The Manitoba Government has committed to working with the Alzheimer Society to renew the provincial Alzheimer’s strategy.
Nine years ago the Manitoba Government adopted a “Strategy for Alzheimer Disease and Related Dementias in Manitoba”. The Strategy focused on Nine Strategic Issues regarding care for a person with dementia.
A revitalized and renewed Strategy is needed to address the current context and funding is needed to implement the revised Strategic Issues.
Here are the Nine Strategic Issues:
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, 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 Across All Programs and Services - 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 - Caregivers need access to flexible and timely information and support; flexible options for choosing care providers and knowledgeable and sensitive health care staff who
are empowered to practice a person-centred approach.
5) Programs and Services - Changes are needed to make both facility and community-based programs
more responsive to the needs of people with Alzheimer’s disease. Leisure, recreation and respite
programming need to be expanded so people requiring these services can have access.
6) Case Management and Collaboration - There is a need for a model of care 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 changing needs of individuals with dementia and their
families in the community, in supportive housing and in personal care homes.
9) Research and Evaluation - Bio-medical, psycho-social, and best practice research is needed in
Manitoba. Outcome-based evaluations with mechanisms to communicate best practices would lead to
stronger programs and services for people with dementia and their caregivers.
We will keep you posted as to the progress of this initiative as it moves forward with the Manitoba Government.
