(Image via Bruce County)
Bruce County council heard an update on engagement held to get community input on aging in place.
The Age-Friendly Community Strategy held community engagement throughout May and June, hoping to get direction on how best to serve the aging community.
Director for Long Term Care and Senior Services, Emily Kussman, shared the update with council.
“One important message was that Bruce County was not starting from scratch. We already have strong community networks, committed volunteers, collaborative service providers, and many valuable programs and services,” she shared. “The opportunity is to build on those strengths, improve coordination, and address the gaps that continue to make aging in place difficult.”
Through the engagement sessions, the county team heard five main priorities come forward:
– Transportation and mobility
– Housing and aging in place
– Connection, participation and well-being
– Navigation and access to services
– Leadership, collaboration, and implementation
Council shared that it was no surprise that the priorities coincided with priorities from other age groups throughout the development of other strategic initiatives, but were now being heard through a senior-specific viewpoint.
“In a large rural county, transportation affects access to healthcare, groceries, recreation, social activities, and overall, and individual’s ability to remain independent,” she explained.
The ability to move freely throughout the region helps no only physical independence, but is also important for mental health and well-being, but also helps with social well-being.
“Social isolation remains a concern, particularly for people living alone, those who no longer drive, and residents of rural or remote communities.”
Another main concern was with housing and the need for small, easy-to-maintain units, particularly with close access to home or community care.
Aside from housing affordability, other concerns include more options between fully independent living and long-term care.
“Older adults want to remain in their homes and communities, but aging in place requires more than just housing,” said Kussman. “It also depends on access to home care, meals, housekeeping, home maintenance, accessibility modifications, transportation, and caregiver support.”
Council received the report as information.
Staff will make a presentation of the final Age-Friendly Community Strategy in October for council’s consideration and endorsement.
If it does get accepted and endorsed, phased implementation is expected to start in 2027.