The Role of Social Systems in the Health of Seniors Living in Rural Saskatchewan Community Workshop Preeceville, Saskatchewan May 30, 2011 Saskatchewan Population Health and Evaluation Research Unit University of Saskatchewan, University of Regina

SPHERU: Who are we? The Saskatchewan Population Health & Evaluation Research Unit (SPHERU) is an interdisciplinary research unit committed to critical population health research Collaboration between U of S and U of R with 10 researchers working out of 3 locations in the province: Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert Funded by the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF) and other national and provincial project funding

New Mapping slide from Paul H.

Why are we here today?  Share research findings and exchange insight.  Discuss whether these findings accurately reflect your experiences.

Pilot Study Overview Conducted a pilot study in the community of Watrous and Preecevillle, SK from May –July 2010 Worked with community partners who provided local insight and recruited study respondents 42 semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 women and 18 men, ages 67 to 98 years old Interviews were digital audio-recorded where permissible, transcribed, and processed in Atlas-ti.

STUDY OBJECTIVES 1.To address gaps in our understanding of the health service needs of seniors living in rural communities 2.To identify the supports that enable rural seniors to stay independent and remain in their homes and communities longer

Our Research Approach Taken from J. Sims-Gould and A. Martin-Matthews, Family Caregiving or Caregiving Alone: Who Helps the Helper? 2007, Canadian Journal of Aging, 26(1), originally adapted from M.J. Cantor, Family and Community: Changing Roles in an Aging Society, 1991, Gerontologist, 31(3), Cantor’s Social Care Model

Preeceville Findings

Key Findings: Challenges to Healthy Aging Transportation Driving Finances Housing Mobility Falls

Transportation Majority of respondents identified a strong need for transportation. “I know I miss out on things because I just don’t want to impose on my friends so unless they say “well can we come and pick you up?” Something like that it’s like we have no taxi service...” Transportation was especially important for medical appointments in the city and outside of the community.

Driving Driving is an important means to stay in contact. Because rural communities do not have well developed transportation systems, people’s mobility depends on being able to drive. Those who do not drive have more unmet needs. ‘”Little things come up and you put them off or wait until you think someone has time to help or someone comes around” “When you lose your license, you lose your independence”

Driving Rural respondents living in remote areas told us that driving impacts their quality of life. “ We’re lucky as long as we can drive, you know... We’re a little too remote, we’re away from hospitals. And for emergencies, a half hour is a long time when somebody is dying.”

Finances Many respondents identified finances as a concern. “That’s a big thing, that’s a big thing. And you have to constantly worry about how you’re going to pay your bills this month.” In particular, many respondents noted the high cost of medication, home care and the high cost of nursing homes.

Housing Respondents identified a strong need for more seniors housing and affordable housing options for the different levels of care. “Yes and my concern is there isn’t a whole lot of spaces available for people who are no longer able to live in their homes. Like where will people go? Does that mean I have to go out of town, for instance, when I can’t manage here and if I can’t manage here, and I can’t get into Yorkton, where do I go?”

Difficulty Walking Respondents who experienced difficulty walking often had feelings of depression and hopelessness. “I’ve got to move, I just can’t sit in the house...” “I was thinking about it the other day, this is it for the rest of my life now. I don’t think I’ll ever get better.”

Falls Many respondents had experienced falls. Injury sustained from falls often resulted in the use of walking aids and hip replacements. “I fell the other day and got hurt, I just grab a hold on something and hold on for dear life, I’ve had a couple of ribs cracked.”

Supports that Enable Healthy Aging

Family and Friends Family and friends provide much support; However, many respondents did not want to be a burden and would often refrain from asking for help. “I’m the type of person that’s overly independent, that’s why I hate to have to get somebody to help... But now I can’t do it. It hurts for awhile. It’s hard to get past that you know?”

Support Perceptions Many seniors identified feeling a sense of reluctance in having to ask for help with tasks such as help with yard work or transportation. “I kind of feel bad that I can’t do it myself...”

Next Steps Meeting with Sunrise Health Region to share research findings. Plans to submit a research proposal for funding to continue research on aging within the community.

Comments and Questions

Research Team Dr. Bonnie Jeffery, SPHERU, University of Saskatchewan and University of Regina Dr. Sylvia Abonyi, SPHERU, U of S Dr. Shanthi Johnson, SPHERU, U of R Dr. Nuelle Novik, Faculty of Social Work, U of R Dr. Diane Martz, SPHERU, U of S Juanita Bacsu, SPHERU, U of S Caitlin Cottrell, SPHERU, U of S Community Partners Ivan Peterson Joanne Bodnar Jay Prekaski Noreen Johns – Community Partner Murray Westby- Community Partner

Research funded by the Canadian Centre for Health and Safety in Agriculture (CCHSA) Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF)

Contact Us Bonnie Jeffery (306) Juanita Bacsu (306) Diane Martz (306) Nuelle Novik (306)

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