Support for caregivers of people living with Dementia

Caregivers for people living with dementia face unique challenges and may jeopardize their own health while trying to provide the best support they can to their loved ones. Improving support for caregivers is an area of focus of the national dementia strategy. The 2020 public opinion research survey found that almost two out of five Canadians (36%) had aided someone living with dementia within the last five years. Of those caregivers, only 57% agreed that they were able to provide the care needed, suggesting that more can be done to support caregivers.14 This year’s report shares some examples of initiatives underway across Canada that support dementia caregivers.

Building knowledge

•    Introducing Gentle Persuasive Approaches in Dementia Care is an initiative that aims to strengthen the knowledge of formal (paid) and informal (unpaid and often family/friend) caregivers (Alzheimer Society of New Brunswick and Horizon Health).

•    The Community Dementia Ambassador Training pilot program provides resources and in-person supports to partners and caregivers of people living with dementia in remote communities in the Northwest Territories (Alzheimer Society of Alberta and the Northwest Territories).

•    In Yukon, the Shine a Light on Dementia: Caregiver Training Program aims to equip caregivers with knowledge and skills while sharing experiences and resources (Yukon Department of  Health and Social Services).

•    My Tools 4 Care-In Care is a web-based platform that provides interactive activities, resources and guidelines to support caregivers to improve  mental wellbeing by  fostering social inclusion and building skills and knowledge in working with long-term care providers (University of Alberta).

Financial support

•    The Government of Nova Scotia Caregiver Benefit Program provides funding to eligible caregivers who are providing assistance to qualified care recipients, including those with moderate cognitive and high physical impairment residing in the community (Nova Scotia Health Authority).

•    Federal personal income tax assistance is provided in recognition of the fact that people living with dementia and those who care for them may have a reduced ability to pay tax.

Community-based services

•    The Community-based Innovations for Dementia Care initiative provides funding to 14 local community and health service providers to implement projects that build innovative approaches in person-centred dementia services (Alberta).

•    The Home and Community Care Program provides home and community care services in all communities, such as home support and respite care for caregivers as well as for Nunavummiut diagnosed with dementia-related illness who are able to be supported at home. A new 24-bed long-term care facility will provide around-the-clock nursing care to support the medical and cultural needs of a growing population of Nunavut seniors (Nunavut).