Dementia Care in Canada: Nursing Recommendations

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe prevention and management of dementia in Canada is at a crossroads. Despite the low diagnosis rates, the number of persons living with dementia continues to increase. Yet, Canada's health care policies have resulted in more people living with dementia living at home, and with most of their care being provided by family, friends, and significant others. This Policy Note provides an overview of a joint submission from the Canadian Gerontological Nursing Association (CGNA) and the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) to the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science, and Technology. This article outlines the background and recommendations in five key areas of dementia care in Canada: health system resources, education and training of health providers, housing, care partners, and the integration of health and social supports. Based on these five key areas, a number of health and social policy interventions are discussed.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias; aging; caregivers; dementia; démences; education; health human resources; housing; logement; maladie d’Alzheimer et démences connexes; nursing; ressources humaines en santé; soignants; soins infirmiers; vieillissement; éducation.