Research into senior care gets boost

Saskatchewan researchers will have a chance to delve further into innovations for the aging population, thanks to a new partnership between two organizations.

“Saskatchewan has an aging population and we have many issues that we’re trying to deal with. Research is one of the solutions to working in these areas and improving the health of Saskatchewan people,” said Patrick Odnokon, CEO of the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation.

SHRF and the Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation (CABHI) unveiled their partnership on Thursday. Each will provide $150,000 toward Saskatchewan research projects focused on improving the health of aging populations.

Up to six research projects will be allocated $50,000, with attention placed on projects focusing on new technologies, Indigenous and rural communities, caregiver support and dementia care.

“Today, there’s barely enough long-term care facilities and beds available for the number of seniors we have today. But as the baby-boomer generation enters into their senior years in the next 10 to 20 years, you’re going to see over 20 to 25 per cent of the population be seniors,” noted Mel Barsky, CABHI’S director of business and development.

“The only way to support taking care of seniors and issues that result by having a senior population such as dementia, Alzheimer’s and other related aging diseases and issues, is to have innovation to help

We have the privilege of being in a care partnership with people who will actually benefit from this research.

make sure we can find some paradigm shifts in how we care for our seniors.”

The announcement was held at the Sherbrooke Community Centre, home to 263 seniors.

“We have the privilege of being in a care partnership with people who will actually benefit from this research,” said Suellen Beatty, the centre’s CEO. “We are very excited every time that people are engaged in learning things that will really help improve the quality of life for our people.”