Seniors have identified a number of issues relating to quality of life in the Howe Sound corridor thanks to a newly formed community engagement aspect of Vancouver Coastal Health.
Gaps in transportation, nutrition, shopping and lack of information regarding available services have been identified due to a Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) forum held in June of 2004 called Creative Connections for Seniors.
"We're looking at people's health in its broadest sense," says Hilary King, Coordinator, Community Consultation and Partnerships for North Shore/Coast Garibaldi. "And this was established to bring together seniors, local service providers, business folks, family members, anybody who was concerned about seniors living independently in the community."
The forum resulted in working groups addressing a variety of topics, and a survey of over 300 seniors was held to address key issues of nutrition, transportation, housing and support systems.
Research was done in local businesses to determine whether seniors' needs were met. Local grocery stores were asked about the availability of wheelchairs and restaurants were asked about price and small portions.
The researchers also acted as advocates prompting managers to change policies to benefit seniors. Another working group researched the accessibility to information regarding services for seniors.
"Although there is a directory of District of Squamish services, many seniors don't know the solution to their problems," said King.
One group's efforts are expected to result in a one-stop information line that will reach nurses at the public health unit. And inquiries regarding nutrition resulted in a VCH dietician recently visiting the senior's centre to deliver a presentation.
Chief columnist Maureen Gilmour has been working with VCH and other seniors to address gaps. She said the forum has "very definitely" been beneficial.
"I'm really pleased that work is continuing from the forum," she said. "There a lot happening, and I think it's going to take some time."
An April 11 meeting at the Tantalus Seniors' Centre is scheduled to outline further measures addressing seniors' needs.
