Through Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, the province is taking action to provide more people with the right care, in the right place.
QUICK FACTS
- 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 this acceleration, support earlier investments to increase compensation for personal support workers, nurses and other frontline care providers, and to stabilize expanded services.
QUOTES
"On behalf of the Alzheimer Society of Huron Perth, we applaud this cross-government approach to improving care for seniors and their care partners, including people living with dementia. We welcome the government's commitment to improving the quality of life and care of people living with dementia and their care partners in the community, in retirement homes, and in long-term care homes. These investments will make meaningful changes in the lives of the clients we support along their dementia journey."
- Cathy Ritsema, Executive Director of the Alzheimer Society of Huron Perth
"This funding is a vital step in supporting families in Grey and Bruce Counties, as they navigate the challenges of dementia."
- Julie Johnston, Executive Director of the Alzheimer Society of Grey-Bruce
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