New Fund to Help Support People Living with Dementia

Solicitation launched for community-based projects to address the challenges of dementia

OTTAWA, Nov. 19, 2018 /CNW/ - More than 400,000 Canadians aged 65 and older live with diagnosed dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. About two-thirds of those are women. The number of dementia diagnoses is expected to increase as the proportion of seniors relative to the Canadian population continues to grow. Recognizing the significant and growing impact dementia is having in our country, Canada is committed to improving the lives of people living with dementia and their caregivers.

Today, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health, launched the Dementia Community Investment fund to address the challenges of dementia.

The Dementia Community Investment fund will support community-based projects aimed at:

• optimizing the health and wellbeing of people living with dementia and their family or friend caregivers;
• promoting awareness;
• prioritizing populations more susceptible to the risk factors for dementia or experiencing barriers to accessing support; and
• addressing stigma.

Individuals and organizations interested in applying for funding are encouraged to submit a Letter of Intent. For more information about the fund and its eligibility requirements, visit: Call for Proposals - Dementia Community Investment.

Quotes

"Through our consultations, we heard from stakeholders, people living with dementia, as well as their family or friend caregivers. Many expressed a need for collaboration and partnership, information sharing, scaling up of best practices, and measures that address stigma. I am confident that through the Dementia Community Investment fund, we can learn more and implement effective approaches to supporting optimal quality of life for those living with dementia and their family or friend caregivers."

The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor
Minister of Health Canada

Quick Facts

• The Public Health Agency of Canada is investing $20 million over five years, starting in 2018‑19, and $4 million per year ongoing, in community-based projects to address the challenges of dementia.
• The solicitation process will be open from November 19 to December 10, 2018.
• Those living with dementia, as well as their family or friend caregivers, are predominately women. In identifying community-based projects under this fund, consideration will be given to populations that are more susceptible to the risk factors for dementia or experiencing barriers to accessing support (e.g., women, Indigenous populations, and rural or remote communities).

Associated Links

Call for Proposals - Dementia Community Investment 

SOURCE Public Health Agency of Canada

Thierry Bélair, Office of Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health, 613-957-0200; Media Relations, Public Health Agency of Canada, 613-957-2983, [email protected]; Public Inquiries: 613-957-2991, 1-866-225-0709