SD LIBRARY
2754 EDMONTON SERVICES TO THE
S03211610/ 1974
EDMONTON -SOCIAL-SER
EDMONTON SERVICES TO THE ELDERLY: 1974
A REPORT PREPARED BY: SOCIAL PLANNING SECTION EDMONTON SOCIAL SERVICES CITY OF EDMONTON AND THE SOCIETY FOR THE RETIRED AND SEMI-RETIRED
1 113.5a
E337 1974
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We wowed Zike to acknow.eedge with much appteciation the auiztance given by many peopte in making thiso tepott pouibZe. We woad Zike to extend expeci.at appteciation to Mts. M. Btosttom, kebetta Hozpital Sekviceh
Commiuion; Mn.. Michaet Sotochan, Edmonton Home Cake Ptogum; and to the Ditectot6 oi Opetation New Rood.
The putpoza oi thLs kepont ate to ptovide iniotmation OA intetnae depattmentae peanning and to
extend inionmation avai.eabZe concetning zekvice6 to the community.
June, 1974.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 .
II
.
III IV . V1 VI . VII . V1111
IX
P.
4
1111111114p1
14
THE ELDERLY IN EDMONTON: POPULATION INFORMATION . HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY ,11111
11
INCOME, EMPLOYMENT AND THE OLDER PERSON .
P.
32
HEALTH CARE FOR THE ELDERLY
P.
46
COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL SERVICES .
P.
72
SOCIAL, RECREATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES
P.
85
RESEARCH, PLANNING AND COORDINATION
Pal°
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS BIBLIOGRAPHY
I.
llllll
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
P.117 P1121
EDMONTO1 SERVICES TO THE ELDERLY
1974
Preface to the 1969 Report: Strengthening individuals and families, maximizing opportunities for varied experience and promoting independence are important components of a programme which seeks to enhance the quality of living. In the long run, emphasizing opportunities to increase achievement within a chosen style and quality of life seems likely to produce the greatest benefits both for individuals and for society. It is appropriate then, in the context of preventive social services, that studies be made available of services (a) to assess their relationship to the needs of persons in the community for whom they are designed, (b) to establish a base for community planning -- private, voluntary and governmental, and (c) to determine preventive service involvement. The purpose of this study is to examine services for elderly persons (available in the City of Edmonton). Since resources are limited, a descriptive overview will be the focus of the present study. The study is made on these basic premises: (a) every effort should be made to enable elderly persons to remain independent as long as possible and appropriate, (b) elderly citizens should have available a range of
2
choice in terms of style of life including involvement in general community life, and (c) an adequate system of services is required to accommodate the changing needs of persons as they grow older.
1974 -Since the 1969 report on Edmonton Services To The Elderly, a great many things have happened. The spectrum of services to the elderly has improved greatly. The numbers of elderly people have grown considerably, both absolutely and in proportion to the total population. When looking at this report, it is essential to note not only where services have greatly improved but also where services are not able to keep up the pace with need. This report may be viewed not only as a description of what services are presently available in Edmonton but as a partial comparative study. Where possible, comparisons have been made with the situation in Edmonton at the time of wilting of the 1969 report. Among the most striking developments are the increase in the number of specialized housing units for senior citizens and the improved and extended health care system. Changes in other areas are considerable but not as striking possibly because they are less visible and not as easily compared. Services available to people should be viewed as a network or system. Services do not exist in a vacuum; they must relate to the needs of people
3
and they must relate to other services. It is important to look at services in this way to see where the needs of the senior citizens are or are not being met and to determine how to fill those gaps which may exist in the service network. Services to the elderly should represent a continuum. Services must be to meet the needs of senior citizens who are living on their own in the community through to those who are institutionalized and need constant care. It is this total continuum which is the goal we should be striving for in our view of the service network.
4
I. THE ELDERLY IN E1fni1TON1 POPULATION INFORMATION
Edmonton is a relatively youthful city, compared to the country as a whole. 6.2% of the population of our City is aged 65 years or over while the percentage for Canada as a whole is 8.1%1. However, even with this indication of youthfulness, the absolute number of elderly persons has increased by over 20% in the five year period 1966 to 1971. In 1966 there were 22,667 persons aged 65 or over in Edmonton; in 1971 their number has increased to 27,315. For this same period of time, 1966-1971, while the increase in numbers of senior citizens was over 20%, the total population of Edmonton has increased by 14.8%. There is, however, no indication at present that the proportion of elderly people in Edmonton is catching up with the proportion of elderly in Canada as a whole. In Edmonton the elderly live in all areas of the City. They do, however, tend to be concentrated in the older parts of the City, notably those sections downtown and in the older Dart of the South Side. These are areas which they have known for many years, which are familiar to them and which they feel, meet their needs. Generally speaking, the newer the area of the City, the fewer will be the number and proportion of elderly people. Since the 1966 census, the absolute number of elderly people has increased in the dowttown area by 11.43%; this is very much less than the 20% increase
5
in the number of senior citizens as a whole. Furthermore, in 1966 the number of elderly people living in the downtown area represented 20.02% of the total number of elderly people living in the City. The 1971 census information indicates that the proportion of elderly people living downtown represents only 18.2% of the total of elderly people (see Table 1.). More than 10% of the elderly population of the city is concentrated into three census tracts (Tracts 32, 34 and 55; see Table 2). There are fifteen census tracts in which the elderly form 10% or more of the population; in three of these they form 15% or a greater percentage of the total census tract population (see Figures 1 and 2). In this city as elsewhere, the number of elderly women outnumber men of the same age grouping (Table 3). There are only 86.8% as many men in this age grouping. This greater proportion of women to men holds true in all locations except for one tract in the downtown area (Census Tract 34) where men outnumber women by more than two to one.
NOTES 1
Census of Canada 1971.
TABLE 1 THE POPULATION OF ELDERLY PERSONS LIVING DOWNTOWN
1966 ANb 1971 1 9 6 6 Census Tract
Population 65 + Years
14*
614
15
512
% of Tract Population 7.20
13.79
19 7 1
2.70
970
14.69
4.27
19
1,258
12.27
5.5
1,209
TOTAL
4,563
16.3
Population 65 + Years
46
295
6.23
1.08
47
380
5.60
1.39
45
580
19.40
2.12
) ) )
30
660
18.80
2.42
31
430
8.44
1.15
) ) )
32
850
11.13
3.11
33
650
12.58
2.38
34
1,240
17.28
4.55
) ) )
2.25
18
20
Census Tract
% of Total Elderly
5.3**
20.02
* Census tracts across table represent geographic equivalents. ** Total elderly population 1966 - 22,667; 1971 - 27,315.
5,085
% of Tract Population
% of Total Elderly
18.2
7
TATLE CENSUS TRACT
# OF PERSONS 65+
2,
% OF TRACT POPULATION
% OF TOTAL ELDERLY POPULATION
1
3475
55
1.59
0.20
2
9900
180
1.82
0.66
3
6555
220
3.32
0.81
4
5295
95
1.80
0.35
5
2040
15
0.74
0.06
6
695
10
1.44
0.37
7
7350
180
2.45
0.66
8
4135
70
1.68
0.26
9
7705
205
2.66
0.75
10
5065
320
6.32
1.17
11
6850
665
9.71
2.44
12
9810
615
6.27
2.25
13
4745
480
10.30
1.76
14
5345
470
8.81
1.72
15
5545
360
6.45
1.32
16
4885
220
4.51
0.81
17
4935
395
8.02
1.49
18
385
20
5.20
0.07
19
5630
140
2.49
0.51
20
7860
690
8.77
2.53
21
6400
740
11.55
2.71
8 TABLE CENSUS TRACT
# OF PERSONS 65+
2 (CONTINUED) 5 OF TRACT POPULATION
OF TOTAL ELDERLY POPULATION
22
4385
460
10.50
1.69
23
4665
550
11.78
2.01
24
4915
270
5.50
0.99
25
4665
185
3.97
0.68
26
8365
325
3.88
1.18
27
7805
345
4.42
1.26
28
6890
235
3.40
0.86
29
7420
720
9.71
2.63
30
3495
660
18.80
2.42
31
5100
430
8.44
1.15
-r)
7635
850
11.13
3.11
33
5165
650
12.58
2.38
34
7180
1240
17.28
4.55
35
4345
395
9.10
1.44
36
5300
355
6.70
1.30
37
6335
280
4.40
1.03
38
5245
155
2.96
0.57
39
7890
535
6.79
1.96
40
7115
380
5.34
1.39
41
6275
100
1.59
0.37
42
7660
260
3-40
0.96
43
4045
540
13.37
1.98
44
6905
590
8.54
2.16
TABLE CENSUS TRACT
2 (CONTIND)
# OF PERSONS 65+
% OF TRACT POPULATION
% OF TOTAL ELDERLY POPULATION
45
3025
580
19.40
2.12
46
4785
295
6.23
1.08
47
6795
380
5.60
1.39
48
4740
510
10.75
1.87
49
5370
365
6.80
1.33
50
5360
335
6.25
1.22
51
4155
110
2.64
0.40
52
5170
310
6.00
1.14
53
5355
515
9.60
1.88
54
5370
600
11.18
2.20
55
5755
755
13.10
2.76
56
5185
555
10.70
2.03
57
4255
355
8.33
1.30
58
5825
260
4.47
0.95
59
8105
600
7.40
2.20
60
8090
550
6.80
2.05
61
4895
545
11.13
1.99
62
4330
230
5.31
0.84
63
6555
385
5.87
1.46
64
3585
130
5).62
0.48
65
8690
180
2.07
0.66
66
6130
355
5.80
1.30
67
6000
315
5.25
1.15
TABLE
CENSUS TRACT
# OF PERSONS 65+
10
2 (CONTINUED) % OF TRACT POPULATION
% OF TOTAL ELDERLY POPULATION
68
7320
425
5.81
1.55
69
5025
65
1.29
0.24
70
6285
165
2.63
0.61
71
5785
175
3.02
0.64
72
5880
70
1.19
0.26
73
5235
365
6.98
1.34
74
150
15
10.00
0.06
75
7640
40
0.52
0.15
76
7045
45
0.64
0.17
77
1895
20
1.06
0.07
78
4540
40
0.88
0.15
90
370
10
2.70
0.04
11
TABLE
3
NETROPoLl TAN la.VOrTON MITERS OF VALES AND FEMALES IV THE ELDERLY POPULATION
AGE
MALE
FEMALE
TOTAL
65 - 69
5130
5485
10,615
70 - 74
3525
3945
7,470
75 - 79
2340
3010
5,355
80 - 84
1590
1955
3,545
85 - 89
785
1025
1,805
90 and over
315
400
715
13,685
15,820
29,505
TOTAL
FIGURE 1. THE ELDERLY AS THE PROPORTION OF CENSUS TRACT POPULATION
. UNDER
5%
5 - 9.9%
73
10 - 14.9%
15 - 17.4%
77
76
69
72
75
17.5 - 20%
6
_71
661
65
I 62
63
64
70
671
II
III
43-
49 28
74.II 591
T
54
521
51
601
1
II
71
42
47
50
27
35
24 ((f\
23
26 25 --------
58
2_
9
14
.713=710
5
1 3
' 4 1 2 90
FIGURE 2. PROPORTION OF TOTAL ELDERLY BY CENSUS TRACT
UNDER 1% 1 - 1.99%
78
11 1 1 11111
2 - 2.99%
NINE
37. AND OVER
75
76
68 65
64
-66
69 70
67
63 -
72
62
71
74 59
60
61
-73-
' 58
I I
51
52
54
53:
I
-49- - 43- -47 28
0-
55 I
46_
iII 29
_22 ff
= 26:: 25 6 1
3
1
20
HI
21
III
7
'
19
,
14
17
10 -, -15
13 16
42
14
HOUSIPG FOR TUE ELDERLY
Safe and decent housing at a reasonable price is crucial to the elderly person. Housing is related not only to one's sense of contentment and satisfaction, and therefore to one's emotional well-being, but has an important bearing on one's physical health. It is important also that the dwelling place be in a neighbourhood with easy accessibility to services. The number of specialized living units for senior citizens' (capable of accommodating 4,620 people) would indicate that approximately 85% of senior 2 citizens are living in the community. Information from Operation New Roof tends to indicate that 60% of senior citizens who are living in the community are in their own homes and that most have their mortgages fully paid off. Generally these homes were found to be in sound condition. The majority of these elderly people are quite capable of remaining in their own homes. Others could remain, if assistance with routine maintenance and household chores was available. Older people are on fixed incomes and the cost of rental accommodation is increasing rapidly. This has resulted in difficult situations for many older persons who have to rent Often the older person must pay a considerable portion of his monthly income towards rent (approximately 25 - 30% of gross monthly income is recommended for families or individuals), sometimes half or even more of his income, in order to find housing that is adequate for his needs. The result is that little is left for his remaining needs and
15
next to nothing for the extras that so often mean greater life satisfaction. Operation New Roof indicated that more than half of respondents who were having financial difficulties were renters. In Edmonton there has been no comprehensive plan for housing for the elderly. There have been a variety of responses to this from government and voluntary service organizations. New legislation under the National Housing Act may produce a more coordinated effort between government and non-profit voluntary organizations. As mentioned above, the greatest concentration of elderly people occurs in the oldest sections of the city. The adequacy of the housing in these areas is questionable. Although no recent data were available to confirm or deny this suspicion, the 1969 report stated the experience of social agencies dealing with elderly persons suggests that there are substantial numbers who do, in fact, live in poor accommodations in run-down areas."3 There is a continuing push by developers to re-develop the older areas of the city. The older areas are close to the downtown business section and the land itself is viewed as too valuable to sit as poor quality housing when it can be converted into high-rise apartment buildings and office towers. This has a great effect upon the elderly who are residents in these areas as these facilities represent a considerable quantity of the low-cost rental accommodation in the city.
16
A. Existing cusing Servicesg Non-profit housing designed for senior citizens in Edmonton is available from two basic sources: The Greater Edmonton Foundation and from a number of private operations. 1. Greater Edmonton Foundation. The Greater Edmonton Foundation is an administrative agency set up to manage senior citizen housing. It is a "quasi-governmental" foundation consisting of four City Councillors named by the City of Edmonton. Eleven residences are presently in operation; these provide accommodation for a total of 1,268 people in "lodge" type accommodation (room and meals) or in self-contained units (cottages or apartments). Table
4
shows the names of these lodges, the type of accommodation available and the total number of people capable of being accommodated. Rates for these units are based upon the following categories: Lodges (room and meals) - Private Unit - Shared Unit Self-Contained Unit - Private Unit - Shared Unit (couples) The rates for some of the buildings will vary. Table 5 indicates the rates of each type of accommodation per lodge. Rates for lodgestyle accommodations are per person, rates for cottages or self-contained units are per unit.
