A community workshop that dealt with the results from a research project conducted by the Sunrise Health Region on mental health care of rural older adults was attended by over 100 individuals in Preeceville on June 24.
Community workshop discusses pilot project Michelle Smith from the Canadian Red Cross and Nuelle Novak, a social worker from the University of Regina were guest speakers at the Bridging
Community Connections, seniors and mental health care workshop at the Preeceville Club 60 on June 24.
The special guest speakers for the day were Michelle Smith from the Canadian Red Cross and Nuelle Novak, a social worker from the University of Regina. The workshop explored the complexities of mental health including the impacts of loneliness, social isolation and diagnosed conditions.
The research results from the pilot study showed that 27 rural adults from Preeceville, Norquay, Ituna, Melville and surrounding areas were interviewed. The session discussed
the common issues related to social isolation and mental health care found through the shared experiences of seniors in the health region.
Smith spoke on the the Friendly Visitor program for seniors. The program aims to help seniors stay in their homes longer by reducing isolation and increasing their health and safety. The companionship program is scheduled to be launched in the fall of 2015 in Yorkton.
The afternoon featured an interactive brainstorming session that focussed on the issue and discussed opportunities about how to improve mental health care supports for seniors.
Representatives of the Family Resource Centre, Shelwin House and the Alzheimer Society were also in attendance.
