Appendix D

Appendix D: Findings With Respect to Seniors

D. Findings with Respect to Seniors

Rural Canada has been undergoing a seniors boom at a much faster rate than urban centres because older adults have been migrating to small towns and the surrounding countryside; some “coming home”, others seeking an active outdoor lifestyle, and still others are part of the “rural renaissance”. There will be “rich” and “poor” seniors, “old” and “young” seniors, “active” and “sedentary” seniors, “frail” and “healthy” seniors. The needs will be quite different requiring a range of services and flexible approaches.

A profile of seniors in the area has been developed with respect to:

community consultation

characteristics

trends and patterns of population aging

gaps and concerns

potential solutions.

Observations:

the Steering Committee felt that the Camrose area identifies its seniors as aged 65 and over

the most common concerns voiced by respondents were the lack of awareness of programs and services, the need for safe, qualified and affordable personal and social supports, and housing

a local “navigation point” for resources, referrals and information is required and a communication program must support this to ensure that seniors can locate and access the “navigation point”

by the year 2010 seniors will make up more of Alberta’s population than children and youth combined

the 2001 census indicated that seniors aged 65 and over account for 19% of the City’s population

if the community continues to grow as expected, within the next two decades more than 4,500 seniors will call the City home

this could increase significantly if boomers “find” the Camrose area as they follow the trend to “rural renaissance”

the rural population of Camrose County is aging and could potentially increase to 29% of the total number of residents

Camrose is and will continue to be a service centre for its growing trading area and the surrounding farms

although seniors in rural communities often have more contact with neighbours than do city seniors, some isolation still occurs; it will be a challenge to “find” these seniors and provide needed supports

recreation and social activities are currently available in the community but will need to be expanded to meet the emerging and future needs

seniors who desire to remain in their homes will require assistance with a variety of maintenance tasks, and those aging in place will require in-home personal and homecare supports

as short patient stays/outpatient treatments continue, more seniors will need care at home

community involvement and a strong social support system are essential to the long term mental and physical health of seniors and to encourage interaction and a sense of connectedness to help prevent loneliness, depression and illness

as they age, seniors benefit from a continued sense of belonging and the caring support of young people they have come to know through community involvement and intergenerational activities

current housing options are not keeping up with the existing demand therefore transition options within individual accommodation centres are needed to keep seniors with the friends and environment they know allowing them to age in place

programs to assist low income individuals and families in managing their finances will be needed

D.1 Community Consultation

Table D1: Community Consultation with Seniors

Strengths

Concerns/Gaps/Barriers

seniors centre and seniors organizations
quality of life
network of programs and services
taxis
shopping
healthcare
recreation

appropriate housing to meet the needs of the various types of seniors
communication and awareness of programs and services
isolated seniors in rural areas
transportation
more jobs that pay a living wage
youth leaving the community
safe, qualified and affordable personal and social supports
supports for aging in place
contradiction in perceptions from within the various sectors of the community with respect to the severity of community-based social issues

D.2 Characteristics

This section sets out the characteristics with respect to the age groups requiring senior-related services/programs.

Table D2: Population by Age

	City of Camrose			County of Camrose
	1991	1996	2001 Census	1991	1996	2000
55-64	1205	1195	1460	740	745
65-74	1340	1385	1413	440	525
75+	1285	1370	1435	230	265
Total	3830	3950	4308	1410	1535
% of Total Population	28%	29%	28%	19%	20%

Table D3: Number of Non-Family Persons 65 Years and Over

by Type of Living Arrangement

	City of Camrose			County of Camrose
	1991	1996	2000	1991	1996	2000
Living with relatives	90	45		45	25
Living with non-relatives	55	30		10	10
Living alone	745	850		120	135
Total	890	925		175	170

D.3 Existing Programs and Services Related to Seniors

A broad range of programs and services are available within the community and the region. Further programs and services are offered provincially and federally.

