Province announces nearly $100K for dementia care in Chatham-Kent

The province is investing $99,900 to connect more people in Chatham-Kent to dementia care and support.

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The new funding, announced earlier this week, will support services delivered by the Alzheimer Society of Ontario Chatham-Kent’s First Link care navigation program.

“This important investment by the Ontario government is a significant step forward in supporting individuals and families living with dementia across our province,” Trevor Jones, MPP for Chatham-Kent-Leamington, said in a release.

“By expanding care teams and reducing wait times, we are ensuring that those who need assistance most will receive timely, comprehensive support. This funding will make a real difference in the lives of those affected by dementia in Chatham-Kent and beyond.”

This funding is part of the Ontario government’s $6.9 million investment during two years to support those who have received a dementia diagnosis.

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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 the province.

Clients will have access to a co-ordinator who will assist with care planning, co-ordination and referrals to various community services.

“This funding is a game-changer for families affected by dementia. Our government is committed to improving access to care for Ontarians at every stage of life,” Steve Pinsonneault, MPP Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, added. “By investing in community-based dementia care, we’re helping more families connect with the support and services their loved ones need.”

Brandon Ball, chief executive for the Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent, ESC Behavioral Supports Ontario Lead Agency, welcomed the news.

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“This funding has been key to alleviating wait times for those individuals in this community needing dementia-specific supports and services,” he said in the release. “We have been able to hire an additional registered social worker to provide in-home/in-office supports, which has allowed us to expand our services to meet the ever-increasing demand in Chatham-Kent.”

Sylvia Jones, deputy premier and minister of health, said the 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.

“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.”

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