On September 26, 2015 the Huron County Partners for Dementia Support held an event with persons with dementia, partners in care (including family members, health care organizations and government representatives) to learn more about how we can work to enhance dementia care in Huron County.
When asked about their involvement in the community we were told that they appreciate and use the services and support provided by the Alzheimer Society, local business and organizations, and that they receive social support from home grown social groups. When asked about what they needed to become more connected to their community we learned that persons living with dementia and their care partners would like to see a dementia friendly system that is unique to their rural communities, one that includes more financial, peer and community supports such as increased transportation, respite/day programs and transitional care.
When asked to describe a positive relationship that they had been a part of, persons with dementia and their care partners appreciated the relationships that they had built with family, friends, ministry representatives, and health care and service workers. When we asked them to think about how relationships have changed since receiving a diagnosis of dementia, we learned that people create new networks of support, family relationships continue to be diverse and it is often difficult for families to accept the diagnosis, but there is a need to continue to support the person with dementia, share information and bridge the gaps in understanding.
Persons with dementia and their care partners also reported that they found the information provided by the Alzheimer Society, day programs, and other care partners useful but they still need more information on the specifics of long-term care. They also reported that the community needs more education and information in order to increase awareness of dementia and decrease the associated stigma.
The Huron County Partners for Dementia Support and Ben Lobb, MP Working Together to Enhance Dementia Care in Huron County.