Michelle Stilwell, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health for Healthy Living and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health for Seniors, issued the following statement in recognition of World Alzheimer’s Day, which is September 21:

“Being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s is never easy - not only for the person with the disease - but for loved ones as well as caregivers.

“According to the Alzheimer’s Society of B.C, there are over 70,000 British Columbians with a form of dementia. And it’s not just seniors that are affected. People can also develop early onset dementia before the age of 65.

“Our government is committed to ensuring access to assistance whether it’s at home or in a residential care facility, and we continue to work with community and non-profit partners to expand resources and supports available to individuals and families. An estimated $2.8 billion is invested by health authorities on home and community care services - up approximately $1.2 billion from 2001, an increase of 79%.

“We also partnered with the Alzheimer Society of B.C. and have invested $6 million dollars to support First Link, which provides information and access to services right after diagnosis.

“Last year, the Ministry of Health signed a three-year licence with P.I.E.C.E.S. Canada to use their dementia education program to train residential care providers in British Columbia. All health authorities have implemented the P.I.E.C.E.S. program, which provides a systematic framework for detection, assessment and care planning using a person-centred approach.

“As well, in 2012, the Province announced the Provincial Dementia Action Plan, which sets out goals to help people with dementia and their families to access quality care and services. This also includes guidelines to support care providers by giving them access to tools and resources. In fact, our government is in the process of updating the plan with the hopes of identifying areas we can improve upon.

“The changes related to dementia can profoundly affect the lives of people with the disease and their relationships with family and friends. However, the provincial network of resources available can make it easier for all involved.”

Media Contacts:

Ryan Jabs
Communications Director
Ministry of Health
250 413-712