February 14, 2011

Where do the 70,000 individuals living with dementia and their families factor in the BC Liberal leadership race?

  • Christy Clark wants to “put families first” and proposes to increase funding for government programs but plans to also manage costs to our health care system.
  • Moira Stilwell seeks to make health care reforms including addressing the shortage of health care professionals in our province and altering how we manage chronic disease and primary care.
  • Kevin Falcon is proposing policy for sustainable health care in B.C. for the “benefit of future generations”.
  • George Abbott wants to provide more support for British Columbia’s seniors and their families through “a new B.C. Primary Caregiver Tax Credit for individuals who act as the primary caregivers for spouses, relatives and friends who would otherwise qualify for home support”.
“It is encouraging to see that candidates in the leadership races are planning to put improved health care that benefit families impacted by dementia on the political agenda,” said Jean Blake, CEO, Alzheimer Society of B.C. “We know that as our population ages, the rising tide of dementia will have an enormous impact on our healthcare system not to mention the impact on family caregivers who provide informal or unpaid care.”

Across the political floor, NDPers vying for the leadership position in B.C.’s other major political party:
  • Adrian Dix plans to add funding to “expand equality and opportunity” in the public systems including in the health sector
  • Mike Farnworth has a similar vision for improving the public health system but through “new and creative ways” such as co-governance with communities to “better meet the needs of our communities and shifting demographics”
  • Harry Lali’s commitment to public health care will be through saying “no to private care and yes to public care”

Baby boomers are finding themselves as the “sandwich generation”, working full-time jobs, caring for parents who are living with dementia, as well as, supporting children who are still living at home. In some cases, the baby boomer is the one living with dementia, with approximately 10,000 people under the age of 65 currently diagnosed with the disease. For people who are already living with dementia, the journey ahead will ultimately lead to the need for total care.

The B.C. Liberal election falls on Feb. 26, while the B.C NDP election will be held on April 17.



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