P.E.I. dementia strategy needed now: Alzheimer Society

The Alzheimer Society of PEI wants the provincial dementia plan tabled and implemented.

The society says it helped work on the strategy six years ago in 2009, which included consultations with the community and health care providers.

To see it tabled and see where we are in allocated dollars from our government ... would be wonderful.Corrine Hendricken-Eldershaw,CEO, Alzheimer Society of PEI

"I think if you said to me then that it'll be six years before this may even see the light of day, I would have been surprised," said Corrine Hendricken-Eldershaw, CEO for the Alzheimer society on the Island.

Hendricken-Eldershaw said the strategy was submitted to the province in 2011, but the society has heard little in the way of follow-up.

She says many Islanders rely on the society for help, and that government should recognize that.

"Once you name a provincial dementia strategy and our role as a society, with that [would come] a budget line for funding commitment and that makes a big difference because we're a small team," said Hendricken-Eldershaw.

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She said the government hasprovided about $30,000 annuallyto the society, but it needs consistent government funding.

"When the last election unfolded, it looked like there was some will to maybe make a commitment," she said, adding it now looks like government may provide one-time-only money.

"It's a drain on our resources to be looking for funding to sustain something that's a core service and that is very invaluable to Islanders living the journey of this disease."

Wednesday in the legislature, Opposition House Leader James Aylward questioned why the strategy has not been implemented.

"I will bring an update back from Health PEI, but I do want to recognize that as the minister we certainly have been very conscientious of the needs of our seniors population," answered Health Minister Doug Currie.

"To see it tabled and see where we are in allocated dollars from our government to make a difference for Islanders living the journey of this disease, that would be wonderful," said Hendricken-Eldershaw.

She added the society has been asking for a meeting with the premier and the health minister, and hopes that will happen soon.