Table D4: Existing Programs and Services

Service Provider	Services, Programs, Assistance
Bashaw Bus Society	· provides safe wheelchair accessible transportation County/Bashaw to Camrose
Bethany Helpline	· the Bethany Group operates the Helpline assistance service allowing any individual to summon aid at the push of a button
Bethany Long Term Care Centre	· a range of facilities where seniors and others in need of on-going nursing care and medical attention are provided with a warm, friendly living environment and a variety of social and recreational programs
BFN Senior’s Housing Authority	· three subsidized apartment buildings offer self contained suites and common areas where residents can gather together · a four unit subsidized apartment building offers self contained units
Camrose Association for Community Living	· provides residential support and services to individuals with development delay and their families. Child and Adult Outreach, Adult Residences, Respite Care, Approved Home Support
Camrose & District Home Support Service	· Offers Meals on Wheels and Homemaking services. Refers to private service providers where appropriate
Camrose & District Palliative Care Council	· an inter-organizational group of agency representatives who seek to promote an understanding and awareness of palliative care
Camrose & District Seniors Centre	· offers a wide variety of services and activities to accommodate the social, recreational, educational and creative needs of seniors · drop in centres located in six rural communities in the surrounding area
Bethany Group	· 34 duplex units and 1 house provide affordable accommodation for low and moderate income families
Companions for Seniors and Challenged Citizens	· provides visitation, personal care, household services, 24 hour respite care, transportation, in-hospital respite, and a variety of other services to meet individual needs
Crossroads Day Program	· provides health and social programs for older adults with chronic disease and/or disability who are living within the community

Service Provider	Services, Programs, Assistance
Deer Meadows Assisted Living	· self contained apartment available on a rental basis including daily meal and emergency response with options for additional services
Hearing Clinics	· Belton and Thibodeau hold hearing clinics regularly at the Camrose Senior Centre
Home Wellness Program	· provides a range of in-home support and professionals services to address the needs of older, disabled and vulnerable individuals living in the community · services include personal care, meal preparation and laundry · also offers status monitoring including assistance with medication
Integrated Lifestyles	· offers companionship, accompaniment to appointments/outings/errands, homemaking, meal preparation, feeding and cleanup, respite and palliative care, personal care, rehabilitation and other services
Podiatrist Clinic	· offers services to address disease, injury and foot surgery
Respite Care Program	· provides caregivers with planned intervals of rest and relief from care giving tasks
Rose City Handivan Society	· operates handivans equipped with wheelchair lifts to provide safe and efficient means of transportation for Seniors and mentally/physically handicapped clients
Rosehaven Care Centre	· provides a supportive and caring environment for older individuals with difficulty in managing behaviours that continuing care facilities are unable to deal with
Seniors Advisory Council for Alberta	· a government appointed body that works closely with seniors and seniors’ organizations in their communities
Seniors’ Housing	· three subsidized apartment buildings in the area feature self contained suites and common areas where residents can gather together · two non-subsidized condo-style buildings provide a range of sizes, features and options for retirement living
Seniors’ Lodging	· three senior’s lodges in the area provide accommodation with meals, snacks, housekeeping and linen services
Smith Clinic	· provides a range of health-related services
TLC Foot Clinic	· provides a range of foot-related services at monthly clinics at the Camrose Senior Centre
Total Footcare	· provides in-home foot-care services
Water Works Program	· provides recreational exercise program designed by the Arthritis Society to address special needs of individuals with mild to advanced arthritis

D.4 Trends and Patterns of Population Aging

In addition to critical socio-economic impacts, population aging will no doubt bring new and unforeseen opportunities.

Smaller tax base

The first of the “baby boomers” will turn 60 in 2008 and it is anticipated that after that time, revenue from taxes will decline and governments will increasingly rely on other forms of taxation. Increased taxation may impact on seniors with fixed and/or low incomes.

Reduced demand for goods and services

The demand for goods and services fuels the economy. Older people tend to save more and spend less than younger adults. Younger people tend to borrow money and older to lend it and/or invest it.

Increased demand for customer service

A large group of seniors will have the disposable income required to make choices based on how they are treated by merchants and business.

Smaller workforce

Population aging will have profound effects on the size of the workforce and there is much concern that this may reduce the productive capacity of the country. The pressure on seniors to contribute to the workforce in some manner will increase.

Dwindling volunteer base

The group that provides the majority of volunteer hours is aging and the impact on community-based supports will be significant. However it is anticipated that active seniors will increase their volunteer hours.

“Grey Power”

As their numbers swell the ranks of the voting public, governments will become more accountable to seniors.

