The Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia is hailing the government’s decision to expand caregiver benefits, saying it will help people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
The program will now offer the $400 per month benefit to caregivers for people suffering moderate to serious memory loss, decision-making and communication problems, a high risk of falls, behavioural challenges and physical impairment including difficulty in managing their personal needs.
“We’re delighted that they’re expanding the benefit to people with significant memory loss or problems with decision-making,” said Linda Bird, the society’s director of programs and services.
The province says there are currently 1,979 caregivers signed up for the program, whose expansion is effective immediately.
But Bird said there are about 17,000 Nova Scotians living with some form of dementia, a number that is expected to double in the next 25 years as the province’s population keeps aging.
Different stages of dementia require different levels of support. People in the early stages typically need help living independently, having a safe form of transport and staying involved in the community.
As dementia progresses, a person will need more advanced support, such as a respite care bed and a place in a long-term care facility.
“We need to act now,” said Bird.
The society did not know exactly how many people in Pictou County live with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, but the region is served by education and outreach co-ordinator Beth Jackson.
Jackson, who works across Pictou County, Antigonish and Guysborough, runs a family caregiver education series that offers people a chance to connect, as well as hosting public presentations.
For Jackson and her society colleagues, awareness is key to understanding dementia and helping those people and families affected by the condition.
“I think it’s education about the disease, knowing what to expect, how to plan for the future and support on the dementia journey,” Jackson told The News.
The government says that expanding the caregiver benefit is the first phase of planned reforms. The second phase is still being developed and more details will be available next year.
The government aims to reach caregivers supporting people with more moderate care needs, including some living with a mental illness that impacts their ability to carry out daily activities.
The financial eligibility criteria will remain the same. If single, the person receiving care must have a net annual income of $22,125 or less. If married or common law, a total net household income of $37,209 or less is needed to qualify.
“By broadening the eligibility criteria, additional lower income Nova Scotians will be able to access this program,” said Angus Campbell, executive director of Caregivers Nova Scotia.
For more information about the caregiver program, please visit https://novascotia.ca/dhw/ccs or call the Nova Scotia Health Authority Continuing Care line at 1-800-225-7225.
People can also call the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia at 902-422-7961. People in Pictou County, Guysborough or Antigonish can also contact Jackson at 902-867-7683.
In an emergency dial 911 for immediate assistance.
