In 2050, in Quebec, according to current projections, more than 360,000 people will live with a neurocognitive disorder.
In 2020, there were 147,000. That’s a whopping 145% increase in 30 years.
In Abitibi-Témiscamingue, creating a fund dedicated to Alzheimer’s disease and neurocognitive disorders in Quebec’s next budget would limit use of a health system already under pressure from manpower shortages.
“It must be treated as a public health issue. We do not believe that government alone will be able to meet the many needs that will arise. We are fortunate to rely on community organizations and social economy institutions, but also on people’s entourage. It is to ensure that people are more aware of how to intervene. We have to coordinate all of this, explains Guillaume Barent, General Director of the Alzheimer’s Association of Abitibi-Temiscaminge.
Out of the box, the union requires two concrete, short-term measures. It is proposed that the Commissioner for Health and Welfare inherits a mandate to study the needs related to the increase in neurocognitive disorders in order to propose solutions in particular.
The Federation also calls for the improvement and maintenance of the assistance agreement for the implementation of the referral process. Allows health professionals to refer caregivers to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Again this year, residents will be invited to contribute to the increase in services. The Walks, a fundraising activity for the local Alzheimer’s Association, returns at the end of May to Amos, Rowen Noranda, and Phil Marie.
In addition to rallying people around the cause, fundraising accounts for 20% of the organization’s annual revenue. The money will be used for training, a rest period for carers, activities and support.
