Ontario Expands Access to Dementia Care with $99,900 Investment in Chatham-Kent.
NEWS
December 2, 2024
Chatham-Kent — The Ontario government is investing $99,900.00 to connect more people in Chatham-Kent 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 Chatham-Kent 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 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,” said Steve Pinsonneault, MPP Lambton – Kent – Middlesex. “By investing in community-based dementia care, we’re helping more families connect with the support and services their loved ones need.
“This important investment by the Ontario government is a significant step forward in supporting individuals and families living with dementia across our province,” said Trevor Jones, MPP Chatham-Kent – Leamington. “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 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.
“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.”
“This funding has been key to alleviating wait times for those individuals in this community needing dementia-specific supports and services. 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,” said, Brandon Ball, Chief Executive Officer for Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent, ESC Behavioural Supports Ontario Lead Agency.
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.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
CONTACT
Strathroy Office:
81 Front St W, Starthroy, ON N7G 1X6
519-245-8696
Wallaceburg Office:
Unit 14 – 60 McNaughton Ave, Wallaceburg,ON N8A1R9
519-627-1015