In October 2002 Manitoba Health released A Strategy for Alzheimer Disease and Related Dementia in Manitoba. The Strategy was developed through an extensive consultation process co-chaired by Manitoba Health and the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba. The consultation was interdisciplinary and included experts in the field, individuals with dementia, family members and caregivers, representation from all Regional Health Authorities and a variety of senior serving organizations.

Click for a full detailed version of A Strategy for Alzheimer Disease and Related Dementias in Manitoba  

RECOMMENDATIONS :

1 Education: In order for people with dementia to have an optimum quality of life, they, their families, friends, communities and health care professionals, must be informed and educated. 

2 Guidelines for Diagnosis: There is a need for timely and standardized diagnosis with follow-up protocol. General practitioners and family practice physicians must have access to continuing education about best practice, diagnosis and treatment information. 

3 Standards: There is a need for a consistent person-centred approach that involves common language; coordinated community and facility based service systems, and practices and guidelines that support optimum quality of care. 

4 Family and Individual Support: It outlines the need for access to flexible and timely information and support; for flexible options in choosing care providers and knowledgeable and sensitive health care staff who are empowered to practice a person-centred approach. 

5 Programs and Services:. There is a need for both facility and community based programs to be more responsive to the needs of people with Alzheimer's disease or another dementia. In particular leisure, recreation and respite programming needs to be expanded so people requiring these services can have improved access. 

6 Case Management and Collaboration: Where a model of care is identified that improves access to services and utilizes all available expertise. 

7 Equitable Access: There is a need for equitable access to assessment, physician specialist services diagnostic and support services in all areas of the province. 

8 Human and Financial Concerns: A sufficient number and mix of health care providers with appropriate qualifications are needed to meet the needs of individuals in the community, in supportive housing and in personal care homes. 

9 Research and Evaluation: Local, provincial and regional outcome based evaluations must be conducted with mechanisms in place to communicate best practices.