For over five decades, Kinsmen Manor has provided a home for adults living with intellectual disabilities. Designed and opened in 1969, the Manor aligned with the best practices of its time, but today, its failing infrastructure and design no longer meet the needs of the individuals we serve.

To honour our founders and our years of growth, we are embracing new ways to meet the needs of those we support. The Manor Transition Initiative will focus on the closing of Kinsmen Manor as a residence for individuals living with intellectual disabilities and will focus on the development of several Community Homes in Saskatoon. These homes will provide person-centred supports for residents in smaller, individualized, and accessible houses. 24/7 support will continue to be provided by a team of Disability Support Professionals. Health and recreational supports will transition to a community-based model to meet the needs of all Elmwood residents.

To honour our founders and our years of growth, we are embracing new ways to meet the needs of those we support. The Manor Transition Initiative will focus on the closing of Kinsmen Manor as a residence for individuals living with intellectual disabilities and will focus on the development of several Community Homes in Saskatoon. These homes will provide person-centred supports for residents in smaller, individualized, and accessible houses. 24/7 support will continue to be provided by a team of Disability Support Professionals. Health and recreational supports will transition to a community-based model to meet the needs of all Elmwood residents.

A Resident-First Approach will be used in the planning and development of supports and services. This person-centred approach emphasizes the importance of relationships and continuity of care and puts the unique needs and desires of each resident front and centre. This initiative is a proud partnership between Elmwood and the Ministry of Social Services – Community Living Service Delivery.

We understand you’ll have questions, and we’re dedicated to finding the answers in
partnership with you. Below you can find further information to help answer questions,
support residents, and start the process of engaging in this initiative together.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Why is Elmwood Residences Inc. moving in this direction?

Elmwood is evolving our supports and services to meet the needs of current residents and prepare for the residents of tomorrow. The Community Home Model enables Elmwood to provide person-centred supports and improve the outcomes for individuals living with intellectual disabilities.

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When will this change take place?

Capital Funding has been approved for four (4) Community Homes to date. Additional approvals are anticipated in 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 to achieve the required homes to fulfill the Manor Transition Initiative.

As each home is being designed around the needs of individual residents, the full transition of Kinsmen Manor will take several years. It’s important for this collaborative process to begin now to ensure a smooth transition for each resident.

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Will the care provided to residents be the same?

Yes. Elmwood Residences strongly believes a Resident First Approach will better serve resident needs. 24/7 support will continue to be provided by a team of Disability Support Professionals.

This is a unique opportunity to develop, diversify and enhance our supports and services to meet the needs of the residents.

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Will residents have access to Nursing Support?

Yes. Elmwood Residences Inc. and the Ministry of Social Services are committed to transitioning Kinsmen Manor’s health supports to a community-based model. This will improve access for all residents served by Elmwood.

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Will residents have access to Recreation Programming?

Yes. Elmwood’s Community Inclusion Program (Recreation Programming) will continue once Manor residents transition into Community Homes. Recreational programming is the heartbeat of our organization and enhances the quality of life for all of Elmwood’s residents. We will continue to support residents to be involved in this programming, as our Community Inclusion Team grows.

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If resident needs increase, will they need to transition to Long-Term Care?

Elmwood is committed to supporting individuals to age in place. The increased accessibility of the new homes, coupled with the model of service delivery currently being developed will accommodate individuals to age in place for as long as possible.

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What will happen to Kinsmen Manor?

Elmwood has initiated a committee to explore the future of Elmwood and the Disability Service Sector. This Committee has established initial parameters based on the information gathered through initial discussions with residents, families, team members and partners. These parameters include:

  • Elmwood will maintain a community-based hub of services to support recreation and socialization of residents.
  • Elmwood will maintain the site location of 2012 Arlington Avenue to maximize resources and ensure a central location.
  • Elmwood will maintain the administration team office space at 2012 Arlington Avenue.

Throughout the transition initiative, Kinsmen Manor will remain home to the 29 residents until the person-centred supports and services are in place in the community.

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