17
Applications for admission are screened by a citizen committee which meets at approximately six-week intervals. To be eligible for this housing, the following criteria must be met: a. The elderly person must be able to care for himself. b. A medical form supplied by the Foundation along with the application must be completed by a physician. c. Application form must be obtained in person. d. The person must have lived in Edmonton for twelve months immediately preceeding the application. e. The person must be 65 years of age (60 years if on social allowance). If either of the couple is of age, both may be accepted. f. Long-term residents of Alberta are given priority.
18
TABLE SEIOR CITIZEN RESIDENCES LODGE TYPE DOLBLE SINGLE ROOM ROOM
NAME AND ADDRESS
SELF CONTAINED UNITS BACHELOR ONE BEDROOM
TOTAL PEOPLE
20
52
Lauderdale 103 St. & 129 Ave.
12
24
Golden duplexes 80 St. & 95 Ave.
25
50
12
Sunset 75 St. & 111 Ave.
Kiwanis Place
46
3
272
68
460
Belvedere Lodge 6410 - 134 Ave.
14
18
8
20
98
Bethany Lodge 6115 - 92 Ave.
30
10
Elmwood Lodge 15901 - 87 Ave.
14
18
8
90
98
McQueen Lodge 10910 - 142 St.
14
18
8
20
98
Northway Lodge 6205 - 135 Ave.
14
18
14
34
132
Ottewell Lodge 6675 - 92 Ave.
14
18
10
20
100
Rosslyn Lodge 10920 - 133 A Ave.
14
18
8
24
106
Clover Bar Foundation for Senior Citizens 100 Fir Street Sherwood Park
14
18
50
TOTAL Foundation Housing (Greater Edmonton and Clover Bar Foundations)
50
1,318
19
TABLE NAME AND ADDRESS
LODGE TYPE SINGLE DOUBLE Rom ROW
Central Village 10707 - 117 St.
4 (CONTINUED) SELF CONTAINED UNITS ONE BEDROOM BACHELOR 26
Clover Bar Pioneer Court 6 Mission Street Sherwood Park
22
TOTAL PEOPLE 70
(42 one and two-bedroom suites to purchase)
Kensington Court 131 Ave & 125 St.
8
48
104
Southgate Veterans Villa 5210 - 106 St.
30
5
40
Villa Maria Polish Veterans Home 9203 - 144 Ave.
39
11
61
18
18
69
308
112
532
Springtime Village "Celo Vesniuka" 10825 - 79 Ave.
39
12
53
St. Johns Ukrainian Senior Citizens Residence 13516 - 102 St.
38
6
50
Emmanuel Home 13425 - 57 St.
5
Meadowcroft 11445 - 135 St.
5
TOTAL Privately owned accommodations TOTAL Senior Citizen accommodation
979 2,297
20
TABLE
SENIOR CITIZEN k'OOMMODATION RATES A. Greater Edmonton Foundation Lodge - 14 single occupancy 18 double occupancy Cottage - 8 single occupancy 20 one bedroom (double occupancy)
$105. - per person 95. - per person 55. - per unit
2. Bethany Lodge 6115 - 92 Ave. 469-0338
Lodge - 30 single occupancy 10 double occupancy
$105. - per person 95. - per person
3. Elmwood Lodge 15901 - 87 Ave. 429-8010
Lodge - 14 single occupancy 18 double occupancy Cottages - 8 single occupancy 20 one bedroom (double occupancy)
$105. - per person 95. - per person 55. - per unit
Lodge - 14 single occupancy 18 double occupancy Cottage - 8 single occupancy 20 one bedroom (double occupancy)
$105. - per person 95. - per person 55. - per unit
Lodge - 14 single occupancy 18 double occupancy Cottage - 14 single occupancy 34 one bedroom (double occupancy)
$105. - per person 95. - per person 55. - per unit
Lodge - 14 single occupancy 18 double occupancy Cottage - 10 single occupancy 20 one bedroom (double occupancy)
$105. - per person 95. - per person 55. - per unit
Lodge - 14 single occupancy 18 double occupancy Cottage - 8 single occupancy 24 one bedroom (double occupancy)
$105. - per person 95. - per person 55. - per unit
Cottages - 12 single occupancy 20 double occupancy
$ 40. - per unit 50. - per unit
1. Belvedere Lodge 6410 - 134 Ave. 476-1919
4. McQueen Lodge 10910 - 142 St. 454-5950
5. Northway Lodge 6205 - 135 Avenue 476-4530
6. Ottewell Lodge 6675 - 92 Ave. 469-7928
7. Rosslyn Lodge 10920 - 133 A Avenue 475 - 4080
8. Sunset Cottages 75 St. & 111 Ave.
80. - per unit
80. - per unit
80. - per unit
80. - per unit
80. - per unit
80. - per unit
21 TABLE 9. Lauderdale 103 St. & 129 Ave.
5 (CONTINUED)
Cottages - 12 double occupancy
$ 50. - per unit
10. Golden Duplexes 80 St. & 95 Ave.
Cottages - 25 double occupancy
$ 50. - per unit
11. Kiwanis Place 10330 - 120 St. 482-6561
Lodge - 46 single occupancy 3 double occupancy
$110. - per person 100. - per person (married couples) $ 70. - per unit
Apartments - 272 bachelor units 68 one bedroom units (double occupancy) 110. - per unit (married couples) B. Clover Bar Foundation 12. Clover Bar Foundation 100 Fir Street Sherwood Park
Lodge - 14 single occupancy 18 double occupancy
$110. - per person 100. - per perbali
C. Privately Owned Senior Citizen Housing 13. Central Village 10707 - 117 St. 452-8061
26 Bachelor Apartments 22 one bedroom Apartments
$ 80. - per unit 110. - per unit
14. Clover Bar Pioneer Court 6 Mission Street Sherwood Park 467-8206
42 one and two bedroom suites to purchase
$12 - 20,000 depending on size
15. Kensington Court 131 Ave. & 125 St. 452-1626 16. Villa Maria Polish Veterans Home 9203 - 144 Ave.
8 bachelor units 48 one bedroom 39 bachelor units 11 one bedroom units
$42.50 $52.00 $ 80. $110. -
475-9366
17. Emmanuel Home 13425 - 57 St. 478-2051
Lodge - 5 single occupancy $ 90. 80. 5 double occupancy 80. Apartments - 18 bachelor units 12 one bedroom units (double occupancy) 110.
- per person - per person - per unit - per unit
22 TABLE
5 (CONTINUED)
18. Meadowcroft 11445 - 135 St. 454-5603
308 bachelor units 112 one bedroom (double occupancy)
$ 80. - per unit
19. Springtime Village "Celo Vesnivka" 10825 - 70 Ave. 436-2122
29 bachelor units 12 one bedroom
$ 80. - per unit 110. - per unit
110. - per unit
20. Ukrainian Senior Citizens 38 bachelor units Home of St. John 6 one bedroom units 13516 - 102 St. 422-5526
$ 80. - per unit 110. - per unit
21. Ukrainian Senior Citizens Lodge - 18 single occupancy Home of the Holy Eucharist 21 double occupancy 11935 - 65 St.
$130. - per person 115. - per person
23
Greater Edmonton Foundation 10330 - 120th Street EDMONTON Telephone: 482-6561. There is a considerable waiting list for accommodations. At the end of May, 1974, there were approximately 450 people on the list for the High Rise (Kiwanis Place) and another 400 on the list for the remaining units. There are considerably more women applying than men. Clover Bar Foundation: The Clover Bar Foundation, similar in nature to the Greater Edmonton Foundation, operates a lodge in Sherwood Park. Applicants must be 65 years of age or over and must be able to care for themselves. As of August 1, 1974, rates will be as mentioned in Table 5. Clover Bar Foundation 100 Fir Street SHERWOOD PARK Telephone: 467-7360
2. Privately Operated Residences; In the 1969 study, privately built and operated residences for senior citizens could accommodate a total of 104 people; this was Kensington Court. Since publication the number of privately c;erated residences has grown to where they can now accommodate 979 people (see Table 4) and, there are a considerable number of private residences planned for construction (see Table 6).
24
Most of these developments have been constructed with the aid of provision of the National Housing Act, where non-profit groups may obtain low-interest mortgages for rental housing (see below). Generally, the eligibility requirements for this accommodation are as follows: a. persons must be 65 years of age or over. b. persons must be able to care for self. Preference is given to senior citizens on low income. Various sponsoring organizations may place a priority on admission to persons of special groups. Some examples of those which place priorities are as follows: a. Springtime Virage "Celo Vesniuka" - preference given to persons of Ukrainian national background. b. Villa Maria Polish Veterans Home - preference given to persons of Polish national background. c. Southgate Veterans Villa
- preference given to veterans or veterans' widows.
25
TABLE C PROPOSED SENIOR CITIZENS HOUSING
Proposed Date for Completion
No. of Units
Boyle Street Housing Project 93rd St. and Jasper Avenue Cantertury Court 142 St. between 80th & 85th Ave.
1974
All Saints Cathedral Development Corporation 103 St. & Jasper Avenue
1976
150
Central Pentecostal 117 St. & 108th Avenue.
1975
48
St. Andrews Centre 111 Ave. & St. Albert Trail Strathcona Place 108th St. & University Avenue Edmonton German Pentecostal Edmonton Eastwood Bachanon United Church Edmonton Ukrainian Pentecostal Tabernacle Edmonton Bulah Alliance
26
3.
Public Housing: Public Housing in Edmonton consists of 1,353 units located in
clusters throughout the City. First priority is given to families, occasionally units are available for senior citizens. Rent is geared to income. 44 one bedroom units are among the total number of units and at the middle of June 1974, 42 of these were occupied by senior citizens. Public Housing in Edmonton is administered by the Edmonton Housing Authority and applications can be obtained from them. Edmonton Housing Authority 10046 - 106 Street EDMONTON Telephone: 424-3137. Homes for Special Care. Homes for Special Care are included below in section on Health Services,
B. Provisions of the National Housing Act. The National Housing Act provides the enabling legislation for assistance to local governments and non-profit corporations for construction and operation of senior citizen residences via the Central Mortgage and Housing Corporation. There are a number of sections of the Act (as amended in 1973) which are pertinent to senior citizen housing.
27
Section 15(1) The Corporation may make a loan to any person for the purpose of assisting
:
(a) the construction, purchase or improvement of a low-rental housing project; (b) the purchase of existing buildings and the land upon which they are situated and then conversion into a low rental housing project, or; (c) the conversion of existing buildings into a low-rental housing project. These loans are available to non-profit corporations which are: (a) constituted exclusively for charitable purposes. (b) a cooperative association that is constructing, acquiring or improving a housing project with the intention of providing housing to persons, the majority of whom are members of the association, who will occupy the housing otherwise than as owners upon completion of the project, or; (c) a housing corporation all of the shares of which are owned by a municipality or by an agency of a municipality, loans may be for an amount equal to the total lending value of the project. This legislation gives assistance to groups willing to produce housing for people of limited means, particularly the elderly and handicapped. Start-up funds, up to $10,000, may be available to the sponsor of a nonprofit housing project.
°These funds will be used to ensure that the group is
28
able to reach the point of a properly prepared loan application to C.M.H.C."4 The non-profit group may apply to C.M.H.C. for a 10% contribution to help cover costs. A loan of up to 100% (95% in cases of Provincial non-profit organizations) of the lending value may be obtained. Section 43(1) states that "the Corporation may make a loan to a province, municipality, or public housing agency for the construction or acquisition of a public housing project.' It is possible to build senior citizen housing under this section, as public housing, and then qualify for a share in operating losses under Section 44(2)(a), "the corporation will contribute annually to the province, municipality, or public housing agency an amount provided in the agreement, and in any case not exceeding 50% of the annual operating losses incurred by it, as determined by the corporation". Thus, lower rentals could be charged and half of the deficit could be recovered from the Central Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Section 34 of the Act provides for the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program. In selected neighbourhoods, federal funds may be available to assist in the improvement and repair of substandard dwellings. Loans of up to $5,000 per dwelling unit may be available in older residential areas for these repairs. The amount of the loan is geared to income and a portion of the loan is forgivable. This program may be useful to elderly people who own their own homes.
29
C. Alberta Housing Corporation. The Alberta Housing Corporation established under the Alberta Housing Act is the entity responsible for the administration of various sections of the National Housing Act in Alberta. Recent developments now perBdit.private groups to sponsor senior citizen accommodation to be built by Alberta Housing Corporation under Section 43 of the National Housing Act; under Section
44)
this arrangement also permits units to be subsidized so that rentals can be geared to income. It is anticipated that the majority of senior citizen accommodation in the future will be financed in this manner.
D. 1974 Education Property Tax Reduction Plan. For the year 1974, the entire Provincial Education Tax has been removed from the real estate tax. All classes of residential property are covered by the reduction including family feaulands and mobile homes. In the case of most residential property, this reduction is automatic. The Alberta Property Tax Reduction Plan allows for minimum benefits as follows: 1. $100 (or the total property tax, whichever is less). 2. $200 for those persons aged 65 or over who are in receipt of the Guaranteed Income Supplement.
30
3. Senior citizens who rent residential accommodation (including rooms in senior citizens' lodges) may claim a $100 benefit. 4. Residents of nursing homes and auxiliary or regular hospitals have already automatically received this benefit and need not apply. Applications are available through municipal office, Treasury Branch, or Department of Municipal Affairs.
E. Landlord and Tenant Advisory Board. (10237 - 98th Street, Telephone 424-0521). The Landlord and Tenant Advisory Board operates under the authority of Section 22 of the Landlord and Tenant Act of Alberta. The purpose of the Board is to give advice about rental practices and rights; according to provision of the Act, it will also receive complaints and mediate disputes. The board is a municipal body set up by Bylaw and consists of seven members. No statistics are kept on the number of senior citizens served. For the month of May, 1974, statistics are as follows: 1996 telephone enquiries, 227 interviews, and 129 written complaints.
31
SUMMARY
In the 1969 report, the number of senior citizens that could be accommodated in specialized residential units was 1048. As of June, 1974, there were residential units capable of accommodating 2297 people. Thus, the number of senior citizens that can be accommodated in specialized units has doubled over the past five years. With this increase in facilities, the needs are still not being met. The 1969 report indicated that there were approximately 800 people on the waiting list for Greater Edmonton Foundation Housing. At the end of May, 1974, there were 850 people on this waiting list.
NOTES 1
includes residences, lodges, homes for special care, and nursing homes.
2
a New Horizons project initiated to study the satisfaction of senior citizens with their housing situation (see section on Research, Planning and Coordination).
3 Social Planning Unit, Edmonton Social Services, 1969, Edmonton Services to the Elderly, Page 8. 4 1973 C.M.H.C. New National Housing Act Program -- Non-Profit housing assistance.
