MP Linda Smith On Dementia Care & More
“As the topic of healthcare costs and coverage moves to into greater focus with the up-coming budget debate, it seems a good time to consider the benefits of transferring management of dementia to the Ministry of Health,” Shadow Minister Linda Smith said.
OBA MP Linda Smith said, “Over the next several weeks Members of the House of Assembly and Members of the Senate will be debating the 2025-2026 Bermuda budget, examining expenditures ministry-by-ministry.
“A big-ticket item is the on-going creation of a national health plan. Universal healthcare is likely to be in the spotlight again. That said, it is interesting to learn that dementia, a general term for irreversible brain disease, is not managed by the Ministry of Health like other chronic, non-communicable diseases.
“According to the Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, National Seniors Strategy 2024, dementia is one of the leading causes of death locally.
“Dementia Bermuda, which recently merged with Northstar Dementia to form a single nonprofit entity, estimates that there are 3,000 residents living with some form of dementia in Bermuda. Of these, 80% are being cared for by unpaid family members who report suffering high levels of stress and burnout.
“Average care for an individual with dementia spans 10 years or more. Dementia Bermuda estimates that 1 in 3 caregivers is a senior with their own health concerns. Approximately 25% are people juggling children and ageing parents. Depending upon circumstances, some caregivers give up many of their own income producing years to care for their family member, only to re-enter the workforce in their senior years having to pay down debt they incurred while fulfilling the role of caregiver.
“Although, the Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors has provided meaningful support for dementia related initiates, Dementia Bermuda believes, placing responsibility for dementia outside the Ministry of Health makes it more difficult to position dementia as an urgent healthcare issue. This they say, reinforces outdated perceptions that dementia is an inevitable part of ageing, rather than a complex condition requiring structured health system responses.
“Since the Ministry of Health has the authority to implement healthcare legislation, standards and insurance coverage frame works, the lack of formal recognition of dementia by the Ministry of Health creates challenges in advancing access for coordinated and sustainable care and caregiving.
“As the topic of healthcare costs and coverage moves to into greater focus with the up-coming budget debate, it seems a good time to consider the benefits of transferring management of dementia to the Ministry of Health. Early diagnosis and community-based dementia services could help reduce long-term care costs by prolonging independent living, which would also provide individuals and their families time to determine how best to prepare physically, legally and financially for the days ahead.”
Read More About
Category: All
