Volunteer Services for Seniors in Peter Borough County - Background Report

8/14/2019 Volunteer Services for Seniors in Peter Borough County - Background Report

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Services for Seniors in Peterborough County:Background Report for the Volunteer Caregiving in the Countryside Project

Timothy Shah, Honours BA StudentEnvironmental and Resource Studies

Trent University

Mark Skinner, PhDDepartment of Geography

Trent University

October 2008

Department of Geography, Trent UniversityPeterborough, Ontario, Canada


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Table of Contents

________________________________________________________________________

Page Number

1.0 Introduction 1

1.1 Volunteer Caregiving in the Countryside project 31.2 Profile of Peterborough County 3

2.0 Sources of Background Research 4

3.0 Baseline Information on Volunteer Services for Seniors 5

3.1 Service Providers and Services Backgrounds 5

3.2 Changing Service Context 73.3 Financial Support 10

4.0 Overview of General Challenges and Issues 11

4.1 Issues around Geographic Location 134.2 Funding and Staffing Issues 13

5.0 Summary and Concluding Comments 14

References 16

Appendix 1 Database of Organizations Providing Services for Seniors 17


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1.0 Introduction

________________________________________________________________________

Volunteerism in rural and small town Canada is a complex and, until recently, ill-definedphenomenon. More specifically, little is known about volunteerism as it relates to

caregiving and providing support for rural seniors (e.g., see Skinner et al., 2008).According to Statistics Canada (2006), Canadas senior population, persons aged 65 andolder, is now at 4.3 million. The number of people aged 55-64 amounts to 3.7 million, or13.7 percent of the total population. Peterborough County, the focus of this research, hasone of the highest proportions of senior population groups in all of Canada; with its 65and over age bracket constituting 19 percent of the countys population (StatisticsCanada, 2006). As the baby boomers near the age of retirement, the demand for health,housing and social services will rise placing more pressure on the community toaccommodate a growing population. Already, community-based groups and non-profitorganizations play an important role in Peterborough as they create outreach programs,provide services and activities to meet the needs of the community.

Non-profit organizations and community groups, which are generally considered ascomprising the voluntary sector, play a vital role for the social and economic quality oflife in Peterborough County. Many of the programs and services they administer wouldnot be possible without the contribution of volunteers. In Ontario, the overall number ofvolunteers reported by organizations is 7.8 million, representing 400,000 boardvolunteers and 7.4 million non-board volunteers (Scott et al., 2006). Forty percent of allvolunteers are engaged with Ontario voluntary organizations (Scott et al., 2006). As thisreport will illustrate, funding shortages from government agencies are principallyaffecting employment for these non-profit organizations and community groups.Consequently, there is an increasing reliance on volunteerism to meet the gaps inservices. While there appears to be a solid foundation of volunteers for theseorganizations and groups, it is becoming progressively more difficult to sustain them andtheir services because of funding shortages, lack of resources, inadequate trainingexercises for volunteers and, recently, the impact of rising gas prices makingtransportation more burdensome for the volunteers (Skinner, 2008).

As reported in the literature, Executive Directors, Presidents, CEOs and volunteercoordinators in charge of these organizations face numerous challenges surrounding thenumber of personnel including paid staff and volunteer staff; however, funding shortagesand fiscal restraints appear to be the most prominent issue (e.g., Jenson & Phillips, 2000).Consequently, these service providers will often have more difficulty retaining andkeeping their paid staff and volunteers because fiscal resources are so limited. Indeed,over the past ten years, there has been a larger dependence on volunteers to meet the gapsin health and social care. Lack of funding is problematic because it creates disconnectedand fractious communities (Eakin, 2007). Non-profit organizations can run intochallenges unable to respond effectively to emerging community needs. Moreover,funding and program restrictions often impede collaboration and partnership processeswhen organizations attempt to connect and build healthy, sustainable communities(Eakin, 2007).


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To help address these issues, and with a specific focus on the empirical case of servicesfor seniors in Peterborough County, Ontario (Figure 1.1), this report will identify thegeneral dimensions of change from the mid 1990s to 2007 concerning health and socialcare agencies, provider organizations and community groups. Following an overview ofthe research purpose, context and sources of information, the report is organized

according to the major themes that set the backdrop for understanding service availabilityin the Peterborough area (i.e., service providers and services background; the changingservice context; financial support; issues around geographic location; and funding andstaffing issues). Ultimately, the descriptive findings from the report will lead to a betterunderstanding of the issues surrounding volunteerism and, in setting the foundation forfuture work, establish informed policy in ageing, volunteerism, health and social care inrural and smaller urban centres in Ontario.

Figure 1.1 Map of the County of Peterborough


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1.1 Volunteer Caregiving in the Countryside Project

This report is part of a larger project called Volunteer Caregiving in the Countryside(2007-2010) led by Dr. Mark Skinner of the Department of Geography at TrentUniversity. Funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada

and approved by the Trent University Research Ethics Board, the purpose of the 3-yearSSHRC project is to examine the role of volunteerism in addressing the gap in publicservices in rural and small town settings in Ontario. Using the case of services for olderpeople (or seniors), the project focuses on the experiences of individual volunteers andcaregivers in Peterborough County, where like other parts of the province, extensiverestructuring of health and social services has been underway since the 1990s (e.g., seeBaranek et al., 2004). This background report provides a historical context to thevolunteer services for seniors, and addresses contemporary challenges and issuessurrounding volunteerism in Peterborough County, thereby setting the foundation forunderstanding the experiences of individual volunteers and informal caregivers andvalidating their coping strategies. The report sets the foundation for the subsequent

phases of the Volunteer Caregiving in the Countryside project, which involve in-depthanalyses of volunteerism through surveys, focus groups and interviews with volunteersand informal caregivers in Peterborough County.

1.2 Profile of Peterborough County

Peterboroughs population is growing and changing rapidly. The current population ofPeterborough County is 133,080 (Statistics Canada, 2006). The population ofPeterborough County like many regions in Southern Ontario or more informally theWindsor-Quebec City corridor has experienced dramatic changes since the mid 1990s.From 2001 to 2006, the population of Ontario increased 6.6 percent. PeterboroughCounty experienced a similar trend, as its population change was a 5.7 percent increase inthat five-year period (Statistics Canada, 2006). However, this 5.7 percent populationincrease can be attributed to an influx of seniors and retirees along with an agingpopulation in general. Peterborough County is a popular retirement community andtherefore attracts seniors and retirees from other Ontario cities, communities andtownships. Currently, 84.6 percent of the population is aged 15 and over (StatisticsCanada, 2006).

The proportion of Peterborough Countys senior population is rising at an unprecedentedrate; there are 24,730 individuals aged 65 years and over living in the county, whichconstitutes 19 percent of the total population. The median age of the population inOntario was reported as 39 years of age in 2006, the median age in Peterborough Countywas 43.6 years (Statistics Canada, 2006). As shown in Figure 1.2, the largest proportionof the population is 45 to 49 years old in the county, while those aged 50 to 54 and 55 to59 also account for a large percentage. Combining these age groups in aggregate sumamounts to 30,797; comprising 23 percent of the countys population (Statistics Canada,2006). In combining the 65 years age bracket (24, 730) with the latter age bracket(30,797), the total is 55,527, or 42 percent of the countys population. This demographictrend has important implications and suggests that the county is witnessing an aging


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volunteer coordinators in the Peterborough area. The principal data source was the 2007-2008 Community Information Handbook also known as the Blue Book(United Way ofPeterborough and District, 2007), and fourinfo.com, an electronic and morecomprehensive and accessible version of the Blue Book. Other data sources includewebsites, electronic documents, annual reports and newsletters.

The majority of the organizations featured in this research provide services to allmembers of the community. However, the more age specific organizations typicallylisted their clientele as 50 years of age and above. Therefore, for research purposes, theorganizations that were used for this study served the community, persons aged 50 plus,and persons over the age of 65.

A database of agencies, organizations and groups providing services for seniors inPeterborough County is included as Appendix 1.

