Shawn Fremeth
Supporting Families Through Connection
For more than 25 years, Shawn Fremeth has built his work around one simple but powerful idea. Connection matters. As a social worker at Baycrest, Shawn has spent his career supporting older adults and families as they navigate the realities of living with dementia, always with compassion, patience and presence.
Shawn began his career at Baycrest Terraces and now works at the Samuel Lunenfeld Mountainview Club at Baycrest. In his current role, he works closely with older adult members and their families, building trusted relationships and creating space for dignity, engagement and meaningful moments, even as dementia progresses.
The Samuel Lunenfeld Mountainview Club serves older adults living in the community who have a diagnosis of dementia in the moderate to more severe range. The program offers a secure and supportive environment with structure, high levels of support, behavioural management techniques and access to clinical consultation with health care professionals. Alongside the Freeman Family Day Centre, it is one of two Baycrest programs that deliver comprehensive, evidence-based psychosocial care through in-person and virtual programs designed to promote socialization and brain health.
In his role, Shawn supports seniors living with moderate to more advanced dementia, as well as their caregivers. Even in the face of complex challenges, he continues to witness moments of love and inspiration that reinforce the value of presence and connection.
Shawn’s motivation comes directly from the people he serves and embodies the Adult Day Programs’ motto “Adding Life To Years”.
“Our members are all travelling their own individual journey,” Shawn says. “We strive to meet them where they are, engaging and including them in activities and opportunities to participate that are most appropriate and meaningful for them. I am always inspired to see how much joy our members find in daily life, even as they navigate the various cognitive and physical health changes that can make life very challenging”.
Baycrest’s Adult Day Programs offer a wide range of activities and supports for older adults, including professionally led daily exercise, reminiscence and creative storytelling, discussion groups and guest lectures. Participants also engage in creative arts such as painting, sketching, mixed media projects, ceramics and art history appreciation, as well as music programs and a professionally led Glee Club.
Additional programming includes intergenerational initiatives in partnership with local elementary and secondary schools, cultural and holiday celebrations, live entertainment and specialty programs such as photography, horticulture and dance. The programs also offer barbecues that encourage social connection.
Through his work, Shawn helps ensure that people living with dementia continue to experience purpose, connection and moments of meaning. His long-standing commitment reflects Baycrest’s broader approach to dementia care, one that recognizes the whole person and the relationships that matter most.
