Vancouver, B.C. – The Alzheimer Society of B.C. is encouraged by the new guidelines for improved dementia care announced by the Government of B.C. today as a first step in developing a long-term provincial dementia strategy. While the guidelines and resources are helpful for understanding behaviours and symptoms associated with caring for someone with dementia, the Society believes there is more work to be done if the province is going to be prepared to address the rising tide of dementia.
“It is encouraging that the government has recognized it plays a critical role in meeting the needs of families impacted by dementia,” says Jean Blake, CEO of the Alzheimer Society of B.C. “This is a positive first step in addressing the need for better dementia care, and one that we hope leads to a long-term, funded dementia strategy in our province.”
The Society and Jim Mann, a volunteer Board member for the Society who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 57, are seeking action from the next B.C. government to develop and implement a comprehensive, funded dementia plan that includes:
– Support for family caregivers, including financial incentives, expanded and improved home support programs, and access to appropriate care when and where it is needed for the person with dementia.
– Policies and programs that support early diagnosis and intervention to help reduce overall health-care costs and improve patient and family outcomes.
– Tools for health-care providers so they can give the best care possible, such as continuing on-the-job training.
– Access to the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s First Link(R) program for all British Columbians who need it (the program is currently unavailable in most B.C. communities).
– Ongoing evaluation to track progress.
Leading up to the B.C. election in May, Mann will visit several communities in the province to share his story and urge the many B.C. families who are impacted by dementia to speak with their local MLAs.
More information about “Jim’s Push for a Plan” is available on the Alzheimer Society of B.C. website at www.alzheimerbc.org.
The Alzheimer Society of B.C. was a partner in the creation of the 2007 B.C. Dementia Service Framework, a blueprint that sets out a vision for health care in the province and aims to close current gaps in dementia care. The recommendations, when implemented, will increase the health-care system’s capacity to meet the needs of people living with dementia, increase the number of health-care providers with expertise in dementia care, and lead to the development of policy that recognizes the value and contributions of the family caregiver.
A long-term dementia strategy is needed in B.C., as the number of people with dementia is projected to increase significantly.
Currently, there are more than 70,000 people living with dementia in B.C. By 2038, there will be more than 177,000 people living with dementia in B.C. with family caregivers providing an estimated 118.7 million hours of unpaid care per year. Within 30 years, the associated economic burden of dementia in our province is projected to reach a cumulative total of $130.2 billion.
“Dementia will have a devastating impact on our province if we do not take a long-term view,” says Blake. “But a shared vision for care and a funded, government-supported plan will create a system that supports people living with dementia and their families to lead full lives.”
About Dementia
Dementia is a term that describes a general group of brain disorders.
Symptoms include the loss of memory, impaired judgment, and changes in behaviour and personality. Dementia is progressive, degenerative and eventually terminal. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia accounting for almost two-thirds of dementias in Canada today.
About the Alzheimer Society of B.C.
The Alzheimer Society of B.C. provides a province-wide network of support and education and information resources for families impacted by dementia. The Society is a non-profit organization that also advocates for better dementia health care and raises money to fund research. Learn more at www.alzheimerbc.org.