New dementia‑care training is expanding across New Brunswick as the province and federal government commit $4.3 million over four years to support the work.
The funding will help the Alzheimer Society of New Brunswick deliver its U‑First program to front‑line workers, home‑support staff and family caregivers.
The funding comes through the Canada–New Brunswick Aging with Dignity agreement signed in 2024, according to a government release.
The Department of Social Development identified dementia‑care training as a priority and partnered with the society to deliver the program.
After the initial rollout, another $500,000 was added in 2025 to broaden access.
Seniors Minister Lyne Chantal Boudreau said the province is committed to working with community organizations to strengthen support for people living with dementia.
She thanked federal partners and the Alzheimer Society for helping provide specialized skills to staff and family caregivers.
Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel said the U‑First program gives caregivers practical tools to improve care.
She said the funding also supports the goals of the national dementia strategy and the Aging with Dignity agreements, which aim to help Canadians age closer to home.
The province recently released a three‑year strategy and action plan for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
The plan focuses on reducing risk, improving early diagnosis and ensuring coordinated care.
As part of that work, the Alzheimer Society of New Brunswick has been granted another $1 million to enhance its programs and services.
The society explained that U‑First is designed to complement other dementia‑care training.
It has trained more than 500 front‑line workers since last June, and the next phase aims to train 1,400 workers and 200 family care partners each year for the next three years.
Chandra MacBean, the society’s executive director, said the organization is grateful for the support.
She said the program’s team‑based learning approach makes it unique and that the society is already seeing strong results from the training.
