April 22, 2008
To: Council of the Township of Norwich
From: Seniors Advisory Committee
Background
The Council of the Township of Norwich agreed to the formation of an official advisory committee to represent older adults and seniors in the community. The committee was charged with the responsibility to assess the needs of older adults and seniors in the township and present recommendations to Council concerning programs and services for these groups. During the second quarter 2007, a volunteer committee representing all geographic areas of the Township was appointed under the direction of the Director of Recreation, Parks & Facilities, Mary-Lou Ambrose Little.
Three seniors groups exist in the community. They were given the opportunity of participating on SAC but declined; however, a wish list was provided to the committee.
Two major tasks were immediately undertaken by SAC:
· a Community Contact list/database of local organizations, services and clubs; and
· a survey of local residents age 50 and over with respect to their interests in future programs and their involvement with current programs offered in the community.
Survey Results
Ninety surveys were completed with those surveyed ranging from age 50 to 90 plus and residing in various areas of the township Those surveyed showed an interest in a range of activities from recreational to educational. Concern was expressed about cost containment and duplication of services offered elsewhere in the county. Many of those surveyed were unaware of programs and services that are currently available in the township. It was recommended that a “one size fits all” approach would not suit the needs of our aging population. The survey indicated that those surveyed weren’t interested in the programs offered by the current three seniors groups. Complete survey results are attached.
Work of the Seniors Advisory Committee (SAC)
In addition to the work described above, the Committee felt it was important that additional programs become available immediately as a response to the survey results. To date the following programs have been made available to local residents.
· The intergenerational fitness programs (Leisure Buddies) offered at Norwich Family Fitness.
· Use of high school students to train seniors on computer software in the computer lab located in the Band Room at the Norwich Community Centre. This program assists seniors and facilitates approved community service hours for students.
· Support of other fitness programs for older adults such as chair yoga, gentle fitness and “break the barrier” which is a program for those suffering with arthritis.
· Walking club at the Norwich Community Centre.
· Participation as a sponsor of the Home Garden & Wellness Expo May 9-10, 2008 at the Norwich Community Centre.
The Committee met with members of the Oxford County Advisory Committee to address the survey concerns about no duplication of services. This meeting confirmed that the county’s programs are primarily related to medical and home support services vs. the recreational and human interest type programs being recommended by SAC.
Expenditures Approved by SAC to Date
· Purchase of tables and chairs for the Norwich Senior’s Club.
· Carpet bowling and shuffleboard equipment for the Community Centre.
· Purchase of computer equipment for the Band Room at the Norwich Community Centre.
Future Consideration
· Support of the Trails Advisory Committee which includes both the proposed Township of Norwich Committee and the Oxford County Trails Council.
· Promotion of various VON programs
· Promotion of Drivers Education programs for seniors.
Recommendations
Due to the recreational nature of the programs desired by the Township’s older adults and seniors, SAC recommends that the Department of Recreation, Parks and Facilities assume the responsibilities of reviewing, recommending and supporting programs that fit the needs of the older adult and senior population of the Township. Two members of the Committee will continue to work with the Recreation Coordinator in a program partnership capacity.
The Committee also recommends that focus is needed on advertising programs and services. The Leisure Guide needs to include more details on all programs and be distributed and posted in as many locations within the Township as possible.
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Submitted to the Township of Norwich Council by the Seniors Advisory Committee
Prepared by: Lynne deMontmorency
Committee Members: Marie Avey George Amey
Lynne deMontmorency Cathy Cowan
Tracy Gillanders Celia Orth
Mayor Don Doan Joni Maerten-Sanders
Staff Advisor: Mary-Lou Ambrose-Little
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