1. The Community Environment: Related Issues Presentation By: Samantha StoddartTRMT 392 David Robinson July 7, 2010

2. Abstract page When examining the issue of “The Community Environment” the following issues need to be in order including, housing options, elderly friendly communities, community programs and services, community needs assessments, leisure providers in the community, and age-segregated communities. Ulyssean main objectives when it comes to community environments is to keep seniors active in their community and as comfortable as possible with all the services and attention they require. Allowing them to contribute and keep up with the environment around them. Understanding when a senior is ready for a retirement home, or when they are still able to be independent and take care of themselves while still being apart of their community.

3. introduction Now that the baby boomers are growing at an alarming number the needs for assessment becomes a main focus. Seniors still like their independence and enjoy the comforts of their home, and taking care of themselves without having an to rely on extra care. The role that needs to be made by Ulyssean living is let the seniors live independently as long as they can in their community. However, when the time comes that elders require extra care, and attention the help must be easily accessible in all attributes of their lives.

4. Why am i interested? I choose this topic because I understand that seniors want to feel needed in the community, and they do not want to feel they are a burden on their society in anyway. Seeing as most seniors live where they have always been and want to be recognized in their community life. My own grandmother is 85 years old and is an extremely independent woman. She is seen around her community either volunteering, working, or just doing her day to day chores more that some of my youthful friends. Now that she is starting to loose her hearing family and friends worry she should not live alone. After researching and understanding this topic I have learned a great deal of what my grandmother and many seniors are dealing with when trying to place themselves and fit in their own community. Seniors should never be neglected due to their personal health or well being and the more comfortable and content seniors feel with themselves the better off their attitude and understanding will be.

5. Housing options Seniors like everyone are most comfortable living in the privacy of their own home. The most important factors for seniors at homes are to have a strong well-being and supportive environment. This being said the home needs to always be safe, and accommodating to promote the aging process successfully. When these factors are questionable there must be changes made. Examples would be extra care that come directly to the house, changes made to the design of the home, or transportation options available.

6. Programs and services in communities With economic, physical, social, and psychological, and philosophical issues being areas were elderly frequently deal with communities need to design assistance to deal with these negative areas. Other services are highly important in the wellness of seniors including transportation, information service on activities and programs within their community, and contact in case of any additional needs, concerns, or questions seniors have.

7. Programs and services in communitis continued The two groups that need most attention are both widows and caregivers. Family and close friends are a huge support system for both these groups. However, in these situation is when seniors “burn out” and their health and well being can be compromised. Having churches, meeting groups, professionals to talk to, grief centers, can help the process.

8. Leisure providers in communities Leisure providers need to be dedicated to their job. Not only organizing the actual leisure activity but also understanding what seniors are interested in, find entertaining, safe, easily understood, and easy to get to where the activity is taking place. What also is important is including survival skills needed to stay involved in their community. For elderly to continue with Ulyssean lifestyle they must be evolved in programs that flourish to their community as its happening. Keeping up-to-date with what is going on around them and how to keep up to give back and understand the changes and development around them.

9. Communities needs assessment Community audits are important in assessment of seniors within a community. Guidelines are as follows: Safety Sense of ownership in their communities Gatekeeper that help keep an eye on seniors that might need additional assessment Emergency information meeting needs, and emergency response system General safety within the community (walkways, parking lots)

10. Age-segregated communities Retirement communities are becoming more and more popular. They result in safety, housing suitable for seniors, social opportunities that interest same age, recreation, and being around others of same age and interests. With elderly living in the same area the opportunities are endless with the number of activates that can be accomplished. Still with the option of leaving their community if they please if they feel they need to see the rest of the ages.

11. Summary conclusion Keeping the elderly active and involved in their communities while doing what they enjoy and can comfortably participate in is key. Ulyssean living is the result of this. The environment around seniors needs to make them feel wanted while giving them the attention they deserve. When it is time for a senior to venture to a retirement community the assessment need to be taken in order to look after the particular senior accordingly in all aspects. Like every person in a community young or old, everyone is different. So it is important to take assessments regularly to make sure the individual is content with their surroundings. Ulyssean living is given after the senior has been assessed to highest level. Usually a senior can do this on their own but it is important to make the experiences as easy and pleasant as possible.

12. References McGuire, F. A., Boyd, R. K., and Tedrick, R. E. (2004). Leisure and Aging: Ulyssean Living in Later Life. Champaign, IL. : Sagamore Publishing. NACO National Assiociation of Countries (2009). Retrieved on July 1, 2010 from http://www.naco.org/ Powell River Newsletter (2010). Retrieved on July 1, 2010 from http://www.prpeak.com/ Retirement Homes (2010). Retrieved July 1, 2010 from http://www.retirementhomes.com/homes/needs.html Seniors Healthy Aging Resources Environment Society (2005). Retieved on July 1, 2010 from http://www.seniorsinbc.ca/