Early diagnosis is a focus of NB’s new strategic plan for dementia
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A three-year strategic plan to reduce the risk of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, and care for those affected by it, was announced Thursday by the New Brunswick government.
The plan includes $1 million in funding for the Alzheimer’s Society of New Brunswick to assist with implementation.
Premier Susan Holt said, “This is a plan that is focused on people.” He said the scheme focuses on public education and awareness, timely diagnosis and support for patients and their families and caregivers.
Holt said the plan, which he described as the first for the province, was based on feedback from more than 1,700 people, including people living with dementia, their care partners and health-care professionals.
New Brunswick has released a three-year plan to increase support for people living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, their caregivers, and prevention programming.
The report addresses risk reduction, public education and awareness, workforce training and support, timely diagnosis and support for people living with dementia and their caregivers.
Holt said many people with dementia describe it as loneliness. Many also said they did not receive a diagnosis soon enough, they had difficulty knowing where to get help, and they faced stigma about their condition.
Lynn Chantal-Boudreau, the minister responsible for seniors, said care will be “accessible, affordable and based on collaboration.”
“Many of us have grandparents, friends and neighbors on this journey,” Boudreau said.
He said in French that it’s important to highlight that rural New Brunswickers living with Alzheimer’s will get the same care and quality of life under the plan.
Chandra McBean, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Society of New Brunswick, said that when people with the disease and their families receive timely information, “they are better able to manage the journey with confidence, dignity and hope for much longer than they otherwise would.”
She said strong community support for people with dementia allows people to stay in their homes longer rather than having to go to a health care facility.
“And that’s what New Brunswickers want — to stay in their communities for as long as possible, surrounded by the people and places that matter most,” McBean said.
Asked by reporters about the delay in diagnosis, McBean said it could take six to nine months in some communities, and more than a year in other places.
He said the funding will be used for some existing programs, but will also include some new ones, such as education initiatives.
Jane Van Horn, a retired long-term care nurse from Campbellton whose father had dementia before he passed away, and whose husband now has it, spoke about the announcement of her support for the plan.
“Dementia is very unique to each individual and each family who struggles with the diagnosis,” Van Horn said.
“I have always been a firm believer that aging has its place, and especially in cases of the type of dementia when it can be possible.
“New Brunswickers want to stay in their homes most of the time, but families need to be supported, empowered and, most of all, encouraged.”
McBean said an estimated 12,000 New Brunswickers are diagnosed with dementia.
“But if you think about the impact of a diagnosis and the care that occurs, there are usually four to six additional people who help that person live in the community. So the impacts are quite far-reaching.”
The plan notes that many families living with dementia often rely on community-based programs and health services, which “can vary widely by location.”
It also notes that nursing home waiting lists remain long, families are often unaware of available respite care programs, and financial challenges can often increase challenges with care.
