The new group home in Wilkie is designed to provide a new level of independence for its residents. (Josh Ryan/battlefordNOW)

By Josh Ryan

Gaining independence

Wilkie group home positive step for residents, community

Aug 26, 2021 | 2:23 PM

Prairie Branches Enterprises held a grand opening Wednesday of Wilkie’s new group home, with several dignitaries in attendance. Five full-time residents will live there, all of whom have intellectual disabilities. Cut Knife-Turtleford MLA Ryan Domotor, who attended in place of Social Services Minister Lori Carr, said this kind of endeavor is one that’s important for the provincial government to support.

“We’re in favour of making this a better place to live for people with disabilities and that’s why we’re involved with a project like this,” he said.

The province has committed to $295,000 annually for the home, which is located a short distance away from the local golf course.

In addition to Domotor, representatives from Wilkie Town Council, Prairie Branches, and local organizations were present for the ribbon-cutting carried out by the occupants. Scott, a male resident of the home, said he really likes his new home.

“It’s much better than the last one,” he enthusiastically said to staff during a tour of the building.

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Domotor said it was heartwarming to see the reactions of Scott and the other residents. He was also impressed with the turnout of the crowd.

“It’s good to see such great support for projects like this, where they come together and help in contributing towards the project’s competition,” he said.

Project Manager Trent Elder taking MLA Ryan Domotor and others on a tour of the new group home. (Josh Ryan/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Deputy Mayor Helen Urlacher said the home is a very welcome addition to the town. Not only will it be a benefit to the residents it houses but will benefit the area as a whole.

“It adds to the community, adds to employment, and creates a new living standard for all the residents here in Wilkie,” she said.

Project manager Trent Elder for Prairie Branches said they’re pleased to see the residents take to the home so quickly. In addition to the many features, the facility has, they’ve managed to make several changes to save costs repair and upkeep costs, such as artificial turf for the lawn and easy-to-clean surfaces on the walls and floors.

“Wages are better spent on assisting the residents than doing maintenance work,” Elder said. “So, we’ve tried to build a house that’s low maintenance and low upkeep, so that we can spend more time and resources on them.”

Another feature of the building was making it fully accessible to those living there. This includes avoiding structural hazards, making the showers walk-in, having light switches placed in immediate proximity by bedsides, and more.

However, Elder said the most important aspect of the new home is creating independence for each occupant. Along with lower costs and ease of accessibility, there are fewer instances where direct assistance is needed. Elder said there will only be two or three staff members present during the day and less in the evening.

“This house will allow the residents to live out the rest of their lives with their housemates or their family,” Elder said. “It lets them do more on their own.”

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josh.ryan@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports