Supporting Older Adults

What is an older adult?

Challenges of AgingHealth:

Physical and Mental

Finances

Social Isolation Transportation

Loss of independence

Ageism

Challenges of Aging

Depleted social

networks

Language difficulties

Culture

Racism or discrimination

Loss of status

Lack of employment opportunities

Difficulty adjusting to new climate

Navigating unfamiliar

systems

Family conflicts

Unfulfilled immigration expectations

The Agency

• A not-for-profit organization that provides programs and

services to older Manitobans - 55+

• Established in 1957 in response to the need from older

adults

• Governed by a volunteer Board of Directors

• 2016 -2017 - assisted over 36,286 older adults (55-106)

Three Pillars of Innovative Programs &

Services:

1. Safety & Security

2. Social Engagement

3. Counselling

SENIOR IMMIGRANT SETTLEMENT SERVICES

SETTLEMENT SERVICES FOR NEWCOMERS 55+

Programs and Services

1. Entry for Seniors (Group Orientation)2. English Language Program (ELP)3. English Conversation Circles (ECC)4. Settlement Worker

Our Entry orientations help newcomers adjust to their new life in Canada by teaching them important information they will need to help them

successfully integrate into Canadian society.

Our English Language classes for Seniors help students acquire basic interpersonal communication skills needed for everyday life.

The ECCs provided an opportunity for our participants to improve their English and reinforce the information they received in the group orientation.

4. Settlement Worker

Most frequently identified needs are:

Orientation and English language classes

Transportation supports (Handi transit, financial)

Employment

Mental health supports re trauma, elder abuse,

other complex settlement issues

Supporting Newcomer Older Adults

• A & O provides a range of specialized services for older adults:

• Elder Abuse Prevention Services

• Safe Suite

• Older Victim Services

• This Full House

• Counseling

Best Practices

• Harm Reduction Approach

• Maintain curiosity

• Allow the client to direct their care

• Involving other resources