Our history

The Association of Adult Social Day Programmes (AASDP Edmonton) evolved from a pilot project in 1979 designed and implemented by a Social Worker. It was initiated to provide support and relief to families caring for seniors in the community who did not require medical support and care after hospitalization, but still needed social stimulation and engagement. This was later expanded to include seniors living alone.

AASDP was formally incorporated as a non-profit society in December 1980 as the only formal social day support program for the frail elderly in Alberta. In the first two years of service, programs were offered at the Good Samaritan Auxiliary Hospital, then the Grey Nuns Regional Centre (Villa Marguerite) and Central Lions Senior’s Centre.

In 1990, AASDP had a name change to The Association of Adult Day Support Programs (AADSP) to reflect its intent and mandate, and to assist in the development of a network of programs within the City of Edmonton.

In 2007, the program at Villa Marguerite moved to its current location at the West Edmonton Seniors Activity Centre. That year also marked the rebranding of the organization’s name and logo to ElderCare Edmonton Society for Adult Day Programs (ECE).

In 2006, ECE signed its first formal contract with the Capital Health Authority which enabled the Society to increase and enhance services for our clients.

ECE remains the only community-based day program for seniors operating out of West End Seniors Centre, Central Lions Seniors Centre, and from 2017-2023, Fulton School, which moved to South East Edmonton Seniors Association in 2024.