32
III, INCOME)EMPLOYMENT
11
THE OLDER PERSON
The maintenance of an adequate income is one of the most crucial considerations in respect to the continued independence of older people. With an adequate income, many more older people would be capable of managing their own affairs and providing for their own essential needs for a longer period of time. Income in a person's later years is primarily dependent upon three sources: (a) savings and investments compiled during working years. (b) private pension plans. (c) governmental contributions and pensions. The adequacy of the older person's income will be dependent upon the combined force of these three factors. With the full force of the present inflationary situation, savings and investments that a person had accummulated during working years, and private pension plans, have been whittled away as to their purchasing power. Today, there is a considerably greater emphasis on the governmental contribution to the older person's income. There is a growing recognition of the "investment" that older people have made in the development of our country and it is considered "right and proper" for older people to receive a "return on their investments".
33
Employment: The work ethic is very much ingrained in our older people while some younger people today are finding this no longer satisfactory. Most of our older people were in their prime earning years during the depression of the 1930's and felt its full impact; and partly because of this, employment is very important to them. Many problems that the older person has with income could be considerably lessened if he (or she) had not withdrawn from the labour force. The current trent is to fewer elderly people in the labour force along with a trend toward retirement at a younger age. The latest figures available for employment by age
TABLE
7
PROPORTION OF ELDERLY PEOPLE IN LABOUR FORCE (CF YEARS OF AGE OR OVER) Male
Female
1946
48%
5%
1950
40%
4%
1955
32%
4%
1960
30%
5%
1965
26%
6%
1968
24%*
6%
1969
23%**
5%
*Source: Canada Yearbook 1969 **Source: Canada Yearbook 1970-71
34
are for the year 1969; listing 235 of males and 55 of females respectively over the age of 65 as employed. Data from the "Snider Study"1 indicates that 137, of respondents in Edmonton were employed either full or part-time at the time of the study. Enforced arbitrary retirement is increasing. Operation New Roof indicates that 17% of respondents were forced to retire. The demands of a changing technological society for new skills and the availability of increasing numbers of younger people trained or educated in these new technologies has an important bearing on the job opportunities available to the older worker. Under these conditions, the involvement of the older worker will be dependent on the degree to which the economy can sustain full employment, and the retraining and placement services available. Once out of work, chances of re-employment are considerably less for the older person. The reduction of income involved affects not only current but future standards of living since contributory pensions, such as the Canada Pension, are related to contributions and such contributions are not made during periods of unemployment. Employment Services to the Elderly: The Over 45 Group, while not dealing with the elderly person per se is an organization which specializes in job placement and some informal job
35
counselling for people of 45 years of age and over. As of the end of May, 1974, they have 14 people on their files who are over the age of 65; these are all men.
Personal Assets: The accumulation of assets during prime working years in the form of savings, investments, real estate, private pensions, and the like are importantjh relation to the standard of living enjoyed in the later years. Many persons now reaching retirement age face difficulties because their income during the prime working years was much lower than current wage lev9,1s, leaving minimal surplus for savings or contributions to pension programmes. No census information exists for the variables income by age group. 1971 census information does list income for Edmonton for persons 15 years of age or over. The mean income per capita in Edmonton for the year 1970 was $5,460; (for males $7315 and females $3005). The median incomes were, per capita, $4,374, (for males $6690 and for females $2421).2 A 1973 survey of 15,000 households across Canada does cormlate income by age.3 The survey gives the average income for persons 65 years of age as $3172; for men it is
$4,1243, and for women $2,350. The median income is $1,937 for men and $1,758 for women. The Snider report gives incomes for a supple of 428 persons included in his study in Edmonton; the median income for the sample is $206.00 per month, or $2472 per annum.
36 TABLE
C
INCOlE GROUPS FX SEX EDrrrT0f', METROPc.)LITAN AREA (PERSONS
15 YEARS OF AGE AND OVER)
All People
Males
Females
343,445
170,660
172,785
66,995
13,175
53,820
276,445
157,480
118,965
Under 1,000
41,850
12,590
29,260
1,000 - 1,499
22,925
7,990
14,935
1,500 - 1,999
15,085
5,770
9,315
2,000 - 2,999
24,100
9,930
14,175
3,000 - 3,999
25,200
9,190
16,020
4,000 - 4,999
24,225
10,655
13,570
5,000
5,999
20,255
12,485
7,775
6,000 - 6,999
19,925
14,700
5,225
7,000 - 7,999
19,190
16,135
3,060
8,000 - 8,999
15,410
13,500
1,910
9,000 - 9,999
11,370
10,255
1,115
10,000 - 11,999
15,215
14,025
12,000 - 14,999
10,600
9,755
) ) 2,040 )
15,000 - 19,999
6,120
5,740
20,000 - 24,999
1,990
1,905
25,000 - over
2,975
2,880
Mean
5,460
7,315
3,005
Median
4,374
6,690
2,421
Total No Income Total With Income
) ) ) 560
37 TPTIE 9 DISTRIBUTION PERCENTAGE INCWE OF PERSONS ir CANADA YURS nF AGE AND. OVER .BY
sEx 1C72*
All Persons
Male
Female
under $500
1.8
1.1
2.5
500 - 999
9.3
3.5
14.3
1,000 - 1,499
9.5
5.7
12.7
1,500 - 1,999
33.6
26.1
40.0
2,000 - 2,999
17.0
19.1
15.3
3,000 - 3,999
8.3
11.8
5.4
4,000 - 4,999
6.4
9.4
3.8
5,000 - 5,999
3.4
6.1
1.2
6,000 - 6,999
2.1
3.0
1.4
7,000 - 7,999
1.8
2.7
1.0
8,000 - 8,999
1.3
2.5
0.3
9,000 - 9,999
1.2
2.1
0.5
10,000 -11,999
1.4
2.5
0.5
12,000 -14,999
1.0
2.1
0.2
15,000 and over
1.7
2.5
1.0
99.8
100.2
Income
Total
Mean Income 3,172
100.1. 2,350
4,143 ,
Median Income 1,937
2,719
1,758
Sample Siz 2,722
1,256
1,466
*Source-Income Distribution by Size in Canada 1972, preliminary estimates, Statistics Canada 1973, Page 12.
38
TABLE .2, TOTAL MONTHLY INCOME OF SOME ELDERLY PEOPLE IN ED1ONTON4 (SNIDER STUDY SAMPLE)
PERCENT
CATEGORIES
MALE
FEMALE
TOTAL
n.a., n.r.
7
8
15
none
0
0
0
1-50
0
0
0
51 -100
21
23
44
9.6
101 -150
32
63
95
23.5
151 -300
104
51
155
37.8
301 -400
33
15
48
11.9
401 -650
30
16
46
11.4
651 or more
24
1
25
5.9
251
177
428
200.1
Total
39
Income Maintainance Programs: 1. Federal Programmes: Old Age Security Pension: Under the Old Age Security Act, the Federal Government pays a monthly pension to all persons who meet the residence requirements and who are 65 years of age or above. Ten year residence immediately prior to application is the requirement, broken residence may be allowed under special circumstances. This is a universal program available to everyone regardless of income; the individual must make application. The rates are reviewed every three months and are to change with the cost of living. The rate as of July 1974, is $112.95. Guaranteed Income Supplement: A 1966 amendment to the Old Age Security Act provides for the payment of a monthly guaranteed income supplement to Old Age Security pensioners who have little or no income other than the basic pension. Upon application, persons may receive all or a portion of the Guaranteed Income Supplement, depending upon the amount of additional taxable income. In July 1974, the maximum supplement is $79.23 for a single person and $70.36 for each of a married couple.
40
The combined total amount of the Old Age Security Pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement is the basic income below which no senior citizen in Canada should be.* In Alberta, at the end of March 1974, there were 126,600 people receiving the Old Age Security Pension and 74,328 people receiving Guaranteed Income Supplements, with 32,593 receiving the maximum Guaranteed Income Supplement.
TABLE 11 BASIC INCOME FOR SENIOR CITIZENS IN CANADA IN JULY, 1974
Old Age Security Pension Guaranteed Income Supplement (Maximum)
Single Persons
Couple
$112.95
$112.95 x 2 = $225.90
79.23
-0.36 x 2 = $140.72
TOTAL MONTHLY INCOME
$ 192.18
$ 366.62
TOTAL YEARLY INCOME
$2306.16
$ 4399.44
Canada Pension Plan: Retirement Pension. The Canada Pension Plan is a compulsory contributory pension plan requiring contributions from every person
* exceptions would be persons without the necessary residence requirements.
41
(18 to 65 years of age) earning in excess of $700.00 per annum ($900 if self-employed), totalling 3.6 per cent (1.8% employee, 1.8% employer) of income on a maximum contributable earnings of $6600.00. Benefits depend upon amount of contribution and length of contribution. The plan began in 1966. Full benefits are not payable until ten years of contribution have been paid into the plan, and are therefore not available until 1976. The maximum tenefite available in July 1974, if a person had been contributing the maximum since the Plan began until June, 1974, will be $104.48; $109.60 in December of 1974. Canada Pension Plan: Disability Pension. Under the Canada Pension Plan, disability pensions are available to persons who have contributed a maximum of 5 years to the plan and who are medically certified unable to work. Canada Pension Plan: Survivors Benefits. The Canada Pension Plan provides for Survivors Benefits, these include: (a) a lump sum death benefit payable to the estate of the deceased contributor. (b) a monthly pension to his widow. (c) monthly benefits for the dependent children of a deceased contributor.
42
(d) a monthly pension to a disabled widower of a female contributor, provided the widower is disabled, having been disabled at the time of the death of his wife and provided that he was wholly or substantially maintained by his wife prior to her death. For a survivor to qualify for benefits, a deceased contributor must have made contributions for one-third of the calendar years for which he or she could have contributed to the plan or for ten years, whichever is less. Rates for the Canada Pension Plan are subject to change as the maximum contributable earnings change. For further information, contact the Department of National Health and Welfare, Canada Pension Plan, Seventh Floor, Manulife Building, 10055 106th Street, Edmonton, Alberta; Telephone 425-7150. 2. Provincial Programs Alberta Income Supplement. The Alberta Income Supplement is a program which provides a $10.00 per month grant to all persons 65 years of age or over who are in receipt of all or part of the Federal Guaranteed Income Supplement. No application is necessary. Social Allowance. The Government of Alberta, Department of Health and Social Development, through its social allowance
43
programme, renders assistance to persons in need. Food, clothing, shelter, medical, and sundry personal incidentals are provided in this programme. Need is calculated on a family or individual basis and approved benefits represent the difference between approved allowance rates and available income. Some allowance is made for cash and capital assets not surplus to the individual or family's own needs. Applications are made through the Regional Office of the Department of Health and Social Development: West Edmonton Regional Office 170th Street and Stony Plain Road Phone: 487-3440 West Ten Project 12225 - 105th Avenue Phone: 482-6511 North Edmonton Regional Office 11713 - 82nd Street Phone: 474-6424 South Edmonton Regional Office 10455 - 80th Avenue Phone: 433-4411
3.
War Veterans Pensions and Allowances The War Veterans Allowance Act provides for allowances to otherwise qualified war veterans, who, because of age or infirmity, are unable to derive their maintainance from employment. Widows and orphans are eligible for benefits. For a single person, the monthly rate is $161.27 with a monthly income ceiling of $201.27. For a married person, the rate is $274.44 with a
44
monthly income ceiling of $344.44. An additional $40.00 for a single person or $70.00 for a married person may be available if circumstances warrant it. Medical exsmination and treatment are provided, depending upon assessment of the degree of disability. Pensions are also available for widows and orphaned children of disability pensioners. As of 1974, 3000 people in Northern Alberta are in receipt of War YBterans Pension. Information and applications are available from the Department of Veterans Affairs, 9943 - 109th Street, Edmonton; telephone 425-7828.
The Adequacy of Income Support Measures: Although there is still reason for considerable concern for the adequacy of income support measures for the senior citizen, the situation has considerably improved over the years. Based upon the Economic Council of Canada guidelines, the poverty line in 1974 would be, for a single person, approximately $2530.00 per year. The minimum income a senior citizen should have today, based upon the total of the Old Age Pension, the Guaranteed Income Supplement and the Alberta Income Supplement, is $2426.16 per year. In 1969, the total minimum income for a senior citizen was $1317.96 while the poverty line was between $1800 and $1900 per year. While the basic income available to the senior citizen is as mentioned above, the
46
IV. HEALTH CARE FOR THE ELDERLY
Health is crucial to the well-being and life satisfaction of elderly people, as it is to people of all ages. Information collected by Operation New Roof indic&ted that health more than anything else had to do with whether people considered themselves happy or not. In 1966, the Senate Special Committee on Agingl estimated that more than 85% of the elderly are in good health. The Snider Study2 revealed some interes-ingdata in this area by self evaluation: . . only 11.7% self-rated their health as poor, an equal portion saw their health as excellent. 47.0% saw their health as good while 29.2% saw their health as only fair.0 The elderly, like all people do get ill. Medical research has demonstrated that chronic illness is the elderly person's main health hazard. Chronic diseaBe, lowered resistance to stress, and some increasing anxiety over one's health are more prevalent with those who are older. Chronic illness is, however, not exclusively a problem of age. "While there are diseases among the ages, there are no special diseases of the aged.1T4 Canadian health care has been primarily institutionally oriented as compared with other countries which have highly developed home
47
care programs for the mentally and physically ill. The rising costs of institutional operation and a growing identification of the fact that many elderly people occupying institutional facilities could, with minimal health services, remain in their homes, for much longer periods, has encouraged experimentation with home care in Canada. Edmonton Social Services and the Local Board of Health has recently (November 1973) begun a Coordinated Home Care Program for the comprehensive care of persons in Edmonton. The older person needs help in maintaining a good level of functioning. He needs some counselling and advice about good health habits (in particular, nutrition and exercise), and early detection and help in disease prevention. Preventive work is important and may help lower anxieties. Several research studies are being conducted now in the use of nurses, in particular, public health nurses, in preventive health counselling of elderly persons (one study in Ottawa and one in New York City). It is impossible to separate health from other areas of the older person's life. Closely related to the older person's health are his social and emotional well-being. Each area may affect the other. The lonely, more isolated senior citizen may, though not necessarily, have poorer health, which brings decreased in mobility. Poor eyesight or hearing may affect social relationships. Recent moves to cover health care expenses of the elderly are most significant; they insure that lack of financial resources should
48
not mean lack of adequate medical care. This kind of coverage removes one major area of anxiety from the life of the older person; he will not be impoverished due to poor health. The delivery of medical care is yet another concern. While most old people, according to the Snider Study (78.7% of the sample), do have family doctors, there are still few doctors who are interested in geriatrics. At the present time, there is no identified geriatric specialist in our City. The past president of the Canadian Medical Association, Dr. G. Gingras, has pointed out that Canada has about 25 specialists in geriatrics in contrast to 800 pediatricians, yet the number and proportion of the elderly population is growing. Education in geriatrics is still neglected in some medical schools. There is no official medical training for this specialty in Canada, although Deer Lodge Veterans Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is aiming in this direction. At the recent (May, 1974) meeting of the Alberta Council on Aging held in Edmonton, a resolution was passed which called for the establishment of a "Department of Gerontology" at the University of Alberta Medical School.
