Alzheimer Society of Ontario applauds new discussion paper

One step closer to an Ontario Dementia Strategy

TORONTO, Sept. 21, 2016 /CNW/ - The Alzheimer Society of Ontario welcomes Developing Ontario's Dementia Strategy: A Discussion Paper, released today on World Alzheimer's Day. By facilitating an open conversation, the new discussion paper is a critical step towards developing and implementing a comprehensive strategy to address the needs of Ontarians affected by dementia.

"Virtually all Ontarians will be touched by dementia in some way – our families, our workplaces and our communities. We need to work individually and as a collective group to build a province that respects and supports the needs of people with dementia so they can live as well as possible, and where their care partners are supported," says Chris Dennis, CEO at the Alzheimer Society of Ontario.

Ontario now joins a number of jurisdictions around the world that have acknowledged the importance of dementia as a critical health and social issue.

In the coming weeks and months, the Alzheimer Society of Ontario and its 30 local Society partners across the province will work with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to ensure that people with dementia and their care partners have their say in this important consultation process.

On September 29 and 30, the Alzheimer Society will be hosting Ontario's first provincial conference with people living with dementia and care partners, providing them an opportunity to discuss how to influence government policy on dementia and advocate for change that will make a lasting difference in the lives of all Ontarians affected by this disease. Stay tuned to the Alzheimer Society of Ontario social media channels as more details are released about this important event.

To learn more and stay up to date on progress towards an Ontario Dementia Strategy, visit www.ontariodementiastrategy.ca.

SOURCE Alzheimer Society of Ontario

Media contact: Rosanne Meandro, Director of Communications, Direct: 416-847-8920, [email protected]