By rdnewsNOW staff

Community Partners in Action honoured

Innisfail ‘Health-care Heroes’ honoured for dementia work

May 25, 2021 | 2:30 PM

Community Partners in Action, Innisfail has been selected as a recipient of the 2021 RhPAP Rhapsody Health-care Heroes Awards.

Founded in 2002, the Rhapsody Awards are intended to recognize the individuals, teams, and communities that make significant civic and health-care contributions within rural Alberta.

The Community Partners in Action Team in Innisfail was selected based on the work they have done through their Dementia Friendly Community Initiative. The initiative offers varied programming for community members living with dementia, prepares first responders to better deal with dementia patients, and engages health professionals and the broader community in education sessions about how to recognize, interact with, and support those living with dementia. In response to the challenges presented by COVID-19, they have also been able to build project momentum through their virtual program, “Innisfail Connects.”

As one testimonial stated, “Considering that just three years ago, we had little to no local programming for individuals living with dementia, the strides that have been made in this area have been significant. Our community is now better able to support these residents with health care and programming … as well as knowledgeable front-line staff who support our residents to remain in their homes and age in place safely.”

Another community member spoke of the passion and commitment of the team, and how “countless community members have benefited from their efforts.”

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“Often these women work on their own time and resources to ensure the success of the initiative. They are leaders, experts, and role models in their field. What they have accomplished in the past year has been remarkable.”

“Ellen, Jennifer, and Wendy are dedicated professionals who go above and beyond every day,” stated another community member. “Their energy is limitless, their enthusiasm contagious, and their professionalism a model for others. They are innovative in their approach and demonstrate sincere compassion for residents in our community who use their services.”

“It is clear from the letters that accompanied this nomination that the innovative programs developed by this team are valued by their clients,” stated Bernard Anderson, RhPAP Executive Director. “The team’s commitment and dedication is evidenced by the challenges you continue to overcome and the ever-expanding list of projects and programs you are offering to support those living with dementia.

“The impact of your work will be felt for many years to come.”