Add your support to a national dementia strategy
Administrator | Dec 02, 2014 | Comments 0
My C-356 federal legislation, An Act for a National Dementia Strategy, will be up for debate and a vote early in 2015.
As I have often said, Alzheimer and other dementia diseases are non-partisan. We need a non-partisan, all-party solution for a national dementia strategy and C-356.
Canada needs a dementia plan – now. My bill supports The Alzheimer Society’s call for a national dementia plan to help reduce the burden of dementia and to support more people with the disease across Canada. Health-care providers, politicians, and policy makers need to focus on:
· Increasing funding for research into all aspects of dementia
· Promoting earlier diagnosis and intervention
· Strengthening the integration of primary, home and community care
· Enhancing skills and training of the dementia workforce
· Recognizing the needs and improving supports for caregivers
You probably know how staggering the numbers are – 747,000 with Alzheimer’s or dementia related diseases, to double in a generation. But I usually simply ask anyone if they know someone with dementia or caregiving for a loved one. Almost everyone does. They are our parents, grandparents, relatives, friends, neighbours and work colleagues.
Dr. Chris Alexander, president of the Canadian Medical Association, has recently linked dementia to the crisis in acute care beds in Canada, i.e. that an estimated third of all acute beds are occupied by people suffering from dementia. With proper leadership from Ottawa through a national strategy, many could be in their homes or in other places of care, with more dementia-friendly and properly resourced communities.
Here is a link to the legislation, and a link to my web site, with current and projected national statistics on the “dementia tsunami” and its impact on our existing healthcare challenges.
http://www.parl.gc.ca/LEGISInfo/BillDetails.aspx?billId=5254652&Mode=1&Language=E
http://claudegravelle.ndp.ca/national-dementia-strategy
There are three easy things that you can do to support the National Dementia Strategy:
Write or email the Prime Minister and Health Minister. (Click here for a sample letter)
pm@pm.gc.ca
Rona.Ambrose@parl.gc.ca.
Download a House of Commons petition and gather signatures. Petition your MP to support the National Dementia Strategy. The petition must have a minimum of 25 signatures. (Click here for a petition to print)
Have Your Municipality Pass a Resolution! (Click here for sample)
Thank you
Claude Gravelle, MP
Nickel Belt
For services and information in Prince Edward County:
http://www.alzheimer.ca/pec
Alzheimer Society of Prince Edward County
90 King Street,
Corner of King & Paul
Picton, ON K0K 2T0
Tel: (613 )476-2085
Fax: (613) 476-1537
E-mail: linda.steacy@alzheimerhpe.ca
Filed Under: Letters and Opinion • News from Everywhere Else
About the Author: