Team profiles :

Saskatchewan Abilities Council Inc.

At a Glance   

Region: Saskatchewan

Setting: Urban

EAIP program principle(s): 

• Access to social and community supports 

Implementation (new, spread, and/or expand):   

• Expand 

Team Profile  

This initiative is led by SaskAbilities, a Saskatchewan based non-profit organization with offices in Yorkton, Moose Jaw, Saskatoon, Regina and Swift Current. Team members include representatives from SaskAbilities, interdisciplinary partners, evaluation and measurement support from Saskatchewan Health Quality Council, and Care Partners.  

Community

• Yorkton is an urban center located in southeastern Saskatchewan on Treaty 4 Territory with a population of approximately 17,000 residents, of which 32% are seniors aged 55 plus. 
• The SaskAbilities Yorkton branch serves the surrounding area of small rural communities that range in size from hamlets of 50 residents to villages and small cities of anywhere from 300 – 5500 residents. 
• Rural living presents unique challenges such as limited access to healthcare and employment opportunities, inadequate infrastructure and transportation, social isolation, fewer cultural and recreational facilities, and difficulties associated with an aging population and healthcare shortages. 

Program Focus 

Program Description  

• The Dementia Friendly Life Enrichment Program (DFLEP), delivered by the Yorkton Branch of SaskAbilities, provides recreation and leisure services to individuals living with dementia to enhance their overall well-being and social determinants of health while offering respite to care partners. The program aims to improve social inclusion, reduce isolation and stress, enhance care partner well-being, delay illness progression, and reduce reliance on the medical system through one-on-one support and monthly group activities.   
• Serving individuals with dementia and their care partners in Yorkton and surrounding rural communities, DFLEP is expanding to include new services and geographical areas. A needs assessment conducted in Phase 1 of the Enabling Aging in Place Collaborative demonstrated Swift Current is ready for expansion. The program aims to create inclusive communities where seniors can thrive and age in place. Future plans include expanding services by increasing group meet-ups, recruiting volunteer Peer Support Facilitators, and piloting and evaluating the DFLEP in a new community. 

Implementation Approach: 

• Increase Frequency of Peer Support Group Meetings: Expand peer support groups from one to four per month, held weekly in Yorkton and surrounding rural communities to improve social inclusion and reduce isolation for individuals living with dementia and their care partners.  
• Recruit Peer Support Facilitators: Invite care partners of individuals who have transitioned to long-term care to continue participating in group meet-ups, share experiences, and assist with co-facilitating groups to maintain connections and purpose. 
• Pilot Program in Swift Current, SK: Launch monthly Dementia Friendly Life Enrichment activities at the SaskAbilities - Swift Current main branch, starting in September 2024, to enhance social inclusion and support for individuals living with dementia and their care partners in the region.