The Yukon government has finalized an agreement with the Alzheimer Society of B.C. to expand dementia services to meet Yukoners’ unique needs across the territory.

This aligns with the government’s efforts to provide supports for seniors and caregivers and implement recommendations from Putting People First and the Aging in Place Action Plans.

The Yukon dementia support expansion is intended to inform, educate and support Yukon-based community members and health care providers who are either living with dementia or providing personal or professional care for someone living with dementia. The expansion will introduce:

• The Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s First Link® Dementia Helpline;

• a Yukon-exclusive caregiver support group;

• access to online caregiver support groups;

• access to online education sessions and webinars for health care providers, people living with dementia and personal caregivers; and

• public awareness of these programs and services.

“Seniors and elders are a vital part of the Yukon, and our government is committed to providing adequate care and support as they age,” Health and Social Services Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee said Friday.

“I take pride in the agreement that our government has established with the Alzheimer Society of B.C., which focuses on providing Yukon-specific support to people living with dementia, their caregivers, and health care professionals.

“Our aim is to strengthen the Yukon as a place where everyone can experience a safe and supportive aging process,” McPhee added.

The term of the quality improvement initiative is until March 31, 2024.

“It’s our mission to ensure people affected by dementia aren’t alone through offering dementia support and education,” said Jen Lyle, the CEO of the Alzheimer Society of B.C.

“Extending these critical services is an opportunity to walk alongside people living with dementia and their caregivers in Yukon, to help relieve loneliness and isolation and build a stronger, more informed community around them.”

The expansion of Yukon-specific dementia resources will support both people affected by dementia (including people living with dementia and caregivers) and health care providers.

The society’s First Link® Dementia Helpline is a confidential service for anyone affected by dementia, whether professionally, including health care providers and other community members, or personally, including people living with dementia and their caregivers.