Saskatchewan plans new care home for disabled adults

The Saskatchewan government plans to build a new care home in Saskatoon for adults with severe disabilities. This initiative is a response to the needs of families who care for disabled children at home. Adrienne Zakreski cares for her 29-year-old son, Evan, who has severe cerebral palsy. She has quit her job to provide full-time care, which she describes as a 24/7 responsibility. She says many parents in her situation are overwhelmed, especially those who are older. Zakreski and Shelley Elder, another parent, have been advocating for dedicated care facilities. They submitted a proposal to the government for a care home. Recently, Social Services Minister Terry Jenson met with them to announce plans for an eight-space group home for adults with disabilities. The government says the project is in its early stages, and more details will be available soon. The provincial budget for the Ministry of Social Services has increased by $77.3 million for the next year. Elder, who cares for her son with multiple medical issues, expressed concerns about the current lack of suitable group homes. She believes that existing long-term care options do not provide the quality of life that disabled individuals need. Amanda Lewis, from the REALM Foundation, praised the new plans but noted that they only address a small part of what is needed. She highlighted issues with wait times and availability of appropriate beds for disabled adults. Officials from the Ministry of Social Services will visit Saskatoon soon to discuss the next steps, with hopes that the new facility will open within two to three years.