3.0 Baseline Information on Volunteer Services for Seniors________________________________________________________________________

The results of the analysis will be broken into major themes. The first theme is thebackground information on the service providers; this includes the organization type(non-profit, community-based group, government agencies, private businesses, etc.) andalso presents their main service delivery for seniors (Advocacy, Education, Housing,etc.). The second theme covers the changing ability of organizations to provide servicesand the changes in service delivery; this includes organizations that have had staff cuts,funding decreases, and increased demand for services. The third theme looks at financialsupport and provides an overview of the main source of funding for these serviceproviders. Themes four and five delve into some of the challenges and issues surroundingfunding for community-based groups and non-profits, and other reported challengesrelated to staff and volunteers for recruitment, retention and training.

3.1 Service Providers and Services Background

The United Ways Community Information Handbook 2007/2008 edition, also known asthe Blue Book, is an essential directory that lists all of the health and social care agencies,non-profit organizations and community groups found in Peterborough County. Inaddition, it provides the contact information for services that are based outside of thecounty, but available to residents in Peterborough. The Blue Book organizes the servicesand organizations into subject indices. A majority of the organizations and services thatwere used for this research were taken from subject indices such as Advocacy, CaregiverServices and Long Term Care, Counselling and Mental Health Services, HousingServices and Seniors Services. The various health and social care agencies, non-profitorganizations and community groups that provide support, care or a particular service toseniors, amounts to 75 in total. These organizations provide an assortment of services,programs and activities for the community committed to helping individuals obtainhealth, education, and other basic human services.


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While there appears to be numerous services and organizations in Peterborough Countythat provide for the community, this report is focused primarily on seniors, and theiraccessibility to services. For instance, some of the organizations are based out of Toronto,but their services are available to residents of Peterborough. Table 3.1 displays thedifferent organizations and service providers and categorizes them according to their

context including government, community-based group, non-profit, private and other.Note that other encompasses long-term care facilities, health centres, educationoriented groups, recreational groups and hospitals.

Table 3.1 Service providers in Peterborough County

Organization type No. of Organizations

(n=75)

Percentage

Community-based group 14 18.7Government agency 5 6.7

Non-profit organization 29 38.7Private businesses 17 22.7Other type of provider 10 13.3Total represented 75 100

Table 3.2 Number of organizations listed by main service delivery

Service Type No. of Organizations

(n=75)

Percentage

Advocacy 13 17.3

Counselling 2 2.7Education 3 4Government 5 6.7Health Care 13 17.3Housing 19 25.3Outreach 9 12Recreation 6 8Specialized 5 6.7Total represented 75 100

A majority of the organizations involved with this research are listed as seniors servicesin the Blue Book and fourinfo.com. There are 62 organizations listed under SeniorsServices in the Blue Book; however, not all are directly relevant for this research andtherefore will not be used for this study. The other organizations and services used forthis study were collected based on the types of services they provide, which usuallyinvolved a program or service for seniors. The retirement community, and seniorpopulation at large, are dependent on these services for health, education, recreation,counselling and support. Table 3.2 displays the different services that were used for this


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study and lists them according to their main service delivery. Note that they may providemultiple services for the community, but Table 3.2 lists them according to their mainservice delivery. One-quarter of the services are housing. Most of the housing servicesare also privately run and owned and receive little or no funding from the government ormunicipality. The Marycrest at Inglewood Seniors` Residence is an exceptional case, as it

collects rent from its tenants and receives funding by the Municipal Affairs and Housingagency of the provincial government. Services and organizations such as the AbusePrevention of Older Adults Network and the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario, provide arange of services, advocacy being their primary one. Health Care services such as theCanadian Mental Health Association and the Psychiatric Assessment Services for theElderly, provide services for people with mental illnesses and clinical consultationtreatment respectively. Table 3.2 also lists five `specialized` services. These servicesexplicitly help the community through subsidy support services or through a specializedcompassionate care and support service model. Organizations that provide outreach astheir main service delivery are organizations that reach large numbers of people andinvolve them in activities or programs that support a charitable cause.

3.2 Changing Service Context

This section of the report looks at the significant changes that the services andorganizations have undergone since the mid 1990s. More specifically, the changes inservice delivery, the changing ability to deliver services, and common obstacles thatimpede effective service to the community. Because of the nature of the questions for thispart of the research, many of the organizations were contacted through email and phoneand asked to provide background information and materials such as annual reports. Someinformation was obtained through documents provided on the websites of these services.Not all 75 organizations were used for this part of the study.

Several factors can affect an organizations ability to deliver their services adequately tothe community. Access to funding and resources, community involvement with theorganization, the role of volunteers for their services and programs, and policy changesare all among the factors that affect an organizations ability to deliver services within acommunity. The non-profit sector has a high employment turnover rate; the number ofpersonnel for organizations including paid staff and volunteer staff continuouslyoscillates because of funding shortages and contract cuts. Some organizations reportedthat their employment base has shifted over the past ten years, primarily cutting morejobs that are full-time and providing more part-time positions. Volunteers have also beeninstrumental in making-up for the funding shortages, fiscal restraints and other challengesrelated to a maintaining a paid staff employment base.

A majority of the organizations reported significant changes since the mid 1990s in theirability to deliver their services. Table 3.3 lists the types of changes that were noted andmost commonly reported.


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Table 3.3 Changes in Ability to Delivery Services

Type of Change No. of

Organizations

(n=34)

Percentage

Greater reliance on fundraising/donations 8 6.3Funding decrease 8 6.3Funding increase 14 11Improved Service delivery 20 15.7Increased demand for services 20 15.7More support from community 16 12.6Paid staff cut 7 5.6Paid staff increased 12 9.4Volunteer staff cut 6 4.8Volunteer staff increased 16 12.6Total represented 127 100

As displayed in Table 3.3, several organizations have received more support from thecommunity since the mid 1990s. Community agencies such as the United Way ofPeterborough and District have become even more supportive within the parameters oftheir resources. With increased awareness and education over illnesses and issuessurrounding the well-being of seniors, various organizations reported that they are allwell received in the community and indispensable for providing for seniors.

Organizations that have become more reliant on fundraising typically have had a betterreception from the community. For example, enhanced fundraising efforts from the

YWCA has produced more support and interest from the community and has createdbetter awareness of their services and the issues that they advocate. In contract,Community Care Peterborough relies mainly on the Central East Local Health andIntegration Network (LHIN), one of 14 regional health authorities in the province, andfundraising for its service delivery. Although community support has become morepronounced, supportive housing for seniors has been inadequate and virtually non-existent. Similarly, the Marycrest at Inglewood Seniors Residence also has difficultiesproviding support services for their seniors. The waiting list for this residence home is acrucial issue, with seniors waiting long periods and demanding more services andpersonal support workers. The residence is also attempting to reach out to the communityto raise funding for their services. The new Aging at Home Strategy created by the

Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and administered by the LHINs may fostersignificant improvements for supportive housing for seniors over the next ten years.

Staff cuts and increases for volunteers and employees have been common for many ofthese services. Reasoning for staff cuts and increases for these services ranges, but theyall generally inter-relate. For example, Abuse Prevention for Older Adults Networkreported that since they cut their Volunteer Project Coordinator position, their volunteerstaff has plummeted. The salience of volunteer coordinators for organizations is


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establishing a connection with the community and how funding can create moreprograms and services.

Several organizations reported various changes in their service delivery. As a result of thesupply and demand for their main services and programs, as well as the popularity for the

community, organizations reported both new services and discontinued services. Table3.4 lists the changes in service delivery.

Table 3.4 Changes in Service Delivery

A vast majority of organizations have introduced new services since the 1990s. This islargely motivated by the increased demand for services. With a substantial increase in thenumber and percent of seniors in the community, the scope of services has inevitablybroadened. Table 3.3 listed a high number of organizations who have had an increaseddemand for services. In addition, organizations have gradually become morecomprehensive with their service delivery; many now offer services to accommodateindividuals with special interests and needs. Housing organizations and long-term carehomes noted a significant increase in supportive and low-rent housing for seniors. Again,rising demand for these services and an aging senior population are forcing service

providers in Peterborough County to adjust their programs accordingly and ensureadequate service delivery.

The discontinuation of services has also been occurring over the past ten years. Usually,the unpopularity of services and/or lack of funding can cause them to discontinue oramalgamate into a larger program network. The coordination of sign language, aprogram that was once popular for the Canadian Hearing Society, discontinued becauseof limited resources including staff and funding. What is more, the CommunityCounselling and Resource Centre, a prominent community-based organization, hadseveral services and programs either cut or under-funded since the 1990s. Some includethe housing resource centre, the cutting of the counselling program, and the volunteer and

information centres lost funding as well. All of these services are essential for thecommunity at large serving a broad range of individuals.

