World Alzheimer’s Day Recognized in Province

Tomorrow (Saturday, September 21) is World Alzheimer’s Day. This day is recognized internationally to help raise awareness and challenge the stigma associated with Alzheimer’s and dementia. This year's theme is Dementia: A journey of caring. During World Alzheimer’s Day, people are encouraged to wear blue as a show of support and to help raise awareness.

“Throughout our lives, many people we know will be touched by Alzheimer’s,” said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services. “Learning to cope with the disease and dealing with those who have been affected takes tremendous strength and support. Our government has made a commitment to work with our community partners and invest in areas of long-term care and community support services to improve the lives of individuals and their families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.”

Significant focus has been placed on all aspects of providing enhanced care options for older adults and individuals with disabilities in communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. With the launch of the 10-year provincial long-term care and community support services strategy, Close to Home, several new initiatives have been implemented, including the Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Transportation Pilot Project and the Enhanced Care in Personal Care Homes Pilot Project. These new initiatives complement the over $600 million provided annually to deliver long-term care and community support services in the province.

“Our organization strives to provide help for today and hope for tomorrow for those individuals on the journey of Alzheimer’s disease in our province,” said Shirley Lucas, Executive Director, Alzheimer Society of Newfoundland and Labrador. “On World Alzheimer’s Day, we acknowledge the tremendous contribution of all those affected as they empower us to continue the fight against this disease and their caregivers who give tirelessly of their love and devotion to help along the journey. It is our hope that someday this disease is a memory! We are very pleased with the Provincial Government’s commitment to those affected by this disease. Thanks to their support, we are able to embark on our First Link program that will have tremendous benefit to the province.”

Over the past several years, the Provincial Government has provided approximately $175,000 to help support projects and initiatives led by the Alzheimer Society of Newfoundland and Labrador. Specifically, funding was provided to support the First Link initiative. This program is helping connect individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s and provide them with access to programs and services, including counselling and support groups, tips on how to navigate the health care system and workshops.

For more information on the Alzheimer Society of Newfoundland and Labrador and its programs and services, visit: www.alzheimernl.org or www.facebook.com/ASNL2 .

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2013 09 20             10:35 a.m.