News Releases

The Manitoba government is providing $300,000 to provide education programs offered by the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba for individuals living with dementia and their families, Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Cameron Friesen announced today.

 

“Dementia has a tremendous impact on families, the health-care system and our economy. Today, more than 23,000 Manitobans are living with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia, and this the number is expected to double in the next generation,” said Friesen. “This funding will support the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba as it continue its work to make a difference in the lives of people living with dementia by providing education to families across the province.”

 

The minister said the funding will be used to expand the family education and first-link client support services programs that cover the full disease range from the beginning to the end of illness, with topics such as the progression of dementia, communication skills and preventing and responding to changing behaviours.

 

“This much-needed funding helps support a comprehensive education series to support Manitobans living with dementia along the continuum of the disease,” said Wendy Schettler, CEO, Alzheimer Society of Manitoba. “Families count on this information so that they are better equipped to face the daily challenges of dementia with reliable information, resources, and an understanding of what’s to come.”

 

The minister noted that caregivers of older adults with dementia provide an average of 26 hours of care each week, which is substantially higher than the 17 hours provided by caregivers of those without dementia.

 

“These family education programs are key to helping caregivers better understand the disease and how it affects their loved one,” said Friesen. “These programs also gives them valuable information on caregiving, community and health-system resources and supports, legal information and self-care.”

 

While some in-person seminars have been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the society has been offering online sessions. For more information, visit https://alzheimer.mb.ca. 

 

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