A. Preventive Health Services Since the 1969 report, progress has been limited in this area. Development including the Edmonton Home Care Program (described under
49
Home Treatment Services) and the Day Hospital (listed under institutions) are extremely significant in the type of service they provide, but the numbers of people they serve in relation to the estimated need, is limited. Existing medical service to the elderly is primarily provided through the private practitioners. A frequently repeated problem is the difficulty for the medical practitioner to spend an adequate amount of time with the older patient to effectively communicate, reassure him and diagnose his ailments. The establishment of a vigorous program of health education for the elderly and a system of geriatric clinics providing regular health examination and referral to appropriate treatment centres is an important need. Local Board of Health The Local Board of Health provides some preventive service albeit on a limited basis. Public Health Nursing works directly with families and individuals in the community delivery personnel service. Health promotion by active counselling and health education is offered. For the year 1972, the Public Health Nursing Program provided 401 home visits to persons considered as geriatrics cases. This represents 2.58% of the total visits for the year. Health counselling is provided at the Health Clinics (see Table 12) and at the Society for the Retired and Semi-Retired, 10169 - 104
50
Street and at Strathcona Place, 10831 - University Avenue.
TABLE 12 EDMONTON LOCAL BOARD OF HEALTH CLINICS
1974 Central Region
Ground Floor, Avord Arms Building 425-6068
Duggan
5035 - 108 A Street
435-9202
Eastwood
11845 - 81 Street
474-8266
Glengarry
9535 - 135 Avenue
475-6607
Idylwylde
8314 - 88 Avenue
465-7976
Jasper Place
15626 - 100A Avenue
489-8980
South Side
10335 - 83 Avenue
439-4676
Woodcroft
13420 - 114 Avenue
454-4867
Edmonton Home Care Program see under Home Treatment Services
B. Home Treatment Services 1. Victorian Order of Nurses, #307, 10240 - 124 Street, telephone 482-5467. The Victorian Order of Nurses provides nursing care in the patient's home under the direction of the family doctor. The service provided includes bed care, bath, drug administration, advise on diet and nutrition. The V.O.N. serves metropolitan Edmonton including St. Alberta and Sherwood Park. It is a voluntary agency. Service is on a per visit basis.
51
There are no age or economic status restrictions. The fees charged are on the basis of ability to pay with a maximum of $6.50 per visit (reimbursement of up to $100 in a benefit year from Alberta Blue Cross Plan). 28,499 visits to adults were paid in 1973. The largest proportion of persons visited are senior citizens. 2. Nurses Private Duty Registry, #210, 8225 - 105 Street, telephone 429-3386. The Nurses Private Duty Registry provides private nursing service by registered nurses and certified nurses aides. The Registry provides service on the basis of a minimum eight-hour shift. It is a cmmercial service. There is no age restriction. Fees are $35.00 for a Registered Nurse on an eight-hour shift and $24.00 for a C.N.A. The Registry provided 33,200 hours of service to 4,150 patients in 1973. 3. Health Care Services Upjohn Limited, #400, 10080 Jasper Avenue, telephone 423-2221. Health Care Services Upjohn Limited is a commercial service providing Registered Nursing Services, Certified Nursing Aide Services, homemaker and home help services. Service is provided to metropolitan Edmonton. There is no age restriction. Service is based upon a four-hour minimum shift. Service began on April 1, 1974 and no statistics are available as yet. Rates are charged per hour. For Registered Nursing care $5.30, for Certified Nursing Aide
52
t3480, for Registered Nursing Ordorly $4.70. Homemaker serviec is $3.25 and home help $3.15. 4. Alberta Male Nursing Services Limited, 13860 - 110 A Avenue, telephone 455-8755. Alberta Male Nursing Services Limited, a commercial service, provides Certified Nursing Orderly services. Service is provided to metropolitan Edmonton. There are no age restrictions. Service is on a per visit basis with a cost of $5.00 per visit (reimbursement of up to $100 per benefit year from Alberta Blue Cross Plan). In 1973, 216 hours of service were provided to 324 patients. 5. Edmonton Home Care Program, Sixth Floor, C.N. Tower, telephone 425-5971. The Edmonton Hone Care Program is designed to coordinate and help finance* the provision of health and supportive services to qualifying persons of all ages in order to help them remain in their own homes. Services that are provided for include: nursing and orderly, physiotherapy , homemaking, home help. Eligibility: 1. A person's condition must be such that he can be treated adequately at home with the services available through the Program.
*Services are contracted for with a number of agencies and commerical services.
53
2. At present, a person must need two of the basic services provided, or one if it would prevent institutionalization. 3. Must be under medical supervision where a health service is required. 4. Must live in the City of Edmonton. Persons discharged from hospital may have a four-week period of free service. The Program began November, 1973, as a joint project of Edmonton Social Services (Preventive Social Services) and the Local Board of Health. The Program has provided 129 persons with 4,929 home care days (November 1, 1973 to March 31, 1974), 91 of these people were over the age of 60, with 68 of them being 70 or more years of age. Fees for service will depend upon the service provided, the income of the individual and the size of his family.
C.
Ins.tituional Health Services: The institutional health serves are arranged to cover a con-
tinuum from the intensive active treatment hospitals to the low intensity special care home. The type of facility used would be dependent upon the type of care necessary and the extent of the problems.
54
1. Active Treatment Hospitals The active treatment hospitals are the front line of the institutional health program. At present, there are five active treatment hospitals with a total of 3,557 beds. These are the most intense of the institutional health facilities and offer a great variety of services. Costs for this are reflected in a substantially higher per diem rate than at other institutional facilities (average per diem for Edmonton hospitals is $75.00*). The number of active treatment beds represents 8.12 beds per 1,000 population. Patients are required to pay a $5.00 admission fee to hospitals and additional rates of $33.00 and $61.00 are charged for semi-private or private wards respectively.5
Alberta Blue
Cross and some private hospital insurance plans assist in meeting these additional costs to patients. The average length of stay varies from hospital to hospital. In 1972, the average length of stay was 12.7 days for the University Hospital, 7.9 for the Royal Alexandra, 9.0 for the Misericordia and Edmonton General HospitalsP
* Source: Royal Alexandra Hospital
55
TABLE
13
ACTIVE TREATMENT HOSPITALS*
NAME AND LOCATION
NUMBER OF BEDS
Charles Camsell Hospital** 12815 - 115 Avenue
404
Edmonton General Hospital 11111 Jasper Avenue
559
Misericordia Hospital 16940 - 87 Avenue
555
Royal Alexandra Hospital 10240 Kingsway Avenue
976
University Hospital 84th Avenue & 112th Street TOTAL ACTIVE TREATMENT BEDS
1,063 3,557
* Source: Alberta Hospital Services Commission ** Source: Charles Camsell Hospital
56
TABLE
14
AUXILIARY HOSPITALS*
NAME AND LOCATION Allen Gray Auxiliary 7510 - 89 Street
NUMBER OF BEDS 52
Good Samaritan 97 St. & 71 Ave.
200
Grandview Auxiliary 6215 - 124 Street
200
Lynnwood Auxiliary 8740 - 165 Street
100
Norwood Auxiliary 11135 - 105 Street
162
St. Joseph's 107th Street & 82nd Avenue
198
University Hospital Abe rhart Wing TOTAL AUXILIARY BEDS
40
952
Source: Alberta Hospital Services Commission
57
2. Auxiliary Hospitals Auxiliary hospitals provide for longer term care to patients who are chronically ill and others who do not need the high intensity care of the active treatment hospital; in this respect, their services are critical for the aged, who may frequently need a long-term service. At present, there are six auxiliary hospitals in the City and the Aberhart Wing at the University Hospital with a total bed capacity of 952, representing 2.2 beds per 1,000 population. Basic service includes nursing care, physiotherapy and occupational therapy. The auxiliary hospital patient is cared for by his own doctor. The overall average age of patients of auxiliary hospitals (in 1972) was 73 years. The first 120 days of care in a ward (2 or 4 bed) are covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance. Each additional day of care in a ward is $3.00. In private wards, the first 120 days are at the rate of $3.50 per day and each additional day is $6.50. A waiting list exists for auxiliary hospitals. As at June 24,
1974, 132 persons were seeking admission to auxiliary hospitals within the Edmonton and District Auxiliary Hospital and Nursing Home Board, District No. 24 (District 24 serves Edmonton and a considerable surrounding area). 3. Specialized Hospitals Four hospitals provide specialized convalescent care for persons of all ages. In all centers specialized medical care
58
is available and active rehabilitetion programs are conducted. The Glenrose Hospital in its convalescent rehabilitation unit provides mainly medium term and convalescent care. The Aberhart Division of the University Hospital provides care for tuberculosis patients, polio victims, in addition to the already mentioned 40 bed auxiliary unit. The Alberta Hospital Edmonton provides treatment for mental illnesses and has 247 beds in seven wards for the elderly in its geriatric unit. The W.W. Cross Cancer Institute provides diagnostic and treatment services for cancer patients.
TABLE
15
SPECIALIZED HOSPITALS NAME AND LOCATION
NUMBER OF BEDS
Alberta Hospital Edmonton Oliver
762
Glenrose Provincial General Hospital 10230 - 111 Avenue
406
Dr. W. W. Cross Cancer Institute 11560 University Avenue
76
Aberhart Division University Hospital 114th Street & University Avenue
197
TOTAL SPECIAL BEDS
1,441
(Alberta Hospital Edmonton Geriatric Unit - 247 in 7 wards)
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4. Day Hospital The Geriatric Day Hospital, located in the Dr. Angus McGugan Nursing Home (10410 - 111th Avenue, Telephone 474-5441), is a two-year research project. The objectives of the Day Hospital are to prevent institutionalization and to shorten the length of stay in active treatment hospitals. It provides the following services on a day to day basis: medical, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and dietary counselling. Anyone can refer a patient, but an application form must be filled out by both the patient and a physician. Applications can be obtained from the Central Placement Office. The Day Hospital Program was initiated in May of 1973. Presently there are 75 people serviced (June 7, 1974). The program can handle up to 25 patients per day. At present, there is a waiting list of 13 people for admission to the Day Hospital. 5. Nursing Home Care The Nursing Home program in Alberta was designed to provide continuum qualified nursing home care for those not well enough to be accommodated in senior citizen lodges and not ill enough to be in hospitals, in as home-like an atmosphere as possible.
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TABLE
16
NURSING HOMES
NAME AND ADDRESS
NUMBER OF BEDS
Edmonton Central Park Lodge 5905 - 112 Street
134
Edmonton Veterans Home (D.V.A.) 11440 University Avenue
150
Good Samaritan Nursing Home 10530 - 56 Avenue
196
Good Samaritan Southgate Nursing Home 4225 - 107 Street
225
Dr. Angus McGugan Nursing Home 10410 - 111 Avenue
225
Hardisty Nursing Home 6420 - 101 Avenue
226
Holyrood Nursing Home 9510 - 80 Street
95
Jasper Place Central Park Lodge 8903 - 168 Street
100
Jubilee Lodge Nursing Home Ltd. 10333 - 76 Avenue
128
Parkland Nursing Home Edmonton North 13210 - 114 Street
120
Venta Nursing Home 13525 - 102 Street TOTAL BEDS - EDMONTON CITY Sherwood Park Nursing Home 2020 Brentwood Blvd., Sherwood Park
65 1,664 100
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TABLE 16 (CONTINUED) NAME AND ADDRESS
NUMBER OF BEDS
Youville Home 9 St. 'Vital Avenue St. Albert
162
River Crest Lodge Fort Saskatchewan
70
Good Samaritan Nursing Home Stony Plain
90 2,086
In Edmonton city, there are 10 nursing homes operating under contract through the Edmonton and District Auxiliary Hospital and Nursing Home Board and one operating under the Department of Veterans Affairs, having a total of 1,664 beds in Edmonton City or 3.79 beds per 1,000 population. Nursing homes in suburban centres (see Table 16) add 422 beds, bringing the total for the District to 2,086 beds. The waiting list for nursing homes in Edmonton city at the end of February, 1974, totalled 114 persons. In 1972, persons over 60 years of age accounted for over 93% of nursing home patients in Edmonton and Calgary.7 47.9% of persons in nursing homes were in the age group 80 - 89 years.8 It is interesting to note that almost 50% of patients are able to well on their own and only 7% have no walking ability.
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Only 8 of 3,000 persons surveyed in 1972 (Edmonton and Calgary) are confined to bed. Applications for nursing homes are made on a form available from the Central Placement Office. A person may state his preference for one or more nursing homes, however, only one application form need be completed. All applications are submitted to the Medical Assessment Board, which determines qualification for admittance. Patient pays the following rates, on a per diem, $3.00 for a standard ward, $5.00 for a semiprivate room, and $8.00 for a private room. The Provincial Government subsidizes the nursing home at the rate of $8.75 per patient per day to cover the costs of service. The subsidized rates are only available to applicants who have lived in Alberta three consecutive years prior to admission or ten consecutive years at any one time. Hospital insurance programs do not extend coverage. Central Placement Office, phone 474-8381, extension 260 or 261. 6. Homes for Special Care Homes for special care are operated privately for senior citizens who require some assistance but who do not require nursing care. No subsidy is provided, the costs being met entirely by the patient. Eligibility is determined by each home. Applications are made directly to the home. In Edmonton
63
at present, there are six homes for special care which provide 237 beds. This space is limited and there is need for a greater number of beds to be made available.
TABLE ]] HOMES FOR SPECIAL CARE NAME AND ADDRESS
NO. OF BEDS
SEX
COST
Bonnie Doon Eventide 9310 - 82 Avenue
46
men only
cost varies according to accommodation
Canadian National Institute for the Blind Residence 12010 Jasper Avenue
30
men and women
$150.00 per mo.
Degen Care Home 6512 - :34 Avenue
18
men and women
$ 6.00 per day
Elizabeth House 11717 - 93 Street
34
women only $160.00 per mo.
Sunset Lodge 11034 - 124 Street
49
women only (cost varies according to accommodation)
Ukrainian Senior Citizens Home of the Holy Eucharist 11935 - 65 Street
60
men and women
TOTAL BEDS
237
Cost varies according to accommodation
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D. THE =XING OF lEALTH SERVICES: Cumulative developments in the health care insurance system of Alberta have almost totally removed the once heavy burden of the cost of health care. The health care insurance system is extended universally to the elderly in Alberta. There are no premiums for this insurance for persons over the age of 65. The system consists of four parts: Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan, Alberta Hospitalization Benefits Plan, Alberta Blue Cross Plan, and Extended Health Benefit Plan. The health care insurance system is probably the most significant service offered to the elderly person. 1. Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan Groat Road and 118th Avenue, Box 1360; Telephone 453-4211. The basic Health Services include: (a) medically-required services of general practicioners, specialists (surgeons, radiologist, etc.) and osteopaths. (b) a number of specified oral surgical procedures carried out by a dental surgeon. (c) optometric services restricted to one eye examination including refraction and the writing of a prescription for the fitting of eye glasses in each benefit period.
