By Carol Baldwin
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Wakaw Recorder
A news release from the Government of Saskatchewan on July 8th announces the launch of a new Continuing Care Strategy aimed at helping more residents live independently at home and in their communities for longer periods. This strategy was shaped by the feedback from over 200 stakeholders who represented 1,500 citizens during virtual consultation sessions held in August and September of 2025.
“Developing a new Continuing Care Strategy is a significant step forward in protecting the health of our residents. … New funding of $9.2 million will support a rural and remote dementia program, improved home care services, enhanced inspections, oversight, quality improvements and staffing for new beds in locations like Regina and La Ronge,” Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors and Rural and Remote Health Minister Lori Carr said.
With an aging population, Canada is projected to see the number of individuals living with dementia reach 1.7 million by 2050, along with approximately 1 million care partners. (https://niageing.ca/reports/addressing-dementia-in-canada-current-trends-challenges-and-opportunities-in-improving-public-awareness-reducing-the-risk-and-challenging-stigma-related-to-dementia/) Currently, it is estimated that 20,000 people in Saskatchewan live with dementia, with around 10 people diagnosed each day. Notably, around 60 percent of these individuals reside in their own homes.
Dementia encompasses a range of 80 to 90 different types and causes of conditions, and it is essential to understand that it is not a normal part of aging, as highlighted by Dementia Care and Training Specialist Teepa Snow in her YouTube video, “What is Dementia?” Rural and remote older adults living with dementia often struggle with various barriers to accessing health care services, including financial constraints, limited education, poor public transportation options, and long travel distances. Unfortunately, most programs and services for individuals with dementia tend to focus on urban areas.
Enhancing care for individuals with dementia is increasingly recognized as a critical need within the healthcare system. By 2038, the costs associated with dementia in Saskatchewan are expected to exceed $35.9 billion, covering both healthcare and caregiver expenses. (https://www.ruraldementiask.ca/home-2/) Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina are actively exploring ways to improve rural dementia care throughout the entire continuum, from early detection and diagnosis to end-of-life care.
The Rural Dementia Action Research (RaDAR) Rural Primary Health Care Memory Clinics are an ongoing partnership between primary health care teams from the Saskatchewan Health Authority and the RaDAR team at the University of Saskatchewan. These one-day memory clinics are hosted in rural communities across southern Saskatchewan, providing a solution to reduce travel and wait times for specialist appointments while delivering coordinated care and support for patients and their families.
Furthermore, the specialist Rural and Remote Memory Clinic (RRMC) at the University of Saskatchewan, which is part of the RaDAR program, offers continuous clinical support for health professionals and remotely-delivered interventions for patients and families. The RaDAR team is committed to partnering with health professionals and the Saskatchewan Health Authority to establish additional memory clinic locations across the province.
The Ministry of Health has maintained a long-standing partnership with the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan, which receives provincial funding for its First Link program. This program allows physicians, health providers, and community service providers to directly refer individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, as well as their families, to the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan for assistance at the time of diagnosis and throughout the course of the illness.
First Link Resource Centres are currently available in Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, North Battleford, Swift Current, and Weyburn. The Regina office also supports communities that lack a resource center.
The Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan provides a wealth of resources, including video presentations and webinars on its YouTube channel. Their free Learning Series offers individuals with dementia, their families, and friends a thorough overview of the disease, coping strategies, and available resources. Participants can both learn and connect with others affected by dementia. Additionally, the Society hosts Evenings of Education, which are free virtual sessions held three times a year, featuring experts and individuals with lived experience discussing various dementia-related topics. (https://www.youtube.com/@alzheimersask)
To register for the Learning Series, contact 1-877-949-4141 or helpline@alzheimer.sk.ca