Monday, September 26, 2016
Ontario Dementia Strategy - Call Out For Participation
On World Alzheimer’s (September 21, 2016), the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care released a discussion paper outlining their early vision for a provincial dementia strategy, and proffering a range of questions with the intent of helping them develop a concrete set of goals. I understand their plan is to shape the proposed Ontario Dementia Strategy over the fall and hunt for money to support it in the next provincial budget process.
So… there are a couple of opportunities before those of us who care deeply about an expanded and better system of care for people effected by dementia.
First, is to answer some or all of the questions you will find by clicking on this link below. (You’ll also find a copy of the report of course, and guidelines for participating in the consultation).
Second, is to consider getting in touch with your local MPP to let them know how important you think an Ontario Dementia Strategy is. Nothing leads a politician to pay attention to something like knowing it matters to their constituents.
Third, is to encourage your friends, family and colleagues to take the time to review the report and participate in the consultation.
As you likely know, in Ottawa and Renfrew County approximately 16,000 people are living with dementia. 3,000 new cases develop each year. For every one of these there is a wide circle of people also effected; spouses, children, friends who step forward to help in a vast variety of ways. Employers and educators and health professionals who need to find ways to adapt their work to include a dementia perspective. I don’t think it’s too much to say that almost all people within the region will be touched by dementia over the coming years.
At the Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County we are unwavering in our commitment to help – especially to support the often unnoticed and surely heroic contributions made by informal caregivers who often fail to look after their own needs in their determination to help their loved one.
We’re calling on the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care to invest heavily – in developing a better understanding of dementia, and improving the range and availability of services and above all to help us, help families and caregivers. It may take a village to raise a child, but it takes a city to care for vulnerable people such as those living with dementia. I know that together we can do this.
Thank you for taking a moment to think about these issues and consider participating in the consultation. It’s vitally imperative that people speak up, provide feedback and know that their voices are important in developing the Ontario Dementia Strategy.
Paddy Bowen, CEO
https://www.ontario.ca/page/dementia-strategy-consultation
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