“Challenge:
What can we do to overcome the barriers that seniors face when engaging with wellness programs offered by CityHousing Hamilton? ”
CHH Sites at Jackson St. and Hess St.
Students:
Robert Etherington, Zoë Grant, Coomal Rashid, Gagandeep Saini
Staff:
Kelly Coxson (Community Development Coordinator, CityHousing Hamilton)
Instructor:
Kate Whalen
Course and Department:
Sustainability 4S06, Academic Sustainability Program, McMaster University
Course and Department:Construction Engineering Technician - Building Renovation – 462
Partner: City Housing Hamilton
Seniors Knitting
Within the next decade, the number of seniors in Hamilton will double. In order to facilitate successful aging, CityHousing Hamilton (CHH) provides senior residents with wellness programs. However, low engagement in these programs means residents are not receiving information on identifying and managing chronic illnesses, which then threatens the sustainability of our healthcare system.
Robert, Zoë, Coomal and Gagandeep created a study design and applied for Research Ethics approval. They surveyed staff on the barriers to resident engagement and compiled a summary report with information from staff, students, and program instructors on most prominent barriers to engagement, finding them to be language, mobility and eyesight. Finally they used their summary report to develop a focused survey for residents to clarify and confirm initial findings from staff surveys.
Next, the students will implement multiple trials of their proposed solution which may include new promotional and/or engagement strategies. Once that is complete they will analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of each trial to provide information on lessons learned and recommendations for long-term use. Ultimately they will share their findings through a presentation and written report to CityHousing Hamilton.
“We were surprised by how willing the residents were to engage with us and provide their feedback!”
“This project has allowed us to co-create with a staff member, challenging us to be independent, flexible, and adaptable.”
