Summary of what people told us... |
May 26, 2016
Saanich Commonwealth Place
Wednesday, May 26th, 2016
Public Session open to all
6 participants
Saanich offers a variety of programs and services yet mainly people do not participate. What can be done to increase participation?
- lot of different groups of older adults : retired people, still working, very active, frail
- need more staff interaction, and need them to listen
- there is a suggestion box but changes take too long
- offer evening classes for elderly – waterfit 65yrs + I don’t mind driving at night
- more land classes at 7 :00pm for older adults
- retired people do not drive at night
- need at motive : get started and dropped off
- add more daytime yoga classes – introduction classes
- time of day ? usually morning, not too early
- retirement age is past 65yrs
- more programs in evening
- socialization is important
- offer consistency across centres because lots go away, drop in is best
- have a volunteer run seniors centre in a recreation centre – offer open drop in
- offer sample week more often once a year
- CB55 started with social groups and they came up with programs they wanted
- CB55 ie: Men’s group (got men involved)
- CB55 is attached to Elementary school and partners with kids which is great
What makes Saanich Parks & Recreation successful?
- availability – close to home
- all the variety of programs we offer X2
- trails are amazing
- all the great outdoor play areas
- excellent trainers in the weight room
- Take Heart program
- annual pass cost is very reasonable
Accessibility challenges, and how we could meet those challenges:
- shallow areas for people who cant’ swim
- improve communication and accessibility
- need easy access
- more ramps
- wheelchair access into pool
- use senior volunteers to assist people in pool – leisure assistant (like RIV assistant pass)
- mobility issues, maybe have volunteer assistance, helper for older people with disabilities
- need bus stops closer to front entrance X 3
- volunteer drivers
- van donated – Uber type of system?
- transportation is an issue
- CB55 uses volunteer drives – makes out trips affordable
- car pooling
- more Handydart
- be able to sign in at the class and not front desk
Badminton Drop in
- people attend for participation and socialization
- no pressure put on participants and increase participation
- once things grow then add another day
- participation decreases if they think it is too competitive
- word of mouth increases participation
- offer all levels for drop in and have a supervisor
Other cultures :
- lack of participation from feeling intimidated when you are from another culture
- feeling of being judged if you have a language barrier
- not a lot of exposure to outside & recreation especially women
- transportation
- reception area is very important, needs to be welcoming smile, acknowledge them when they arrive
- need friendly staff to welcome you and to feel welcome – very important if they come back
- still some discrimination of ethnics groups – we are all labelled the same
- need to feel safe & feel everyone is welcome
- also comment when you leave
How could we improve the feeling of being welcome :
- holding Multicultural days, events – and it gets people in the door
- pride comes from feeling ownership
- instructors need to acknowledge new people – SMILE
- maybe create mentorship program for new participants, immigrants, elderly (could be volunteers, seniors or young)
- volunteers/mentors would need specific training, and need flexibility of schedule
- front desk people are not friendly – need smiles, acknowledgement
Where do you look for program info on parks & recreation ?
-library
-internet
-flyers
-CHEK Tv
-park maps for trail
-don’t always get the newspaper
-Health organizations – Arthritis Society/ MS Society
-Medical places – doctors office
-posters where people are
-make it simple
-in aquafit you talk and find out what is going on
-word of mouth
Do you look for age specific programs?
What do you see the challenges that Saanich will face in the future? How do we meet those challenges?
- Commonwealth Place is a substitute for a dedicated Seniors Centre
- in the 1970’s seniors were “Old Folks” but now very active, aware of health & nutrition
-some still sedentary
-need ethnic outreach and user group outreach
-MS, Parkinsons; Cancer Society, CARP, IHA, Goward House, Les Passmore, Silver Thread
-exercise, nutrition, holistic needs
-lots more in nutrition for well being – add to existing classes as handouts
-talks about health services, alternative options, nutrition – free after a fitness class
-education
-suitable times for retired vs working
- more social drop in programs
-more music & cultural programs, drawing, painting, learn to play an instrument
-volunteer opportunities
-adult care for caregivers/spouses with dementia, so they can exercies
Saanich Commonwealth Place
Wednesday, May 26th, 2016
Public Session open to all
6 participants
Saanich offers a variety of programs and services yet mainly people do not participate. What can be done to increase participation?
