Society voices support for Special Senate report
Many issues regarding dementia, and dementia care, recognized in the Committee's interim options
On April 7, representatives from the Alzheimer Society appeared before the Special Senate Committee of Aging in Ottawa.
The Society, there by invitation of the Committee, was asked to comment on the committee's second interim report, Issues and Options for an Aging Population.
The interim report, released to the public March 11, focuses on active aging; older workers, retirement and income security; healthy aging; supports to aging in place of choice; and the regional distribution of health costs associated with aging. The report outlines 84 policy options to improve the situation for seniors of today and of the future.
Patricia Wilkinson, Manager of Media and Government Relations for the Alzheimer Society of Canada, thanked the committee for their ongoing efforts in support of all aging Canadians.
"In May of 2007, we spoke to you about the devastating effects of dementia on an aging Canadian population," said Ms Wilkinson. "Today, I am pleased to report that many of our concerns and issues regarding dementia, and dementia care, have been recognized in your latest report."
Ms Wilkinson specifically addressed a number of the committee's options in Chapter 4 of the report, Healthy Aging.
"Your interest in promoting healthy aging is of particular interest to the Society," said Wilkinson. "Maintaining a healthy diet and exercising are excellent ways to help reduce the risk of developing dementia."
Ms Wilkinson also expressed support for other Chapter 4 options, including:
- establishing a national comprehensive publicly-insured or publicly-privately-insured prescription plan,
- capacity building programs for training in geriatrics,
- developing tools for the early diagnosis of mental health conditions.
Betty Brousse, a caregiver from the Ottawa area and an Alzheimer Society volunteer, also addressed the Senate Committee. Ms. Brousse spoke specifically to options listed in Chapter 5 of the interim report, Aging in Place of Choice.
"For me, the scariest part of my husband's disease was the year we waited for a diagnosis. Once a diagnosis was made, my husband and I were able to take part in a pilot program called First Link® offered by the Alzheimer Society," said Ms. Brousse. "It offered training and education concerning Alzheimer's and related dementias. Understanding the disease allowed us to face the future knowing what was in store for us."
Ms. Brousse was voicing her support for an option that would ensure that all family caregivers have access to education programs and support. Ms. Brousse also expressed support for other Chapter 5 options, including:
• the creation of a national respite program,
• financial aid to family caregivers,
• introduction of a national home care program.
Ms. Wilkinson concluded the presentation by noting that the Society remains optimistic about the committee's work, but has some concerns about which of the 84 options will be adopted into policy.
"The scope of your committee's perspective is impressive, but also causes concern regarding how many of your options get translated into policy and how many will necessarily be abandoned as government focuses on what is achievable," said Ms. Wilkinson. "From our perspective, we see immense value in the options that promote healthy and vital aging, those that fight ageism and stigma, and the ones that would help seniors and their caregivers obtain equity and access to the supports they need in pursuing healthy aging goals."
The Alzheimer Society added that it is already working towards many of the options recommended by the Committee, and that by working together, the Society and the Committee could make real change in the lives of those affected by dementia.
The Senate Committee will continue its consultation with Canadians before developing a comprehensive set of recommendations for its final report.
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