ElderCare Edmonton Society for Adult Day Programs

The Cause

Our Idea: A 1-Year Pilot to Expand Adult Day Programming

ElderCare Edmonton operates recreational Adult Day Programs (ADPs) that support individuals experiencing social isolation, cognitive decline, or physical challenges, as well as their caregivers. Our programs create a community atmosphere where clients can stay connected and maintain their social, cognitive, and physical health through engaging activities. By offering these services, we help clients continue living in their communities with dignity, while also providing essential respite for caregivers. Our passionate staff are dedicated to creating a healthy and accountable workforce, delivering the highest standard of care.

We propose a 1-year pilot program to introduce a 5th day to one of our ADP locations. This additional day will allow clients to attend more frequently, reducing isolation, increasing social interaction, and providing caregivers with much-needed breaks. By expanding our offerings, we seek to demonstrate the strong demand for more program days. This pilot will give us the data needed to advocate for ongoing funding to ensure that more seniors and caregivers in our community have access to vital support.

This initiative aligns with our strategic priorities of becoming a recognized quality service provider, achieving financial sustainability, and strengthening the support we provide to our staff and clients alike. Through this pilot, we aim to show the positive impact of increased ADP availability and the long-term benefits for our community.

Who Will it Benefit?

1. Seniors in Our Adult Day Program

The primary beneficiaries of this pilot are seniors who attend our Adult Day Program (ADP). Many of our clients experience social isolation, cognitive decline, or physical challenges that limit their engagement with others. By introducing a 5th program day, we provide these individuals with more opportunities for socialization, cognitive stimulation, and physical activity, all crucial for their well-being.

Socialization: Additional days allow seniors to connect with peers, reducing loneliness and preventing depression. Social interaction is essential, particularly for seniors who are isolated or live alone.

Cognitive Engagement: Structured activities such as memory games, puzzles, and discussions promote cognitive health and help slow the progression of conditions like dementia, leading to a better quality of life.

Physical Activity: More program days give clients opportunities for light exercises, walking groups, or dance, helping them stay mobile and reduce fall risk.

2. Caregivers of Seniors

Caregivers, often family members providing constant care, will benefit from this pilot. The additional day offers respite, allowing them to care for their own physical and emotional health.

Respite from Caregiving Duties: Caregiving is demanding, and the extra day provides caregivers a break to handle personal needs, preventing burnout.

Emotional Support: Knowing their loved ones are in a safe and engaging environment relieves caregivers' mental stress, helping them manage their responsibilities more effectively.

3. The Greater Community

This pilot will also benefit the broader community by enhancing partnerships and supporting intergenerational engagement and workforce development.

Intergenerational and Educational Partnerships: We partner with local schools and the public library to create intergenerational programming. This fosters learning and community connection across age groups.

Workforce Development: We host students from a a course in volunteerism, and practicum students in Recreation Therapy programs. We also work with organizations that provide training and work placements for Canadian newcomers and individuals facing barriers to employment, contributing to skill development and community integration.

Reduced Healthcare Burden: Seniors who are socially active and physically engaged are less likely to require emergency care or long-term care, reducing strain on the healthcare system.