3.3 Financial Support

Financial resources play an important role for any organization or service in acommunity. Without stable finances, the ability of an organization to provide effectiveprograms and services is constrained. As shown in previous tables, finances and overall

Question No. of Orgs.

(n=34)

Percentage

Have new services been introduced since 1990? 27 65.9Have any services been discontinued since 90? 14 34.1Total represented 41 100


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funding can fluctuate greatly for non-profit organizations and community-based groups.With the advent of new grant agencies such as the Ontario Trillium Foundation, fundingfor community services has become a higher priority for the provincial government. Inaddition and as mentioned previously, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care hasalso embarked on funding efforts for community support services with plans of $1.1

billion in funding over four years for its Aging at Home Strategy (Central East LHIN,2008).

As shown in Table 3.5, a majority of organizations used for this research rely on fundingfrom the provincial government. The Housing services sector mainly generates their ownrevenue while receiving minimal funding from the municipal and provincial government.The United Way of Peterborough and District, along with the Victorian Order of Nurses(VON), are two prominent non-profit organizations that provide funding for community-based groups and services in Peterborough County. The federal government plays aminimal role in directly providing funding for services in Peterborough County. Someorganizations such as Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and the New

Canadian Centre Peterborough, receive funding from the federal government.Fundraising and donations are also a common source of funding for several organizationsand services. Table 3.5 displays the organizations from the Appendix, and categorizesthem based on their main source of funding. Refer to Appendix 1 for more detail on themain source of funding for these various organizations.

Table 3.5 Main Source of Funding

Source No. of Organizations

(n=61)

Percentage

Federal Government 1 1.6Other 11 17.4Own Revenue 26 41.3Provincial Government 25 39.7Total Represented 63 100

4.0 Overview of General Challenges and Issues

________________________________________________________________________

The various health and social care agencies, organizations and groups featured in theresearch had successes, challenges and issues surrounding volunteerism in PeterboroughCounty. Websites, related documents and telephone/email confirmation about theseservices, revealed a range of issues surrounding volunteerism. A consistent message fromthe organizations and groups was the discussion of the challenges related to thegeographical range of services; and the challenges related to staff and volunteerrecruitment and training. Also reported but not as popular was that there is a growingdisconnectedness between urban and rural settings where rural volunteers are distanced


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or disconnected from urban agencies. This suggests that a barrier exists between thesegeographies and that there is a lack of cohesion.

Other challenges for these agencies are increasing gas prices that are making it difficultfor volunteers to meet their commitments and help with transportation services. For

organizations that provide health and social care, volunteers will often drive to theclients homes to provide support and mentoring, or drive them to their medical ortherapeutic appointments. Community Care Peterborough, a non-profit charitableorganization providing services for seniors with physical challenges, reported that theirtransportation and meals on wheels programs are experiencing numerous difficulties.These programs are volunteer-based as volunteers use their own vehicles to take clientsto medical or therapeutic appointments charging a nominal fee. However, this service isbeing affected by rising gas prices as the recruitment for volunteers is becoming moredifficult. As this research has found, gas prices are creating issues around transportationand impeding volunteers from performing their duties. Community Care Peterboroughalso reported that volunteer recruitment in the spring and summer months have been

challenging, partially due to the distance that volunteers have to drive to reach theirrespective locations.

Another major issue surrounding volunteerism for these organizations and agencies is thelack of funding for comprehensive training. Community-based organizations are relianton their volunteers to help with programs, services and activities. However, the nature ofthese programs often deal with sensitive and emotional issues like coping with mentalillnesses such as depression or dementia, conflict mediation, violence against elders andneglect towards seniors just to name a few. The Schizophrenia Society of Ontario alreadystruggles to recruit paid staff and volunteers due to the nature of the illness. Theorganization noted that mental illnesses like Alzheimers and Schizophrenia often carry anegative connotation or stigma and are not popular for volunteer destinations. On top ofthis problem, the organization receives insubstantial funding which is challenging fortraining and retaining volunteers. It is therefore crucial that more funding is allocated totraining programs for volunteers. Well-resourced training and support for volunteers willallow them to perform their duties more comfortably and provide tangible effects for theorganization at large. Table 4.1 summarizes the program delivery resource challenges asfound on websites and confirmed through telephone conversations.

Table 4.1 Program Delivery Resource Challenges

Challenges No. of organizations

(n=32)

Percentage

Funding 15 34.1Geographic Location 5 11.4Other challenges 3 6.8Staff Recruitment 16 36.3Training Volunteers 5 11.4Total Represented 44 100


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It is evident that funding and staff recruitment appear to be the most outstandingchallenges. Both are inter-related because inadequate or limited funding for anorganization impedes its ability to attract or hire staff. Moreover, when funding is limited,delivering programs and services is also constrained because fewer staff, whether paid orvolunteer, causes the quality and assurance of services to degrade.

4.1 Issues around Geographic Location

Health care and outreach-oriented organizations, such as the Kawartha ParticipationProjects and the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, both face concerns over geographiclocation. More specifically, the challenges of providing services to rural areas in thePeterborough area. Clients travel over long distances to access services in Peterboroughbecause the services are often limited to their geographic domain. Providing services toclients and patients in rural settings is not always viable. Volunteers for organizationssuch as Community Care Peterborough and the United Senior Citizens of Ontarioparticipate in transportation services helping clients or members with their daily travels;

this may involve taking them to an appointment or helping them with a particular need.On top of travelling far distances for individual clients, gas prices are rising andexacerbating this problem. Worse yet, the Canadian Hearing Society is taking a negativeimpact on its volunteer base due to exorbitant gas costs.

Activity Haven Senior Centre, a community-based recreation group for seniors, providespopular programs for social gatherings attracting people from all over the county. Withover 1300 members from around the county, many individuals drive to the municipalityto access the services and programs. However, transportation remains a major issue asmembers have to drive long distances and at times are severely unable. M.E./F.M.Association of Peterborough and District, a community-based and health care orientedorganization, has a high turnout for its group meetings. Similar to Activity Haven SeniorCentre, this organization draws members from around the county who attend meetingsand participate in events. Conversely, however, this organization operates heavily on car-pooling which is a more practical and efficient approach to maintaining a stablemembership. While this appears to be an exception, there are still numerous challengeswith the geographic location of service providers. This may suggest the need for anextensive rural volunteer base, thereby providing more services closer to home.

4.2 Funding and Staffing Issues

The funding and staff recruitment conundrum is an on-going challenge permeatingorganizations and groups in the Peterborough area. The research found that seniors arealready demanding more caregiving and supportive housing services, yet with issuesaround funding and staff recruitment, service providers and organizations have moreobstacles. Even organizations such as the New Canadian Centre Peterborough who havehad an increase in base funding and ample volunteers, have reported challenges withsustaining volunteer training, the administration and support of their volunteers.


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As shown in Table 3.5, a vast majority of the service providers depend on the provincialgovernment as a main source of funding. However, in spite of funding from theprovincial government, there still appear to be program delivery resource challenges.According to the literature, most grants from the government are funded at rates belowcost recovery (e.g., see Eakin, 2007). What is more, non-profit organizations in Ontario,

in 2004, delivered on average $1.14 of service for every $1.00 of government grantmoney (Eakin, 2007). This suggests that capital and business costs have grown, andfunding has decreased.

A number of organizations and groups reported that the cost of doing and providingservices has increased greatly since the 1990s. Funding has increased for severalorganizations, and for some it has remained stagnant. However, equal distribution offunding to an organization is not always adequate. In addition, as reported by variousgroups (e.g., Retired Teachers of Ontario, see website reference) funding shortfalls havebeen occurring and can especially affect long-term care homes; ultimately loweringstandards for patient care and personal care. Community Care Peterborough has had

difficulty obtaining financial resources for professional development for its staff. A lackof financial resources for professional development can result in a rapid turnover forskilled personnel. Therefore, in order to rectify this, more attention is needed to be drawnto the non-profit sector; this will help service providers capitalize on new fundingopportunities and minimize other program delivery constraints.

The Marycrest at Inglewood Seniors Residence chiefly operates on its own revenue fromits tenants. The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing subsidizes rent for the lowerincome bracket, or simply those who cannot afford to pay full rent. However, theprovincial government has progressively become more restrictive with its funding for thisresidence. Controlling the capital reserve and dictating how much to allocate to it is notonly officious but regressive as well. Consequently, this residence is having numerouschallenges with providing support services, retaining staff and reaching out to thecommunity.

The Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, an important non-profitorganization advocating elder abuse awareness, has also had a relatively good turnout forvolunteers. However, recruitment of volunteers to work on projects at the communitylevel is difficult, particularly when no funding is available to pay mileage for them toassist with organization. Moreover, some paid staff from this organization arevolunteering their time to train and work with the volunteers due to the lack of funding inplace for volunteering training.

In summary, the challenges and issues presented, along with a lack of resources, areaffecting the quality of services provided by these organizations. It is critical that fundingand grants become more readily available and accessible to non-profit organizations,community-based groups and even private businesses in order to maintain a stable staffbase, ensure quality training for volunteers, and other resources to guarantee services toindividuals from rural settings and other geographical regions. In the absence and/orlimitation of government funding and resources, service providers and organizations rely


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on other non-profit groups, fundraising, donations and assistance through localpartnerships for funding to operate their programs.

5.0 Summary and Concluding comments

________________________________________________________________________

As one of the nations largest retirement communities, Peterborough provides a wholerange of services and programs to accommodate the growing needs of the community.However, over the past ten years, Peterborough, along with other communities in ruraland small town Canada, has witnessed several changes in health and social services.There have been changes in funding, community support and the overall demand forservices. As the baby boom generation approaches the retirement age, the demand formore services and caregivers will presumably rise, placing more pressure on themunicipal and provincial governments to offer more opportunities and services for them.Furthermore, rising demand causes organizations and service providers to expand their

staff base in particular recruiting more volunteers and caregivers to assist with programs,events and activities. This report addressed the challenges and issues surroundingvolunteerism in Peterborough County. The main impetus for recruiting more volunteerstaff was because of the lack of resources to sustain their paid staff, the rising costs ofproviding services and most importantly the rising demand from the senior population forservices.

Community involvement and support has been noteworthy in Peterborough over the pastten years. However, a number of service providers reported that significant changes intheir service delivery have been occurring over the years, many have also received bettersupport and recognition from the community. This has been largely attributable to themedia, as issues surrounding seniors and the elderly population are arising on a frequentbasis in local newspapers, etc. Community involvement and support is essential for anyservice provider especially outreach services.

Preliminary results indicate that service providers and organizations offer a widespectrum of services to the Peterborough community, however, it is increasinglybecoming more difficult to provide them adequately due to funding limitations, staffrecruitment and the geographic location. In spite of an overall rise in the numbers ofvolunteers for these organizations, this report noted that short-term volunteering isbecoming more commonplace due to commitment issues, time constraints, and otherpriorities. Indeed, episodic volunteering has become more popular, where youngerprofessionals are devoting their time to volunteering but overall making short-termcommitments.

To conclude, volunteerism is becoming more and more salient for building healthy,sustainable communities across rural Canada. Indeed, as this report indicated, non-profitorganizations and community groups play a vital role for the social and economic qualityof life in Peterborough County. Many are reliant on volunteers to carry out theirrespective services and programs. In a time of great uncertainty about the nature of health


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and social services in rural and small town settings (e.g., see Skinner et al., 2008), muchattention is warranted for these community players, as they are the catalysts of change.This background report has set out the key themes and issues surrounding volunteerismand service delivery for service providers, which will be explored in further detail inupcoming phases of the Volunteer Caregiving in the Countryside project.

References

________________________________________________________________________

Baranek, P., R.B. Deber and A.P. Williams (2004).Almost Home: Reforming Home andCommunity Care in Ontario. University of Toronto Press, Toronto.

Eakin, L. (2007). We Cant Afford to Do Business This Way: A Study of the Administrative Burden Resulting from Fund Accountability and Compliance

Practices. Creative Commons, Toronto.Greater Peterborough and Economic Development Corporation. (2007). 2007 Community

Profile. The Greater Peterborough and Economic Development Corporation,Peterborough. (www.gpaedc.on.ca/profile.html)Jenson, J. and Phillips, S.D. (2000). Distinctive trajectories: homecare and the voluntary

sector in Quebec and Ontario. In K.G. Banting (ed.), The Nonprofit Sector inCanada: Roles and Responsibilities. McGill-Queens University Press, Kingston,pp. 29-68.

Scott, K., Tsoukalas, S., Roberts, P., Lasby, D. (2006). The Nonprofit and VoluntarySector in Ontario: Regional Highlights of the National Survey of Nonprofit and

Voluntary Organizations. Imagine Canada, Toronto.Skinner, M.W. (2008) Voluntarism and long-term care in the countryside: the paradox of

a threadbare sector. The Canadian Geographer52(2): 188-203.Skinner, M.W., Rosenberg, M.W., Lovell, S.A., Dunn, J.R., Everitt, J.C., Hanlon, N. and

Rathwell, T.C. (2008). Services for seniors in small town Canada: the paradox ofcommunity. Canadian Journal of Nursing Research 40(1): 80-101.

Statistics Canada (2006). 2006 Census of Peterborough. Statistics Canada, Ottawa.(www.statcan.ca)

United Way of Peterborough and District. (2007). Community Information Handbook: Directory of Community Organizations Serving the County and City of

Peterborough. Community Information Services, Peterborough.

Websites and On-line Resources

Community Information Database (http://www.fourinfo.com/)

Community Services Directory (fourinfo.com) Local Health and Integration Network (http://www.lhins.on.ca/page.aspx?id=880) Peterborough Regional Health Centre (http://www.prhc.on.ca/default.aspx) Retired Teachers of Ontario (http://www.rto-ero.org/position-en.htm) Statistics Canada (www.statcan.ca) United Way of Peterborough and District (http://www.uwpeterborough.ca/)


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APPENDIX 1.

Database of Organizations Providing Services for Seniors in Peterborough

________________________________________________________________________

Contents Page Number

Abuse Prevention of Older Adults Network 19

Activity Haven Senior Centre 19

Alternatives- Community Program Services 19

Alzheimer Society of Peterborough and Area 19

Applewood Retirement Residence 20

Association of Managers of Volunteer Services 20Auburn Retirement Village of Peterborough 20Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) 20Canadian Pensioners Concerned INC 21Canadian Cancer Society 21

Canadian Hearing Society 21

Canadian Mental Health Association 22Canadian Red Cross 22Canadian Snowbird Association 22CARP (Canada's Association for the Fifty-Plus) 23Central East Community Care Access Centre 23

Chemung Senior Citizens Family 23Community Care Peterborough 23

Community Counselling & Resource Centre 24Community Living Peterborough 24

Community Training and Development (THE) 24Empress Gardens Retirement Residence 25Extendicare 25

Fairhaven 25

Family Mediation and Counselling Centre 25

Fleming College 26

Four Counties Addiction Services Team INC 26Home Instead Senior Care 26

Hospice Peterborough 26Jackson Creek Retirement Residence 27Kawartha Participation Projects 27

Learning in Leisure Peterborough 27Mapleridge Seniors Recreation Centre 27

Marycrest at Inglewood Seniors Residence 28

M.E./F.M. Association of Peterborough and District 28


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New Canadians Centre Peterborough 28

Nightingale Nursing Registry LTD 29

Northminister Court INC 29Ontario Coalition of Senior Citizens Organizations 29Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters: 29

Ontario Gerontology Association 30Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse 30

Ontario Retirement Communities Association 30Peterborough County Senior Games 30Peterborough Housing Corporation 31

Peterborough Kinsmen Club Enterprises LTD 31

Peterborough Manor 31Peterborough New Horizons Band (NHB) 31Peterborough Regional Health Centre 31Peterborough Site of the York Durham Aphasia Centre 32

Peterborough Unattached Adult Club 32Phonebusters/Seniorbusters 32Princess Gardens Retirement Residence 32Psychiatric Assessment Services for the Elderly 33Retired Teachers of Ontario 33Riverview Manor Long Term Care Home 33

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 52 34Royal Gardens Retirement Residence 34

Rubidge Retirement Residence 34

Saint Andrews United Church Senior Lunch Club 34Schizophrenia Society of Ontario 35

Shoppers Home Health Care 35Springdale Country Manor 35

St. Giles Senior Citizens Residence 35St. John's Retirement Homes INC 36St. Josephs at Fleming 36

