Grant allows Vernon to develop age-and-dementia- friendly plan (Photo 77341039 © Ian Allenden | Dreamstime.com)

By Pete McIntyre

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Grant allows Vernon to develop age and dementia-friendly plan

Sep 13, 2022 | 2:23 PM

The City of Vernon will receive provincial funding to develop its first age-friendly and dementia-friendly community plan.

The city and Vernon Senior’s Action Network (VSAN) will receive a $25,000 grant for the project which will start with a community assessment.

Of the 25 communities to receive funding, Vernon is unique in highlighting the needs of individuals and families living with dementia and bringing a dementia-friendly component into the study and plan.

Current VSAN coordinator and former city councillor, Catherine Lord, who played a key role in the application, says she can’t wait to get started.

“With this funding, we’ll be able to take inventory of what community assets and services are available for seniors and people living with dementia, as well as their needs and challenges,” Lord said. “We will then work with the city to create a plan that makes Vernon an even more welcoming and inclusive community.”

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Mayor Victor Cumming said he is proud to see Vernon in the leadership group of B.C. municipalities following the World Health Organization’s Age-Friendly City Network.

“The city is fortunate to have strong and collaborative networks in place offering many programs and services for seniors,” Cumming said. “With thanks to the Vernon Senior’s Action Network, we are in a great position to further explore how we can better meet needs for social connection, accessibility, transportation, housing and other goals over the next decade.”

The project will be launched at the Vernon Senior’s Fair on September 17 and will run through September 2023.

The city is getting the funding at a good time, as the age and dementia-friendly assessment and action plan will be used to update the city’s official community plan.

The grant application was endorsed by Vernon council and received letters of support from 11 community partners, including: VSAN, Interior Health, the Social Planning Council of North Okanagan, the Alzheimer Society of BC, the Shuswap North Okanagan Division of Family Practice, Vernon and District Immigrant and Community Services Society, Abbeyfield Houses of Vernon Society, Men’s Shed Vernon, Nexus BC, Regional District of North Okanagan, and internationally recognized dementia advocate Dr. Christine Thelker.