Housing

As the population ages, housing demands/needs are likely to change. More publicly funded, subsidized housing will be essential to meet the needs of the rapidly growing population of very old single women, many of whom have low incomes.

When the baby boomers reach old age in 30 years, there will be an increased need for supportive housing for seniors with disabilities and in the earlier stages of dementia.

Housing options that span the continuum of care and support seniors’ needs for independence and a familiar environment will be needed.

Career Change

A large percentage of retirees and those anticipating retirement are interested in continuing opportunities for “employment” that will provide a work-life balance and include flexibility, decreased stress and additional income. This might occur in traditional jobs, in contract opportunities or in self-employment ventures. Supports to assist these seniors with identifying potential opportunities will be required.

Education

In addition to the education/training required to support career change, seniors are interested in personal and professional growth. For the most part they have a high interest in, and familiarity with, the Internet. Seniors want individualized education/training opportunities.

Aging in Place

A large population of seniors has the desire and will be healthy enough to age in place. However a range of services will need to be provided to support that lifestyle.

Transportation

A population of rural seniors will require community-based transportation programs due to infirmity, location, etc.

The “New” Senior

Seniors will not be satisfied with “status quo” services delivered to seniors of past generations. They will demand a greater range of services and more individualized programs.

D.5 Gaps/Concerns and Contributing Factors

Table D5 sets out the findings identified through consultation with the community, observations with respect to the community, and a review of the existing programs and services.

Table D5: Gaps, Concerns and Contributing Factors

Gaps/ Concerns/ Unmet Needs	Contributing Factors and Trends
*Types of Seniors*	there will be “rich” and “poor” seniors, “old” and “young” seniors, “active” and “sedentary” seniors, “frail” and “healthy” seniors the needs will be quite different therefore the services and approaches will need to be flexible enough to address all the needs
*Information and Communication*	a local “navigation point” for resources, referrals and information is required and a communication program must support this to ensure that seniors can locate the “navigation point” the “navigation point” should provide information and services in a variety of ways including storefront, telephone, directories and program written program descriptors, website, and possibly interaction at the community-based organization level a listing of “safe” supports who have been referenced is needed for those who are concerned with safety a portion of the aging population need resources that are hands-on and can assist with identifying programs, completing applications, connecting with program officers, etc. the modification of postal services in rural areas can cause concern among older residents because “superboxes” can be difficult to access, especially in icy or snowy conditions this modification also eliminates the informal “postal alert” where the mail deliverer would notify others if a seniors mail was not being picked up as usual
*Isolation*	although seniors in rural communities often have more contact with neighbours than do city seniors, some isolation still occurs it is a challenge to “find” these seniors and provide needed supports women living alone with weak support systems will need social support
*Life After Retirement*	there will be an increased need for advisors and education and training opportunities with respect to the population of seniors who will be interested in continuing employment opportunities, career changing, and self employment recreation and social activities are currently available in the community but will need to be expanded to meet the emerging and future needs there will be a desire to contribute and volunteer
*Homecare, Maintenance and In-Home supports*	houses owned by seniors will age and deteriorate seniors who desire to remain in their homes will require assistance with a variety of maintenance tasks seniors who age in place will require in-home personal and homecare supports as short patient stays and outpatient treatments continue, more seniors will need care at home
*Personal and Social Supports*	community involvement and a strong social support system are essential to the long term mental and physical health of seniors these supports encourage interaction and a sense of connectedness and help prevent loneliness, depression and illness as they age, seniors benefit from a continued sense of belonging and the caring support of young people they have come to know through community involvement and intergenerational activities further opportunities to contribute will need to be identified and communicated women living alone with weak support systems will need social support
*Prevention*	seniors may need help to manage nutrition, medication and other care related activities there is a higher risk of injury and lack of associated care while living alone early education will be need to create awareness of healthy aging activities and practices governments will need to understand and support prevention as the focus of health care
*Transportation*	rural seniors who do not have reasonable mobility re: transportation are more likely to feel isolated, unhappy and depressed seniors with transportation problems are more often widows aged 74 and over who live alone on a small income and are in poor health “community” is not as aware of its neighbours and their situations as was the case in earlier generations seniors can be unsafe drivers resulting in a risk to themselves and/or others and a potential loss of drivers licence public transportation is not available in the more rural regions of the County
*Housing*	some seniors are currently “housed” in acute care beds while awaiting appropriate housing as seniors age there is a need for a variety of housing options current housing options are not keeping up with the existing demand transition options within individual accommodation centres are needed to keep seniors with the friends and environment they know supports will need to be provided to assist seniors to “age in place” many of the County’s residents are farmers and will be moving into communities they are familiar with such as the City of Camrose and the surrounding villages as they age and can no longer keep up with the farm housing options that span the continuum of care and support seniors’ needs for independence and a familiar environment will be needed
*Low Income and Poverty*	health care and housing costs are contributing to a growing concern “Can I afford to retire?” income problems may arise for older farm or ranch men and women who typically have received no wages during their working lives and no occupational pension with retirement instances of low income will often occur with the widowed population programs to assist low income individuals and families in managing their money will be needed
*Continuing Care*	the current supports cannot keep up with the demand continuing care programs will need to be delivered in a caring, supportive, comfortable and welcoming environment

