Province funds dementia program

By Gillian Slade on September 7, 2017.

gslade@medicinehatnews.com  @MHNGillianSlade

A program to help recognize the needs of those affected by dementia received provincial funding on Wednesday.

The new dementia-friendly pilot project is starting in Calgary and Okotoks through the Brenda Strafford Foundation. Training will be provided for local businesses, including ATB Financial staff, on how to recognize signs of confusion or disorientation in their customers.

An information toolkit will be available to help spread awareness about dementia-friendly communities.

The province is providing $100,000 of the $350,000 budget to support the pilot projects. The Strafford Foundation is contributing $150,000 and Alberta Health Services and Alberta Innovates are each contributing $50,000.

The project will be completed by fall 2019.

“It is estimated that by 2038, about one in 10 Albertans over age 65 and nearly half over 90 will be living with dementia. Our government is proud to support innovative work to educate the public about dementia and to help reduce the stigma associated with this disease,” said Lori Sigurdson, Minister of Seniors and Housing, in a press release.

“We are extending our focus beyond our walls to work with the community and other partners to ensure people with dementia can remain in their homes, safely and properly supported in the community, for as long as possible. The toolkit will ensure localized, evidence-based knowledge is shared as a blueprint for Alberta,” said Mike Conroy, president and CEO, Brenda Strafford Foundation, in the press release.

The project helps those impacted by the devastating condition feel more comfortable and safe through increased awareness, inclusiveness and empathy, said Peggy Garritty, ATB chief reputation and brand officer.