Northern Voice

Northern Voice Listening to the housing needs of Fort St. John’s aging communityWhat happenedMethodologyThe purpose of the research was to collectquantitative data from the online survey andqualitative data through targeted focus groups.From November 2018 to January 2019, we had over500 residents and community leaders offer theiropinions on our online Continuum of Care Survey.All three of our Public Senior Housing Focus Groupswere sold out, with hundreds of people attendingand sharing their thoughts, concerns and ideas.Survey questionsThe primary data collected via the survey wereanswers to the following questions:1. Of the 6 Levels of Care (presented) which levelsare of the highest importance to you?2. Do you have any other comments or questionsthat you would like to add? (Optional, openended)CONTINUUM OF CARE SURVEY3. Name* (Optional)The first part of the process involved an onlinesurvey. The survey was an electronic questionnairethat was hosted on the Peace Enterprises website:www.peaceenterprises.com/seniorliving4. Email address* (Optional)The survey was promoted to local residents throughtargeted social media promotions on Facebook andLinkedIN and was also shared organically. All names and contact information are confidential.5. Town or city of residence (Optional)6. Year of birth (Optional)Physical copies of the survey were handed out at eachof the Focus Groups and the General Presentationsheld in November and December. These resultswere tabulated manually. Published February 201910

Northern Voice Listening to the housing needs of Fort St. John’s aging communityPUBLIC SENIOR HOUSING FOCUS GROUPSThe next step in our consultation process was toreach out to residents in-person, invite them toattend a presentation and participate in a discussionon the housing needs of the aging population in FortSt. John.Tickets to the event were sold via Eventbrite andpromoted on the Peace Enterprises social mediachannels.There were three focus groups in total, with eachevent selling to capacity: 83 in total Senior Consultation: January 23, 2019 6-9 PM,32 attendees Senior Consultation: January 24, 2019 6-8 PM,28 attendees Public Consultation: January 25, 2019 8:3011:30 AM, 23 attendeesFocus group formatThese focus groups were facilitated by Ron Brarand Terry Collier. The format consisted of aninitial presentation, then attendees were askedto complete the Continuum of Care Survey. Whatfollowed was a roundtable discussion on a series ofquestions presented to the group. Published February 201911

Northern Voice Listening to the housing needs of Fort St. John’s aging communityWhat we heardContinuum of Care SurveyresponsesThe objective of the survey was to understand wherethe community felt the real housing needs were, as itrelated to the continuum of senior housing concept.The list of questions was kept small to entice greaterparticipation and increase the sample size.Respondents rated each Level with a number, 1being the most important, and 6 the least.WHICH LEVEL OF CARE IS OF THEHIGHEST IMPORTANCE TO YOU?Of the 6 Levels of Care, which levels are of thehighest importance to you? Please rate each inorder of importance to you. Level 1: Semi-attached Bungalow Homes Level 2: Adult Apartments/Condominiums Level 3: Independent Living Level 4: Assisted and Supportive Living Level 5: Long Term Care Facilities Level 6: Palliative Care and HospiceMost Important Type of Senior Housing – Bar ChartAssisted and Supportive Living (Level 4)was the most important level of care, withthe majority of respondents indicating itwas the greatest need. Published February 2019Assisted and Supportive Living including havingPersonal Care Attendants, 24-hour LPN staff andMedication Assistance on site.12

Northern Voice Listening to the housing needs of Fort St. John’s aging communityMost Important Type of Senior Housing – Pie ChartThe chart above looks at the same data from theperspective of a pie chart and includes a breakdownof the percentages of each response.The areas that were ranked as Most Important bythe total respondents were those in the mid-levelsof care: Levels 3 through 5. 58.5% of respondentsindicated that the most important level of care forthem was within this middle zone.1. Assisted and Supportive Living (Level 4): 22.5%2. Independent Living (Level 3): 19%3. Long-term Care Facilities (Level 5): 17%The outer-lying levels of care; Levels 1, 2and 6, were ranked as the least important. Published February 2019“I think the critical needis in the assisted livingaccommodations however Istruggle with rank orderingthese as they are all part ofthe picture. In a responsivecommunity we would havemore accessible bungalowsand apartments so that folkscould live in place much longer.The lack of these accessiblehomes is in part driving theincreased need of assistedliving through the roof.”13

