Enhancing Personal Autonomy and Independence

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Enabling seniors to maintain personal autonomy and influence over decisions that affect them, particularly during critical periods of transition (e.g., loss of a spouse, disabling conditions, institutionalization, etc.) contributes significantly to healthy aging. Safe and supportive living environments are essential to compensate for a decline in physical or mental capacity for healthy aging and for reducing the risk of injuries and harm. Furthermore, ageist attitudes and stereotypes can create barriers to social participation and personal fulfilment.

The challenge for action is to find the best ways to foster the personal, social and physical environments which enable seniors to remain integrated and fully participating members of society, by:

• Fostering well-being among older seniors (seniors aged 80+), in response to physical, psycho-social, economic and environmental vulnerabilities associated with the very senior years,
• Promoting the well-being of seniors with cognitive impairment and/or of informal caregivers of seniors with cognitive impairment,
• Enhancing and supporting the independence, participation and safety of seniors with physical disabilities in communities or institutions, with a focus on promoting the safe use of assistive devices and caregiver support,
• Developing and testing tools as well as strategies to identify and counter myths and stereotypes about aging and address age discrimination by promoting concepts and positive aging in society.

NB: Projects are listed in alphabetical order by project title (in language of origin).

Title:	Aging/Caregiving video series
Project #:	5555-15-1997/0000034
Organization:	Canadian ACCESSability Network Inc. 585 Grierson Street Oshawa, Ontario L1G 5J2 Tel.: (905) 668-6815
Start Date:	February 1, 1998
End Date:	September 4, 1998
Budget :	1997/1998	$100,000

 

The ACCESSability Network Inc. (CAN) is a not-for-profit organization striving to address the information and communication needs of older Canadians, their families and caregivers.

Partners:
CAN built on the strengths and experience of its board members and partners from the broadcast, communications, academic and consumer communities.

Project:
The project empowered aging Canadians and their families to maintain their independence and quality of life by providing them practical, timely and accurate information dealing with the challenges they face. It fostered self-care by seniors, enhanced the quality of care provided by informal caregivers, and contributed to improving the health and well-being of both seniors and those shouldering the burden of their care.

Products/Results:

• Series of 13 half-hour videos on issues such as housing, well-being, etc.
• Resource Guide: "The Complete Aging and Caregiving Resource Guide."

Title:	Aging together, aging in place
Project #:	5555-15-1997/0000036
Organization:	Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada 225 Metcalfe Street, Suite 311 Tel.: 613-230-2201 Toll-free: 1-800-465-2752 Web site: www.chfc.ca (External link)
Start Date:	December 3, 1997
End Date:	November 11, 1998
Budget :	1997/1998	$116,800

 

The Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada (CHF Canada) is a voluntary association of nearly 900 housing co-operatives and other stakeholder organizations. CHF Canada exists to unite, represent and serve housing co-ops across Canada, and the member organizations that support their development and continuing existence.

Partners:
Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation, other housing organizations as well as seniors organizations.

Project:
The Aging Together, Aging in Place conference built on the learnings and resources developed from a previous project "Co-op Housing and Seniors at Risk - Breaking the Barriers" by providing professional development and educational opportunities for cooperative staff educators and older adult members. The conference provided a venue for discussion on the issues of aging in place, and the need to properly house and care for the growing numbers of older cooperative housing members.

Products/Results:

• Workshop report and video entitled: "Aging Together - Aging in Place" (also available in French).

Title:	Analysis of needs and development and implementation of a model for establishment of intergenerational projects in Canada.
Project #:	6785-15-2000/0390361
Organization:	Groupe de recherche sur les pratiques sociales et religieuses Faculty of Theology Université de Montréal P. O. Box 6128, Centre-ville Station Montreal, Quebec H3C 3J7 Tél. : (514) 343-7506 Web site: www.cerum.umontreal.ca (External link)
Start Date:	November 11, 2001
End Date:	October 31, 2003
Budget :	2000/2001	$32,254
	2001/2002	$77,729
	2002/2003	$90,206
	2003/2004	$94,583
	Total:	$294,772

 

Le Groupe de recherche sur les pratiques sociales et religieuses (GRPSR) is affiliated with the faculty of theology at the Université de Montréal. Its general objectives are: to facilitate, conduct or supervise interdisciplinary research in the field; develop and test analytical, interpretive and intervention frameworks; ensure continuity and interaction among various research projects; provide the social and ecclesiastical communities with a place of research on their practices.

