Provincial government aims to connect more people to dementia care in Huron County

To connect more people to dementia care, support and services in Huron County, the Ontario government announced an investment of $111,600 to the Alzheimer Society of Huron Perth.

This funding is part of the provincial government's $6.9 million investment plans for the next two years to support those who have received a dementia diagnosis.

“This investment reinforces our government's commitment to improving the quality of life for those impacted by dementia across our communities in Huron-Bruce,” said Lisa Thompson, MPP for Huron-Bruce.

These investments will improve the ability to connect those diagnosed with dementia to resources and care they need, at a local level.

In Ontario, more than 250,000 people live with dementia, and this number is expected to grow as the population continues to age.

“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,” explained 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.”

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.

According to the provincial government, due to this funding, clients will have access to a coordinator who will assist with care planning, care coordination, and referrals to community services.

The Alzheimer Society of Huron Perth applauds this cross-government approach to improve care for seniors and their care partners, including those living with dementia.

“We welcome the government’s commitment to improving the quality of life and care of people living with dementia and their care partners in the community, in retirement homes, and in long-term care homes,” said Cathy Ritsema, Executive Director of the Alzheimer Society of Huron Perth.

“These investments will make meaningful changes in the lives of the clients we support along their dementia journey.”

In the 2024 budget, the government is investing an additional $2 billion over three years to support earlier investments to increase compensation for personal support workers, nurses and other frontline care providers.