
FAQ
There are many different types of health and social care supports that are effective for people living with rare or young onset dementia. Here are a few sources of support that people have found helpful:
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists can help with everyday tasks and are a helpful resource in determining where help may be needed. For example, when the challenges of rare or young onset dementia include challenges with dressing, navigating a home or executive function, an occupational therapist can help to set up systems and strategies to mitigate such challenges. Occupational Therapy may be available in your community via private practitioners and/or through your provincial health system. We recommend talking with your primary care provider for a referral, if you are covered by any form of health benefits you may have coverage for occupational therapy.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapists can aid with movement. This can help to reduce the risk of injury from falls and other occurrences. Physiotherapists can also provide education and tailor exercises to help maintain strength. Physiotherapy may be available in your community via private practitioners and/or through your provincial health system. We recommend talking with your primary care provider for a referral, if you are covered by any form of health benefits you may have coverage for physiotherapy.
Speech and Language Therapy with a Speech and Language Pathologist
Speech and Language Pathologists are health professionals who identify, diagnose and treat communication and swallowing challenges across the lifespan. This can include articulation, phonology and motor speech challenges. Speech and Language Pathologists may be of assistance with communication overall and when language is impacted by a rare or young onset diagnosis, such as with primary progressive aphasia. Speech and Language therapy may be available in your community via private practitioners, through a community aphasia service and/or through your provincial health system. We recommend talking with your primary care provider for a referral, if you are covered by any form of health benefits you may have coverage for speech and language.
Home and Community Care for home care and respite
Home and community care services help people to receive care at home. Designed to keep people living at home longer, rather than in hospital or long-term care, home and community care services assist with activities of daily living and respite for caregivers. The services are delivered by a team that is comprised of regulated health care professionals (nurses), non-regulated workers (such as PSW’s), volunteers, friends and caregivers. In Canada most home and community care services are delivered through the provincial, territorial and sometimes municipal governments. The federal government administers home care services to First Nations on reserve, Inuit Peoples in designated communities, as well as armed forces, RCMP, and eligible veterans. Home and community care services may include nursing, personal care, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, social work, social work, dietitian services and respite care.
Most provincial home and community care services will take self-referrals for service. Referrals may also be made through your primary care provider.