Ontario Announces Expansion of Dementia Program

Ontario has announced plans expand the Alzheimer’s First Link Program throughout the province.  Dipika Damerla, Minister of Seniors Affairs, made the announcement today on behalf of Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, at the Alzheimer Society of Ontario in Toronto.

“This service will make it easier for people with dementia and their loved ones to find the help they need,” Damerla said. The Alzheimer Society’s First Link program will provide 14,000 people diagnosed with dementia, and their care partners, with the services of a First Link Care Navigator who will help them access local supports and programs, such as health professionals, information about day-to-day living and care, counselling, and other community programs/services. Under the expanded First Link program, 46 First Link Care Navigators will be hired.

The province is also supporting an additional 8,000 people living with dementia and providing respite to their families and other care partners by increasing access to community dementia programs. These programs offer activities for people living with dementia, such as art, music, and exercise, which can provide meaningful social and recreational engagement and lead to enhanced well-being. “The Alzheimer Society First LInk program was key- it gave me, and my husband the support we needed to know to what services and programs we could access for help and allowed us to make informed decisions for our life  moving forward,” Phylis Fher said.  Fehr is a senior living with dementia.Respite services, which includes in-home and overnight support, reduce care partner burnout and help people with dementia live safely at home for as long as possible.