Northern Voice Listening to the housing needs of Fort St. John’s aging communityMost Important Type of Senior Housing – Median AgeIn order to gain a greater understanding of thischoice, we broke down the results and looked at theMedian Age of the those who chose Level 4: Assistedand Supportive Living as being the most important.The Median Age of those who choseLevel 4: Assisted and Supportive Livingwas 61.We can see from the results above that the age ofthe respondent was likely not a factor in why theychose the level of care that they did, as the age wasconsistent across all levels.NOTE: This is a sub-set of data, with 341 of 508respondents providing their year of birth. Published February 201914

Northern Voice Listening to the housing needs of Fort St. John’s aging communitySecond Priority of Senior Housing Type – of those who chose Level 4A further breakdown of the results was undertakento understand where the next level of importancelies for the subset of those who identified Level 4 asthe most important.Of those who chose Level 4 as the MostImportant Type of Senior Housing,Level 3 was selected as the second mostimportant.NOTE: This is a sub-set of data, looking only at thosewho chose Level 4 (231 respondents) as their firstchoice.The data is similar to what we found on pages 12and 13 - Level 3 and Level 5 are also heavily needed.The outer-lying levels of care; Levels 1, 2 and 6, areonce again ranked as the least important. Published February 201915

Northern Voice Listening to the housing needs of Fort St. John’s aging communityADDITIONAL COMMENTS OR QUESTIONSParticipants were asked whether they had any othercomments or questions that they would like to add.This question was optional, and open-ended. It wasincluded in the survey in order to obtain a greaterunderstanding of the communities’ needs.We wanted to hearwhat people hadto say, in their ownwords.The comments did provide a greater insight. Uponanalysis of what was said, there were several themesthat came from the data obtained in the open-endedquestions. These themes were also echoed in theSenior Housing Focus Groups:1. Immediacy2. AffordabilityImmediacy“We definitely need more long-termcare as some seniors need in ASAPand are in independent or assistantbuildings already and can’t get in andthen pass away too soon when theycould have lived a bit better and safertransferring right into long term.”“(There is a) huge need for seniorhousing. I would like to contribute andvolunteer time.”“We really need more doctors andnurses. We are really understaffed athospital and home care.”“Great concept. Get it built.”3. Amenities4. Community living Published February 201916

Northern Voice Listening to the housing needs of Fort St. John’s aging communityAffordability“Our Seniors need all thecare listed above. I hada hard time saying whatwas most important as weneed them all. The seniorshave little choices in FortSt. John. The first thingthough is AFFORDABLEliving. A single senior onlyhas a limited amount ofmoney and to take it all fora place to live is horrible.Therefore, payment basedon income would be great.Entertainment, cardtables, regular groups ofgames, even shuffleboardsetc. would be awesome.And accessible to the downtown area.” Published February 2019“Must work for low income people asthat’s majority here, also for farmersthat don’t have pensions through theirjobs.”“To keep the housing costs as low aspossible for the needs of seniors andhandicapped.”“I feel affordability will be the mostimportant, so those that need it willhave it. Community-based with lotsof social areas, active and inactive, tokeep spirits up and loneliness away.Making people healthier.”“Financial support based on incomefor seniors’ services.”17

Northern Voice Listening to the housing needs of Fort St. John’s aging communityAmenities“Would like the communityto be self-sufficient withpharmacy, grocery andother basic needs that areaffordable and (a) fairmarket pricing.”“I hope you will include agym or rehab. equipment inyour plans for independentand assisted livingfacilities.”Community living“How will you staff? Will there beincome-based subsidies? Will therebe government funding? How do youencourage quality of life? Partner withother groups provide space for yoga,music, crafts, non-profits and funactivities.” Published February 2019“Access to outdoor spaceis very important: frombalconies, paved patios,garden space, along withwalking paths.”“Allowing for basicphysical activity improvesgeneral health. Give thema reason to be active andsocial.”“Daycare and gardening space, close toschool children can help.”“I think that some homes should letpeople have a pet for company, so theydon’t get lonely. If they can look after itand its clean.”18

