Toronto, ON – April 4, 2017 – The Alzheimer Society of Canada joins Carers Canada and its partners to applaud Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for recognizing the 8.1 million carers in Canada through a statement released today in celebration of National Carers Day.
“The Government’s commitment to caregivers is particularly critical to Canadians who care for friends and family members with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia,” says Pauline Tardif, CEO at the Alzheimer Society of Canada, who is herself a caregiver to a parent with dementia.
Because dementia is a progressive degenerative disease, which can last up to 10 years or more, caregivers face unique and often overwhelming challenges. As the disease worsens, they will provide round-the-clock care while juggling busy schedules, jobs and other responsibilities.
“Not only must they tend to the needs of a family member with dementia, caregivers experience high levels of stress and other health issues,” says Tardif.
That’s why on this National Carers Day, the Alzheimer Society encourages anyone caring for someone with dementia to connect with their provincial or local Alzheimer Society for help and support. This includes counselling groups, education programs, respite and more.
“Caregivers deserve our recognition for their tireless work, but it’s also important that they know they’re not alone. The Society can help from diagnosis to end-of-life care,” adds Tardif.
To learn more about Alzheimer Society resources, visit www.alzheimer.ca
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Quick facts
• 564,000 Canadians have dementia today.
• Each year, 25,000 more Canadians are diagnosed.
• While dementia is not a natural part of aging, age remains the biggest risk factor.
• For every person with dementia, two or more family members provide care.
• Costs for people living with dementia are generally 5.5 times greater than for those without the disease.
• In 2011, family caregivers provided 19.2 million unpaid hours of care; this number is expected to double by 2031.
Media contact:
Rosanne Meandro
Director, Communications & Media Relations
Direct: 416-847-8920
Mobile: 416-669-5715
rmeandro@alzheimer.ca
