YORKTON — The Government of Saskatchewan has announced new funding to help support individuals with dementia in the Yorkton area.
SaskAbilities is receiving $200,000 to deliver its Dementia Friendly Life Enrichment Program for the next year, said SaskAbilities Yorkton Branch Regional Director Aleks Hoeber in an interview with Yorkton This Week.
The program which is entering its fifth year helps residents diagnosed with dementia remain in their homes and communities and supports their caregivers.
Hoeber explained the program was initially a partnership with the University of Regina specifically through the Saskatchewan Population Health and Evaluation Research Unit.
“It was financed by them for three years as a pilot project,” she said.
When that funding ended Hoeber said they were able to access some small grants, and acquire some local donations as a sort of bridge financing option for year four as they applied for provincial dollars.
The Dementia Friendly Life Enrichment Program provides individualized and group services to individuals living with dementia and their care partners. This is the only program that serves people living with dementia and their care partners in rural Saskatchewan with in-person programming.
"I am proud that we can provide funding to support those living with dementia and their families in the Yorkton area," Minister Responsible for Seniors Lori Carr said. "The Dementia Friendly Life Enrichment Program is a valuable service which addresses the specialized needs and challenges dementia presents for all affected."
This new annualized funding from the province will support staffing, training, travel, supplies and materials so that in person programming can be delivered to residents within 150 kilometres of Yorkton.
The program:
- provides activities in an individual's home in the Yorkton area;
- reduces caregiver burnout by providing indirect respite opportunities;
- connects clients and community organizations to resources within the community;
- helps people navigate the system to get support; and
Hoeber said the funding allows SaskAbilities in Yorkton to continue to serve individuals living with dementia and their care partners, adding the program extends not just to the city but services those needing such supports with 100 kilometres of Yorkton.
Hoeber said the program has a positive impact on families by reducing their stress and improving overall well being for those with dementia.
