Ontario Connecting More People To Dementia Care In Their Community
December 19, 2024
$185,900.00 investment will expand access to dementia care and supports across York Region
NEWS December 19th, 2024
AURORA — The Ontario government is investing $185,900.00 to connect more people in York Region 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’s community-based First Link® Care Navigation program that connects people living with dementia, and their families, with help navigating care, education, and resources.
“This funding will have a direct and meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and families in York Region living with dementia. By supporting the Alzheimer Society of Ontario’s First Link® Care Navigation program, we are ensuring that those affected by dementia have timely access to critical resources and support,” said Laura Smith, MPP for Thornhill. “This is part of the Ontario government’s ongoing commitment to improving care and reducing wait times, ultimately empowering families to navigate the challenges of dementia with greater ease and confidence.”
This funding is part of the Ontario government’s $6.9 million investment over two years to support people on their dementia 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 acceleration, support earlier investments to increase compensation for personal support workers, nurses and other frontline care providers, and to stabilize expanded services.
QUOTES
“The Alzheimer Society of York Region appreciates the ongoing support for caregivers and persons living with dementia by the Ontario Government. The Government has been a strong advocate for persons living with dementia and their caregivers and the Alzheimer Society of York Region appreciates all her support. This investment will support caregivers to find timely supports in our community.”
-Kari Quinn-Humphrey, CEO Alzheimer Society York Region.
“This investment in the First Link navigation program in our communities means family, friends and neighbours living with dementia and their care partners will be better connected to programs and services in York Region and at the society. This funding provides critical support early on after a diagnosis helping those impacted by the disease live well with dementia and feel greater confidence moving forward.”
-Adam Morrison, Senior Director, Public Policy & Partnerships Alzheimer Society of Ontario
“Our government is committed to ensuring that individuals living with dementia and their families have the support they need to navigate the challenges they face. By investing in the Alzheimer Society of Ontario’s First Link Care Navigation program, we are empowering families with access to resources, education, and a compassionate network of care and support.”
-Michel Parsa, MPP for Aurora-Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill.
“As a longtime advocate for improvements in dementia care, both within and outside of government, I am thrilled to see our government continuing to back the vital work of the Alzheimer Society of Ontario in supporting Ontarians living with this disease. This investment builds on our government’s success in ensuring quality person-centered care for all residents, no matter where they call home.”
– Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, MPP for Mississauga Centre.
“This investment demonstrates our unwavering commitment to ensuring that individuals and families impacted by dementia have the support they need every step of the way. By enhancing programs like First Link® Care Navigation, we are taking decisive action to strengthen the continuum of care, reduce barriers, and provide timely access to critical resources. Our government is dedicated to empowering families in York Region and across Ontario to navigate the challenges of dementia with confidence and hope.”
-The Hon. Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions
“Our government is making the right investments that will support those living with dementia and the loved ones that care for them. This investment is a part of our $6.9 million plan to connect more residents living with dementia to the care they need, closer to home.”
-Hon. Caroline Mulroney, MPP for York-Simcoe
“With this investment, our government demonstrates our commitment to navigation and support for persons living with dementia in York Region as well as their care partners. Empowering families in our community to face this journey with their loved ones head-on, with confidence and in the comfort of their homes, makes a positive impact in everyone’s lives.”
-Dawn Gallagher Murphy, MPP for Newmarket–Aurora.
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
MEDIA CONTACTS
Office of MPP Laura Smith- Thornhill
Laura.smith@pc.ola.org
905-731-1178