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(d) Chiropractic services to a maximum of $6.00 each visit with a limit for each benefit period of $100.00 for single residents and $150.00 for those with one or more dependents. This coverage includes $10.00 for x-rays for each particular disability. (e) Podiatric services and appliances, paid for under an approved schedule of fees with a limit during each benefit period of $100.00 for single residents and $150.00 for those with one or more dependents. No premiums are required for persons aged 65 or more. Proof of age is required upon application. 2. Alberta Hospitalization Benefits Plan - Alberta Hospital Services Commission: 9912 - 107 Street, P.O. Box 2222; Telephone 425-1810 This is a compulsory hospitalization plan which every resident in the province must subscribe to. There are no premiums for persons aged 65 or over. Benefits include hospitalization at the standard ward level in an active treatment, rehabilitation or auxiliary hospital; out-patient services from these hospitals; and nursing home service.
66
3.
Alberta Blue Cross Plan: 10025 - 108 Street, Telephone 429-5221 The Alberta Health Care Insurance Commission purchases
membership in Alberta Blue Cross and offers it on an individual non-group contract basis at reduced rates to residents of Alberta. As of January 1, 1972, all residents of Alberta 65 years of age or over are exempt from the payment of premiums. The elderly person is covered through the Alberta Health Care Insurance Commission and need not make application. The following benefits are included in the plan: (a) Hospital Benefits i. Payment of differential charges for an unlimited period for semi-private or private beds in an active treatment hospital. ii. An allowance of up to $360.00 for each participant in a benefit year toward the cost of preferred accommodation in an auxiliary hospital in Canada. Up to $40.00 per day for hospital charges remaining after government credit has been applied for an active treatment hospital outside of Alberta. (b) Other Services i. Professional Ambulance Service. Actual charges up to $100.00.
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Nursing care by a practical or registered nurse in the participant home. Up to $100.00 per benefit year. Services rendered by a Naturopath for a disability; charges not exceeding $4.00 per visit. Maximum $100.00 per benefit year. iv. Appliances, including artificial eyes, artificial limbs and braces, manufactured according to specifications of a physician. v. Dental care -- repair or extraction of natural teeth damaged through accidental injury. vi. Drugs -- prescription drugs obtained from a licensed pharmacist on prescription from a physician; 80% of costs paid. On July 1, 1974, residents 65 years of age and over, their spouses and dependents, will be exempt from the $15.00 deductable charged by the Alberta Blue Cross. In the case of drugs, the elderly person need only pay 20% of cost, and Blue Cross is billed directly for 80%.
4.
Extended Health Benefit Program The Extended Health Care Benefit Program is particularly
designed for people 65 years of age and over and provided on a
68
universal basis. The program is financed through the Department of Health and Social Development and the Health Care Insurance Commission. This program provides a number of services which are not covered by the other Health Care Programs. Among the services provided are: Eye glasses, Dental work, Surgical appliances, Hearing aids, Special Equipment. Fees for some services are billed directly to the Government; for others, reimbursement is made upon presentation of receipts. E. MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES: The elderly in our city, as with any age group, are not immune to emotional or mental problems. Those elderly with mental problems are to be found in a variety of settings, including psychiatric wards in active treatment hospitals, auxiliary hospitals, nursing homes, and specialized hospitals. The current trend is to attempt to treat the person in the community. Where it is necessary to remove the individual from the community, this is now being done for as brief a period as is possible. Mental health services are provided through a number of sources, both institutionally-based and community-based.
69
1. The Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, maintains 247 beds in 7 wards for its geriatric unit for those persons who are in need of institutionalization. 2.
The Community Service Unit, located at 10016 - 111 Street,
provides follow-up services for patients discharged from the Alberta Hospital, Edmonton General Hospital and a number of other facilities; and consultation to nursing homes and auxiliary hospitals. The service consists of an area-based community nurse, with back-up services from consultants in psychiatry, psychology, social work, and home economics. Two of the nursing staff are involved particularly with the follow-up of geriatric patients admitted to nursing homes and auxiliary hospitals. It is estimated (at end of June, 1974) that 150 patients were seen in nursing homes. 3. The Community Psychiatry Unit of the Local Board of Health provides mainly a consultative role to professionals who need psychiatric consultation for clients and a crisis service, who, when necessary provide certification of a patient for admission to Alberta Hospital. No statistics are available as to how many elderly people are served. 4. Mental Health, Alberta, 10711 - 107 Avenue, provides counselling and referral service mainly in time of crisis. They
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have recently convened meetings to look at the problems of disturbed patients in nursing homes; it was noted that the majority of problem patients come from the community rather than from institutions.
SUMARY
Developments in all aspects of the health care system in Edmonton appear to be significant. There have been significant increases in the number of placements in institutional care in all areas except specialized hospitals where there has been a considerable decline.
TABLE
18
INSTITUTIONAL CARE, 1969 AND 1974
Active Treatment Beds Auxiliary Beds
1969
1974
% Increase
3,099
3,557*
14.8%
952
32.2%
720
Specialized Hospital Beds
2,555*
1,441
44 %
Nursing Home Beds
1,423
2,086
46.6%
152
237
55.9%
Special Care Home Beds
* includes Charles Camsell Hospital.
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The Edmonton Home Care Program and the Geriatric Day Hospital are significant beginnings in "preventive' health services. Probably the single most important item is the extension and removal of premiums for the health care insurance system. Addendum The Local Board of Health is considering the establishment of a Geriatric Unit. The purposes of the unit are to act as back-up to regular public health units and a referral link in difficult cases. At this point, it is not known what the personnel content will be or when it will become operational.
NOTES 1 Final Report of the Special Committee of the Senate on Aging 1966, Senate of Canada, Ottawa, 1966. 2 Snider, Earle E., 1973 Medical Problems and the Use of Medical Services Among Senior Citizens in Alberta: A Pilot Project. Medical Services Research Foundation of Alberta: Edmonton. 3 Ibid, page 49.
4 Edmonton Services to the Elderly, 1969, Page 22. 5 Source: Royal Alexandra Hospital 6 Source: Alberta Hospital Services Commission 7 1972 Annual Nursing Home Survey, Alberta Hospital Services Commission.
8 Ibid.
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Vs COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL SERVICES
While the majority of older people are active and healthy and manage adequately, there are those who need special supportive services, either intermittently or on a long-term basis. Studies such as the study of community services in British Columbig-indicate that approximately 15% of those senior citizens living in the community may at times need such help. These community support services are usually directed to the individual, meeting an individual need. They range from special information and counselling programs to those providing specific help with physical needs in the home. These services are crucial in helping the older person remain living independently, and they also are crucial in providing relief and help to family members who may be overwhelmed with the responsibility of an older member. By far the greater number of older people wish to remain living independently, and should have the opportunity to make this choice. The adequate provision of the services described in this section can be the deciding factor in his being able to have a real choice.
A.
INFORMATION MD COUNSELLING SERVICES: 1. Information, Informal Counselling and Referral Services. One cannot make use of services and programs if one is not aware and does not have access to these services. An
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information, informal counselling and referral service is the first step in helping the older person and his family make use, when needed, of community programs and services. The following agencies provide informal counselling and general information to senior citizens in the City of Edmonton: (a) The Society for the Retired and Semi-Retired (Room 103, 10169 - 104 Street) offers an information and referral service for older persons, family, and friends on matters of personal or related concerns. Informal counselling is available, and information is given by telephone or in person. In 1973, the total number of requests for individual help and information from the Society was 5,036. The breakdown of this figure into specific categories of requests reveals the following: financial 894, health 523, home help 551, housing 834, legal 118, personal 160, recreation 414, visiting 112, society's activities 825, and others 595. (b) Operation Friendship (Bissell Centre, 9560 - 103 A Avenue and in McCauley, 10628 - 96 Street) provides information counselling and general information to senior citizens in the Boyle Street - McCauley areas. It is also a source of recreational activity and socialization to older people in the area. Statistical information not available.
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(c) The South Side Senior Citizens Project (10014 - 81 Avenue) provides some information and help particularly to German-speaking senior citizens. 2. Formal Counselling Services. Counselling services for the elderly are available through both voluntary and public agencies. These agencies serve all age groups. In general, the number of elderly they serve is small. These include: Voluntary: (a) Catholic Family and Child Service, 9912 109 Street, phone 429-2731. (b) Jewish Family Services, #205, 10182 - 103 Street, phone 424-6246. (c) Salvation Army Family Services Department, #2, 9656 - Jasper Avenue, phone 424-6994. (d) Interfaith Counselling Clinic, 109 Avenue and 112 Street, phone 426-1861. (e) Family Services Association of Edmonton, 9912 - 106 Street, phone 424-4161. (f) Edmonton Social Services, Sixth Floor, C. N. Tower, phone 425-5270. (g) Department of Health and Social Development, see page 43 for Regional Offices. (h) Department of Veterans Affairs, 9820 107 Street, phone 425-7825.
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The Catholic Family and Child Service Association estimates that approximately 5% of its patient load is elderly. This figure includes those persons contacted through the extended family, when counselling is done on a whole family. The Jewish Family Services estimates that approximately 20% of its caseload is made up of elderly. A counsellor from the Jewish Family Service attends the Jewish Senior Citizens Drop-In Centre once per week. The Salvation Army Family Services Department estimates that 5% of their caseload is elderly people. The Interfaith Counselling Clinic does very limited formal counselling with the aged. Less that 5% of the total caseload is comprised of senior citizens, and less than 10% of the telephone information calls are concerning elderly persons. The Family Services Association of Edmonton has very few elderly persons on its caseload. The Edmonton Social Services has approximately 1% of its caseload as individuals over the age of 60 years. The Department of Health and Social Development was not able to estimate numbers of elderly people receiving counselling services.
76
The Department of Veterans Affairs has approximately
66%
of its caseload as individuals over the age of 60. One agency official suggested two possible reasons for this very limited contact with the elderly are: First, the services are not specifically advertised as being for that group; secondly, counselling is a relatively new phenomena and may not be readily accepted by this age group.
3.
Counselling for Special Problems (a) The Canadian Mental Health Association (#205, 10711 107 Avenue, phone 426-7020) offers advice and guidance to people with emotional problems. (See Health Care section) (b) The Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Commission offers counselling help to people in need. Only a small percentage of its clients are elderly, though the Commission did do a study last year on alcoholism and drug abuse on the elderly. (See Research, Planning and Coordination Section)
4.
Counselling for Hospitalized Patients There are Social Service Departments in the active and
specialized treatment hospitals. These provide counselling and guidance to hospitalized patients and their families. (See Health Section for listings)
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5. Legal Counselling Legal information and guidance may be obtained from a variety of sources. The following is a general listing of the major sources of this information: (a) Students Legal Services (88 Ave & 111 St.) provide legal information, advice, and limited legal services. Three community offices are operated by the students in an attempt to bring their services into the community. There are located at: i) Boyle Street Coop 10348 - 96 Street, phone 424-4108 ii) Students Union Building University Campus, phone 433-4543 iii) West Ten 12225 - 105 Avenue, phone 483-6902 (b) Legal Aid Office (#308 McLeod Building, 100 Street and 101 A Avenue, phone 423-3311) provides assistance with civil or criminal legal problems to those who cannot monetarily afford the services of a lawyer. A lawyer will represent the client in a legal situation while the rate of remuneration is determined by a sliding scale. (c) Public Trustee (200 Chancery Hall, phone 429-4731) can give assistance in the administration and custodianship
78
of estates for persons defined as legally unable to manage for themselves. (d) The Strathcona Place Centre (10831 University Avenue, phone 433-5807) offers a monthly legal counselling group where persons can receive some legal advice and direction.
B. COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES 1. The Edmonton Home Care Program, sponsored by the Edmonton Social Services and the Local Board of Health (see section on Health Care for complete description). Home help services are provided through the Home Care Program if the provision of such services means independent living for the older person. A recent change in the policy will result in the provision of such services on a daily long-term basis, an important development for elderly people. In the majority of situations, persons must require an additional service, such as home nursing, to be eligible to receive services. 2.
Home Help. There are several commercial services which
provide home help. These charge a sizeable fee and do not do outside work. Federally funded home help programs are often in operation for a temporary duration. These programs provide help with
79
such things as household chores, shopping and garden maintainance. Two such programs are Services for Seniors and the Edmonton Social Services Home Help project. These projects terminated in the latter part of June, 1974. West Ten, 12225 - 105 Avenue (phone 482-6902), has a one-man handiman service which helps seniors within the area with minor repairs and outside chores. Open Door (Area 13) in the south east has some limited funds which it can use to pay for such handiman services for seniors when the need arises. Often older persons try to obtain help through Manpower, Youth Employment, friends, relatives, and neighbours. 3. Homemakers. The Family Service Association of Edmonton has an emergency homemaker service which is available to individuals in times of need. The fee charged is based on a sliding scale geared to the family income. Counselling services are made available through the program if required. In general, the intent of this service is not to provide on-going services, but to provide immediate help until an appropriate long-term plan can be arranged. 4.
Friendly Visiting. The following centres provide home
visitation programs to home-bound individuals in their part of the city:
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Operation Friendship, 10348 - 96 Street, 424-4108 Oliver Social Action Committee, 10044 - 113 Street, 488-8044 Strathcona Place, 10831 University Avenue, 433-5807 Jasper Place Community Service Centre, 15626 - 100 A Avenue, 489-7794 Glengarry Community Service Centre, 13315 - 89 Street, 476-7602 West Ten, 12225 - 105 Avenue, 482-6902 West Ten has a senior citizen coordinator and one full time staff person who makes visitation assessments. This program encourages teenagers to enrolL in the visiting of older persons. The Society for the Retired and Semi-Retired, Room 103, 10169 - 104 Street, 429-5511 The Society for the Retired and Semi-Retired provides visitors for those areas of the city which are not included in existing visitation programs. Also arranged by the Society is a bi-monthly training or enrichment session for all interested volunteers. Volunteers of the above programs usually do more than visit. For example, they may be an information link to elderly shutins, do shopping, take individuals for outings, or relieve family members from the tasks of caring for the elderly homebound.
