Yorkton, Sask., and the surrounding area are the focus of a new five-year project aimed at enhancing the social inclusion of older adults living with dementia, and their caregivers.
The Saskatchewan Population Health and Evaluation Research Unit (SPHERU), a research centre based out of the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina, is conducting the project.
“What the project allows us to do is fund projects or interventions in these communities to reduce the social isolation of people with dementia and their care partners,” said Tom McIntosh, SPHERU associate director.
The project was awarded a $3-million grant from the federal government’s Employment and Social Development Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program.
McIntosh said the project team is looking for local organizations to partner with and fund the initiatives.
“We very deliberately wanted small towns and rural communities because those are the most under-served populations in the province in terms of these kinds of services,” he said.
“If you’re running a business, are you or your staff trained to deal with someone in your establishment that has dementia and suddenly feels uncomfortable?”
Three to four local organizations will be selected to receive financial and planning support through the project, for initiatives that can be delivered on a community, institutional or individual level.
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