Northern Voice Listening to the housing needs of Fort St. John’s aging communityCITY OR TOWN OF RESIDENCEDisclosing the city or town of residence was anoptional question listed on the Continuum of CareSurvey. Of the 508 respondents, 387 chose toprovide where they lived. Fort St. John and area: 313 Other: 74NOTE: This is a sub-set of data, with 387 of 508respondents providing their city or town of residenceThe majority of participants were from theFort St. John area.We heard from a people outside of Fort St. John inneighbouring areas including Baldonnel, Cecil Lake,Charlie Lake and Chetwynd, Montney, Rose Prairieand Taylor. These were grouped into the “Other”category.City or Town of Residence of Survey Respondents Published February 201919

Northern Voice Listening to the housing needs of Fort St. John’s aging communityYEAR OF BIRTHYear of Birth was an optional question listed on theContinuum of Care Survey. Of the 508 respondents,341 opted to provide their date of birth.Of these 341 respondents, the breakdown is asfollows:The majority of survey respondents whoprovided their age were between 61 and70 years old.NOTE: This is a sub-set of data, with 341 of 508respondents providing their year of birth. Under 50 years old: 78 51-60 years old: 66 61-70 years old: 100 1-80 years old: 65 81-85 years old: 24 Over 86 years old: 8Age Grouping of Survey Respondents Published February 201920

Northern Voice Listening to the housing needs of Fort St. John’s aging communityPublic Seniors HousingFocus Group findingsOF THE FOLLOWING SERVICES, WHICH DOYOU FEEL IS THE MOST IMPORTANT?COMPLETION OF THE CONTINUUM OFCARE SURVEYAttendees were able to indicate any services ofinterest to them. The options were: DaycareFor the first question, the focus group participantswere asked to complete physical copies of theContinuum of Care Survey. Elder Care (Respite)The surveys were collected, and data manually input. Walk-in ClinicDO YOU FEEL THE FACILITY SHOULDHAVE MAIN FLOOR COMMERCIAL SPACE?Walk-in Clinic, Pharmacy, Seniors Drop-in Center, etc.The responses from this question was anear unanimous yes.Of the 83 people who attended a focus group, 80felt it was important that the living space contain amain floor commercial space, where residents wouldhave access to facilities such as a walk-in clinics,pharmacies, and activities center. Meals on Wheels Seniors Drop-in CenterThe most important service for seniorhousing to have access to,as indicated by all Public Focus Groups,was Elder Care (Respite).Access to a Seniors Drop-in Center was also a veryimportant feature, as well as a Walk-in Clinic.This is telling of the flexibility the community islooking for when it comes to elderly care. Servicesthat are customized to needs and allow freedomand flexibility to residents are highly valued.Do You Feel the Facility Should Have Main FloorCommercial Space? Published February 201921

Northern Voice Listening to the housing needs of Fort St. John’s aging communityWOULD YOU VOLUNTEER 10 HOURS PERMONTH?WHAT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM DO YOUPREFER?Participants were asked whether they wouldvolunteer up to ten hours of their time each week ifit meant they would receive a 200/month credit.During this portion of the roundtable discussions,the following options were presented:This concept was very openly received,with a majority of focus groups attendingindicating that they would be interestedin a cost-reduction for care by way ofvolunteering their time.The Fort St. John community has consistentlyindicated that affordability and communityinvolvement are key concerns, and we believe theresponse to this question is further reinforcement ofthose beliefs.Would You Volunteer up to 10 Hours Per Weekfor a Monthly Credit? H/C bus or discreet van shuttle Ride share option with a resident with alicensed driver for a monthly fee ( 50) Resident driver with planned routes plushospital and medical Taxi-style for a monthly fee ( 100)The greater part of discussions focused on theneed for ease of mobility and low cost options fortransportation.The majority of people preferred the idea ofan H/C bus or discreet van shuttle as thetransportation system.The taxi-style of service was perceived as costly,while ride-share options and low-cost resident driversolutions were discussed as viable options. Published February 201922

