Complete section 5 (Social Participation) and section 7 (Civic Participation and Employment Opportunities) from the Checklist of Age-Friendly Features produced by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) (http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/seniors-aines/alt-formats/pdf/publications/public/healthy-sante/age_friendly_rural/AFRRC_en.pdf) – or click the following: Week 10 Assignment Checklist.pdf
Like last week, you can complete the checklist for a city that you live in or are familiar with. Each group member should complete the checklist and provide it in the appendix. (I have attached last weeks assignment) *(Check list M3/ Wellness A1 M3) Use the city Little Rock Arkansas
Based on your experience using the checklist, and the results, create a New and Improved Assessment that may better evaluate the two domains (social participation and civic participation and employment opportunities) related to Age-Friendly Domains for older adults.
This is not as easy of a task as it may first appear.
You will want to consider what types of questions to ask.
Will you have any observation or objective components?
Will there be a scoring system to determine levels?
Will you include potential recommendations?
Will it have a title?
You will be limited to two pages for your New and Improved Assessment tool.
Complete section 5 (Social Participation) and section 7 (Civic Participation and
Employment Opportunities) from the Checklist of Age-Friendly Features produced
by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) (http://www.phacaspc.gc.ca/seniors-aines/alt-formats/pdf/publications/public/healthysante/age_friendly_rural/AFRRC_en.pdf) – or click the following: Week 10
Assignment Checklist.pdf
Like last week, you can complete the checklist for a city that you live in or are
familiar with. Each group member should complete the checklist and provide it in the
appendix.
Based on your experience using the checklist, and the results, create a New and
Improved Assessment that may better evaluate the two domains (social participation
and civic participation and employment opportunities) related to Age-Friendly
Domains for older adults.
This is not as easy of a task as it may first appear.
You will want to consider what types of questions to ask.
Will you have any observation or objective components?
Will there be a scoring system to determine levels?
Will you include potential recommendations?
Will it have a title?
You will be limited to two pages for your New and Improved Assessment tool.
Note: a title page for the individual weekly assignment is not necessary.
Text/Format Specifics: Single spaced typed, Cambria 12 point font, 1 inch margins,
page numbers at the bottom and centred.
Appendix: can be hand written assessment form used as part of the assignment.
Formatting: see syllabus
Checklist of Age-Friendly Features. Assessment inLittle Rock, Arkansas, United States.
MY ASSESSMENT
1. Outdoor Spaces and Buildings
Sidewalks, Pathways and Trails
•
•
•
•
•
•
Sidewalks, pathways and trails are well-maintained, cleared, non-slip and accessible.
Sidewalks are continuous, with low curbs and can accommodate wheelchairs and
scooters.
Snow removal is prompt and considerate of seniors (e.g., consideration is given to how
snow is piled for those who need to get in and out of cars, and that seniors may be in
wheelchairs or using scooters).
Parking lots are well-maintained and cleared of snow and ice.
Streets are well-maintained.
Rain shelters are available to support pedestrians.
Public Restrooms and Rest Areas
•
•
Public washrooms are accessible and can accommodate people with a variety of
disabilities (accommodations include push buttons, wide doors, hand rails, locks that are
easy for those with arthritis to use) and are located at convenient locations with proper
signage.
Accessible benches (the appropriate height for seniors) are located along sidewalks, paths
or trails and are spaced at regular intervals.
Safety and Security
•
•
•
Action is taken to lower crime rate.
Neighborhoods and trails are well-lit.
Traffic volumes are low and/or well-controlled.
Buildings
•
•
•
•
•
•
Buildings are accessible and have the following:
ramps with a slope appropriate for wheelchairs
fewer stairs to get into buildings and within buildings
non-slip flooring
accessible washrooms located on the main floor
parking that is well-maintained and located near public buildings for easier access
Amenities (grocery stores, churches, government buildings, community centres)
•
Services are grouped together, located in close proximity to where older people live and
can be easily accessed (e.g., are located on the ground floor of buildings, include
wheelchair ramps).
3. Housing
Housing Options
•
•
•
•
•
A range of appropriate and affordable housing options (for sale and for rent) is available
and includes apartments, independent living, smaller condominiums and family homes.
Housing is affordable and includes subsidized housing.
Home sizes reflect the needs and lifestyles of seniors today.
Housing is located in close proximity to services.
Housing is adapted for seniors and those with disabilities.
Aging in Place
•
•
•
•
Affordable supports are available to enable seniors to remain at home.
Assisted living options are available to all.
“In-between” housing is available (i.e., options between the large family home and the
small apartment, but with more assisted living options that can be considered an
“intermediary” step).
“Alert systems” are available for seniors living alone (i.e., systems that alert someone
when a senior needs help).
Long-Term Care
•
Affordable long-term care options are available that prevent the separation of families
and the need to move out the community.
Maintenance and Modifications
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
General maintenance of homes is affordable by seniors on fixed incomes.
Affordable or free general maintenance (e.g., yard work) is available for seniors.
Housing is modified for seniors as needed and new housing is built with seniors in mind.
