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Seniors Outreach: Best Practices

Seniors Outreach: Best Practices. Anusha Balram, Research Intern, SPARC BC. Presentation Overview. Coordinated Food Stamp Outreach Program, US (National) Latino Outreach, Mental Health Association of New York , New York, NY

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Seniors Outreach: Best Practices

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  1. Seniors Outreach: Best Practices Anusha Balram, Research Intern, SPARC BC

  2. Presentation Overview • Coordinated Food Stamp Outreach Program, US (National) • Latino Outreach, Mental Health Association of New York, New York, NY • Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet, Edith Cowan University, Mt. Lawley, Australia • Stonewall, London, UK • Inter-Cultural Association, Victoria BC • Synthesis of Practice Source: www.flickr.com/photos/deansphotoshack

  3. Coordinated Food Stamp Outreach Program,United States (National) • To increase participation in national Food Stamp program • To increase awareness of characteristics and behaviours that put elders at nutritional risk • To decrease barriers to receiving Food Stamps • Reluctance going to welfare office • Misinformation • Pride or embarrassment Source: flickr.com/photos/the_sarah_mcmurray

  4. Coordinated Food Stamp Outreach ProgramUnited States (National) • 9 minute group video presentation to seniors about the program and application process • allowing for questions afterwards with staff from Food Stamp Program • Use of media that seniors are comfortable with • TV and radio PSAs • newspaper ads and features • Flyers and brochures • Partnerships with seniors organizations • Provision of compensation for transportation More information at: myfoodstamps.org

  5. Latino Outreach, Mental Health Association of New York • To draw awareness to vulnerability of Latino seniors • 44% more likely to experience depression than Caucasian elders • To minimize Latino seniors’ risks for depression: • Gender and Economic Risk • Health Risk • Social and Cultural Risk flickr.com/photos/jackiew

  6. Latino Outreach, Mental Health Association of New York • “Outreach for the out-of-reach” • Not responsive to neighbours help • Many never left their apartments • All on social assistance • Contact generally began through a closed door • Repeated, finally allowing client to be the host • Information shared in gossip-like conversations • Moved meetings from apartment, to common space in building, adding one or two more people per week More information at: mhaofnyc.org

  7. Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet,Edith Cowan University, Mt. Lawley, Australia • To create accessible digital spaces to facilitate conversation • To build linkages between practitioners, policy-makers, organizations, program managers, students, teachers and students in the Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities Source for both photos: healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au

  8. Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet,Edith Cowan University, Mt. Lawley, Australia • Plain language writing wherever possible • Online ‘yarning places’ enabling stakeholders to talk online or meet in person to share knowledge and experience in: • Australian Indigenous Health Promotion • Emotion & Social Well-being • Environmental Health Practice • Indigenous Health Work • Substance Use • Road Safety • Nutrition • Diabetes More information at healthinfonet.ecu.edu.ac

  9. Stonewall, London, UK • To put the case for equality on a mainstream agenda • To lobby Government to create support for the LGBT community • To support organizations and service providers through research, partnerships and educational materials Source: stonewall.org.uk

  10. Stonewall, London, UK • Publications, including workplace recommendations, free online • Promotion of “pro-gay, not just accepting”, atmosphere • images that include LGBT seniors • openly acknowledged confidentiality policy • awareness of fear of institutional bias • awareness of “over-consultation” • Non-assumption about relationship status; respect for partnerships Publications and information at: stonewall.org.uk

  11. Inter-Cultural Association, Victoria, BC • To assist newcomers to settle in Victoria and to facilitate their inclusion and participation in the community • To encourage appreciation and respect for all cultures in Victoria Source for both photos: icavictoria.org

  12. Inter-Cultural Association, Victoria BC • Encouraging seniors to participate in recruiting for programs • Asking seniors to participate as volunteers in their own classes and throughout the organization • Input on program planning • Connecting strong seniors with vulnerable seniors with similar experiences as mentors More information at: icavictoria.org

  13. Synthesis of Practices

  14. Clarity • Purpose of outreach • How the group finds and processes information Source: flickr.com/photos/teppo

  15. Trust • Caring, one-on-one interaction • Personal connections and engagement • Repetition Source: flickr.com/photos/66268266@N00

  16. Cross-pollination • Enhanced working relationships and knowledge exchange • Neighbourhood leaders sharing information across communities Source: flickr.com/photos/44843742@N07

  17. Inclusion • Reaching out to diverse populations • Refugees, immigrants, LGBT communities, different age groups, differing abilities, various income brackets Source: flickr.com/photos/davestamboulis

  18. Participation • Allowing elders to take ownership of programming • Including seniors’ ideas in programming and organizational policy Source: flickr.com/photos/44356082@N08

  19. Thank you! Anusha Balram, Research Intern, SPARC BC sparc.bc.ca abalram@sparc.bc.ca

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