Northern Voice Listening to the housing needs of Fort St. John’s aging communityHOW MANY YEARS FROM NOW DO YOUEXPECT YOU WILL HAVE TO MOVE?From your current residence to a seniors’ property. Less than 6 months 1 to 2 years 3 years or moreNone of the Public Focus Group attendees statedthey expect to be moving within six months.Approximately half of people expected to be withinthe one to two year time line, while the other halfindicated that the need to change their primaryresidence would be in three or more years.IF YOU HAD TO MOVE IN THE NEXT 90DAYS, WHERE WOULD YOU GO? Family member (In the community) Facility out of Fort St. JohnADDITIONAL FINDINGSAttendees were given the opportunity to addressother areas of concern.Specifically, we asked what needs to happento ensure the architects, city planners, healthprofessionals and other vested interest groupsresponsible for planning seniors housing know,or understand, about the current seniors housingenvironment.We believe all of the reasons we heard are important.We’ve included a sampling of them here:“Homecare needs to be aconsistent person – (thereis currently) no continuity.” Government-funded facility OtherAttendees were asked to share what they would do iffaced with a Significant Medical Event. Discussionsprimarily centered around the perception thatresidents would not have any options, as they feltthere was no where in the Fort St. John area thatthey could go.Additionally, attendees felt that if they leftthe Fort St. John area to get the help theyneeded, they would not have a home toreturn to. Published February 2019“Homecare support phones in sick – sothere is nobody (there).”“(There are) lots of gaps in homecare.”“Will there be security cameras in thecommon areas?”“Develop a community sowe have excellent doctors.”23

Northern Voice Listening to the housing needs of Fort St. John’s aging communityWhat’s nextWe are humbledby your response.You have redefinedcommunity for us,and inspired usinto action.Achieving balanceThe balance we need to achieve is to ensure weare creating something that can accommodate theneeds of a larger community like Fort St. John.In order to define the action plan, wemust continue our collaborative work withNorthern Health Authority and BC Housing.We have heard your voices. We believe we mustproceed with a solution that’s defined by what you’vetold us:The Number One need is for the creation ofAssisted and Supported Living options.Our next steps in the process are to determinewhat the Assisted and Supportive Living needs andrequirements are, and how we can achieve the bestfit for the community of Fort St. John.There are many contemporary and responsiblesolutions. Models that are working with greatsuccess in Europe as well as the United States andCanada. Solutions that look at the bigger picture,where aging-in-place structures are integrated intothe community, facilities are built into the concept,and social interaction is at the forefront of the design. Published February 2019Myron Dirks, Senior Project Manager,Peace Holdings Inc.24

Northern Voice Listening to the housing needs of Fort St. John’s aging communityOur recommendationsCOMMUNITY-BASED LIVINGQuality of life, quality of care and financial viabilityare at the forefront of our vision. We believe ininnovative ideas and incorporating solutions thatare proven to benefit those needing assistance.We believe small format solutions are the future ofcare. They offer a home style of comfort help seniorslive longer, and happier. There are many successfulexamples of this that we can look to.Our recommendation is to focus on developing smallintentional communities where residents can thrive,and experience full, vibrant lives. This modern,interactive style offers community living, which is aproven model to enhancing quality of life.In addition to this, we need to find ways to enhancequality of life through community engagement andsocial interaction.“Every one of these levels(of care) are long, longoverdue for the Fort St.John area. Anyone who’slived here would knowthat and agree. What’sneeded for seniors is bettermeals. The buildings needappropriate kitchens tocook wholesome meals in.Buildings need to look andfeel warm and inviting.The cold institution lookisn’t acceptable.” Published February 2019Bee Hive And Green House ConceptsBee Hive

orthern Voice istenin to the housin needs of Fort St. John's ain community Published February 2019 7 The community of Fort St. John is aware of a growing need for housing options for their aging population. This growth presents an opportunity to engage the