Advocacy Priorities

It is estimated that at least 85,000 people in B.C. currently live with dementia, a number that is expected to grow to almost a quarter-million by 2050. The province urgently needs to act to ensure it can address existing and anticipated challenges. 

We have identified four priorities we believe B.C.’s government can focus on to help families affected by dementia: 

• _{Ensure long-term investment in First Link®. First Link® dementia support provides vital, culturally responsive support to people affected by dementia from pre-diagnosis to end-of-life, yet demand for these services continues to outpace provincial funding. A multi-year provincial investment of $4.2 million annually would ensure families receive the help they need, while reducing avoidable hospital visits and helping people remain safely at home.}

• _{Help break down stigma and social isolation. Stigma has a big impact on people living with dementia, their families, friends and care partners. When people know more about dementia, they’re more likely to seek an earlier diagnosis and find the support and community they need to live as well as possible with the disease.} 

• _{Improve the diagnosis experience. People living with dementia and their care partners tell us getting a diagnosis is difficult and that once they get one, they do not have clarity about what happens next or if the supports they need will be available. A timely diagnosis gives people an opportunity to plan and access treatment and support that may help slow the progression of the disease.}

• _{Ensure the right support is available at the right time. People living with dementia are falling through the cracks. We need to enhance the quality and accessibility of existing services to ensure that people affected by dementia receive the support they need, when and where they need it.}

Here are some easy ways you can help make dementia a priority: 

• _{Talk to family and friends.}

• _{Communicate in writing or in person with your local MLA.}

• _{Share our posts or your own thoughts and experiences on social media.}

• _{Write letters to your local news media.}

For more information on how to be an advocate, check out our Speaking Up Guide here. 

Keep up to date on our news and stories here. 

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