Partners:
Assemblée des aînées et ainés francophones du Canada [Assembly of francophone seniors of Canada], Canadian Federation of Students, Canadian Labour Congress, professors at the Université de Moncton and Ryerson, and British Columbia Council for Families.

Project:
Conducting an analysis of needs with respect to intergenerational relations, in collaboration with partners and participants from each of the laboratory regions: Vancouver, Toronto, Montréal and Moncton. The project's final product will be a tool kit including the following elements: 1) the results of the analysis of intergenerational needs in the four targeted communities and the resulting avenues for reflection for all regions of Canada; 2) the existing projects, those for which the testing has been done and those planned with respect to the targeted cohorts; and 3) the criteria for and steps in the implementation. This final product will be accompanied by a complementary facilitation videocassette. The target public is made up of 1) the cohorts of young adults and persons aged 50-65/65 and older; and 2) the suitable organizations, associations and institutions for implementation of the projects.

Products/Results:
Available upon completion of the project.

Title:	Bringing incontinence out of the closet
Project #:	5555-15-1997/0000021
Organization:	The Canadian Continence Foundation P.O. Box 30, Victoria Branch Westmount, Quebec H3Z 2V4 Tel.: (514) 488-8379 Web site: www.continence-fdn.ca (External link)
Start Date:	October 28, 1997
End Date:	August 31, 1998
Budget :	1997/1998	$119,500
	1998/1999	$10,000
	Total:	$129,500

 

The Canadian Continence Foundation (CCF) is the only not-for-profit organization in Canada exclusively dedicated to meeting the needs of individuals with incontinence, and their families.

Partners:
Canadian Association for Community Care, One Voice - The Seniors Network, Health Station (a Toronto community health center), VON Canada, Pharmascience Inc., Procter & Gamble Inc. and Wal-Mart.

Project:
The project identified ways to efficiently and effectively increase public awareness and knowledge about incontinence, and facilitated seeking and accessing help for sufferer and their informal caregivers. As part of the project, CCF did an environmental scan to consolidate previous knowledge on needs for Canadians experiencing incontinence and on worldwide initiatives to-date to increase public awareness about incontinence, as well as a partnership workshop to identify ways to increase awareness, knowledge and access to services.

Products/Results:

• Summary of Workshop Proceedings: "Bringing Incontinence Out of the Closet" (also available in French).
• Brochure and poster: "Is urine leakage keeping you from Sex? Laughing? Golf? Socializing?" (also available in French).
• Adaptation of video on incontinence after prostate surgery produced by The Canadian Prostate Cancer Network: "How will it affect my waterworks?"
• A national incontinence product directory.

Title:	Community care for seniors: helping family caregivers of seniors overcome barriers to using respite services
Project #:	6785-15-2000/0390330
Organization:	Canadian Association for Community Care 1 Nicholas Street, Suite 702 Ottawa, Ontario K1N 7B7 Tel.: 613-241-7510 Web site: www.cacc-acssc.ca (External link)
Start Date:	September 1, 2000
End Date:	August 31, 2002
Budget :	2000/2001	$72,165
	2001/2002	$121,496
	2002/2003	$74,897
	Total:	$268,558

 

The Canadian Association for Community Care (CACC) is a national, non-profit, bilingual association, formed in 1995 by the merger of Home Support Canada and the Canadian Long-Term Care Association. CACC's mission is to promote the development of a range of high-quality, flexible, responsive and accessible community care services within a seamless continuum of care.

Partners:
VON Canada, Canadian Pensioners Concerned, Queen's University and other national and provincial partners.

Project:
The project helped family caregivers of seniors overcome barriers to using respite services. To this end cross country focus groups and a national survey were conducted with family caregivers to determine the barriers they have experienced in accessing respite services, and to solicit their views on improving use and access to these services. Best practice models were identified and information sessions were held with provincial and territorial government stakeholders to share findings with a view to increasing the knowledge base for future program and policy development.

Products/Results:

• Report and CD: "Give me a break! Helping family caregivers of seniors overcome barriers to respite" (including recommendations to Health Canada) (also available in French).