81
5. Telephone Buddy. The Society for the Retired and SemiRetired has a telephone buddy program whereby approximately twenty-five persons are contacted daily. Volunteer help makes possible such a program. These calls are a way of fulfilling two objectives. First, the individuals have a daily outside contact; and secondly, their health and well-being are checked on. If the individual fails to answer the telephone, family members, friends or staff check to see that all is well. Strathcona Outreach has begun a program which links homebound persons in that area to daily telephone contacts. 6. Library Shut-In Service. The Edmonton Public Library offers a service whereby books are delivered by volunteers to shut-ins. The service includes the delivery of books to some nursing homes and senior citizen lodges in Edmonton. 7. Health Visiting. The Victorian Order of Nurses and the public health nurses provide much supportive help to elderly people through their home visiting. (See health section.) S. The Day Hospital Program. The Geriatric Day Hospital, care of Norwood Auxiliary Hospital, 10410 - 111 Avenue, phone 474-8381, extension 262, is a new concept in hospital care. It permits persons to live at home but attend the hospital during the day to receive the care they require and provides help relief to both
82
elderly persons and their families. (See health care section for more complete description.) 7. Meal Services (a) Meals on Wheels, a meal service operated by the Victorian Order of Nurses and funded by Preventive Social Services, provides nutritious hot noon meals for persons who are home-bound. The meals are provided at a nominal fee to persons who do not have adequate meal preparation facilities, who cannot prepare such themselves and do not have someone to prepare meals for them, are able to feed themselves, but cannot afford existing commercial services. The meals are delivered Monday through Friday by volunteers. Referrals or requests may come from any source. Some special diet requirements may be accommodated by arrangements. (b) The Lions Senior Citizens Recreation Centre, 11113 113 Street, provides a daily luncheon and Wednesday and Friday dinners at a nominal charge. (c) At Strathcona Place, 10031 University Avenue, lunches are served Monday through Friday with dinner served Wednesday at a nominal charge. (d) Operation Friendship provides a noonday lunch for all its visitors at Bissell Centre, 9560 - 103 A Avenue, and at
83
McCauley Centre, 10628 - 96 Street. There is no charge; donations are appreciated. 10. Tranvortation The majority of older people use buses or own and drive a car. In the Operation New Roof study, it was found that 36% of the sample had their own car. However, there are some who are unable to use public transportation for physical reasons -and for these people, getting out can be most difficult and/or expensive. In addition, many others get out during the summer but have difficulty doing so during the winter. The Society for the Retired and Semi-Retired is trying to develop a list of those in need of such help, discovered through its information service. The Handibus pilot project, the wheelchair bus, was most helpful to older persons. It provided individualized transportation services at reasonable cost ($3.00 per round trip). This project was discontinued at the end of June, 1974. It is to be hoped that some service can be developed for the handicapped of all ages in need. A committee organized by the United Way is now working toward this goal. Some groups do provide Volunteer Drivers (Strathcona Place and Volunteer Action Centre), but these are not always easy to get and a subsidized regular service would be preferred. (See section on Social, Recreational and Education Services for a listing of those centres which provide help with transportation to the center.)
84
11. Churches Churches are almost certainly a source of some counselling help and they also provide some social, recreational and visiting services for the elderly. (See also Social Section.) It is difficult to determine just how much is done. 12. Discounts for Seniors Bus Pass: The City of Edmonton provides a bus pass for persons 65 years of age, or women 60 - 65 if receiving social allowance. The initial cost, $5.00, allows the bearer a lifetime of bus travel during non-rush hours. A list of other discounts available to senior citizens is published at the Society for the Retired and Semi-Retired. This list is periodically updated and includes listing for discounts such as taxi cabs, hair dressers, theaters, travel and recreation. The listing is presently being revised. The Province of Alberta provides property tax relief and renter's assistance to those senior citizens 65 years and over. (See Housing Section for more details.)
NOTES 1 A Study of Community Care for Seniors, 1972.
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VI. SOCIAL, RECREATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Opportunities for socializing, for making new friends, for creative, intellectual and service work are as important for older people as they are for younger people. In every stage of life we need to be part of a group, to make a meaningful contribution to others, and to have some recognition for our contribution. For older people, these opportunities are often more limited. One no longer has the contacts which come from work. One's ability to participate in group activities may be lessened because of decreased ability and one may lose through the death of persons who provide much support and socializing. Increasing isolation and some loneliness are common to older persons. We would argue strongly that older people should be part of all community groups such as churches, service clubs, community league, and should be helped to get out, to participate and to accept meaningful responsibilities. Older people want to be a part of the total community, not shoved aside into a ghetto of activities. However, there is still a very real need for special organizations for retired people -- organizations providing first and foremost, an opportunity to be with others and "do things" with others. Much support can be provided to each other by older people, support that helps one cope more adequately with the stress and change. These organizations may also provide an opportunity for older people to join together and speak out
86
on common concerns; here again cutting into a not uncommon feeling of powerlessness or being out of the mainstream. It is recognized that not all retired people need such opportunities; some are busy and active with family or other groups. For many, however, such senior groups add an additional support or are the main support. If we, as a community, are at all serious about maintaining good mental health in our older citizens, we should see that there is a variety of such groups, that some are located geographically throughout the city for easy accessibility, and that they have variety in their programming. Older people are highly individualistic, with a great variety of talents and interests and there should be a variety of activities and opportunities open to them. The planning and developing of such groups should be done by/or with and not for them. This has often been said, yet it is a concept that often receives only lip service. It is easier to do for: And this simply reinforces feelings of helplessness and frustration. Edmonton has seen much development in this whole area since the report on services was done in 1969. There are many more groups and in describing them, we shall also include the retired professional groups, for these organizations provide social and psychological support in varying degrees to members. We have classified forty-nine of these organizations in the following ways: six centres are open several days a week and have paid staff; twenty-six are social clubs that meet weekly or bi-weekly, are often church connected and are located geographically throughout the city; eight are retired professional groups that
87
are city-wide in membership; four are ethnic groups, also city-wide; four are residents' associations; and one is a political-social action group, Pensioners Concerned. A latter section of this chapter will look at continuing education services and special volunteer programs. As indicated in the 1969 report, the majority of programs are really only available to mobile persons able to reach the particular centre. However, increasing concern is being directed to this area. Several of the staffed centres and some of the smaller groups are making a real effort through the use of volunteers to see that less mobile seniors are able to participate when desired. (See chapter on Community and Social Services for information about friendly visiting programs and transportation.) Since the fall of 1973, there has been a way for all these groups to share information and common concerns, and that is through the Representative meeting, convened on a bi-monthly basis by the Society for the Retired and Semi-Retired (see section on Research, Planning and Coordination). The Newsletter of the Society also provides a method of information-sharing and hopefully a way in which groups can share program ideas with each other.
A. PROGRAMS OPEN SEVERAL DAYS EACH WEEK AND HAVING PAID STAFF 1. Jewish Senior Citizens Centre, 10052 - 117 Street, Phone 488-4241: This Centre is located in the basement of an apartment building. It is supported by the Jewish community and in particular, by the
88
National Council of Jewish Women. It is open four afternoons a week, Monday through Thursday, from 12:00 to 4:00, and has one paid staff person. There is no actual membership in the centre. Attendance is open to all older persons, but because the program is centered on Jewish culture and religion, it is of particular interest to older persons of Jewish faith. At this time, the centre offers some arts and crafts, some programs on Jewish culture, trips to the theatre, parks, etc. Twice a month, a public health nurse speaks and the centre brings in occasional other speakers. The Jewish Family Service offers counselling on Tuesday afternoons. Tea and other refreshments are served each afternoon. Each month, a one-page newsletter is published, listing the program for the following month, along with a few announcements of interest. 2. Lions Senior Citizens Centre, 11113 - 111 Street, phone 455-0874. The Lions Senior Citizens Recreation Centre, a large spacious building, was built by the Lions Club of Edmonton and is staffed and operated by the City of Edmonton Parks and Recreation Department. Membership is open to anyone over 60. There is no charge, and one joins when one first goes. Membership is not on a yearly basis. The Centre provides a variety of courses during the daytime in arts and crafts -- woodworking, keep fit, games, sewing. There are card rooms, a library, shuffleboard room, billiard room. There is a dance every Friday night. There are birthday parties, slide showing, talks. The club has a choir and an orchestra. Lunch is served
89
daily, cafeteria style, and dinner is served on Wednesdays and Fridays. All meals are at a minimum charge. The Lions Club of Edmonton gave a bus to the Edmonton Handibus Association. This bus, in return, is made available to the Lions Centre and is sent to a few lodges and nursing homes two afternoons a week to bring those interested into the Centre. The Centre publishes a brochure every three months, listing its programs and activities; a newsletter is published bi-monthly, which contains the names of new members, those who have birthdays, and some original poetry and stories by older people. 3. Operation Friendship Operation Friendship is an out-reach visiting and drop-in program in the City Centre. It serves older people in the Boyle Street-McCauley area of our City. Presently the office is located in the Boyle Street Community Service Coop, 10348 - 96 Street, Telephone 424-4108. The drop-ins are at Bissell Centre (basement)/ 9560 - 103 A Avenue and McCauley Senior Citizen Centre, 10628 96 Street, Telephone 429-3066. Funding for the staff people comes from the Federal New Horizons Program (a grant of $16,675.00 was received to serve from June 1973 to November 20, 1974) and the United Way of Edmonton. The co-Lop provides the office space and Bissell Centre the drop-in space. Both programs, and the Society
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for the Retired and Semi-Retired, have provided support in the form of consultation and secretarial help. The drop-ins are open each noon (11:00 to 2:30) and serve soup and sandwiches, and on Friday, join together for a hot meal at the Bissell Centre. A variety of church organizations and private individuals have provided money for the food. Gradually some programs are being developed at the drop-ins; a City of Edmonton Parks and Recreation worker has started a craft program, and, in addition to informal games, there have been trips and dances. Some transportation help is provided by volunteers drives and the Coop. The Operation Friendship Action Group meets each week and provides an opportunity for the older people to share common concerns and to speak out on certain issues affecting them. An example of the latter is the work that has been done regarding a housing project in the area for elderly people. A most important part of Operation Friendship is the home visiting which is done mostly by volunteers. Because many older people in this section of the City do not speak English well, a number of volunteers are fluent in other languages (especially Central European). The visitors provide not only a friendly contact, but also much practical help. Also, outreach visiting is still done when time permits, for the major goal of this city centre program is to bring information about services and benefits to seniors and help them link in with such services when needed. (See section on Community and Social Services.)
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Initial funding for staff was provided by the Junior League of Edmonton and the Sacred Heart Council of Catholic Men. This funding was given to the Society for the Retired and Semi-Retired to operate this program.
4.
Society for the Retired and Semi-Retired The Society is an organization of senior citizens, managed by
a Board elected by its members. Funding is provided by the Preventive Social Service, a joint effort of the City and the Province, and the United Way of Edmonton. The Society is located at 10169 - 104 Street, and is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Society provides information and informal counselling to individual older people, and information and informal coordination for services and organizations working with older people in Edmonton (see section on Planning and Coordination). Older people call or come in for information on everything from housing, finances, and health care to personal concerns. (See section on Community and Social Services.) A number come in to visit the drop-in centre, which is staffed by volunteer hostesses (senior citizens). Each Tuesday at 1:30 there is a guest speaker on some topic of public affairs (the Tuesday Forum) and on Fridays, the public health nurse leads a health discussion and is also available for informal counselling. One Friday each month, there is a social and occasional bus trip. There is a bowling group, consisting of 22 teams bowling every Wednesday morning. Membership in the Society
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is $1.00 a year, and this places one on the mailing list for "News for Seniors", a monthly publication of the organization. It contains news about new programs and benefits for older people, as well as other news of interest and the programs of Strathcona Place and the Society. The Society also publishes a booklet, listing the services and organizations of interest to senior citizens in Edmonton, and a list of discounts and a list of clubs and organizations available to senior citizens. Members have occasionally spoken to school and community groups about aging and retirement. A number help with a program called "Heritage" in which older people go into elementary schools and talk about pioneer days in Alberta. The Society provides a volunteer visiting service for elderly people living in those parts of the City where there is no other program providing this service. It also has a telephone reassurance program. Both of these are described more fully in the section on Community and Social Services. Members of the Housing Committee of the Society and other groups obtained a grant of $53,000.00 from the New Horizons program to carry out a housing study (see Housing Section). 5. Southside Senior Citizens Project This program operates out of the Luther Centre, 10014 - 81 Avenue, Telephone 433-6308.
One staff person is presently being
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provided by the Department of Culture, Youth and Recreation (Provincial). There are a few socials, trips and outings on several afternoons a week. The staff person works with the older people, who.are both English and German speaking, in planning the programs. She also does some outreach visiting in the area and provides some information and informal counselling help, especially to German-speaking senior citizens. 6. Strathcona Place Strathcona Place is a service and recreation centre located at 10831 University Avenue. It is managed by a citizen board, operational funding is provided by Preventive Social Services, the Southside Lions and Rotary Club, and the I.O.D.E. have provided much help to this centre. Strathcona Place has a varied program of arts and crafts, creative writing, keep fit classes, a choir, and games of various kinds. Twice a month there are dances at St. Peter's United Church Hall. Each noon a light lunch is served at a minimal charge and dinner is available on Wednesday evenings. Some legal counselling (first Wednesday of each month) and health counselling (public health nurse on Tuesday) is provided. There are occasional special talks, slide shows, trips and outings. Strathcona Place have the following New Horizons grants: Strathcona Writing Group Sunshine Singing
$1,000.00 1,500.00
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Fort Refurbishers
4,000.00 (This woodworking group provided furniture for Fort Edmonton.)
Through the efforts of Strathcona Outreach, funded through a $17,650.00 New Horizons grant, a visiting and telephone program has been developed. Strathcona Place tries to maintain contact with nursing homes on the southside of Edmonton. One day each week an effort is made, using volunteer drivers, to bring people to the Centre from nursing homes. People living at home who are unable to use public transportation are also picked up for the outreach program (see section on Community and Social Services). 8.
Social Clubs There are twenty-six different church and community-sponsored
clubs for older people. These groups meet on a weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly basis, and their main purpose is to provide opportunities for socializing. A few of the church groups have a religious orientation, but all provide a chance to join together in some common social activity. The programs almost always include light refreshments, and some entertainment, informal game playing, singing, guest speakers, trips, slides, movies, and, in some instances, dancing, lunches or supper. A number of the groups make a real effort to see that home-bound members who cannot use public transportation are picked up and brought to the meetings. Several make a very real effort to transport to their meetings nursing home or auxiliary hospital patients.
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A few groups are very much run by members who elect their own executive and do their own planning. Others are organized by younger members who have a strong interest in helpingclder- people.
The following is a listing, in geographical order, of the various clubs with a brief description of the activities and the name of the contact person(s). It should be emphasized that this list may need up-dating by the time this report is published, as there can and are frequent changes in these groups -- times of meeting and personnel.
1.
CITY CENTRE: a. Golden Agers, Augustana Lutheran Church, 9901 - 107 Street. Meets every Thursday at 1:30 p.m. Slides, bingo, trips, card playing, light refreshments. Sewing circle at 10:00 a.m. on Thursdays. Contact Mrs. Larsen, 455-3608. b. A new social club, the 'Over-60 Club" for retired people will meet every second Thursday at 1:00 p.m. at the Salvation Army Temple, 10047 - 106 Street. Contact Mrs. Fred Hall, President at 434-2502.
