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About Us

Aging with a Developmental Disability: Planning for Success

Paving an easier path for caregivers, families and service providers of persons with developmental disabilities.

Since the early 1990s, Reena and Mary Centre have been providing a range of services and support to adults with developmental disabilities (DD). The two agencies are recognized leaders in developing partnerships and collaborative service models for such individuals.

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elder man smiling at companion
Reena is a non-profit organization that promotes dignity, individuality, independence, personal growth and community inclusion for people with diverse abilities within a framework of Jewish culture and values.
Mary Centre assists people in building a good life by creating new opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities, their families and the community.

We are seeing rising numbers of adults with DD surviving into their 70s and beyond, often outliving their families and caregivers. Most of these seniors will require increasing care and support as they age.

While we appreciate the importance of improving social and health outcomes for persons with DD, we also understand that their caregivers, families and service providers need help in navigating the province’s complex health and social services systems.

In 2017, Reena and Mary Centre received a grant from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) Employment and Modernization Fund. This enabled us to revise the outdated Aging with a Developmental Disability – Transition Guide for Caregivers. The updated guide, titled Aging with a Developmental Disability: Planning for Success, expands and expedites access to health and senior services.

This comprehensive resource, which draws from both Developmental Services and Health Services, is available both in hard copy and online as an interactive web-based version.

For more information about services and support provided by Reena and Mary Centre, please visit Reena Programs and services and Mary Centre Support and Outreach.

“My biggest challenge is my own health issues. Sometimes, due to the nature of my condition, I am unable to even ask for help when I most need it.”

Caregiver challenges: Caregiver Survey (2018)

“I wish there was someone who could organize all the details and scheduling since I am forgetting things more now and find this stressful.”

Caregiver recommendations: Caregiver Survey (2018)

“The challenges I have experienced are; inconsistencies within the sector, lack of clarity about how to access services, frequent changes in workers/coordinators of her file, convoluted and time consuming methods of accessing service/coverage for medical needs, hoping to get a “good worker” who answers calls or emails in a timely matter and who knows the system well enough to guide us through it.”

Caregiver challenges: Caregiver Survey (2018)
“Looking at how far they have come, from a young boy into adulthood; looking at them being able to make choices when possible.”
Caregiver priorities and benefits: Caregiver Survey (2018)

“Access to a variety of residential, social, and community supports that could allow the individual to maintain their independence and safe care without institutionalizing them.”

Caregiver recommendations: Caregiver Survey (2018)
Contact us

We are happy to answer questions or help with more information.