AdvantAge Ontario Applauds New Funding to Support People Living with Dementia and Their Families
TORONTO, May 4, 2017 /CNW/ - As a longstanding advocate of the need for enhanced funding for dementia care, AdvantAge Ontario applauded the announcement today by Health Minister Eric Hoskins and Dipika Damerla, Minister of Seniors Affairs of $100 million for new supports as part of the province's dementia strategy.
"This is a significant step that will go a long way towards responding to needs of those suffering from dementia, their care partners, and family members," said Catharine Gapp, CEO of AdvantAge Ontario. "We are particularly pleased that these investments will enhance supports in the community as well as in long term care homes. We have got to do a better job of looking after people with dementia and their caregivers no matter where they live."
AdvantAge Ontario's message to government for the past few years has consistently been that long term care residents living with dementia need and deserve greater and more specialized care. About 65% of the approximately 78,000 residents in Ontario's long term care homes suffer from some form of dementia.
"One of the greatest challenges in caring for residents with dementia is the behavioural issues that can occur. These behaviours can pose a huge risk to resident safety and well-being for the individuals suffering from them, the staff who provide their care, and for the other residents who live with them in the home," added Gapp.
In its announcement today, the government committed to expanding behavioural supports in all long term care homes.
"Our Association believes the best approach to dementia care is dedicated teams in every long term care home with specialized skills in caring for residents with responsive behaviours. We are pleased that the government has heard us and has targeted much-needed resources to enhance supports in every home," said Gapp.
AdvantAge Ontario looks forward to working with the government and other sector partners in implementing the provincial dementia strategy.
AdvantAge Ontario is the provincial association representing not-for-profit providers of long term care, services and housing for seniors. Members include not-for-profit long term care homes (municipal, charitable and non-profit nursing homes), seniors' housing, supportive housing, and community service agencies. Member organizations serve over 36,000 long term care residents annually and operate over 8,000 seniors' housing units across the province.
SOURCE AdvantAge Ontario
Debbie Humphreys, Senior Director, Corporate and Public Affairs, W. 905.851.8821 x 233, C. 416.553.7401
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