Title:	Developing plain language forms for seniors
Project #:	5555-15-1997/0000004
Organization:	The Canadian Public Health Association National Literacy and Health Program 1565 Carling Avenue, Suite 400 Ottawa, Ontario K1Z 8R1 Tel.: 613-725-3769 Web site: www.cpha.ca (External link)
Start Date:	January 2, 1998
End Date:	October 30, 1998
Budget :	1997/1998	$40,693
	1998/1999	$39,307
	Total:	$80,000

 

The Canadian Public Health Association's (CPHA) National Literacy and Health Program (NLHP) works in partnership with twenty-five national health associations to promote awareness among health professionals about literacy and health. Incorporated in 1912, CPHA represents over 25 health disciplines and the general public. NLHP has established significant links with national and provincial literacy coalitions and contacts which administer literacy programs for seniors.

Partners:
One Voice - The Canadian Network, the Canadian Coalition on Medication Use and Seniors, the Canadian Association of Retired Persons, the Lambton Seniors Association and the Seniors Education Centre in Regina, Saskatchewan.

Project:
The project improved seniors' access to necessary income and health services and raised awareness among the private, public and industry sectors about the barriers faced by seniors. The guide also helped health providers to take very practical steps forward in improving health services for seniors by using senior-specific, clear verbal communication and plain language health information in clinical practice.

Products/Results:

• Guide: "Creating plain language forms for seniors: a guide for the public, private and not-for-profit sectors."

Title:	Everyday technology and older adults: Friends or foes?
Project #:	6785-15-1998/0390168 (IYOP)
Organization:	Nova Scotia Centre on Aging Mount Saint Vincent University 166 Bedford Highway Halifax, Nova Scotia B3M 2J6 Tel.: 902-457-6546 Web site: www.msvu.ca/campus-information/caging (External link)
Start Date:	February 4, 1999
End Date:	May 23, 2002
Budget :	1999/2000	$122,755
	2000/2001	$86,855
	2001/2002	$68,250
	Total:	$277,860

 

The Nova Scotia Centre on Aging (NSCA) is one of 12 Canadian university-based centres on aging. It is affiliated with Mt. St. Vincent University's Department of Gerontology. The Centre strives to set standards of excellence in its mandated areas of research, continuing education and community outreach.

Partners:
Adult Education Program at Mount Saint Vincent University, Canadian Pensioners Concerned, Federal Superannuates National Association, Federation of Seniors and Pensioners, Gerontology Association of Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia Centre on Aging, Seniors' Citizens Secretariat, Seniors' Education Centre and the Third Age Centre at St. Thomas University.

Project:
Focussing on banking, telecommunications and accessing health information via technology, the project broadened the knowledge about the experiences and impact of technology in the day-to-day lives of older adults and developed collaborative strategies.

Products/Results:

• Fact sheet and facilitator's manual: "Everyday technology and older adults: friends or foe?"

Title:	Pan-Canadian Forum to reestablish generational relations from a health perspective for all ages
Project #:	6785-15-1998/0390062 (IYOP)
Organization:	Groupe de recherche sur les pratiques sociales et religieuses (GRPSR) Faculty of Theology Université de Montréal P.O. Box 6128, Centre-ville Station Montreal, QC H3C 3J7 Tel.: (514) 343-7506 Web site: www.cerum.umontreal.ca (External link)
Start Date:	September 30, 1998
End Date:	October 31, 2000
Budget :	1998/1999	$35,300
	1999/2000	$147,100
	2000/2001	$22,142
	Total:	$204,542

 

The GRPSR is affiliated with the faculty of theology at the Université de Montréal. Its general objectives are: to facilitate, conduct or supervise interdisciplinary research in the field; develop and test analytical, interpretive and intervention frameworks; ensure continuity and interaction among various research projects; and provide the social and ecclesiastical communities with a place of research on their practices.

Partners:
Le pont entre les générations (working group), a professor of sociology at the University of Winnipeg and the Quebec health network.

Project:
The social and religious practices research group (GRPSR) organized a pan-Canadian forum that contributed to reestablishment of generational relations from a perspective of health for all ages. It designed and constructed a bank of Canadian data on everything being done in the area of intergenerational relations with respect to health (articles, books, audiovisual materials, references to organizations and so on).

