Chatham-Kent residents living with, or caring for those with dementia should soon get some relief.
The Ontario government has invested $99,900 to connect people in CK with dementia care, support, and services.
Trevor Jones, the MPP for Chatham-Kent-Leamington, announced Monday that the funding would go to the Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent to support its 'First Link Care Navigation program' which helps connect dementia patients and their families to care, education, and other resources.
"This funding will make a real difference in the lives of those affected by dementia in Chatham-Kent and beyond," Jones said. "By expanding care teams and reducing wait times, we are ensuring that those who need assistance most will receive timely, comprehensive support."
Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Steve Pinsonneault called the funding a "game-changer" for families affected by dementia.
The funding is part of the province's two-year $6.9 million investment meant to support all stages of dementia care for Ontarians.
Brandon Ball the CEO of Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent said the money will allow more people to get more timely care.
"This funding has been key to alleviating wait times for those individuals in this community needing dementia-specific supports and services," Ball stated. "We have been able to hire an additional registered social worker to provide in-home/in-office supports, which has allowed us to expand our services to meet the ever-increasing demand in Chatham-Kent."
In Ontario, more than 250,000 people live with dementia and this number is expected to grow as the population continues to age.
