On January 11, 2012, Premier Greg Selinger announced that the province will provide $555,000 over the next three years to support the delivery of First Link® program. The Alzheimer Society is thrilled to receive funding for First Link® from the provincial government! Together we can move forward with this valuable program that is so very important to help Manitobans access resources, support and information to assist them along their dementia journey.
People with dementia, their family members and friends cannot live the dementia journey alone. They need support from informed health professionals and community agencies. With support they will be able to plan for future needs, have enhanced caregiving skills and maintain a higher quality of life.
First Link®, is a response strategy that links individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia to information, support and education as early as possible in the disease process.
Key elements of the strategy are:
- Partnership with physicians, health professionals and community organizations
- Formal Referral to the Alzheimer Society at the time of diagnosis or throughout the continuum of the disease
- An array of services with planned follow-up throughout the care giving experience.
o Information – print and web-based materials about dementia and care skills
o Support – one to one consultation and support groups for peer connection
o Education – seminars and conferences about a broad range of care giving topics
o Referral to community services – for specialized assistance and expertise.
Click HERE to view the First Link® page on our website.
Click HERE to view the First Link® Referral Form (NOTE: This form is for use by health care professionals).