Products/Results:

• National Forum on Generational Issues (forum program)
• Databank (was available on website www.theo.umontreal.ca/forum)

Title:	Golden gardens
Project #:	6785-15-1999/0390279 (IYOP)
Organization:	Canadian Wildlife Federation 350 Michael Cowpland Drive Kanata, ON K2M 2W1 Tel.: 613-599-9594 Toll-free: 1.800.563.WILD Web site: www.cwf-fcf.org (External link)
Start Date:	May 4, 1999
End Date:	July 24, 2000
Budget :	1999/2000	$80,000

 

The Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) has been advocating the protection of Canada's wild species and spaces since 1962. Representing over half a million members and supporters, the federation is Canada's largest non-profit, non-governmental conservation organization. The CWF is dedicated to fostering awareness and enjoyment of Canada's natural world.

Partners:
The Governor General helped the program receive greater recognition by having three model gardens planted on the grounds of Rideau Hall, and hosted an event at Rideau Hall in June 1999.

Project:
To celebrate the International Year of Older Persons, the CWF introduced "Golden Gardens," a communal gardening program designed especially for seniors. This first-of-its-kind program promotes active living by seniors, by targeting one of their preferred outdoor physical activities - gardening. The program provided project guidelines and seed money to create a habitat for wildlife (e.g. butterfly gardens), as opposed to simply beautifying an area or creating vegetable gardens. At the request of seniors, the program also promoted intergenerational cooperation, enabling seniors to work with youth in the context of the program.

Products/Results:
Gardens across Canada and a final report including a summary of the project.

Title:	Keeping the hands in motion
Project #:	6785-15-1998/390008 (IYOP)
Organization:	Canadian Association of the Deaf 203 - 251 Bank Street Ottawa, Ontario K2P 1X3 Tel.: 613-565-2882 or 565-8882 (TTY) Web site: www.cad.ca (External link)
Start Date:	July 26, 1999
End Date:	July 26, 2000
Budget :	1999/2000	$73,276
	2000/2001	$80,424
	Total:	$153,700

 

The Canadian Association of the Deaf (CAD) is a national research, information and community action organization whose mandate is to promote and protect the rights, needs, and responsibilities of Canada's deaf and whose preferred mode of communication is sign language.

Partners:
Deaf In Touch, Cyan Corp. and Cantel.

Project:
The projet focused on the special needs and abilities of deaf seniors. It explored the need for technical aids specifically designed for the communication abilities of older deaf people. It also studied issues and proposed recommendations to provide guidance in dealing with transition situations that impact upon the quality of their lives. Resources resulting from the project were disseminated to service agencies for the deaf, care facilities designed for deaf seniors, and institutions providing care to a broad seniors clientele.

Products/Results:

• Report: "Keeping the Hands in Motion" (also available in French).
• Video in sign language summarizing the report.

Title:	Plain language and clear verbal communication for seniors guide
Project #:	5555-15-1997/0000001
Organization:	Canadian Public Health Association National Literacy and Health Program 1565 Carling, Suite 400 Ottawa, Ontario K1Z 8R1 Tel.: 613-725-3769 Web site: www.cpha.ca (External link)
Start Date:	October 24, 1997
End Date:	November 16, 1998
Budget :	1997/1998	$31,178

 

The Canadian Public Health Association's (CPHA) National Literacy and Health Program (NLHP) works in partnership with twenty-five national health associations to promote awareness among health professionals about literacy and health. Incorporated in 1912, CPHA represents over 25 health disciplines and the general public. NLHP has established significant links with national and provincial literacy coalitions which administer literacy programs for seniors.

Partners:
Canadian Medical Association, Prescription Manufacturers of Canada, Canadian Pharmaceutical Association, Non-Prescription Drugs Manufacturers of Canada, as well as links with national and provincial literacy coalitions.

Project:
The project developed a plain language and clear verbal communication guide as an adjunct and companion to a training package previously developed for health providers to seniors. The project also produced a resource needed to help improve communications with health providers and seniors, which is also of potential benefit for the most vulnerable of seniors.

Products/Results:

• Guide entitled: "Working with low-literacy seniors - practical strategies for health providers" (also available in French).