Tabernacle Court Apartments INC 36United Senior Citizens of Ontario 36

United Way of Peterborough & District 37

Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) 37

YMCA of Peterborough 37

YWCA of Peterborough, Victoria and Haliburton 38


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Abuse Prevention of Older Adults Network:

Key informant: Lisa Hughes, Program Supervisor, 705 745- 0188 x 6443History and context: Established 1988 to provide public awareness about older adultabuse within the communityNumber of personnel: paid staff: 1, volunteer staff: 12 members on the committee, 7

volunteers who do presentations, 2 volunteers who are lawyersMain source of funding: VON, Provincial GovernmentTypes of clients: 55 plus, family membersNature of programs and services: educational programs, community response manual,presentations to groups (service providers, adults) workshops

Activity Haven Senior Centre:

Key informant: Shirley Shaw, Executive DirectorHistory and context: Established 1970, for seniors to come together and be active, forsocial gatheringNumber of personnel: paid staff: 6, volunteer staff: 264, 10 Board Members

Main source of funding: LHIN, City of Peterborough, fundraisingTypes of clients: 50 years and upNature of programs and services: Adult Day program, Diners club,

Alternatives Community Program Services (Peterborough) Inc:

Key informant: Vikki Etchells, Executive Director, 705-742-0806History and context: Established 1986, was initially a life skills program offered byFleming College to open the door for people with a developmental disability, Flemingdiscontinued program and the Alternatives Community Program adopted it shortlythereafter.Number of personnel: paid staff: 26, volunteer staff: 5Main source of funding: Ministry of Community and Social ServicesTypes of clients: Individuals living with an intellectual disability,Nature of programs and services: fundamental skills development program, buildingbridges program dealing with youth and transition planning, employment supportprogram. All three are popular and in high demand

Alzheimer Society of Peterborough and Area:

Key informant: Sarah Cook, Public Education CoordinatorHistory and context: established 1979, incorporated in 1983, families requested supportfor their loves ones, agency was needed to advocate for these individuals in terms ofnavigating the health care systemNumber of personnel: paid staff: 8, (projected to increase to 10 in a month) volunteerstaff: 40-100, 40 is the consistent numberMain source of funding: mainly funded by the Central East Local Health and IntegrationNetwork (LHIN), donations and fundraisingTypes of clients: open to the general public, people living with Alzheimers or relateddementia, anyone affected by it or touched by it, persons suffering from memory loss arewelcome


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Nature of programs and services: education, support and research, support groups arethe most popular, brown bag caregiver support group, first link program provincial wideprogram, Alzheimer society is the first link, safely home wandering registry program isvery busy,

Applewood Retirement Residence:Key informant: Theresa Pagett, Executive Director,History and context: Established October 1, 1988 to provide care and services forseniorsNumber of personnel: paid staff: 46, volunteer staff: 10Main source of funding: residence private paid, no funding from the governmentTypes of clients: mainly seniorsNature of programs and services: nursing is the most popular program, runs 24 hours,activation is the next most popular

Association of Managers of Volunteer Services:

Key informant: Susan Ramey, President, 705-748-9455History and context: Established to help volunteer managers in the community andeducate them about issues surrounding volunteer recruitment, strategies and managementNumber of personnel: paid staff: 9, 8 are part-time, volunteer staff: 150Main source of funding: United Way of Peterborough, government grantsTypes of clients: volunteer coordinators from around Peterborough City and CountyNature of programs and services:-volunteerism on the decline due to increased fuel costs

Auburn Retirement Village of Peterborough:

Key informant: John Scott, ManagerHistory and context: Established 1983, provide housing for seniorsNumber of personnel: paid staff: 3, volunteer staff: residents volunteer themselvesMain source of funding: mainly rent from tenants, minimal funding from governmentTypes of clients: Seniors, 60 years and upNature of programs and services: BBQs are the most popular

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC):

Key informant:History and context: Established as a government-owned corporation in 1946 to addressCanadas post-war housing shortage, the agency has grown into a major nationalinstitutionNumber of personnel:Main source of funding: funded by the federal government, self-sufficient company,mortgage insuranceTypes of clients: range, mostly low-income householdersNature of programs and services: underwrite mortgages, renovation loans for low-income households, assisting in investments,


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Canadian Pensioners Concerned INC:

Key informant: Christine Mounsteven, President, Peggy, Office AdministratorHistory and context: Founded in 1969, is a provincial and national membership-based,non-partisan, voluntary, advocacy organization of mature Canadians committed topreserving and enhancing a human-centred vision of life

Number of personnel: paid staff: 1 part-time staff, volunteer staff: 19 on the boardMain source of funding: apply for grants, membership feeTypes of clients: geared for community, advocate Provincial and National IssuesNature of programs and services: they do not provide services; they are simply anadvocacy group that lobbies the government on issues such as poverty, pension andcommunity issues

Canadian Cancer Society:

Key informant: Allison Payne, Volunteer Development CoordinatorHistory and context: established in 1931 in Saskatchewan to make people aware ofcancer symptoms, 1938 becomes national organization

Number of personnel: paid staff: 7, volunteer staff for the district: 2300, covering Cityof Kawartha Lakes ; Haliburton County ; Northumberland County ; Peterborough CountyMain source of funding: 100% funded by donors and fundraising events, no fundingfrom the governmentTypes of clients: anyone diagnosed with cancerNature of programs and services: transportation program is the busiest by far,volunteers pick up cancer patients from their homes and drive them to their appointments,peer support program is another popular one

Canadian Hearing Society:

Key informant: Maggie Doherty-Gilbert, Regional DirectorHistory and context: established 1940 provincially, 1979 local office, need foremployment for deaf individuals, creating a deaf community, solidarity, accessibility forthese people, people did not have support and needed itNumber of personnel: paid staff: 18 volunteer staff: 65Main source of funding: large grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, 70 percentfrom the government, Ministry of Health and Long term care is the largest funder,Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities, Ministry of Community and SocialServices, fundraising 5 percent total, user fees 20 percent,Types of clients: birth to death, provide support for every walk of life, majority areseniors, older adults, 60%Nature of programs and services: counselling and mental health program, high demandfor advocacy, issues around advocacy, coping with hearing loss, younger people inmental health program, communication devices are important for every service, increasein demand because of noise pollution,Volunteers are used in fundraising, volunteers are seldom used in main services, cost ofservices have increased,


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CARP (Canada's Association for the Fifty-Plus):

Key informant: Michelle Taylor, Advocacy Communications CoordinatorHistory and context: CARP was established by Lillian and Murray Morgenthau in1984. CARP's mandate was to promote and protect the rights and quality of life for50plus Canadians.

Number of personnel: paid staff: 15, volunteer staff: 1Main source of funding: CARP is membership dues and benefit providersTypes of clients: Ages 50 years and upNature of programs and services: Advocacy, Benefits and Community Developmentare the three main services under CARP. All three are popular and in high demand.Additional: there are 400,000 members

Central East Community Care Access Centre:

Key informant: Steven Kay, Senior Director of Human Resources, Gail Scala, Managerof Communications, 905-430-8084History and context: Established in 1997, amalgamated in 2007 by the Ministry of

Health and Long-Term Care to provide access to government-funded home andcommunity services and long-term care homesNumber of personnel: paid staff: 687, volunteer staff: 10 members on the boardMain source of funding: Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, 100 percent fundedTypes of clients: seniors are a large group, 25 percent are children, anyone who needshomecare, no age limitNature of programs and services: nursing and personal care, assistance with activitiesof daily living, treatment and medication administration, meals, laundry services,social/recreational programs

Chemung Senior Citizens Family:

Key informant: Doreen Gadsby, PresidentHistory and context:Number of personnel:Main source of funding:Types of clients:Nature of programs and services:

Community Care Peterborough:

Key informant: Mary-Lynn Koekkoek, Community Development ManagerHistory and context: Established: 1993, Community Care Peterborough is a non-profit,charitable organization that provides volunteer-based support services and programs ofthe highest quality for seniors and for adults with physical challenges in PeterboroughCounty and CityNumber of personnel: paid staff: 26, volunteer staff: 916Main source of funding: The Ontario Trillium Foundation, and the UN of Peterboroughand District, The Central East Local Health and Integration Network provides 55 percentof the funding-Donations, planned giving and fundraising activities>> Many local contributions arealso made each year by service clubs, businesses, foundations and community groups,


