Other than geographic location, there is no differentiation between living with dementia in Alberta or in Prince Edward Island. Dementia is an unto common diagnosis for many living in Canada.
As defined by the Public Health agency of Canada, Dementia refers to a set of symptoms and signs associated with a progressive deterioration of cognitive functions that affects daily activities (2016). Dementia the disease follows no set clinical pathways and does not respond consistently to medical interventions. The care plans developed and implemented in LTC or in home care settings are Patient and Family centered, they enforce in the moment flexibility and reinforce the importance of understanding, safeguarding, and a need for deep engagement in each patient’s unique dementia journey.
The Government of Canada has implemented a federal dementia care framework that focused on five key pillars: collaboration, research and innovation, surveillance and data, informed resources, and skilled workforce (2019). This framework is being adopted in a variety of creative and similar ways across Canada, including Alberta and Prince Edward Island. Even as diverse as the two provinces are their approach to provincial dementia care is focused action. The government of PEI has recently launched the 2021 Seniors Health Services Plan: Aging well 2021 and in Alberta the government released the Alberta dementia strategy plan and progress report in 2019. Both plans showcase the provincial commitment to dementia care and exhibit the pathway for the provinces to implement the federally driven dementia care framework. In reviewing the plans, education is an identified anchor in both Alberta and PEI.
The Alzheimer’s society of PEI put the call out to healthcare providers in their province by asking, do you want to learn a positive approach to dementia care? Do you want to create an inclusive and engaging environment for all? Do you want to experience what it might feel like to have dementia? Do you want to learn U-FIRST principles? Do you want to decrease violence in the workplace? Check out our dementia care training program (2021). Both provinces are also fostering education for those living with the disease, their care givers and the education institutions that are teaching the healthcare teams. In Alberta this has been with the introduction of First Link® (led by the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories) is a referral program that connects newly diagnosed Albertans, their families, and caregivers to services and learning resources (2019). And, both provinces have been fostering community-based education that focuses on awareness programs dedicated to promoting safe and inclusive neighborhoods for those living with or caring for in home family members who are living with dementia. From coast to coast, Canadians are working hard to meet and exceed the care needs of those living with dementia in continuing care and in our communities.
References
Alzheimer Society (2021). Dementia care training. Retrieved November 6, 2021, from Dementia Care Training | Alzheimer Society of Prince Edward Island
Government of Alberta (2019). Alberta dementia strategy plan and progress report. Retrieved November 5, 2021, from adsap-progress-report-2019-03-06.pdf (alberta.ca)
Government of Canada (2019). A Dementia strategy for Canada: Together we aspire. Retrieved November 5, 2021, from A Dementia Strategy for Canada: Together We Aspire - Canada.ca
Government of Prince Edward Island (2021). Provincial seniors health service plan. Retrieved November 5, 2021, from provincial_seniors_health_service_plan_final.pdf (princeedwardisland.ca)
Public Health Agency of Canada (2018). Prevalence of dementia varies by jurisdiction. Retrieved November 4, 2021, from Public Health Infobase: Canadian Chronic Disease Surveillance System (CCDSS) External link, opens in new window
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