Province invests $93,000 to dementia services in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark
More than 250,000 Ontarians live with dementia, and this number is expected to grow as the population continues to age.
In response, the provincial government is investing $93,000 to connect more people in Lanark, Leeds and Grenville to dementia care, support and services. The funding will support services delivered by the Alzheimer Society of Lanark Leeds Grenville, a community-based program that connected those living with dementia and their families with help navigating care, education and resources.
“I’m pleased our government is making this investment to support the Alzheimer Society and their ongoing work to provide vital community-based services to those living with dementia and their families in Leeds and Grenville,” said Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP Clark in a media release. “I’m confident this funding will ensure even more people can access the First Link program and get the services they need in place quickly.”
Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston MPP John Jordan said the investment will make a “huge difference” in the lives of those suffering from dementia, as well as their family members.
“Staying close to home and connected to services through programs like the Alzheimer Society’s First Link Care Navigation are vital to supporting compassionate care in our communities,” Jordan said.
Melinda Coleman, executive director of Alzheimer Society Lanark Leeds Grenville, said the funding is a vital step forward in ensuring that individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia receive the support they need.
“Our First Link® program connects people with the services provided by the Alzheimer Society as well as other community services they may require ensuring they are well supported throughout their journey,” she stated. “First Link® is designed to help families make informed choices to live better with dementia at every stage of the disease. This funding will allow us to better serve our community and the many families that are facing this disease.”
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.