Newfoundland and Labrador launching dementia care plan

Newfoundland and Labrador is launching a three-year dementia care plan to promote awareness and improve support and services for those with dementia.

The three-year plan has 36 actions aimed at increasing awareness, reducing the risk of dementia and addressing stigma and diagnosis and coordination of care. The plan also looks to help with support and services for people living with dementia and their care parents, families and professional learning and development.

Alzheimer Society of Newfoundland and Labrador CEO Shirley Lucas said the society is pleased with the province's commitment to the plan.

"This plan is reflective of the diverse needs of those living with dementia and will be instrumental in improving dementia care within our province,” said Lucas in a news release.

“We welcome the engagement of key stakeholders, care partners and the community to improve the support and services to enhance quality of life for those living with dementia.”

Numbers from the Alzheimer Society of Newfoundland and Labrador suggest more than 10,000 people are living with dementia in the province.

The society expects the number to grow to 14,000 by 2035. An action council was established last summer to support the plan's development and is made up of representatives from the government, regional health authorities, the Alzheimer Society of Newfoundland and Labrador and people with lived experience.

More information about the care plan is available online at www.gov.nl.ca/releases/files/2023/03/23135Dementia-Care-Action-PlanMarch-30.pdf.