Stephen Musehl of Chesley is the new Executive Director of the Alzheimer Society of Grey-Bruce.

Musehl officially began his duties Monday, replacing Deborah Barker who retired after more than 22 years at the helm of the organization.

"I would first like to Thank Deborah Barker for all her hard work over the past 22 years," Musehl said.

"She has managed to grow the Alzheimer Society substantially over the years to offer a wide array of programs and services for people with dementia and their care partners.

"She has helped create a wonderful and welcoming culture for the clients and staff at the Alzheimer Society and I wish her all the best in her retirement."

Musehl, who was born and raised on a farm just outside of Chesley, comes to the Alzheimer Society after four years with Home and Community Support Services of Grey Bruce as Team Leader of Adult Day-Program, Meals on Wheels, Friendly Visiting and Transportation programs."

"This included experience in making community partnerships, quality improvement plans and experienced-based program design," he said.

"These are areas where the Alzheimer Society has always shown leadership and I look forward to continuing to work with other organizations to build strong programs and services."

Before returning to Grey-Bruce Musehl spent six years with Community Living York South as a Residential Supervisor and Adult Day Program Supervisor.

"It's a very exciting time to become part of the Alzheimer Society of Grey-Bruce," he said. "The provincial and federal governments have both recently put in place Dementia Strategies that will focus more attention and awareness on the impact this disease has on society.

"We need to continue to increase awareness of dementia so that people are not afraid to seek help," he said.

The recently announced Ontario Dementia Strategy, which includes $101 million in funding over the next 3 years, is expected to provide opportunities for new and expanded support programs and services, he said.

"Research has shown that early intervention, education and counselling can assist in improving people's quality of life and delaying placement into long-term care, which is beneficial to both the client and the health care system as a whole."

The number of people in Grey Bruce with dementia is expected to continue to grow by over 50 per cent in the next 15 years.

"The demand for our services will increase just as much or more, He said, "putting more and more pressure on our financial resources."

Currently only 60 per cent of our annual budget is funded by government or other outside sources, he said.

"We depend on the generosity of the Grey-Bruce community to provide the other 40 per cent. We will continue to be forever grateful to those individuals and businesses who continue to support us financially."

source: media release, Alzheimer Society of Grey Bruce