Per a news release issued by the Minister of Health, the British Columbia Ministry of Health is contributing $2.7 million to the Alzheimer Society of B.C. to provide a stronger connection between social support and health services and the individuals, families and caregivers affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
The announcement and show of support was made by Minister of Health Adrian Dix before joining the Investors Group Walk for Alzheimer’s in Vancouver.
“Being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia can be a shock to patients and families,” said Dix. “We recognize that a diagnosis can feel overwhelming and isolating and people may not be sure what steps to take. With this funding, more people will be supported to learn about the disease, how to cope with the changes and plan for the future.”
According to the news release, the $2.7 million is being made available to further support First Link, a program administered by the Alzheimer Society of B.C. which aims to provide support and assist those who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia throughout the progression of the disease.
Currently, there are more than 14,500 people connected to the First Link program, according to the news release.
Further information concerning First Link included in the news release states that the program’s mission is to reach out to individuals after a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or other form of dementia and ensure they are receiving the support and information that they need.
Additionally, First Link offers regional, province-wide resource centres which are full of trained staff and volunteers, as well as their First Link dementia helpline, which provides those who have questions with the proper answers and appropriate steps and services available, according to the news release.
“The support of a community can go a long way in helping people with dementia and their families feel supported,” said Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors Anne Kang. “First Link helps connect people to resources, like support groups and fitness and social programs, so they can meet families on a similar journey, share coping strategies and build friendships.”
According to the release, the Alzheimer Society of B.C., which aims to work toward helping the approximately 61,000 seniors in B.C. who have diagnosed dementia, was ecstatic about receiving further contributions and support from the Province of British Columbia.
“The Alzheimer Society of B.C. is so pleased and thankful for the support of the B.C. Ministry of Health,” said Maria Howard, chief executive officer, Alzheimer Society of B.C. “By continuing to provide funding for First Link dementia support, the ministry is demonstrating its commitment to British Columbians affected by dementia. The funding is vital for better supporting under served communities.”
Other programs to support and educate people living with dementia and their respective families offered by the Alzheimer Society of B.C. outside of First Link include Minds in Motion, a fitness and social program that is available to those in the early stages of dementia and their caregivers, per the release. The program allows those who participate to engage in a social environment, interesting activities and light exercise.
Apart from the $2.7 million of funding made available by the B.C. Ministry of Health, the Alzheimer Society of B.C. will continue to provide and host fundraising events, as well as continuing to commit to the First Link dementia helpline and support service in some of B.C.’s more remote communities.
For further information regarding the First Link program, visit alzheimer.ca/en/bc/We-can-help. To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease, visit www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/hw136623.