YORKTON – The Yorkton Public Library has recently been selected as one of the top four finalists for an award through the National Dementia-Friendly Communities Awards Program, according to a media release from the YPL dated Dec. 1.
"The award is The Dementia-Friendly Organization (small to medium) award, which recognizes a not-for-profit or for-profit organization or business with less than 250 staff that has implemented a dementia-friendly initiative," continued the release.
"We didn't do a project of our own but we participated in some projects that other local groups were doing — one of them was a facility audit by the city of Yorkton — they audited a number of their facilities to see how they rated as far as accessibility, comfort and safety for those facing dementia," said Amber Harvery, Branch Manager at the YPL.
After the results of the city's audit, the YPL made small improvements to the facility that were geared towards those living with dementia.
"It grew from there – the Alzheimer's Society supported our library – small steps that made a big impact," said Harvery.
"Some of these small steps are what got us on the radar for this national award which is Demetia Friendly Communities...they're just trying to recognize all sizes of communities and the work that they're doing," continued Harvery.
"We did the facility audit and we made the changes right away — to signage, tripping hazards, just general things — we made those quickly," said Harvey, adding, "that added up and turned into 'make sure we have large print computers with large print keyboards' — to make it welcome — to make it accessible for everybody," noting that it was also important to have a quiet space for people to read without distractions.
The most important part of making the library more welcoming to people living with dementia was the training provided to YPL staff by the Alzheimer's Society. The training was specific in recognizing dementia so the staff would know what was required to provide a better service.
"We got the community consultant through the Alzheimer's Society to put on training for our staff," said Harvey, "when someone comes in with dementia — or any struggles — we can recognize it and we want to treat everyone with any challenges appropriately."
The winner of the award will be announced at the beginning of January, but Harvey said the work they've put in to making the library more accessible is already inspiring neighbouring communities to do the same.
"For us, of course we're helping the patrons, but we've been inspiring some other libraries nearby – it helps everyone," said Harvery, adding, "it only takes something small to be more welcoming."
"We don't want people with dementia to think they can't go out and the library — to me — is of huge importance to their quality of life," said Harvey, noting it's important for people living with dementia to know the library is a safe place that will present lesser challenges for them.
The Yorkton Public Library has been a part of the Dementia Supports in Rural Saskatchewan initiative since 2020 alongside a number of community agencies and organizations collaborating with the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan including the City of Yorkton, SaskAbilities, the Godfrey Dean Art Gallery, and Parkland Valley District.
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