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fundraising events are held every year to make up for the funded shortages from thegovernmentTypes of clients: adults and seniors with physical challengesNature of programs and services: transportation and meals on wheels are the busiestprograms for Community care Peterborough

Community Counselling and Resource Centre:

Key informant: Casey Ready, Executive DirectorHistory and context: established in 1956, new organization was formed; promote,strengthen and maintain family life through educational lectures, courses and counsellingNumber of personnel: paid staff: 25, volunteer staff: 6-20 (it fluctuates)Main source of funding: Ministry of Children and Youth Services, Ministry ofCommunity and Social services, Ministry of Health and Long term care, (local healthintegration network), Ministry of the Attorney General, Ministry of Community Safetyand Correctional Services, county and city of Peterborough, one time grant fromPeterborough utility services, service Canada, Ontario trillium foundation, UN of

Peterborough and districtTypes of clients: all members of the communityNature of programs and services: community counselling, credit counselling offersassistance to families with financial issues,Community service orders, housing resource centre, offers a range of services foraffordable housing.-programs are available to all family denominations and all members of the communityirrespective of their economic status

Community Living Peterborough:Key informant: Jack Gillan, Chief Executive Officer, Cindy Hobbins, Manager ofVolunteer ServicesHistory and context: established in 1953, families wanted to keep kids in the PTBO areaand keep them from going off to provincial institutions.Number of personnel: paid staff: 146, volunteer staff: 200 volunteersMain source of funding: Ministry of Community and Social Services exclusivelyTypes of clients: individuals living with intellectual disabilitiesNature of programs and services: community support homes is the busiest programand has the greatest demand, it provides supportive housing for people, staff from theorganization are sent to their homes to help them with their living necessities

Community Training and Development (THE):

Key informant: Madeline Currelly, CEO, 905-372-9967History and context: Established 1998, part of the Kawartha school board, offercommunity training and development servicesNumber of personnel: paid staff: 7 full time, 3 full time Cobourg, five fulltime in heroffice, no volunteers at this centreMain source of funding: cost recovery, revenue from coursesTypes of clients: Adults primarilyNature of programs and services: training, development and day care are the busiest


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Empress Gardens Retirement Residence:

Key Informant: Jane Crane, Executive Director, 705-876-1314History and context:

Number of personnel:

Main source of funding:

Types of clients:Nature of programs and services:

Extendicare:Key Informant: Shelley Dulmage, Dietary ManagerHistory and context: established in 1972, need for nursing home beds, for seniorsNumber of personnel: paid staff and volunteer staff total 265Main source of funding: ministry of health and long-term careTypes of clients: anyone needing long-term care, mainly seniorsNature of programs and services: dietary, nursing, activities

Fairhaven:Key informant: Lillian Horn, Executive AssistantHistory and context: Established 1960, Municipal Act required all areas to have a long-term care facility, jointly owned by municipalities of the City and County ofPeterboroughNumber of personnel: paid staff: 200, volunteer staff: 100Main source of funding: Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, funding fromresidents known as accommodation fee, it is a Long-Term Care Facility, owned andgoverned by the community and operated without reliance on operating funds from themunicipalityDonations are a source of funding for Fairhaven,Types of clients: Seniors mostly, anyone over the age of 18 is welcomeNature of programs and services: the physical therapy program is in high demand,Nursing Services, Recreation and Leisure Services, Social Work Services, TherapyServices, Volunteer Services (During 2004, 150 volunteers and 30 student volunteersgave 9, 307 hours to the home), Spiritual and religious services, Support Services

Family Mediation and Counselling Centre:

Key informant: Patricia Houde, Primary Contact, 705-743-2820History and context: Established 1995 to provide mediation for families, it was analternative for avoiding the justice system; it was also created to provide counsellingservices for couples that have problematic relationshipsNumber of personnel: paid staff: 3-4, two of four are on contract, volunteer staff: 1volunteer only, specific type of workMain source of funding: privately owned, service clubs provide some money,Types of clients: mix of people, range in ageNature of programs and services: Kids need to talk too is a popular program,rebuilding after separation and divorce runs three times a year, mediation programs arethe busiest part of the centre


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Fleming College:

Key informant: Donna Lockhart, Volunteer Program Coordinator, 705-292-5004History and context:Number of personnel:Main source of funding:

Types of clients:Nature of programs and services:

Four Counties Addiction Services Team INC:

Key informant: Donna Rogers, Executive DirectorHistory and context: established in 1983 as a Non-profit organization to provide supportfor individuals suffering from addiction problemsNumber of personnel: paid staff: 25, no volunteersMain source of funding: Ministry of Health and Long-term careTypes of clients: individuals who are seeking support to see changes in their gambling,drug and alcohol addictions, families looking for support for their loves ones who are

suffering from addictionsNature of programs and services: individual and group counselling therapy, programsfor youth and women with new born babies, assessment and referral for residentialtreatment programs, family education and process groups, brief psycho education groups

Home Instead Senior Care:

Key informant: David Tamblyn, President, 705-748-6389History and context:



Types of clients:

Nature of programs and services:

Hospice Peterborough:

Key informant: Paula Greenwood, Co-ordinator of Volunteers and EducationHistory and context: Established 1989, need for support for people living with lifethreatening illnesses, support for individuals grievingNumber of personnel: paid staff: 8, volunteer staff: 200Main source of funding: ministry of health and long term care 50%, fundraising is otherhalf, donations from communityTypes of clients: All ages - dealing directly or indirectly with cancer at any stage,advanced illness or grief.Nature of programs and services: grief recovery series for adults, youth, children, dayhospice programs are all popular-visiting volunteer program is the busiest, volunteers visiting homes of people with lifethreatening illnesses to comfort and support them


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Jackson Creek Retirement Residence:

Key informant: Lisa Doyle, General ManagerHistory and context: Established in 2001, to provide seniors with a safe and rewardinglifestyle and quality of life that exceeds their expectationsNumber of personnel: paid staff: 30, volunteer staff: 6

Main source of funding: private retirement residence, residents have to pay their ownfeesTypes of clients: people from operations and surgeries are allowed to stay, familymembers are allowed to stay as well, mostly seniors thoughNature of programs and services: exercises and out trips to different malls are verypopular and are the busiest

Kawartha Participation Projects:

Key informant: Karla Porter, Support Services Manager, Linda Myers, QualityAssurance ManagerHistory and context: established in 1980 to provide housing for people with disabilities

Number of personnel: paid staff: 105, volunteer staff: 30 volunteersMain source of funding: Local Health and Integration Network, 100 percent fundedTypes of clients: 16 older, a wide range of disabilities, provide supportive housing andattendant outreach servicesNature of programs and services: supportive housing is the busiest program/service,staff on 24 hours

Learning in Leisure Peterborough:

Key informant: Neil May, PresidentHistory and context: Established 1985 as a senior citizens educational program topromote social interaction and to broaden the minds and horizons of Peterborough seniorsNumber of personnel: paid staff: none, volunteer staff: 10 on the board of directors,Main source of funding: charge a $20 membership fee for the 10 weeks, no fundingfrom governmentTypes of clients: intended for seniors but everyone is welcomeNature of programs and services: the annual talk from Peter Malkovsky draws thebiggest crowd, all presentations are popular including talks on/by environment andenergy, Stephen Lewis, World Affairs, Algonquin Park

Mapleridge Seniors Recreation Centre:

Key informant: Sherri, Executive Director, Diane McConnachie, Volunteer Coordinator,Phone: 705-743-0420History and context: established 1957, incorporated in 1960 and becomes a registeredcharity association, purpose of establishment was to provide friendship, programs andopportunities for the 50 plus to enjoy social, recreational and educational activities.Number of personnel: paid staff: 1, board of ten members, volunteer staff: 100Main source of funding: federal and municipal funding, raised in house fundraising,community fundraisingTypes of clients: persons 50 plusNature of programs and services: all programs are popular


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Marycrest at Inglewood Seniors' Residence:

Key informant: Mary-Anne Linton, AdministratorHistory and context: established 1992, mission of the sisters of St. JosephsNumber of personnel: paid staff: 2 full-time, volunteer staff: volunteers are theresidents and ministers

Main source of funding: primarily rent from tenants, funded by Ministry of MunicipalAffairs and Housing, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing subsidizes rent for thosewho cannot afford itTypes of clients: 65 years and upNature of programs and services: residents organize their own programs, service inter-face, playing cards and socializing-affordable housing for seniors

M.E./F.M. Association of Peterborough and District

Key informant: Joan Foster, President, Phone: 705-742-0562History and context: established in October of 1992, no support for people who were

suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome, support group was needed for these people.Public library had three books about the disease, but there was still limited info on it.Lack of information on the disease, chronic fatigue syndromeNumber of personnel: only sufferers and people living with the disease, no paid staff,Collective Kitchen runs twice a month from September to June, volunteers help with thatMain source of funding: fundraising primarily, ME/FM national network, fundraisingstrictly, anyway to find money, money goes back to the libraryTypes of clients: have multiple chemical sensitivities, meetings are open to anyinterested personsNature of programs and services: non-financial support, helping people apply fordisability benefits, Canada pensionsCollective kitchen is the busiest program. Cooking in mass quantities to help people whocannot cook.

