More people living with dementia made the Alzheimer Society of Muskoka’s move to its new location at 239 Manitoba St. necessary.
Rick Hallam, president of the Alzheimer Society of Muskoka’s Board of Directors, says there is a growing number of young people being diagnosed with dementia.
“Although most people diagnosed with dementia are over the age of 65, still 3 percent of people diagnosed are younger,” says Hallam. This disease impacts people of all ages. Our local Alzheimer Society provides programming and support to people living with dementia and their care partners so that they can live well through the dementia journey. This means that more people have access to services and knowledge to support them in staying out of the hospital and can safely live at home where they prefer to be.”
A grand opening ceremony was held Thursday with a handful of dignitaries attending, including Bracebridge’s Deputy Mayor Brenda Rhodes.
Bobbie Dawson, executive director, says it allows them to expand their services.
“Dedicated to ensuring the longevity of programs and services for those living with dementia and their caregivers, the Alzheimer Society of Muskoka Board of Directors has decided to move locations to serve our clients better,” she says. “We are incredibly pleased with the decision to move to a larger location that will allow us to deliver programs directly out of the space. This will mean that even more people living with dementia and their care partners will receive services”.
Dawson says data from the 2021 Canadian Census shows nearly 19,000 individuals over 65 live in Muskoka, which is about 30 percent of the population.
“In Ontario alone, over 300,000 people are living with dementia today, and this number is expected to triple within the next 30 years to over three-quarters of a million Ontarians living with dementia,” says Dawson.