Liberals committed to investing in dementia support

NEWS RELEASE

DAVID ORAZIETTI CAMPAIGN

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Orazietti Participates in All Candidates Discussion on Alzheimer’s

The Ontario Liberal plan for health care addresses the growing needs of the province's aging population by providing increased dementia supports, announced David Orazietti, Liberal candidate.

“Our party is the only party with a plan to specifically address the needs of individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia and to provide the appropriate supports for their families,” said Orazietti. “We are committed to opening 25 specialized memory clinics to serve the needs of Ontarians with memory and cognitive impairment challenges.”

The 2014 Liberal Plan will continue to provide seniors with better access to health care, quality resources, and improved safety and security by:

• Investing in 25 new Memory Clinics that will help delay the onset of dementia, and support Ontarians with memory and cognitive impairment to better manage chronic disease and mobility challenges
• Providing appropriate supports for prevention and management of dementia for families and providers
• Investing in appropriate resources to improve the development of evidence about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease and its impacts
• Supporting family caregivers by expanding the right to time off work, as well as respite programs, education and training supports

In opposing the Liberal plan, the NDP rejected increased wages for Personal Support Workers (PSWs) which would lead to better care and decreased wait times for seniors and gave the PCs the opportunity to impose devastating health care cuts.

The last the NDP formed government in Ontario they cut 3,000 nursing positions, worsened the doctor shortage by cutting medical school spaces and built no new hospitals.

Since 2003, Ontario Liberals have provided over $8 million for the Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, including support for 19 local elder abuse networks in Northern Ontario, and launched the ‘Finding Your Way’ safety awareness program in partnership with the Alzheimer Society of Ontario and law enforcement groups.

The provincial Liberals have also established two Elderly Persons Centres (EPCs) in Sault Ste. Marie, the SSM Steelton Senior Services Centre and the SSM Senior Services Drop-In Centre, which are vital community hubs providing health, social and recreational programs to promote wellness for seniors.

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