The Provincial Government has launched the three-year Dementia Care Action Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador. The plan aims to increase awareness, improve supports and services for those living with dementia and their care partners, and improve the capacity of the workforce to better support individuals living with the disease.
The three-year plan has 36 actions within four focus areas:
- Increase awareness, reduce risk of dementia, and address stigma;
- Diagnosis and coordination of care;
- Supports and services for individuals living with dementia, their care partners and families; and,
- Professional learning and development.
Budget 2023 provides an annual investment of $3.5 million to implement and support the Dementia Care Action Plan.
According to the Alzheimer Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, there are more than 10,000 people living with dementia in the province, and this number is expected to grow to 14,000 by 2035, as our population ages.
To support the development and implementation of the plan, a Dementia Action Council was established last summer, and is comprised of representatives from various government departments, regional health authorities, the Alzheimer Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as individuals with lived experience.
A comprehensive public engagement process took place to inform the Dementia Care Action Plan, including in-person public consultations, focus groups for physicians and regional health authority staff, and questionnaires. Consultations also occurred with the Office of the Seniors’ Advocate and family caregivers. In total, feedback was received from approximately 480 individuals.
Actions identified in the Dementia Care Action Plan also support Health Accord NL recommendations by building capacity within the community to better support individuals with complex needs, including those with dementia, delaying institutional care and reducing unnecessary acute care visits.
Quotes
“A diagnosis of dementia should not define a person; rather, dementia becomes part of their story. We must continue to focus on opportunities to support individuals to live well in their homes and communities, resulting in better outcomes for individuals, their families and caregivers, as well as health care system sustainability. Our Dementia Care Action Plan will go far in helping us achieve these objectives.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services
“People living with dementia matter, and we are pleased with the Department of Health and Community Services commitment to the Dementia Care Action Plan. This plan is reflective of the diverse needs of those living with dementia and will be instrumental in improving dementia care within our province. We welcome the engagement of key stakeholders, care partners and the community to improve the support and services to enhance quality of life for those living with dementia.”
Shirley Lucas
Chief Executive Office, Alzheimer Society of Newfoundland and Labrador
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Learn more
Dementia Care Action Plan
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