2. NORTH EAST: a. Beacon Heights Community League Senior Citizens Group, Community Hall, 118th Avenue and 44th Street. Meets every
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Tuesday 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. Card playing and light lunch. BOWLING: Monday, 1:15 to 3:30 p.m. Newton Lanes, 12143 54 Street. Contact Mrs. Lindeman, phone 479-3998. b. Afternoon Social Group, Norwood United Church Parlour, 11610 - 95 6 Street. Meets first and third Thursday of each month at 2:00 p.m. Card playing, sing-songs, light refreshments. Contact Mrs. Green, phone 477-1157. c. Friendly Neighbours Senior Citizens Group, Highlands United Church. Meet second and fourth Friday afternoons. Contact Hiqhlands Church Office, 479-1565 or Mrs. Illerbrun, 477-5969. (This is a joint program with St. Clair Roman Catholic Church.) d. St. Francis Church, 6770 - 129 Avenue. Senior Citizens Club meets third Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. Bingo and other games, dancing, refreshments. Transportation available. Contact Mrs. Berezan, Phone 476-1745. e. Senior Citizens Drop-In, Norwood Readiness Centre, 11548 95 A Street. Meets every Monday afternoon, 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. Drop-in. Contact Allen Wilcke, 474-6834. f. Northern Sunshine Club, 79th Street and 132nd Avenue (Christ the King Lutheran Church). Meets each Thursday from 10:31 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Drop-in, films, bingo, activities. Lunch 75¢. Contact Cathy Sam, 476-7602.
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g. St. Alphonsus Senior Citizens, St. Alphonsus Church Hall, 11828 - 85th Street. Meets each Thursday at 1:30 p.m. Card playing and refreshments. Contact Mrs. Carreau, phone 477-8392.
3.
SOUTH EAST: a. Senior Citizens Group, St. Luke's Anglican Church, 95th Avenue and 85th Street. Meets third Wednesday of the month at 1:30 p.m. Trips, outings, cards, and films. Contact Mrs. Firth, 466-3832 or Mrs. R. E. McClung, phone 466-2583. b. Braemar Sunshine Fellowship, Braemar Baptist Church, 7407 - 98th Avenue. Meets third Monday of the month at 2:00 p.m. Christ-centered programs. Orchestra, singing, prayer, and devotion. Refreshments and fellowship. Some visiting at homes and lodges. Contact Bob Williams, phone 426-2524. c. Senior Adult Afternoon, Grace United Church, 6215 - 104 Avenue. Meets every Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. Games, refreshments, entertainment. Non-denominational. Contact Mrs. MacKenzie, phone 466-4378. d. Senior Citizens Prayer Group (German language), Edmonton Moravian Church, 9540 - 83rd Avenue. Meets Wednesday afternoons at various homes. Contact Mr. Nering, phone 429-7179.
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e. Senior Citizens Group, Redeemer
Lutheran Parish Hall,
9654 - 74 Avenue. Meets second Tuesday of each month at 2:00 p.m. Films, games, light refreshments. Contact Pastor A. Schmidt, phone 439-8104. f. Scona Friendship Club, Holy Trinity Hall, 101st Street and 84th
Avenue. Meets each Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. Card
playing, dancing, light refreshments. Contact Mr. Dominy, phone 439-5272. g. Bonnie Doon Friendship Club, Bonnie Doon Community Hall, 9240 - 93rd Street. Meets second, third and fourth Mondays at 8:00 p.m. Card playing, films, trips, dancing, entertainment, light refreshments. Contact Mrs. Gale at 466-2889. h. Ritchie Friendship Senior Citizens Group, Ritchie Community Hall, 98th Street and 78th Avenue. Meets second, third and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Cards, talks, entertainment. Anyone over 55 welcome. Contact Mrs. Thomas, phone
439-3304. i. Pioneer Group, Trinity Lutheran Church, 10041 - 81st Avenue. Meets fourth Friday of each month. Social and refreshments. Contact Mr. A. Tews, phone 439-8184.
4.
SOUTH WEST: a. McKernan Friendship Club. Meets second Tuesday of each
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month at Strathcona Place at 11:30 a.m. Socializing and fellowship. Contact Mrs. Smith, 467-4569 or Mrs. L. Buchanan,
455-9048. b. St. Paul's United Church, 11520 - 76th Avenue, "Wednesday at Two" meets every two weeks at 2:00 p.m. Afternoon tea and varied programs. Contact Mrs. Willmore, 482-2939. 5.
NORTH WEST: a. Leisure Time Club, St. Joseph's Cathedral Hall, 10044 113 Street. Meets first and third Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. Card playing and light refreshments. Contact Mrs. R. Blaquiere, phone 488-4748. b. Retired and Semi-Retired, Robertson Wesley United Church Memorial Hall, 10209 - 123rd Street. Meets second and fourth Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. Talks, entertainment, light refreshments. Contact Mrs. Edworthy, phone 452-0567. c. The Social Club, Westminster United Church Auditorium, 124th Street and 113th Avenue. Meets first and second Tuesday of each month. Bring your own lunch. Contact Mrs. Enzenaur, phone 455-7504. d. Jasper Place Recreation Centre, 15625 Stony Plain Road. Meets Wednesday and Thursday, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Cards, bingo,
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films and refreshments. Contact Helen Bull or Mary Kay Russell, phone 489-7794. e. Canora Senior Citizens Group, Canora Community League Hall, 15251 - 104th Avenue. Meets Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. Bingo, card playing, talks and films. Contact Mary Kay Russell at 489-7794 or Mx. Eisler at 489-2757 or Mrs. Goad at 489-3407. f. Calder Community, 12216 - 131 A Avenue. Contact Mrs. Van der Bleek, phone 454-7421.
C. RETIRED PROFESSIONALS GROUPS: There are eight retired professional organizations. Basically, their primary concern is the upgrading of pensions. The majority of them are part of a larger Provincial or National group. Several of the groups make a real effort to keep in touch with members, especially those who are ill or tied to the house. Several of the groups have newsletters. For all, a great part of their organizational life is devoted to social activities of various kinds. 1. Federal Superannuates 2. Retired Railway Veterans 3. Telephone Pioneers 4.
Alberta Government Retired Civil Servants Association
5. Edmonton Retired Teachers Association 6. Retired Women Teachers
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7, Retired Farm Women (Unifarm) 8. Northwestern Utilities Old Timers Association
D.
ETHNIC GROUPS: Four ethnic groups exist -- The Polish Senior Citizens (this
group received $7,105.00 from New Horizons for handicrafts at Villa Marie); the Ukrainian Pioneers Association of Alberta (it has a $2,000.00 New Horizons grant); the Retired Ukrainian Canadian Association (with a $940.00 New Horizons grant); French Golden Age Club located in Kiwanis Place.
E. RESIDENTS ASSOCIATIONS: There are four associations of residents of senior citizen housing projects. The residents of Kensington Court, the older project built by the Lions Club of Edmonton, now have a social club started as a result of the recreational facilities added to Kensington Court. The residents of Kiwanis Place, the senior citizen's high-rise administered by the Greater Edmonton Foundation, have a club which plans a variety of social activities and also acts as a channel for their concerns. Mr. Jim Smith is the present president. The residents of Meadowcroft, the senior citizen's high-rise built by the United Church, have a club known as the Meadowcroft Tenants Association. It plans social activities and Mrs. L. Pagee is the present President. Residents of McQueen Lodge
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(Greater Edmonton Foundation) did receive $2,200.00 for a recreation project from the Federal New Horizons Program described below.
F.
PENSIONERS CONCERNED, EDMONTON: This is a group of senior citizens which is part of a national
group organized to raise the income level of pensions. Pensioners Concerned, Edmonton was formed in the late fall of 1970, and has had regular meetings since that day, and sent a number of briefs, as well as individual letters, to the Provincial and Federal Governments. At the present time, the group is working toward raising the basic pensions (OAS) and the income tax exemptions. The group is also looking at the possibility of a guaranteed annual income which is based on a negative income tax. There have been some recommendations made on health and housing. The present president is Mrs. Jan Sproule. Pensioners Concerned has a grant from the Secretary of State (Federal Government) to help or start branches in other parts of Alberta.
G.
NEW HORIZONS PROGRAM: The Federal New Horizons Program has provided opportunities
for groups of Edmonton Senior Citizens to obtain grants of money to carry out projects of their own choosing. The purpose of this Federal program is to "give Canada's retired citizens an opportunity to put their knowledge and experience to work for themselves and their communities.
It will help to bring to the isolation they have felt and end the lack of involvement they have experienced." Ten retired persons can obtain funding to carry out projects of their own choosing. Some of these projects have already been mentioned in connection with other organizations. Here are some of the new groups that have been formed: 1. The Quarter Century Flying Club receiving $14,000.00 for travel, tape recorders and support staff needed to produce a "Canadian Bush Pilot Story". 2.
Westlawn Bowling Club received $3,077.00 for the Westlawn
Bowling Project. 3. The Central Press Club (made up of people living in Central Village) received $12,337.00 to buy printing presses and provide support staff to publish the writings of senior citizens.
Below is a listing and brief description of the New Horizons Projects approved for Edmonton as of June 17, 1974: 1. THE RAILWAY VETERANS NEWS: Branch No. 7, Retired Railway Veterans organization has begun printing a newsletter to send to retired railroaders and their widows to help keep them informed. There are approximately 1,500 members (including widows) in Alberta. 2.
OPERATION NEW ROOF is made up of a housing committee through
the Society for the Retired and Semi-Retired, who have done a study
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as to housing needs of the elderly. 3. OPERATION FRIENDSHIP is located in the Boyle Street area, among older and poorer people. The two aims are the outreach program and drop-in centre. Volunteers offer assistance regarding information as to pension, rent, set up appointments for teeth, glasses, etc.; the drop-in centre has lunch and bingos with hot meals on Fridays. Special seasons are celebrated with parties and entertainment. 4. CANADIAN BUSH PILOT STORY PROJECT involves recording the stories of bush pilots who flew between 1920 and 1939, opening up the North country. Stories will be preserved in the Museum and Archives and later may be published in book form. 5., HANDICRAFTS FOR RESIDENTS OF THE POLISH VETERANS SENIOR CITIZEN HOME is, as the name implies, a program of crafts and other activities designed to keep residents of this home busy and happy and to break down isolation that may arise even within a complex of this nature. 6. RECOLLECTIONS AND REVIEWS is the name of the project given by members of Strathcona Place, who have collected stories and poems and compiled a book called "Autumn Harvest". The book has been printed and published and hundreds of copies sold.
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7. STRATHCONA OUTREACH involves members of Strathcona Place going to every senior citizen's home in the Strathcona, University and Garneau areas to encourage them to join in the activities of Strathcona Place. Those who have physical or psychological problems will be given special consideration. Senior citizens may benefit from various "outreach" services, such as friendly visiting, day care, dial-.a--friend assistance with shopping or banking, transportation to libraries, doctors, churches, and personal needs. 8. GOLDEN HORIZONS is a program organized by the Central Press Society who are residents of Central Lodge. They have established a printing press to copy material for retired people at a reduced rate. 9.
WESTLAWN BOWLING PROJECT involves a group of avid bowlers
in West Edmonton who required equipment, seed, soil, etc., to improve the facility. With the improved green it was felt that membership would rise, facilitating more social contact, social functions and better bowling opportunities. 10. RECREATION AND EDUCATION - members of the Retired Ukrainian Canadian Association have rented a hall where arts and crafts, films, guest speakers, music, etc., are enjoyed. People with a particular talent are hired to instruct in the various crafts. 11. OPERATION LIVE IT UP is a project of the Northern Sunshine Club, who have decided to help retired citizens in that area of Edmonton
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to participate more fully in community life and get to know the City and surrounding area. 12. ALBEhTA INDIAN SUMMER CELEBRATIONS was a three-day festival held west of Edmonton near Winterburn. Members of Alberta's 42 bands participated in dances, games, rituals after pitching their tents. Dressed in fancy costumes and native clothing, it was the first time these people had come together for such an occasion. 13. METIS TRAILS was the name given by the Metis Association of Alberta Local No. 133 when recording native stories, legends, songs, and dances. A man, with his truck and recording equipment, went from place to place taping the history of the Metis people. 14. McQUEEN LODGE PROJECT - residents of this lodge in West Edmonton made use of a grant to install a lawnbowling green and equipment so they may exercise in the fresh air. 15. HISTORICAL HELP - a group from Strathcona Place, calling themselves the Fort Refurbishers, have begun making by hand all the wooden and cloth articles that one would find in a workman's cottage between 1835 and 1860. The cottage, complete with furnishing, is a part of Fort Edmonton by Whitemud Creek. 16. MACHEEPCHOOWIN is the name given by the Metis people, which means a hunting and fishing expedition complete with campfire, stories
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and songs shared after the evening meal of the meat the men killed and the berries which the women picked. This venture will take place in the early fall of 1975. 17. UKRAINIANS IN ALBERTA is the title of a book which the Ukrainian Pioneers Association of Alberta have written. It will include stories of families not printed in the first book, those families which settled in Alberta prior to 1900. 18. OPERA FOR THE LIGHT HEARTED is a project thought of by the Sunshine Singers at Strathcona Place. They will perform Gilbert and Sullivan musicals, making scenery, costumes, props, etc., themselves, which will be used repeatedly. They plan to entertain people in hospital or in nursing homes who might otherwise miss such activity.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: In addition to the regular volunteer opportunities open to people of all ages in Edmonton, there are a number of activities now that are aimed especially at and for senior citizens. The Duggan Community Service Centre (a branch of Edmonton Social Services located on the south side) has a "Grandfriends" program. Duggan is trying to find older people who are interested in working as "friends" to younger children in day care programs. West Ten (a Social Service Centre in the West End) has started trying to link up older people with children, especially children in single parent families who do not _lave grandparents in the City.
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The Provincial Department of the Environment is looking for retired volunteers with some skills who would like to develop special projects within the Department. The Federal Department of Industry and Tourism has a program called CASE -- Counselling Assistance to Small Business Enterprises. This program is looking for retired persons with special expertise in management and accounting to advise small businesses in the Province. The volunteer is paid an honorarium of $30.00 a day and expenses. Canada Executive Service Overseas (CESO, 1010 St. Catherine Street, West, Montreal) uses the services of retired executives to help underdeveloped countries. CAMPS: There are two summer camping programs for seniors. West Ten has one for those in the area in June at Pioneer Lodge. Bissell Centre runs a July program - a day camp, and an overnight camp, at Lake Wabamum. All three major centres, and in particular, the Society for the Retired and Semi-Retired and Strathcona Place, use seniors as volunteers for the centre work and for the telephone and visiting (Society for the Retired). Many of the older people going to the Operation Friendship Drop-In are helping to an increasing degree. CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAM: The University of Alberta, the Northern Institute of Technology, Grant MacEwan College, the Public School System, and the Separate School
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System, all have extension programs which could be of real interest to older people. At this point in time, the Public School Extension Program does reduce fees by 60% for senior citizens. Complete listings are also published in the Journal periodically. A considerable number of older people are already taking advantage of these programs (one program said about one-third of those attending were retired). In addition, the City of Edmonton Parks and Recreation Department, the Y.W.C.A. and the YAI.C.A. have general programs which could be of interest to seniors. There are a few programs offered in planning for retirement. The Alberta Council on Aging has developed some with a few specific groups. They are usually short, one or two day seminars. Several of the extension programs are looking at the possibilities of developing services in this area. There is no tuition for senior citizens enrolled in the regular University programs.
