Bylaw and CFS - Municipality of Jasper

2012 PROGRAMS & SERVICES FORSENIORSOUTCOME: INCREASED RESILIENCY AND PROTECTIVE FACTORS3 editions of The Elder Skinny wereproduced and distributed in 2012, fora grand total of 17 editions over theduration of the Seniors OutreachProgram pilot project.An average of 21 seniors volunteeredto contribute to fold, staple anddeliver each issue.“As a senior, I enjoy visitingwith everyone youngor old who attends ourCommunity Dinners.”~Community Dinnerparticipant80 seniors attended aSeniors Luncheonhosted by COS in Marchto celebrate Jasper’swonderful seniors anddemarcate the wrap-upof the Seniors OutreachProgram.SENIORS OUTREACH PILOT PROJECT - April 2010 to March 2012Jasper had the opportunity to pilot a project to test the value of having communitybased services for seniors in preparation for the Silver Surge. Jasper chose toimplement this by adding a Seniors Outreach Worker onto its existing JasperCommunity Team intersectoral collaborative model. The Seniors Outreach Workerposition was created to address seniors’ quality of life in a variety of ways: Encouraging healthy lifestyle choices and facilitating healthful practices Providing opportunities for and encouraging community engagement Creating opportunities for socialization & inclusion Connecting volunteer helpers with seniors Providing opportunities for and encouraging volunteerism Identifying and addressing transportation gaps Providing advocacy through complex systems Ensuring a community culture of autonomy, dignity & respect Assisting with problem-solving and goal-setting Creating effective communication systems, and so much more!Community Neighbours Program - Volunteer with SeniorsFrom January to March, when the Seniors Outreach pilot program came to an end, Jasper’s seniorswere able to obtain assistance with shopping, transportation, and light house and yard work,as well as friendly visiting, through Community Outreach Services’ Community Neighbours program.The Seniors Outreach Worker carefully screen volunteers and paired them up with seniorsrequesting assistance. 528 hours were volunteered by community members to assist seniors Research has shown that assistance with household tasks allow seniors to remain comfortablyand safely in their homes for longer, and out of assisted living and long-term care facilitiesSeniors Information GuideA guide to seniors resources, events, services and information was updated and distributed bythe COS office bi-annually. The guide is also available on-line. 400 copies were printed and distributed in 2012Seniors Social ActivitiesThe Seniors Outreach Worker organized social events and activities for Jasper seniors. Teas, day trips to the Palisades Centre and other wilderness attractions, physical activities, workshopswith elementary and high school students, baking sessions, arts and crafts days and manyother events were hosted in 2012The Elder SkinnyLed by the Seniors Outreach Worker, this monthly publication is produced by seniors for seniorsto help connect Jasper’s seniors population by highlighting opportunities to get involved, featuringviews, art and perspectives unique to this population and showcasing locals who are doing amazingthings with their lives. 400 copies of each edition were printed and distributedYoung at HeartThe Adult Outreach Worker and a Mental Health Therapist co-facilitated a twice-monthly groupworkshop for seniors to come together in a social setting to discuss current issues facing them.Guest speakers present information on a variety of topics and themes. An average of 10 seniors participate in each sessionCaregiver Support GroupThe Seniors Outreach Worker and a Mental Health Therapist co-facilitated a monthly workshopfor caregivers to come together and practice self-care techniquesPet TherapyThe Seniors Outreach Worker and local pet lovers gathered to share the health-giving effects oftheir furry friends. An average of 3 volunteers brought their pets to each session An average of 10 seniors gathered to enjoy each session