News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

September 6, 2022

Manitoba Government Invests $1.3 Million to Expand Client Support Program for those Living with Alzheimer's Disease



Manitobans living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, and the family members and caregivers who support them, will benefit from an additional $1.3 million to help manage the progression of the disease through supports offered by the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba (ASM), Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Scott Johnston announced today.

“Our government is committed to improving the quality of life of Manitoba seniors and investing in expert care for seniors living with dementias,” said Johnston. “This investment, in partnership with ASM, builds upon a shared commitment to meaningfully invest in programs that meet urgent needs, and help to meet the growing demand for specialized supports and services as client volumes rise. ASM has a long history of providing services to seniors and their families, and we are grateful for their partnership on the First Link initiative.”

The Manitoba government has invested in First Link for several years, the minister noted, adding this funding expansion will be matched year over year by public donations to ASM. The matched funding will be provided over four years, equalling $325,000 per year, beginning in the 2023-24 fiscal year.

“We are beyond excited to receive this multi-year funding from the provincial government for our First Link program,” said Wendy Schettler, CEO, Alzheimer Society of Manitoba. “The province has been a valued partner of this program for over a decade now and it is vitally important that we continue the expansion of First Link so families have a place to turn to for support and information throughout their dementia journey.”

Currently, in Manitoba, more than 18,400 Manitobans have dementia. This number is growing rapidly and is expected to reach 39,100 by 2050, the minister said.

Caregivers of seniors with dementia provide an average of 26 hours of care each week and more than four out of 10 caregivers of seniors with dementia exhibit caregiver distress, almost twice as many when compared with caregivers of those without dementia.

ASM is expected to serve over 131,000 Manitobans across the province over the next five years. On average, ASM receives calls for six new clients per day and demand for the program has surpassed the current public donation volume of revenue required to support client volumes, Johnston said.

First Link connects individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, and their families, to a variety of supports and services throughout the progression of the disease. The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba manages the program planning and provides access to community resources, information, medication and dementia-specific expertise.

First Link is based on a similar program in Ontario that has demonstrated the capacity to delay personal care home admissions, avoid hospitalizations and prevent a crisis.

The minister noted that improving care for individuals living with dementias and providing caregiver supports strategically aligns with the public engagement work currently underway towards the development of a new seniors strategy for Manitobans.

To participate in the continuing public consultations, visit https://engagemb.ca/building-a-plan-with-manitoba-seniors.

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