Title:	Promoting a collaborative consumer-focused approach to continence care in Canada
Project #:	6785-15-1998/0390169 (IYOP)
Organization:	The Canadian Continence Foundation P.O. Box 30, Victoria Branch Westmount, Quebec H3Z 2V4 Tel.: (514) 488-8379 Web site: www.continence-fdn.ca (External link)
Start Date:	January 21, 1999
End Date:	May 21, 2001
Budget :	1998/1999	$11,000
	1999/2000	$115,578
	2000/2001	$110,290
	2001/2002	$73,505
	Total:	$310,373

 

The Canadian Continence Foundation is the only not-for-profit organization in Canada exclusively dedicated to meeting the needs of individuals with incontinence, and their families.

Partners:
Canadian Pharmacists Association, Canadian Nurses Association, One Voice, and the Canadian Healthcare Association.

Project:
The project increased overall commitment among stakeholders to a collaborative consumer-focused approach to continence care. It also explored potential multidisciplinary continence care models to allow individuals suffering from incontinence to access the information, support and care they needed to live independently in the community. The project produced, disseminated and promoted national continence care guidelines, both for consumers and for professionals.

Products/Results:

• Consumer guide: "Talking Together About Bladder Control" - frequently asked questions about urinary incontinence (available in French)
• Working models of continence care (also available in French)
• "Clinical practice guidelines for adults" (also available in French)
• Report on the Survey of Reactor Panels (also available in French)
• "Report on Continence Services Worldwide: An Environmental Scan"

Title:	Reducing barriers in accessing continence care
Project #:	5555-15-1997/0000016
Organization:	Victorian Order of Nurses for Canada 110 Argyle Avenue Ottawa, Ontario K2P 1B4 Tel.: 613-233-5694 Web site: www.von.ca (External link)
Start Date:	November 6, 1997
End Date:	May 7, 1998
Budget :	1997/1998	$113,916

 

The Victorian Order of Nurses for Canada (VON Canada) is a national health organization with a network of 72 branch offices across Canada. Local branches offer a range of community health care programs and services.

Partners:
This project was a collaborative effort between VON Canada, McMaster University, and the Collaborative Continence Program. Other partners included the Salvation Army-race Hospital (Toronto), Grace Hospital (Ottawa), Canadian Continence Network and the Canadian Continence Foundation.

Project:
The project facilitated the involvement of clients in decisions and actions about their own health. It was directed primarily at elderly individuals experiencing incontinence, and at their care providers.

Products/Results:

• Handbook: "Promoting Continence Care in Canada" (also available in French).
• Web site: www.continence.von.ca

Title:	Seniors in housing co-ops
Project #:	6785-15-1998/0390002 (IYOP)
Organization:	Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada 225 Metcalfe Street, Suite 311 Ottawa, Ontario K2P 1P9 Tel.: 613-230-2201 Toll-free: 1-800-465-2752 Web site: www.chfc.ca (External link)
Start Date:	March 25, 1999
End Date:	December 31, 2000
Budget :	1999/2000	$46,000
	2000/2001	$34,500
	Total:	$80,500

 

The Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada (CHF Canada) is a voluntary association of nearly 900 housing co-operatives and other stakeholder organizations. CHF Canada exists to unite, represent and serve housing co-ops across Canada, as well as the member organizations that support their development and continued existence.

Partners:
Co-op housing federations across Canada and the Alzheimer Society of Canada.

Project:
CHF Canada has found that "seniors-only" housing co-ops face different issues than other co-ops. They therefore proposed a project that would address the individual and collective ability of older seniors to manage their housing
co-ops, and the need for guidelines and model policies for
co-op board and staff decision makers on issues related to dementia.

Products/Results:

• Final report including recommendations.

Title:	Traditional teachings supporting independent living for Aboriginal people in later life
Project #:	5555-15-1997/0000028
Organization:	Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada 56 Sparks Street, Suite 502 Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5A9 Tel.: 613-724-4677 Web site: www.anac.on.ca (External link)
Start Date:	November 17, 1997
End Date:	March 31, 1998
Budget :	1997/1998	$109,300

 

The Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada (ANAC) is a 22 year old non-profit, membership based organization, representing Aboriginal nurses across Canada.

Partners:
Centre for Research on Diversity Training at Carleton University.

Project:
The project used a combination of traditional teachings and leading-edge technology to facilitate the transfer of traditional knowledge to Aboriginal youth. It enhanced life skills for youth and encouraged youth support and interaction with people in later life. The prototype is used as an educational resource for community caregivers and educators and is designed for use in the classroom and in health and social services facilities.

Products/Results:

• CD-ROM Teaching Tool - "Caring Together"

 

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