About the consultation

It’s estimated that:

  • about 228, 000 people are currently living with dementia in Ontario
  • by 2038, the number of people living with dementia will grow to more than 430,000
  • between 2008 and 2038, dementia will cost Ontario close to $325 billion in health care, lost wages or out-of-pocket expenses for people living with dementia and their care partners

We want to  improve access to dementia supports through the creation and implementation of a new Dementia Strategy. This is one of the components in Ontario’s Patients First: Action Plan for Health Care.

Based on feedback from experts, including people living with dementia, their care partners, health care professionals and service providers, we’ve drafted a Dementia Strategy Discussion Paper.

Our public consultations were guided by the six themes in the discussion paper:

  1. Supports for people living with dementia
  2. Accessing dementia services
  3. Coordinated care
  4. Supports for care partners
  5. Well-trained dementia workforce
  6. Awareness, stigma, and brain health

The goal of the strategy is to ensure all Ontarians with dementia, along with their families and care partners:

  • are treated with respect
  • are living well
  • have access to information that allows them to make the best possible choices about their health and well-being
  • have access to appropriate services and supports where and when they need them

This consultation builds on work already in progress to support people living with dementia.

How to participate - closed

Between September 21 and November 18, 2016, we gathered gathered feedback through:

  • an online survey
  • in-person town halls
  • email

What is dementia

Dementia is a term used to describe a group of conditions that affect the brain and cause problems with a person’s memory and their ability to think, speak or perform familiar tasks.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia.

A person with dementia may also experience changes in mood or behaviour that seem out of character. These problems gradually worsen over time and interfere with a person’s ability to carry out daily activities and to live independently.

While living with dementia can be challenging, it’s important to know that it doesn’t change who a person is. Many people continue to pursue their interests, make decisions about their health, maintain relationships and age well.

Resources

For more information on the symptoms of dementia or dementia support services in your community, visit the Alzheimer Society of Ontario.

You can also call Telehealth for free, confidential medical advice. A Registered Nurse will take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Your privacy matters

Your privacy is important to us. Do not include personal health information such as your health card number in your responses or any information that identifies a friend, family member, health care provider or other person.

If you choose to provide personal information when registering for the in-person consultations, through the survey, this website, or by email, the information will be handled according to our Privacy Statement.