New Canadian Centre Peterborough:

Key informant: Carmela Valles, Executive DirectorHistory and context: Established in 1979, became new centre in 1985 as a non-profitwith a volunteer boardNumber of personnel: paid staff: 8, volunteer staff: it varies, 50Main source of funding: federal and provincial funding, United Way of Peterborough(funds Core Settlement Services), Employment Ontario, Ontario trillium foundationprovide grants, Citizenship and Immigration of Canada provide funding for SettlementAdjustment Programs, Individual Donors and FundraisingTypes of clients: rangeNature of programs and services: language programs, and employment programs, helpwith immigration,


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Nightingale Nursing Registry LTD:

Key informant: Sally Harding, President and CEO, Alison Garbutt, Director ofAccounting & PayrollHistory and context: established in 1985, to provide health care services to clients in theprivacy of their homes

Number of personnel: paid staff: 125, volunteer staff: noneMain source of funding: Central East Community Care Access Centre is the sole funderTypes of clients: elderly, newborns, mothers, children, individuals with physical ormental disability, individuals requiring palliative care, family members who need relieffrom caring for a loved one, those with a medical condition or health care need,individuals recovering from illness, injury, or surgeryNature of programs and services: The two main programs are homemaking: and footcare, both programs are popular and provide care for needy seniors

Northminister Court INC:

Key informant:

History and context:Number of personnel:


Types of clients:


Ontario Coalition of Senior Citizens Organizations:

Key informant: Morris Jesion, Executive DirectorHistory and context: established in 1985 to improve the quality of life for seniorsNumber of personnel: paid staff: 4, volunteer staff: 50Main source of funding: Fundraising only, small grants from the Ontario TrilliumFoundationTypes of clients: exclusively seniorsPrograms and services: Mostly educational programs, education in computer training,education in public policy (health, pension etc).

Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters:

Key informant: Lezlie Goodwin, Communications Coordinator/Corporate MessagingHistory and context: Established in 1928 as a non-profit, registered charity, dedicated toprotecting woodland and wetland habitat, conserving our precious fish and wildlife stocksand promoting outdoor education.Number of personnel: paid staff: 40, volunteer staff: 83,000 strong membership,approximately 100 plus volunteers for Peterborough CountyMain source of funding: private and membershipsTypes of clients: conservationists, anglers and hunters, family memberships, primarilymale 40-50Nature of programs and services: conservation pond that is accessible to seniors andhandicapped. Schools groups, it is a public service, fishing from the pond, lots of seniorsfor that,


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Ontario Gerontology Association:

Key informant:History and context: Established 1981, improve the quality of life for seniorsNumber of personnel: paid staff: 2, volunteer staff: 0-16Main source of funding: membership

Types of clients: seniors, government agencies, employersNature of programs and services: annual conference on gerontology,

Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse:Key informant: Rhianne Rhideout, Regional Consultant, 705-745-4100History and context: Established in 1989 and incorporated as a charitable organizationin 1991 to develop educational and training programs about elder abuse prevention andintervention for professionals and caregiversNumber of personnel: paid staff: 9 volunteer staff: ONPEA is governed by a voluntaryBoard of 12 members representing professionals, service providers, communityorganizations, volunteers, seniors and aboriginal groups

Main source of funding: Ministry of The Attorney General, grants and proposals,membership fees, Ontario Seniors SecretariatTypes of clients: referrals from family members, agencies will call for assistance, seniorsmostlyNature of programs and services: Three main areas: coordination of services, trainingand education to frontline providers and public education and awareness. Educationcampaigns, public service announcements are also popular

Ontario Retirement Communities Association:

Key informant: Natalie Edwards, 905-403-0500 ext 221History and context: Established in 1977, as a voluntary non-profit organization thatsets professional operating standards, inspects and accredits retirement residences inOntarioNumber of personnel: paid staff: 7, volunteer staff: 12 staff on the board of directorsMain source of funding: private and non-profit organizations own and operateretirement residences, membership fees-the toll-free "Retirement Home Complaints Response and Information Service" (CRIS),assists seniors and their families in resolving complaints relating to any retirementresidences in Ontario, this is funded by the Provincial GovernmentTypes of clients: the public at largeNature of programs and services: training for retirement residence sector,-residences have volunteers who help with programs, services and activities

Peterborough County Senior Games:

Key informant:History and context:Number of personnel:Main source of funding:Types of clients:Nature of programs and services:


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Nature of programs and services: medical patients program, surgical interventionsservices, birth services 2000 a year is the most single common care that they provide, lessbusy are the clinics, ambulatory care clinics

Peterborough Site of the York Durham Aphasia Centre:

Key informant: Karen McDonald, Executive DirectorHistory and context: Established 1989 to provide adult communication groups forclients with aphasia. There are 7 program locations (Peterborough, Whitby, Markham,Stouffville, Newmarket, Richmond Hill & Maple)Number of personnel: paid staff: 11 (2 full-time, 3-part time), one Speech LanguagePathologist, one Communication Disorders Assistant and a Personal Support Worker.volunteer staff: 80Main source of funding: Central East LHIN and fundraising,Types of clients: anyone over 18 with aphasia or a related communication disorder suchas apraxia or dysarthria.Nature of programs and services: Programs such as humour, gavel club and drawing

for communication are popular. All communication strategies programs are in highdemand.

Peterborough Unattached Adult Club:

Key informant:

History and context:



Types of clients:


Phonebusters/Seniorbusters:

Key informant:

History and context: Established in January 1993, PhoneBusters is the Canadian Anti-Fraud Call Centre managed on a tripartite basis by the Ontario Provincial Police, theRoyal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Competition Bureau CanadaNumber of personnel:


Types of clients:


Princess Gardens Retirement Residence:

Key informant: Heather Young, Executive Director, 705-750-1234History and context: established 1998, need for seniors residence in Peterborough areaNumber of personnel: paid staff: 90 volunteer staff: 10-12Main source of funding: private pay, no funding from governmentTypes of clients: exclusively seniorsNature of programs and services: Tai chi and swimming are the busiest and mostpopular programs


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Psychiatric Assessment Services for the Elderly:

Key informant: Gail Grant, ManagerHistory and context: 1986, district health council determined that it was necessary forpsychiatric assessments services, based on a model of service delivery that is best

practiceNumber of personnel: paid staff: 13 total, no volunteersMain source of funding: Ministry of Health and Long term care is the sole funder,separately funded by the main hospital budgetTypes of clients: Seniors mainly, 65 years and upNature of programs and services: two major programs: direct clinical consultationtreatment, outreach program, education and training for primary care givers, teachingstrategies and approaches on how to best work with the elderly, community developmentprogram is also popular

Retired Teachers of Ontario:

Key informant: David Cummings, PresidentHistory and context: established 40 years ago, as a bilingual and voluntary organizationthat safeguards pensions for retired teachers-teachers contributed to the pension fund, controlled by the government, pensions forretired teachers were very low, teachers are currently paying 13% of their gross, notcontrolled by government anymore, Ontario teachers pension plan is the big player,pension advocacyNumber of personnel:-everyone at district level is volunteering, district board of directors PTBO 15,provincially there are 60,000 members-1000 members in Peterborough-10 paid staff in Toronto that runs the organizationMain source of funding: dues, all members pay duesType of clients: individuals who have pensions from Ontario teacher pension plan areonly allowedNature of programs and services: health is the busiest program, full social program aswell

Riverview Manor Long Term Care Home:

