LOOKING FORWARD PROJECT

Welcome to the Lumsden & District Heritage Home (LDHH) “Looking Forward” Project page! Below you will find the background, latest updates, and ways you can support this community-driven initiative to enhance and expand long-term care services for seniors in Lumsden and surrounding municipalities.

Overview of the Looking Forward Project

Why “Looking Forward”?

The Looking Forward Project was created to address the current and future needs of seniors in Lumsden and 12 surrounding municipalities. Our goal is to ensure that seniors have every opportunity to remain in their homes and communities as long as possible, with access to quality long-term care and supportive services.

Key Focus Areas:

Assessing Current Needs: Evaluating our facility’s maintenance requirements and capacity.
Planning Future Growth: Exploring expansion, new programs, and additional services.
Engaging Government Partners: Working with provincial representatives to secure potential capital funding.
Promoting Aging in Place: Providing community supports and primary health services that help seniors stay connected and independent.

Our Mission

Support Aging in Place
We believe that seniors thrive when they can stay connected to their homes, families, and neighbors.

Expand Care Services
We are exploring innovative solutions to address long-term care demands and primary health care gaps.

Engage the Community
Collaboration with municipalities, government representatives, and community members is at the heart of this project.

Milestones & Updates

2023 – Setting the Foundation

Needs Assessment & Business Plan
LDHH commissioned 1080 Architecture Planning + Interiors to conduct a Current State Assessment, outlining maintenance needs and growth projections. The resulting Business Plan explored various options, including expansion and governance models, to keep LDHH viable and growing.

Government Engagement
- Meetings with Ministers and MLAs:
  - Hon. Everett Hindley (former Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors, Rural and Remote Health) and MLA Blaine McLeod both took a keen interest in the project early on.
  - In October 2023, the LDHH Board submitted its Needs Assessment to the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) for consideration in the major capital projects process.
  - Later in October, the LDHH Board also met with Hon. Tim McLeod (current Minister of Mental Health, Seniors, Rural and Remote Health) to discuss the proposal. Although no immediate commitment was made, the Minister expressed support for the project’s vision.

2024 – Continuing Momentum

Ongoing Advocacy
Throughout 2024, the LDHH Board and the Looking Forward committee actively engaged with local and provincial representatives. MLA Blaine McLeod continued advocating for the project in the Legislature and beyond.

Community Involvement
- LDHH invited community members to write letters of support to Hon. Tim McLeod, copying MLA Blaine McLeod and the LDHH Board.
- Municipalities within LDHH’s service area submitted letters and recognized the importance of ensuring sustainable long-term care options for their residents.

April 12, 2024 – Ministerial Tour
Hon. Tim McLeod, accompanied by key legislative representatives, toured the facility. This visit emphasized the positive impact of LDHH on the community and highlighted ongoing challenges, such as placement policies.

End-of-Year
As 2024 wrapped up, the LDHH Board continued to provide updates on the capital proposal, advocating for a timeline to address the community’s growing care needs.

2025 – Where We Are Now

As we begin 2025, the LDHH remains committed to advancing the Looking Forward Project. With foundational work completed in 2023-2024, the Board is poised to move forward with next steps, which include:

Monitoring provincial funding discussions and following up with the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
Strengthening collaborative relationships with municipal partners and community stakeholders.
Advocating for a clear provincial response to the LDHH capital funding proposal.

How You Can Help

Stay Informed
- Bookmark this page and follow our social media channels for real-time updates.
Advocate by Becoming a Member
- Lend Your Voice: As a member, your opinions and ideas help shape decisions about the future of LDHH.
- Stay in the Loop: Receive exclusive updates, invitations to special events, and the latest project news before it’s made public.
- Community Connection: Meet like-minded individuals who share a passion for improving long-term care services in our district.
- Direct Impact: Your membership supports ongoing advocacy efforts, strengthens our position with stakeholders, and underscores community commitment to LDHH.
- Influence Policy: Collectively, members can engage with local government officials, amplifying our message in calls for funding and policy changes.
Spread the Word
- Share our updates on social media or in community newsletters.
- Encourage friends, neighbors, and local organizations to get involved.
Volunteer
- Offer Your Skills: Whether it’s assisting with events, sharing professional expertise, or helping with day-to-day tasks, your support makes a difference.
- Strengthen Community Ties: Volunteering helps you connect with residents, staff, and other community members while actively contributing to LDHH’s success.
- Flexible Opportunities: We offer a variety of volunteer roles to match your interests and availability—every effort counts!

Thank You for Your Support

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported the Looking Forward Project over the past two years. Your advocacy and engagement make it possible to pursue the vision of sustainable, community-centered long-term care in Lumsden and district.

For questions or more information, please reach out:

Email: LDHHboard@gmail.com

Together, let’s continue looking forward for the well-being of our seniors and our community in 2025 and beyond.