Summary
People for a Healthy Community (PHC), is a community based, not for profit, organization serving Gabriola Island, which is located on the west coast of Canada. We support individuals and families during vulnerable times in their lives while strengthening community resilience. People for a Healthy Community is situated on the lands of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. The Snuneymuxw are a First Nation of the Coast Salish People, and have been residing in this territory since time immemorial. We approach this work in our Seniors’ Programs with the intention of building resiliency and interconnectedness across the lifespan, focusing on the importance of intergenerational relationships. We learn how to form and nurture interconnectedness, respect for elders, and an anti-ageist community by witnessing the cultural values of the Snuneymuxw Nation: At People for a Healthy Community, we are grateful to live, work, and reside on this island, though we must also acknowledge our place as uninvited settlers. The initiative we focus on in the case study is entitled: Transforming PHC’s Seniors’ Programs. It has been prepared by the Seniors’ Programs Review Committee and was approved by the Board of Directors in January 2023. The high-priority needs identified: social interaction for those feeling isolated, linking seniors with services, caregiving support, affordable transportation, and stable and affordable housing. The spirit of “neighbours helping neighbours” remains an essential strength of PHC and the Gabriola community and must continue to underpin our approach to seniors’ programming and services on the island.
Planning and Implementation
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What was the challenge you were trying to address?
At present, 50% of older adults on Gabriola live in poverty, the need is great. Also, the 65+ population is projected to represent 35% of all BC residents by 2041. This equates to a 63% growth in the senior population between 2020 and 2041 (Stats Canada). Gabriola can anticipate a 17% increase in residents aged 75+ over the next decade. The following outlines the challenges outlined in this initiative: 1. Barriers to service access 2. Transportation barriers 3. Income barriers 4. Social barriers (e.g. loneliness, pride) Below is a selection of quotes which outline challenges, taken from the survey results: “The PHC has a lot of great programs here, but I think most seniors have to move away when they can't take care of their homes anymore.” “One of the most significant health risks for older adults is alcohol misuse. We need non-stigmatizing programs that help people replace alcohol with healthier activities such as being encouraged to volunteer or participate in activities that have a positive impact for the individual and/or the community.” “It can feel dehumanizing, deleting names from an Excel spreadsheet. At times, the volume of loss is high and we don’t always have the time or staff connection to acknowledge the emotional toll.” “The shared knowledge, collaborative strength and agility of our team to respond to the needs of seniors who are vulnerable is great, but the risk of burnout is also high.”
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Who were you trying to impact?
Older people in general, Older people with chronic health conditions or disability, Older people with vulnerabilities, Both older and younger people
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What sectors were you targeting?
Education, Health, Housing, Information and Communication, Social protection, Transportation, Other
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How did older people participate?
Older people were part of the process at multiple or all stages
Lessons learned
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Please describe how collaboration worked in your initiative.
Overview of PHC Seniors’ Programs. The programs and services offered through PHC for older adults on Gabriola would not be possible without the ongoing support of our partners: - Island Health Home & Community Care - United Way BC - Province of BC - The BC Association of Community Response Networks - The Gabriola Auxiliary for Island Health Care Society - The Regional District of Nanaimo. PHC Seniors’ Program Coordinators also participate in a Gabriola Community Care Management Team that meets monthly with representatives from Island Health’s Home & Community Care Program, BC Emergency Health Services’ Community Paramedicine Program, and Nanaimo Family Life Association’s Older Adults Programs. The purpose of this team is to: 1. Provide a collaborative forum for community service organizations who support the health and wellness of Gabriola residents, so they can: enhance program outreach to vulnerable seniors, improve access to services, and augment the impact of services; 2. Improve the relationship between the primary care and community health and wellness systems that serve the residents of Gabriola Island by creating an integrated systems approach.
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What was the impact of your initiative on older people, their families, and/or their communities?
The following programs, designed to impact older people and their families are delivered to participants with the help of dedicated volunteers and community collaborations: ● Seniors Luncheon - Monthly drop-in luncheon with live entertainment. ● New Age of Aging Educational Series - Monthly presentations on a variety of topics related to the aging experience and other areas of high interest to those aged 55+. ● SUSO Adult Day Program (Stepping Up Stepping Out) - provides a tasty, nutritious lunch, exercises, and activities. ● Choose to Move Program - 12-week group-based program for 65+ that helps participants to integrate activity into their daily routines and make new friends. ● Social Prescribing Program - Linking to services and activities to promote social connection and systems navigation support. ● Community Care Program - Trained volunteers visit clients at home and provide companion visiting and emotional support. ● Home Hospice Program - The focus of home hospice palliative care is on comfort, compassion, and dignity, giving people who are dying the opportunity to stay at home, remain involved with their family and community. ● Caregivers Support Group - Free one-on-one emotional support and bi-weekly support Group for family and friends who are caregivers for those who are elderly, in poor health, living with a disability, or experiencing other age-related challenges. ● Grief Support Group - Free one-on-one emotional support and bi-weekly support group for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. ● Taxi Saver Program - In collaboration with the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN), PHC offers taxi saver coupons for 50% discounted taxi travel for seniors and those with disabilities. ● A new drop-in for intergenerational get together and discussion, support with computers/tech, guidance in completing forms, blood pressure monitoring with a community paramedic, coffee/tea etc.
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What issues did you face, and how did you address them?
PHC finds itself amidst an increasingly complex service delivery environment. Impacts othe COVID-19 pandemic has crippled the healthcare system. We are seeing a national doctor shortage, a crisis within long-term care facilities, increased wait times for specialist services, a grossly inadequate system for home support, and increased barriers to government program access. On top of this, we have an unprecedented number of older adults who require, and will require, support over the next decade, alongside a steady increase in the cost of living.
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What lessons did you learn from implementing this initiative?
● Focus on Advocacy, Equity & Safety: Many respondents expressed a concern for lower-income and other underserved and/or underrepresented individuals who often do not have a voice in community decision-making. ● Expand Home Hospice and Caregiver Support Programs: People reported a clear need for more support for caregivers so that they can better prioritize their own healthy aging. Expanding the reach of the Hospice program was also mentioned many times. ● Advocate for Affordable Housing on Gabriola: the need for affordable housing was raised many times in relation to older adults, but also to young people and families
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Do you have any other reflections you would like to share?
Thank you and acknowldgements: People for a Healthy Community on Gabriola Island (PHC); Seniors’ Programs Review Committee (aka) “The Dragons”'; Board Representative: Roger Christie; Committee Members: Maureen Wild, Mike Super, Gera Benoit, Jennifer Hewson; PHC Program Staff on Committee: Chloe Straw, Cara Nikolai; Program Staff Team also includes: Suzette Delmage, Joelle Baird, Josée Velsen, Odette Laramee; Board Members: Mary Lee Burns, Marilyn Campbell, Diane Cornish, Audra Davies, Margaret Jones, Wendy Phillips; Executive Director: Brenda Fowler.