Age-Friendly Alberta Strathcona County Community Profile Strathcona County’s Social Sustainability Framework identified the need for a seniors plan to prepare for shifting demographics. In response, the County developed the Older Adults Plan, approved by Council on June 30, 2009. The plan uses the community’s strength as a base for building an age-friendly and caring community that values and supports its older residents. The plan promotes aging well, with independence, by providing the right programs, services and supports to meet the needs of older adults. The development of this 15-year plan involved extensive community consultation, an analysis of Strathcona County’s older adult population, and a review of other agency, provincial and federal programs and research. As part of fulfilling the Plan’s identified strategies, a coordinating committee plans and coordinates services and programs across municipal departments and sectors. The Plan is re-visited by the County on a regular basis and consultation is on-going through the Seniors Advisory Committee, the Accessibility Advisory Committee, Family and Community Services clients and local service providers. On June 6, 2013, Strathcona County was the first community Older Adults Plan Vision to receive the Age-Friendly Alberta Recognition Award. Strathcona County is an age-friendly and caring community that values the contributions and strengths of older adults, is responsive to their diverse needs and desire for choice, and provides a spectrum of opportunities for active and purposeful lives. Strathcona County, a specialized municipality Classified as a specialized municipality, Strathcona County consists of the urban area of Sherwood Park and an extensive rural area which includes eight rural hamlets. These are Antler Lake, Ardrossan, Collingwood Cove, Half Moon Lake, Hastings Lake, Josephburg, North Cooking Lake and South Cooking Lake. As a specialized municipality, the county provides for the unique needs of a municipality that includes both a large urban centre and a significant rural territory and population. Josephburg Ardrossan Sherwood Park Antler Lake Half Moon Lake North Cooking Lake Collingwood Cove Hastings South Lake Cooking Lake 1 ISBN: 978-0-77858408-7 © 2013 Government of Alberta Age-Friendly Strathcona Profile Strathcona County is a vibrant community with more than 92,000 residents. Strathcona County Age Distribution 0 to 14 years 15 to 64 years > 65 years 65 to 69 years 70 to 74 years 75 to 79 years 80 to 84 years > 85 years Statistics Canada 2011 Census Strathcona County Older Adults Plan Key Accomplishments Seniors Outreach: The Seniors Outreach Program provides intensive, ongoing supports for seniors. Outreach workers meet with seniors in their homes and assist with preventing and reducing social isolation, grief and loss, family relationships, housing, transportation and coping skills. Fifty-six seniors are currently accessing the program. Participant Quotes: Elder Abuse Initiative - In 2012, Strathcona County: “The program offers me kind and • Established an Elder Abuse 24-hour line for seniors experiencing abuse compassionate support in many ways. and those concerned for their well-being. The phone number is I don’t feel as isolated, which helps with 780-464-7233. my emotional well-being.” • Created an Elder Abuse Network to provide one-stop service to seniors experiencing elder abuse. “I am grateful to be part of the Seniors • Offered 25 presentations to more than 360 community members to Outreach Program and part of a educate and raise awareness about elder abuse. community that cares about seniors.” Information and Education: • Strathcona County’s Seniors Resource Directory is a guide to local resources, activities and supports for seniors. More than 5,500 directories have been distributed. • The Active Living Conference, a day-long conference for those aged 55 and over, is offered every second year, and attracts more than 200 participants. A wide range of topics are offered, providing a great opportunity for older adults to connect and learn. More Participant Quotes: Home Services/Volunteer Supports: “Everyone who has helped has done a Seventy-six senior families received direct support from volunteers in 2012. marvellous job. I really appreciate it. For example, Snow Busters and Lawn Busters are volunteer programs If I didn’t get this kind of help I wouldn’t that match eligible seniors with volunteers who clear their snow and mow be able to stay in my house.” their lawns. The programs help seniors remain in their homes safely, while “It was a wonderful experience, seeing promoting community connections and access to supports. a group of youth helping out. They were so fast; it was unbelievable.” For more information on Strathcona County and its Older Adult Plan, visit www.strathcona.ca. For more information on Age-Friendly Alberta, including tools and resources for building age-friendly communities, visit the Alberta Health website at www.health.alberta.ca. ISBN: 978-0-77858408-7 2 Age-Friendly Strathcona Profile © 2013 Government of Alberta.