Housing (including houses and apartments) meets the needs of those with disabilities.
Housing modifications are affordable, with financial assistance provided in the form of
grants and subsidies.
Information on financial assistance programs for home modifications is readily available
and easily accessible by seniors.
Home insurance is affordable.
OLDER ADULT ASSESSMENT
1. Outdoor Spaces and Buildings
Sidewalks, Pathways and Trails
•
•
•
•
•
•
Sidewalks, pathways and trails are well-maintained, cleared, non-slip and accessible.
Sidewalks are continuous, with low curbs and can accommodate wheelchairs and
scooters.
Snow removal is prompt and considerate of seniors (e.g., consideration is given to how
snow is piled for those who need to get in and out of cars, and that seniors may be in
wheelchairs or using scooters).
Parking lots are well-maintained and cleared of snow and ice.
Streets are well-maintained.
Rain shelters are available to support pedestrians.
Public Restrooms and Rest Areas
•
•
Public washrooms are accessible and can accommodate people with a variety of
disabilities (accommodations include push buttons, wide doors, hand rails, locks that are
easy for those with arthritis to use) and are located at convenient locations with proper
signage.
Accessible benches (the appropriate height for seniors) are located along sidewalks, paths
or trails and are spaced at regular intervals.
Safety and Security
•
•
•
Action is taken to lower crime rate.
Neighborhoods and trails are well-lit.
Traffic volumes are low and/or well-controlled.
Buildings
•
•
•
•
•
•
Buildings are accessible and have the following:
ramps with a slope appropriate for wheelchairs
fewer stairs to get into buildings and within buildings
non-slip flooring
accessible washrooms located on the main floor
parking that is well-maintained and located near public buildings for easier access
Amenities (grocery stores, churches, government buildings, community centres)
•
Services are grouped together, located in close proximity to where older people live and
can be easily accessed (e.g., are located on the ground floor of buildings, include
wheelchair ramps).
3. Housing
Housing Options
•
•
•
•
•
A range of appropriate and affordable housing options (for sale and for rent) is available
and includes apartments, independent living, smaller condominiums and family homes.
Housing is affordable and includes subsidized housing.
Home sizes reflect the needs and lifestyles of seniors today.
Housing is located in close proximity to services.
Housing is adapted for seniors and those with disabilities.
Aging in Place
•
•
•
•
Affordable supports are available to enable seniors to remain at home.
Assisted living options are available to all.
“In-between” housing is available (i.e., options between the large family home and the
small apartment, but with more assisted living options that can be considered an
“intermediary” step).
“Alert systems” are available for seniors living alone (i.e., systems that alert someone
when a senior needs help).
Long-Term Care
•
Affordable long-term care options are available that prevent the separation of families
and the need to move out the community.
Maintenance and Modifications
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
General maintenance of homes is affordable by seniors on fixed incomes.
Affordable or free general maintenance (e.g., yard work) is available for seniors.
Housing is modified for seniors as needed and new housing is built with seniors in mind.
Housing (including houses and apartments) meets the needs of those with disabilities.
Housing modifications are affordable, with financial assistance provided in the form of
grants and subsidies.
Information on financial assistance programs for home modifications is readily available
and easily accessible by seniors.
Home insurance is affordable.
1
Student (Name)
Institution
Date
2
I am a master’s student living in Little Rock, Arkansas, United States. I have assessed the
physical environment and housing related to age-friendly communities. In this area, welldesigned open areas and structures raise mobility and independence and improve the quality of
life. They form a pleasing, age-friendly, clean, accessible, and secureenvironment to encourage
walking and physical exercises.I can take a Nordic Walk, go on a group bike ride, join friends
in a game of cards, participate in yoga or water fitness, sit back, and enjoy the sights on a trip.
The housing is sufficient, affordable, and available in safe areas near the services and the
community. There are sufficient and affordable home maintenance services, and the houses are
well-built to provide comfortable and secure shelter. The inside space and level surfaces help
people move freely in all rooms and pathways.
I conducted an assessment with my 58-year-old neighbor. He confirmed that public
buildings are universally accessible, helping older adults to be active, improving their security,
and offering socializing opportunities. The availability of gardens, plants, and trees is pleasing
and positively influences physical activities. The walking paths are available but are too
shallow. He affirmed that options for modifying are available and affordable, and the service
providers are aware of older people’s needs. The residential and commercial houses are wellkept, clean, and have security. There are affordable houses for weak and incapacitated older
people, with required services available locally. Most apartments, however, lack elevators and
railings on stairs, according to him.
Public structures made by integrating proper design ethics can help older people be active,
improve their security, and offer socializing opportunities. Structures like stairs that are not
very high or steep and their rails, ramps, and elevators can help older people access many
3
buildings. Settings that are appealingly beautiful, clean, garbage-free, and free from noise
pollution and foul odors are highly recommended for older adults’ mobility.
A valid and reliable checklist can help the community assess an age-friendly environment,
which is beneficial and enables people to strategize and adjust to the needs of their population,
improve interventions, and observe the progressive change in the community.