Tim T. F. Yu

The recent event “Dementia Care in Canada: Can We Do Better?” hosted by the University of Regina during Brain Awareness Week highlighted not only the challenges of dementia care, but also the urgent need for stronger community-based supports. From caregiver stress to housing pressures, the discussion made one thing clear: improving dementia care requires collaboration beyond the healthcare system.

This is where Age-Friendly Regina (AFR) plays a vital role.

AFR is part of a global movement working to ensure communities support older adults in living safely, staying connected, and accessing the services they need. In Regina, this includes practical, easy-to-use resources that directly address issues raised during the panel discussion.

One key area is mental health and wellbeing. As highlighted in AFR’s free online Mental Health and Wellbeing Guide, older adults can access community programs that support both physical and emotional health. Initiatives such as gentle fitness programs, lifelong learning opportunities, and cultural connection groups help reduce isolation, an important factor in dementia risk and caregiver burnout. These kinds of supports reinforce what panelists emphasized: wellbeing is deeply connected to social connection and community engagement.

AFR also provides guidance on housing supports and options, another major concern for families navigating dementia care. From subsidized housing and life lease programs to affordable senior living communities, AFR’s free online Housing Supports and Options Guide helps individuals and caregivers understand what is available and how to access it. With long waitlists and complex systems often creating barriers, having clear navigation tools can make a meaningful difference in reducing stress during already difficult transitions.

Together, these resources reflect a broader truth echoed throughout the event: dementia care does not happen in isolation. It depends on safe housing, supportive communities, and access to mental health and social supports.

As Regina continues to grow as an age-friendly community, AFR stands ready to support older adults and caregivers as they navigate the challenges of later life by offering practical tools, trusted information, and a stronger path toward wellbeing for all.

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