Alzheimer Society: Accessible Health Services
Aura Rose

Tomorrow, your doctor will tell you that the serious memory problems you're experiencing aren't stress-related; you likely have Alzheimer's disease.  Your first reaction: fear, anger, and the feeling that you're facing this progressive disease alone.  But then you realize the health system is there for you.

Through the leadership of the Alzheimer Society of B.C., in partnership with regional health authorities, dementia care in our province has been transformed over the past 30 years. Your dignity and quality of life are protected through new technologies and treatments developed through research, and innovative options for care developed right here in B.C.

From work that began in 2008 when the Alzheimer Society funded seven pilot projects through a $1 million grant from the Ministry of Health Services, you and those who care about you can meet the disease head on.  What started as small investments in different parts of the province have blossomed into an expanded range of services to help those affected by dementia throughout their journey.

When your doctor tells you that you have probable Alzheimer's disease, she immediately connects you and your family to the Alzheimer Society, which will help you every step of the way.  No longer will you be shuffled from one agency to another - if you get support at all; no longer will physicians like yours throw up their arms in frustration about where to refer their patients for education and assistance.

You may worry about being a burden on your family, but a full system of resources for caregivers is now in place, which allows them to build the knowledge, skills and abilities they need to care for you as well as themselves. Your caregiver's health will be monitored by case managers, home care nurses and physicians.

As questions about the disease arise you can easily find information, education and resources from the comfort and privacy of home through the Dementia Journey website.  It provides easy-to-follow education about living well with dementia, with clear and engaging web-based training pieces that answer questions you might have. 

Imagine: all B.C. residents can access the health services they need - whether English is their first language or not.  What started as a project to provide information in Chinese and Punjabi has expanded to numerous other languages.  These resources are accessed by people impacted by dementia internationally, showing once again the leadership B.C. has provided in this area.

Please note: the opinions expressed in these stories are those of the authors and not necessarily shared or endorsed by Dialogue Programs