- lot of different groups of older adults : retired people, still working, very active, frail
- need more staff interaction, and need them to listen
- there is a suggestion box but changes take too long
- offer evening classes for elderly – waterfit 65yrs + I don’t mind driving at night
- more land classes at 7 :00pm for older adults
- retired people do not drive at night
- need at motive : get started and dropped off
- add more daytime yoga classes – introduction classes
- time of day ? usually morning, not too early
- retirement age is past 65yrs
- more programs in evening
- socialization is important
- offer consistency across centres because lots go away, drop in is best
- have a volunteer run seniors centre in a recreation centre – offer open drop in
- offer sample week more often once a year
- CB55 started with social groups and they came up with programs they wanted
- CB55 ie: Men’s group (got men involved)
- CB55 is attached to Elementary school and partners with kids which is great
What makes Saanich Parks & Recreation successful?
- availability – close to home
- all the variety of programs we offer X2
- trails are amazing
- all the great outdoor play areas
- excellent trainers in the weight room
- Take Heart program
- annual pass cost is very reasonable
Accessibility challenges, and how we could meet those challenges:
- shallow areas for people who cant’ swim
- improve communication and accessibility
- need easy access
- more ramps
- wheelchair access into pool
- use senior volunteers to assist people in pool – leisure assistant (like RIV assistant pass)
- mobility issues, maybe have volunteer assistance, helper for older people with disabilities
- need bus stops closer to front entrance X 3
- volunteer drivers
- van donated – Uber type of system?
- transportation is an issue
- CB55 uses volunteer drives – makes out trips affordable
- car pooling
- more Handydart
- be able to sign in at the class and not front desk
Badminton Drop in
- people attend for participation and socialization
- no pressure put on participants and increase participation
- once things grow then add another day
- participation decreases if they think it is too competitive
- word of mouth increases participation
- offer all levels for drop in and have a supervisor
Other cultures :
- lack of participation from feeling intimidated when you are from another culture
- feeling of being judged if you have a language barrier
- not a lot of exposure to outside & recreation especially women
- transportation
- reception area is very important, needs to be welcoming smile, acknowledge them when they arrive
- need friendly staff to welcome you and to feel welcome – very important if they come back
- still some discrimination of ethnics groups – we are all labelled the same
- need to feel safe & feel everyone is welcome
- also comment when you leave
How could we improve the feeling of being welcome :
- holding Multicultural days, events – and it gets people in the door
- pride comes from feeling ownership
- instructors need to acknowledge new people – SMILE
- maybe create mentorship program for new participants, immigrants, elderly (could be volunteers, seniors or young)
- volunteers/mentors would need specific training, and need flexibility of schedule
- front desk people are not friendly – need smiles, acknowledgement
Where do you look for program info on parks & recreation ?
-library
-internet
-flyers
-CHEK Tv
-park maps for trail
-don’t always get the newspaper
-Health organizations – Arthritis Society/ MS Society
-Medical places – doctors office
-posters where people are
-make it simple
-in aquafit you talk and find out what is going on
-word of mouth
Do you look for age specific programs?
- No, participant age doesn’t matter
- Need to feel competent when participating
What do you see the challenges that Saanich will face in the future? How do we meet those challenges?
- Commonwealth Place is a substitute for a dedicated Seniors Centre
- in the 1970’s seniors were “Old Folks” but now very active, aware of health & nutrition
-some still sedentary
-need ethnic outreach and user group outreach
-MS, Parkinsons; Cancer Society, CARP, IHA, Goward House, Les Passmore, Silver Thread
-exercise, nutrition, holistic needs
-lots more in nutrition for well being – add to existing classes as handouts
-talks about health services, alternative options, nutrition – free after a fitness class
-education
-suitable times for retired vs working
- more social drop in programs
-more music & cultural programs, drawing, painting, learn to play an instrument
-volunteer opportunities
-adult care for caregivers/spouses with dementia, so they can exercies
- Newsletters
- Front counter in centres
- Look for my specific interest