D.6 Potential Solutions

Intergenerational Programming

Activities can take place in many areas:

a program director at a seniors centre arranges for a high school student to shovel an older person’s driveway

a teacher recruits a caring senior to help a student to read and write

a business or career counselor arranges for a capable senior to mentor a young person sharing information and experience.

Intergenerational programs are taking place across Canada:

Frontier College seeks to prevent lifelong difficulties associated with non-existent or poor reading/writing skills using a one-on-one approach and making literacy more accessible to street youth, immigrants, disabled and high school drop outs.

Prime Mentors of Canada works with potential at-risk creative juniors who tend to be neglected and underachieving by matching them up with capable seniors

Santropol Rouland in Montreal Quebec involves young people in the lives of seniors through meals on wheels. The wheels just happen to be bicycles instead of cars. It provides a means of achievement for students and a source of comfort and contact for secluded seniors.

Students Supporting Seniors in Peterborough County Ontario has brought students from seven high schools to volunteer each spring and fall for a clean up day to help seniors. The program is 10 years old and involves over 800 students who assist seniors in over 400 homes.

In Charlottetown, PEI an innovative program has “ham” radio operators joining forces with high school students to operate an amateur radio station. The seniors are licenced operators and offer a qualifying course for seniors. The social studies class uses the station for projects. The program has not only opened contact with the outside word but between generations.

The Volunteer Grandparents Society of BC has been at work for over 25 years. Its experience has shown that relationships formed through the program often have developed into life-long friendships. The surrogate grandparent is there for childhood, adolescence and beyond.

At Churchill High School in Winnipeg Manitoba 9 senior volunteers assist each week in woodworking, math classes, chess tournaments and other activities. In Grade 12 English students are writing a history book under the guidance of a former newspaper editor. The program involves over 100 seniors with 20 schools.

The Christie-Ossington Neighbour Centre and Toronto International Partnerships run a very successful program with “high-risk” unemployed youth who are taught skills that they use in service to seniors. The goals of the program are to reduce the level of environmental risks to seniors living in their homes and to train young people in the skills and sensitivity necessary to perform assessment and home maintenance services. The work focuses on safety, energy, conservation and quality of life. It includes checking for fire hazards, making minor repairs, cleaning and painting. More than anything else, seniors who have benefited from the services found that these youth, who had been frightening to them before, were now seen as trustworthy, polite, generous and caring. The young people felt accepted and appreciated.

Peer Advocacy

Seniors appreciate talking with someone of their own age who has shared similar experiences and with whom they can relate. Peer advocates feel they have a useful role, a reason to get up in the morning and a sense of fulfillment.

The Senior Peer Counselling Project in Penticton found that referrals were made most often in cases of illness or injury, loneliness and isolation, lifestyle changes, followed by grief, issues regarding aging, depression, caregiver issues and relationship issues.

The Cooperative Action for Seniors project provides multifaceted assistance to seniors by seniors.

Seniors to Seniors Services

Manitoba’s Westarc Group designed a “Share our Services - Supports for Seniors” program based on a seniors to seniors service. For example a retired plumber might repair a leak for a widow who in turn repairs and alters some of his clothing.