Alzheimer Society of Ontario applauds Ontario funding for First Link® to help people with dementia and care partners

TORONTO, Nov. 28, 2017 /CNW/ - The Alzheimer Society of Ontario commends the Government of Ontario for their investment of $8.15 million over three years to enhance the First Link^® program across Ontario.

"New First Link funding will help us enhance the critical role that local Alzheimer Societies play in ensuring that Ontarians living with dementia and their care partners are connected to the support, services and resources they need," says Chris Dennis, CEO at the Alzheimer Society of Ontario.

Dementia can be better managed when it's detected early and when families get support as soon as possible – before a crisis situation occurs. First Link provides support from the moment the dementia journey begins and through each stage of the condition.

"Getting a dementia diagnosis is overwhelming. It's hard to know what the next step is or where to go for the information and support you'll need. The Alzheimer Society First Link program was extremely helpful. It allowed me and my husband to learn about the services and programs we could access and helped us make informed decisions for our life moving forward," says Phyllis Fehr, a former ICU nurse and person living with dementia.

Each year, First Link helps tens of thousands of Ontarians connect with their local Alzheimer Society to learn about and access the care and support they need, making a huge difference in their quality of life.

By 2020, 250,000 Ontarians are expected to have dementia. New funding will help local Alzheimer Societies to keep pace with this growing number by recruiting new staff who will work directly with people living with dementia and their care partners, helping them to navigate the care and community supports available.

"Dementia is an incredibly complex condition," says Dennis. "First Link can ease the pressure on families and help them live as successfully as possible in their communities."

The Alzheimer Society looks forward to implementing this important investment and enhancing the value that First Link offers in collaboration with its partners in government, health care and community services. For more information about First Link^® visit: http://www.alzheimer.ca/en/on/We-can-help/First-link        

SOURCE Alzheimer Society of Ontario

Media contact; Rosanne Meandro, Alzheimer Society, Direct: 416-847-8920, Mobile: [phone], [email protected]