Key informant: Sherry Baldwin, Volunteer Management Co-ordinator,History and context: Established 1983, long-term care primarily, also to provide supportand housing opportunities for seniors living in PeterboroughNumber of personnel: paid staff: 100, volunteer staff: 20Main source of funding: private centre, small government funding from the Ministry ofHealth and Long-Term CareTypes of clients: Seniors, 99 percent of populationNature of programs and services: Recreational activities are busy and common. Social,recreational and physical activities and programs, including related supplies andequipment


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Royal Canadian Legion Branch 52:

Key informant: Denise Brown, Manager, 705-745-6361,History and context: Established 1926, previously known as the great war veteransassociation social organization for WWI veterans to congregate and offer assistance tothem and education

Number of personnel: paid staff: 8, volunteer staff: 100 active volunteers, 800 plusmembersMain source of funding: strictly a membership club, banquet hall that is rented out topublicTypes of clients: seniorsNature of programs and services: sports leagues are popular, age of majority and up,service officer provides assistance for veterans and widows, youth education,-they donate a lot to community-based organizations . They donate roughly $20,000annually to the Peterborough regional health centre, funds from the poppy trust fund arealso donated at the end of the year. canvassing poppies, funds used to help local veterans,

Royal Gardens Retirement Residence:Key informant: Kerry Davies, Executive DirectorHistory and context: established 2001, opened to meet the needs of seniors who neededhelp and other housing alternatives, provides continuous care, social needs for olderadultsNumber of personnel: paid staff: 90, volunteer staff: 20Main source of funding: private enterpriseTypes of clients: mostly adults, younger people from 50s to 60sNature of programs and services: programs that promote wellness are popular, fitnesscentre is used frequently, maintaining good health and fitness levels, social programs arevery common, seminars and education, food services

Rubidge Retirement Residence:

Key informant: Neila Curtin, AdministratorHistory and context: established 1988, service the needs of seniors for higher level ofcareNumber of personnel: paid staff: 35, volunteer staff: 5Main source of funding: private pay exclusivelyTypes of clients: seniors mainlyNature of programs and services: entertainment is busy, bingos and exercise programsmost popular

Saint Andrews United Church Senior Lunch Club:

Key informant: Edna Spencer, Co-ordinator, Phone: 705-742-6714 (H)History and context:Number of personnel:Main source of funding:Types of clients:Nature of programs and services:


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Schizophrenia Society of Ontario:

Key informant: Jennifer Robertson, Regional Co-ordinatorHistory and context: established in 1979 as a non-profit organization, provide supportfor family members who have a loved one living with schizophreniaNumber of personnel: paid staff: 1.8 full time staff, volunteer staff: 100

Main source of funding: donations both public and private, UN of PTBO,Types of clients: support anyone who has a family member living with it, publiceducation in schools, with the police, special service agencies, all for the purpose ofeducating and better accommodating people living with this conditionNature of programs and services: individual support for family members, familysupport groups, and public education is busy as well,

Shoppers Home Health Care:

Key informant: Mary Lynne Taylor, Assistant ManagerHistory and context:Number of personnel: paid staff: 24, volunteer staff: no volunteers

Main source of funding: provided through Ontario government, mobility devices,government funding for specific products, Assisted Devices ProgramTypes of clients: 75% are seniors, shoppers runs a seniors discount event every lastThursday of the monthCaregivers and family members also come,Nature of programs and services: seniors take advantage of the seniors discount event,25% off items-special in services on products and equipment

Springdale Country Manor:

Key informant: Maureen Imamovic, Administrator/Director of CareHistory and context: Established as a long-term care home 40 years ago, providehousing and care for seniorsNumber of personnel: paid staff: 80 volunteer staff: 6Main source of funding: Ministry of Health and Long-term care, it is a full-profitorganizationTypes of clients: people who require long-term care, anyone who needs more than 2.5hours a day of nursing care is eligible to applyNature of programs and services: music activities, any group who comes in to domusic, religious services are popular

St. Giles Senior Citizens Residence:

Key informant: David Rosefield, Administrator, 705-743-8660History and context: Established 1983, outreach of the church to communityNumber of personnel: paid staff: 1, volunteer staff: 8 members on the boardMain source of funding: non-profit incorporation, rent from residents pays formortgage, CMHC provides a small subsidyTypes of clients: 65 plus


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Nature of programs and services: volunteer association of members run activities, self-run bingo twice a week, card games, pot luck dinner once a month, coffee club once aweek, organized by residents association-monthly blood pressure clinic open to the public, as a service

St. John's Retirement Homes INC:Key informant: Lauraine Cyr, Executive DirectorHistory and context: established 1987, need for a housing complex to accommodateseniorsNumber of personnel: paid staff: 20, volunteer staff: 10-12Main source of funding: non-profit, services are funded by the Ministry of Health andLong-Term Care, ministry of municipal affairs and housing funds the operations of thebuildingTypes of clients: 65 and over, and some handicapped individualsNature of programs and services: personal care and dining room, food service is thebusiest and most popular program

St. Joseph's at Fleming:

Key informant: Debra Cooper Burger, Chief Executive OfficerHistory and context: Established 1949, new building 2004, developed to serve the needsfor the elderly and vulnerable individuals (mental and intellectual disabilities) physicalchallengesNumber of personnel: paid staff: 239, volunteer staff: 196Main source of funding: Ministry of Health and Long term Care, portion of moneycomes from the residentTypes of clients: variety of people, predominantly seniors, younger disabled individuals,people with intellectual challenges and physical disabilities.Nature of programs and services: music programs are well received by residents,exercises for mental stimulation are not as popular because individuals with cognitive andmental disabilities have a difficult time participating, the bowling events are busy anddraw large crowds

Tabernacle Court Apartments INC:

Key informant: Pastor David S. Morris, 705-743-3418History and context: Established 1978, to provide suitable accommodation for retiredpeopleNumber of personnel: paid staff: 12, volunteer staff: residents care for themselvesMain source of funding: residents pay themselvesTypes of clients: retired peopleNature of programs and services: majority attend the church,, trip is arranged or a mealfor fellowship and social interaction

United Senior Citizens of Ontario Zone 42:

Key informant: Colette Moher, President, 705-742-6961History and context: established in 1958, province-wide seniors planning groupconvened to address problems of the elderly that were not being met by the programs of


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the time. It is involved in the education and promotion of wellness, health, fitness, safetyand recreation to its members and their associates and to provide a means wherebyseniors can work together to have input on issues concerning themNumber of personnel: paid staff: no paid staff. volunteer staff: all members arevolunteers

Main source of funding: self-sufficient, supporting themselves,Types of clients: ages 55 plusNature of programs and services: transportation is a big problem for seniors, taxed todeath on everything,

United Way of Peterborough & District:

Key informant: Lisa Smith, Director Community Leadership & Learning ServicesHistory and context: Established 1941, as a voluntary organization called "ThePeterborough War Services and Community Fund". It was a group formed to supportfamilies who had loved ones fighting in the warNumber of personnel: paid staff: 10, volunteer staff: 2000

Main source of funding: Annual fundraising campaign from community directly,donations from corporations, employee campaigns, community request, the OntarioTrillium foundation, donations from unions and labour community,Types of clients: disabled, impoverished individuals, seniors and youth, volunteerism,Nature of programs and services: 34 member agencies, fund 238 services, internalprograms, Community Care Peterborough, poverty Kawartha Food Share, publiceducation, shelter services,

Victorian Order of Nurses:

Key informant: Doreen Anderson Roy, Manager of Community Support & VolunteerServicesHistory and context: Established 1897, VON is a not-for-profit national health careorganization and registered charity offering a wide range of community health caresolutions. Peterborough local branch 1946, to provide health care in the community andfill gaps in services that were not being provided by any other service or organizationNumber of personnel: paid staff: 125 volunteer staff: 85Main source of funding: Community Care Access Centre, LHIN, contracted to providenursing services, community support services funded by LHIN, charitable programsthrough fundraising and donationsTypes of clients: cares for all ages and stages of life. Infants to palliative care,Nature of programs and services: 5 main services, visiting nursing, adult day programs,in-home respite services, SMART program, seniors exercise program

YMCA of Peterborough:

Key informant: Kelly Wilson, Manager of Sales and Adult HealthHistory and context: 1895 in PTBO, meeting the needs of the community, evolved intoprograms ove

Documents

Volunteer Services for Seniors in Peter Borough County - Background Report