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VII. RESE.ARCH, PLANNING AND COORDINATION
A. RESEARCH: Research is the cornerstone and the primary method of providing us with our knowledge base. Active research programs are a very necessary part of the system whereby we are able to know about needs and which services can fill these needs. Research on geriatrics and gerontology has been limited in Alberta. Much of our knowledge comes from research in other provinces and other countries. There are yet many questions which go unanswered. An active research program in Edmonton might help fill the gaps in our knowledge base. Over the past few years there have been a number of research projects concerning various aspects of living related to the elderly. These projects are very useful and have added considerably to our knowledge of the elderly in Edmonton. 1. Senior Citizen Housing Review' This study was prepared by the Research and Long Range Planning Branch, City of Edmonton Planning Department. The prime purpose of the study is to provide an inventory and evaluation of housing stock available to senior citizens and to determine the feasibility of the Proposed Strathcona Place Project. The study was carried out in 1972
111 and published in January, 1973. Information contained in the report includes: existing senior citizen housing, special care facilities, population figures, persons receiving old age security and guaranteed income supplement. 2. Medical Problems and the Use of Medical Services Among Senior Citizens in Alberta: A Pilot Project2 This study was prepared by Earle L. Snider of the Department of Sociology, University of Alberta for the Medical Services Research Foundation of Alberta. The report is an attempt to provide systematic information about the health needs and other related needs of noninstitutionalized senior citizens in Edmonton. The study was carried out in 1972 and published in April of 1973. A considerable amount of information is available from the study including: health status and social background, and the use of health and related agencies. 3. Operation New Roof This study report, to be released in July of 1974, is the result of a New Horizon Project. It is to study the satisfaction of older people with their housing situation. Research is under the direction of Earle L. Snider. Most of the infomation concerns housing satisfaction; there is additional information concerning income and employment.
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4. Preparation Training for a Third Career The objective of this project is to do an exhaustive study and analysis of retirement in Alberta. The project, initiated by the Third Career Research Society, was approved for funding by the Provincial Government in October of 1973. It is estimated that the project will take two and one half years. A number of questions that the project will try to deal with include: the effects of forces vs. voluntary retirement; the relationship between personality and retirement satisfaction; areas of satisfaction and frustration after retirement; preparation for retirement. 5. The Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission has recently conducted a study to determine the amount of alcohol and/or drug abuse among the elderly. Results of this study are not available at present. 6. A study has recently been conducted at a number of senior citizens centres, the purpose of which is to determine if a correlation exists between a person's earlier activities and the amount of activities he enjoys as a senior citizen. No further information is available at present. 7. The Geriatric Day Hospital is a two-year research project. It is to determine whether a day hospital can prevent institutionalization. For further information, see health section. Additional research on aging in Alberta is listed below in Table
19.
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TABLE 19 RESEARCH ON SENIOR CITIZENS IN ALBERTA*
1964 - 1972 Scope and Year
Investigations
Description or Title
Features
1. Alberta on-going
Hospital Services Commission
Alberta Health Care Delivery System
-health care -medical
2. Calgary 1967
Family Service Bureau
An exploratory Study of geriatric clients receiving homemaker service
-home care
OFY Project with Calgary Social Service Department
Citywide stidy of needs of senior citizens
-medical & health -social -recreational -housing
4. Calgary 1969
Volunteer Bureau of Social Planning Council
Transportation needs -transportation of people confined to wheelchairs
5. Edmonton
Edmonton Social Services Survey of Home Care Services for the elderly
Calgary 1971
6. LaCombe County Lacombe Council on 1971 Aging 7. Alberta on-going
-home care
Cross-country survey on needs of senior citizens
University of Lethbridge The effect of environ( G.D. Evans) mental chaire and institutionalization on the aged
* Source: State of the Art: Research on the Elderly 1964-1972.
-institutional history socio demographic profile attitudes toward: internal environment; social environment
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TABLE 19 (CONTINUED) Scope and Year
Investigations
Description or Title
Features
8. Edmonton 1964
Welfare Council (R.L. James)
Edmonton Senior Residents' Survey Report
-socio-demographic -housing history -health profile -recreation profile -attitudes toward internal environment, external environment, social envircnment
9. Calgary 1972
K. Fuez (M.S.W. Thesis)
Characteristics and Lifestyles of People Aged Sixty-five and over; Residents in the City of Calgary
1969
H. Mills (M.S.W. Thesis)
A Descriptive Study of Non-Institutionalized Wheel Chair Users.
1969
P. Allen (M.S.W. Thesis)
Characteristics and SelfIdentified Needs and Concerns of Institutionalized Wheelchair Users: A Descriptive Study
1972
D. Dyck, etal. (M.S.W. Thesis)
Life in a Nursing Home: Selected Perceptions
1971
P. Jensen (M.S.W. Thesis)
Self-Determination in a Nursing Home: An Exploratory Study
1972
B. Wood (M.S.W. Thesis)
Evaluation of a Home Care Program with Respect to its Services to Elderly Patients
15. Alberta n.d.
Hospital Services Commission
Study to determine the need for bed space in active treatment hospitals
16. Alberta 1972
Hospital Services Commission
Formulation of the Plan for Alberta Senior Citizens Homes
10.
11.
12. 13.
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B. PLANNING: Many agencies and governmental departments are planning services related to the elderly. Few services are based upon the thorough knowledge of the life styles and particular needs of the elderly person or upon the total knowledge of community services. Planning of services depends upon the orientation or jurisdiction of the service-giving agency. Planning is most frequently for the elderly not by or with them. There is, at present, no coordinated effort to plan comprehensive services to the elderly in Edmonton.
C. SERVICE CCORDINATICN: Services in the community are frequently initiated by agencies without knowledge of what services are already being provided. Often services operate in isolation from one another without one agency knowing what the other is doing. With the multiplicity of agencies present in our City today, this is a need to coordinate efforts to provide the best possible services to people. In January of 1974, City Council passed By-law No. 4186, amending By-Law 3032, the By-Law establishing a social service Advisory Committee. The ByLaw reads as follows: 1. Add to Section 3, Subsection (2) the following: (j) advise the public, the Superintendents of the City Departments
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and the City Commissioners on the provision of services to the elderly, including the coordination of the services. The passing of this By-Law authorizes the Social Services Advisory Committee to be the instrument for the coordination of services to senior citizens in Edmonton. The Society for the Retired and Semi-Retired is involved in the coordination of the voluntary senior citizen centres through monthly meetings of representatives from the six senior citizen centres with paid staff. Bimonthly meetings are held of all senior citizen clubs and organizations. The Society also publishes a monthly newsletter which facilitates communication about programs and services. The Central Placement Office located in the Norwood Auxiliary Hospital -Dr. Angus McGugan Nursing Home Complex, coordinates the placement of individuals in nursing homes, auxiliary hospitals, and the day hospital. Central Placement office assesses the level of care that is required by the patient and makes the placement of the patient in the proper facility. Edmonton Parks and Recreation, through the Lions Senior Citizens Recreation Centre, helps coordinate recreational activites to the elderly.
NOTES 1 Senior Citizen Housing Review. Research report no. 9, Research and Long Range Planning Branch, City of Edmonton Planning Department. 2
Summary Report of Medical Problems and the Use of Medical Services Among Senior Citizens in Edmonton: A Pilot Project.
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VIII. SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Since the 1969 report, Edmonton Services to the Elderly, there have been significant developments in services to senior citizens in Edmonton. Major developments have occurred in a number of areas including housing, health care and income maintainance. Changes in other areas are not as noticeable and long term effects that they may have are not as apparent. POPULATION: The proportion of senior citizens has grown in relation to the total population of the City as has the absolute number. The number of senior citizens has declined in the downtown area. It is anticipated that this trend will continue. HOUSING: The numbers of people that senior citizen housing units are capable of accommodating has grown from 1,048 in 1969 to 2,297 in 1974, an increase of 119%. The number of people on the waiting list for these accommodations has not changed greatly since 1966. There are a considerable number of units being planned; many of these, because of recent developments, will charge a rent geared to income. A considerable number of low cost rental accommodations will be lost to the elderly as there is a continued push for redevelopment of the downtown area.
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HEALTH CARE: Probably the single most significant service to the elderly iB the almost comprehensive medical care insurance system in Alberta. There have been significant though limited developments in the preventive area, i.e., the Edmonton Home Care Program and the Geriatric Day Hospital. Beds in all institutional facilities excepting specialized hospitals have increased. INCOME MAINTAINANCE: The significant development in this area is that now, the Old Age Security Pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement are geared to the cost of living. This has great significance in relation to the current inflationary trend. Rates are to be adjusted Quarterly.
With the considerable developments in services to the elderly in the five year period since the 1969 report, there are still a considerable number of gaps and insufficiencies in services. The following are seen as important services that may fill some of the unmet needs of senior citizens: 1. HOME HELP. There have been a number of projects providing help with cleaning, snow removal, maintainance, grass cutting, existing for brief periods. A recent project available through Edmonton Social Services, funded as a local initiatives project, expired in June, 1974. There is a need to provide home help services on a permanent basis in the City.
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2. SPECIAL CARE HOMES. There is a need for additional placements in Special Care facilities (offering personal care). At present, there are 237 places available, this number is seen as insufficient. 3. RENTAL SUBSIDIES. Rental subsidies to the elderly would be a very useful service. This would allow elderly persons to rent adequate accommodation when the supply of low cost rental accommodation is declining. 4. SENIOR CITIZEN RESIDENCES. Privacy is viewed as extremely significant to the elderly person. Elderly people have suggested that senior citizen residences (self-contained units) should be one-bedroom units with separate living room, bedroom and kitchen as opposed to bachelor type units with combined living-sleeping areas. 5. NEIGHBOURHOOD ACTIVITY CENTRES. There should be neighbourhood activity or recreation centres for the elderly located in neighbourhoods in which the elderly live. These centres should also be accessible to people living in senior citizen residences. Centres should be open daily with some activities during the evenings and on weekends. 6. HEALTH AND NUTRITIONAL COUNSELLING. There is a need for increases in the availability of health and nutritional counsellors for the elderly. These would assist the elderly in maintaining their health and be an important part of a preventive health service. 7. SERVICE PLANNING. There should be a body within the City that would plan services to meet the needs of the growing number of elderly on a rational coordinated basis.
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8. TRANSPORTATION. Transportation should be available to elderly persons who are handicapped. Transportation should be linked in with the public transportation system. 9. COUNSELLING SERVICES. There is a need for counselling agencies to provide service to the elderly. Counselling the elderly is a timeconsuming process, few agencies are able to provide this service on a scale large enough to meet the need. 10. INSTITUTIONAL-COMMUNITY LINKS. Institutions such as nursing homes and auxiliary hospitals should have closer contact with other community services. There is a need for social work service in such institutions. 11. HOME HEALTH CARE. Home care services are useful in preventing institutionalization of the elderly. There needs to be expansion of these services, to include long-term home treatment in all areas of care provided at present. There is also, in this area, the need for increased involvement of physicians in providing care to patients in their own homes.
Services to the elderly, as is the case of services to other age groups, are fragmented. There is frequently little connection between service-giving agencies. Agencies frequently plan services without the particular knowledge base which is necessary. In addition to the above mentioned needs, there is a need for an organization to carry out an extensive research program in needs of the elderly and to use this information as a base from which to plan comprehensive and coordinated services to meet the total needs of the elderly.
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X I . BIBLIOGRAPHY
1973 The Aging: Trends, Problems, Prospects. Social Planning Council of Metropolitan Toronto: Toronto. 1973 Audain, Michael J., et. al. Beyond Shelter: A Study of National Housing Act Financed Housing for the Elderly. Canadian Council on Social Development. Ottawa. 1970 Canada Pension Plan: Disability Benefits. Department of National Health and Welfare: Ottawa. 1970 Canada Pension Plan: Retirement Pension. Department of National Health and Welfare: Ottawa. 1970 Canada Pension Plan: Survivors Benefits. Department of National Health and Welfare: Ottawa. 1969 Canada Year Book. Queens Printer: Ottawa. 1971 Canada Year Book. Queens Printer: Ottawa. 1966 Canadian Conference on Aging, Proceedings 1966. Canadian Welfare Council: Ottawa 1971 Census of Canada. Statistics Canada: Ottawa. 1969 Edmonton Services to the Elderly. Social Planning Unit, Social Service Department, City of Edmonton.
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1972a Environics Research Group. State of the Art: Research on the Elderly 1964 - 1972. Central Mortgage and Housing Corporation: Ottawa. 1972b Environics Research Group. The Seventh Age: A Bibliography of Canadian Sources in Gerontology and Geriatrics 1964 - 1972. Central Mortgage and Housing Corporation: Ottawa. 1972 Garrett, Lorna and Mary Hill. Community Care for Seniors. Social Planning and Review Council of British Columbia: Vancouver. 1973 Hominiuk, Peter and To, Louis S.H. A Review of the Municipal Policy for Senior Citizen Housing with Recommendation for Future Requirements. Management Services Department, City of Edmonton. 1972 Housing the Elderly. Central Mortgage and Housing Corporation: Ottawa. n.d. Housing the Elderly: Design of the Unit. Central Mortgage and Housing Corporation: Ottawa. 1974 If You Feel Change is Possible. Senior Citizen Commission : Regina. 1973 Income Distribution by Size in Canada 1972, Preliminary Estimates. Statistics Canada: Ottawa 1974 La Rogue, Phil, et. al. "Home and Neighbourhood Help Program, Sault Ste. Marie", Living Places. 9:(4):22-25.
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1973 National Housing Act. Office Consolidation. Information Canada: Ottawa. 1973 O'Neil, L. David and S. Robson. Senior Citizen Housing Review. Research and Long Range Planning Branch, City of Edmonton Planning Department. 1972 Report of the Local Board of Health. Local Board of Health, City of Edmonton. 1972 Services in Edmonton For Senior Citizens. Society for the Retired and Semi-Retired: Edmonton. 1973 Snider, Earle L. Medical Problems and the Use of Medical Services Among Senior Citizens in Alberta: A Pilot Project. Medical Services Research Foundation of Alberta: Edmonton. 1973 Task Force on Dr. Snider's Report, Edmonton Social Planning Council: Edmonton.