New adult day program set to open in Strathmore

By Mario Prusina Times Editor

A new Adult Day Program for seniors is set to open in Strathmore in May 2026, aiming to provide accessible, community-based recreation and support services for older adults

The program is being led by recreation therapist Tanya Brauer, who brings more than 30 years of experience working in long-term care, dementia care, schools and community settings.

Brauer, who was born and raised in the County of Vulcan, said her early experiences helped her understanding of community care. She spent much of her teenage years helping seniors in her farming community.

“The biggest highlight of my career was working at the Peter Lougheed Hospital when they opened the ‘Transition’ units, due to the shortage of long-term care beds in the province,” she said. “These beds provided a safe place for seniors who could no longer care for themselves or live in their own homes. The placements would often be several hours from loved ones.”

After moving to the Strathmore area five years ago, she said she also became increasingly aware of systemic challenges in care settings.

“There has always been a common denominator in the facilities that I have worked at; that being a shortage of time, and lack of staff effort,” said Brauer.

In late 2024, Brauer made a shift in her career focus, deciding to build stronger community connections and work more directly with local clients and families. In early 2025, she launched her private mobile service, “Generations of Fun!” Mobile Recreation Therapy Services.

Over the past year, she has been delivering recreation therapy directly in clients’ homes, facilitating activities and outings to places such as the zoo, Pioneer Acres, the Military Museum and Saskatoon Farm. She has also been providing one-on-one exercise sessions in clients’ homes, following physiotherapy referrals.

With the community support of WFCSS, Strathmore FCSS, the library and the hospice society Brauer said a shared concern emerged – while demand for senior services is growing, many residents cannot afford private care.

That led to the development of the new Adult Day Program, which began taking shape in January 2026. After challenges finding suitable space in Strathmore, local realtor Debbie Mitzner offered a location at “1st Place” (300, 2nd Ave), a fully furnished home with a deck, BBQ and large activity areas.

Each day will include a mix of physical, cognitive and social activities, along with coffee time and snacks. Monthly programming will feature music, gardening, baking, seasonal crafts, pet visits and walking activities.

“Recreation therapy is a way of using fun and enjoyable activities to help people improve clients health and well-being, said Brauer. “Instead of just focusing on traditional medical treatments, it’s about engaging in hobbies, games, outdoor activities, or creative arts to help people feel better physically and emotionally. It’s all about using recreation as a form of therapy.”

In addition to her recreation therapy background, Brauer is also an Equine Assisted Learning coach, a Red Cross First Aid instructor and is working toward Fitness Alberta certification this summer. She also produces “In the Loop! – Strathmore and Wheatland County 55+ Upcoming Events Newsletter/Calendar,” and its accompanying Facebook page.

According to Brauer the program is fully licensed, insured and operated by registered professionals, and is now accepting inquiries for registration and pricing.

The program will run Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with lunch included.