The Alzheimer Society of Grey-Bruce welcomes the province's opening of public consultation on its discussion paper Developing Ontario's Dementia Strategy.
"We have been closely following the province's work on creating a dementia strategy, and we look forward to the next stage, a broader public consultation based on the discussion paper." said Deborah Barker, executive director of the Grey-Bruce Society.
The discussion paper is the result of consultation with community members, including people living with dementia and family caregivers, as well as service and health care providers. It is a critical step towardsdeveloping and implementing a comprehensive strategy to address the needs of Ontarians affected by dementia.
Two individuals from Grey-Bruce who have dementia have been actively involved in the preliminary discussions, Barker said.
Barb Crawford from Owen Sound and Mary Beth Wighton from Southampton have taken active roles in the preliminary consultations. Wighton chaired the Ontario Dementia Advisory Group and Crawford joined the meetings online using technology in the Alzheimer Society of Grey-Bruce office.
"This report is a good foundation to start the in-depth discussion to plan change," said Wighton.
"People with dementia need to be first priority in this strategy. We look forward to being fully engaged with the Ontario government in the continuing development, implementation, and evaluation of Ontario's Dementia Strategy."

Barker said the next stage in the development of Ontario's dementia strategy will be very important.
"Virtually everyone has been touched by dementia in some way, either personally, or through a family member, a friend or acquaintance, or a colleague.
"That's why it is important for people to take part in the discussions," she said.
Public input is being sought on key issues, including:

• Providing supports to help people with dementia live well
• Ensuring access to the right information and services at the right time
• Coordinating care between health care and other service providers
• Supporting care partners with their caregiving responsibilities
• Having a well-trained workforce to provide dementia care
• Raising awareness and reducing stigma about brain health and dementia

Links to the discussion paper and the consultation process can be found here.

source: media release, Alzheimer Society of Grey-Bruce