Details revealed on dementia care and support
Almost 200 people across the island receive assistance through a charity’s occupational therapy scheme, MPs heard today.
Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, told the House of Assembly that the ministry provided a $150,000 grant to support Dementia Bermuda’s in-home occupational therapy service programme.
Ms Furbert explained: “This programme helps individuals and families understand [dementia], access appropriate support, identify care plans and needed interventions that are strength and evidenced-based and plan for the disease progression.”
She said the $150,000 grant represented about a third of the total costs for the programme, which has 199 existing clients including 64 new ones in the second and third quarter of this fiscal year.
Most are Black Bermudian and female, with 39 per cent aged between 75 and 84.
Ms Furbert added that 40 per cent were confirmed to have dementia when they first accessed the programme and 77 per cent reported financial need.
She explained: “These findings underscore the importance of accessible dementia navigation and support programming to help sustain much needed family support, recognise the financial burden associated with such care and to help facilitate the wellbeing of those living with dementia.”
Ms Furbert added that while no cure is known for dementia, research shows that up to 45 per cent of risk factors can be reduced “through prevention and early intervention”.
Asked for details by Scott Pearman, the Shadow Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Ms Furbert said they were identified in the 2025 Dementia Integrated Care Pathway Report.
• For Ms Furbert’s statement in full, see Related Media
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