Strategies of community organizations to adapt the delivery of services to older adults in vulnerable situations and their caregivers in periods of social isolation.

PRINCIPAL RESEARCHER:

Valérie Poulin, Ph.D., UQTR. (University of Québec at Trois-Riviêres)

Véronique Provencher, Ph.D., University of Sherbrooke.

RESEARCH TEAM:

Ginette Aubin, OT, Ph.D., Dept of Occupational Therapy, UQTR, researcher CRÉGES (Center for Research and Expertise in Social Gerontology)

Marie Beaulieu, Ph.D., School of Social Work, University of Sherbrooke, researcher CDRV (Research Center on Aging)

Nathalie Bier, OT, Ph.D., Dept. of Rehabilitation, University of Montréal, researcher CRIUGM. (University Research Center on Geriatrics, Montréal)

Julie Fortier, Ph.D., Dept. Of Leisure, Culture and Tourism studies, UQTR.

Dominique Giroux, OT, Ph.D., Dept. Of Rehabilitation, University of Laval, researcher CEVQ.

Mélanie Levasseur, OT, Ph.D., School of Rehabilitation, University of Sherbrooke, researcher CDRV.

Marie-Michèle Lord, OT, Ph.D., Dept. of Occupational Therapy, UQTR, researcher CRÉGES.

CHAIR PERSONNEL INVOLVED IN THE PROJECT:

N.a.

FUNDING AGENCY AND GRANT AMOUNT:

Réseau Québécois de Recherche sur le Vieillissement (RQRV) (Québec Network For Research on Aging)

PROJECT COMPLETION DATES:

April, 2020 to March 31, 2021

ROLE OF CHAIR IN THE PROJECT:

Co-researcher

RESEARCH PROBLEM:

Community organizations are central figures in society’s response to the essential needs of older adults in vulnerable situations and their caregivers, and also in countering their social isolation. The current situation of a pandemic and consequential social isolation poses significant organizational and ethical challenges to the maintenance of services offered by these organizations (e.g., Meals on Wheels, friendly visits, tracking older adults at risk), an essential part of our social safety net. These organizations have a vital role in ensuring the physical and psychological well-being of a good number of older adults.

Yet, how do these organizations maintain this role while respecting the directives of social distancing? How to ensure that older adults have the necessary food supplies and preserve the social contacts that give meaning to their lives while limiting the human contact that may place them in danger? How to mitigate the increased risks of mistreatment of older adults resulting from overcrowding or a lack of privacy (families isolating in multi-generational homes) or financial abuse linked to a more challenging economic situation for all?

In light of these concerns, it is equally important to explore the roles of new technologies to support the delivery of services by community organizations.

GOAL OF THE PROJECT OR RESEARCH QUESTION:

In support of their capacity to be pro-active, the study seeks to document innovative strategies and practices that community organizations could implement in adapting the delivery of services to older adults in vulnerable situations, as well as their caregivers, in times of social isolation.

OBJECTIVES:

Data analysis seeks to identify both general and specific strategic actions in the face of different socio-demographic realities.

MEHODOLOGY:

Consultation with managers and interveners of community organizations in various Quebec regions (urban and rural) through on-line surveys, followed by meetings of focus groups (on-line or, if possible, in person) such as World Café, will be held.

PROJECT ADVANCEMENT:

Approval by the Ethics Committee of data collection is underway.

COMMUNICATIONS:

N.a.

PUBLICATIONS:

N.a.