Abstract
Background: Over the next 20 years, Canada older adult population (aged 65 years old) is expected to grow by 68%. Older adults face isolation, loneliness, inadequate nutrition, and lack of physical activity which continue to be serious and growing threats to aging well in place. Addressing these challenges requires multifaceted approach involving service providers, community organizations, and people. To meet this need, an innovative model known as Oasis; was developed.
Approach: Developed as an innovative solution to support aging well at home, the first Oasis Program was co-created with a group of older adults living in an apartment building in Kingston Ontario in 20. Since then, through a University-community partnership Oasis has expanded from one original site in Kingston, Ontario to 9 communities across Canada. Oasis works in collaboration with public sector, not-for-profit, and private sector organizations to develop a supportive living program for older adults that builds community among members in Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs), these often being apartment buildings and other multi-resident settings (e.g. mobile home park, neighbourhood).The Oasis model is member-driven and designed to enhance the well-being and social engagement of older adults. It provides a supportive environment where individuals can co-create and participate in a variety of physical, social and nutrition-based activities, programs, and services that promote healthy aging, lifelong learning, and social interaction. Membership in Oasis is entirely voluntary and free, allowing members to participate to the extent of their own choosing. An onsite Coordinator responds to member needs and interests by organizing and identify existing community programs to bring into Oasis or implements site specific programming. Programming may be delivered by the coordinator, older adult members, or volunteers. In many cases, community agencies bring programs or information sessions the members in the building or neighbourhood.An Oasis community requires a common space that can be used for programming and social engagement. For Oasis Buildings, this can be in an apartment building or a condo common room. Whereas for Oasis Neighborhoods this can be in a central community space (e.g., a church, school).
Results: Extensive research and evaluations have proven Oasis to be a successful and impactful model.Older adults living in a community with Oasis report increased wellbeing, and a safe and inclusive community. On average, they experience lower rates of loneliness, falls, emergency visits, hospitalizations, home care service, and a delayed transition to long term care.It is also a cost-effective model. Through partnerships with landlords, free of charge spaces are provided for activities and programs. The programs of existing community health and social service agencies are leveraged to meet the needs of Oasis members. Funding for each Oasis sites supports the hiring of a program coordinator.Oasis also fosters cross-collaborative partnerships between public, private and non-profit sector. The program is partnered with a local service agency, called the community site partner which supply financial and budget management and human resource expertise.
Implications: Oasis is now at a critical juncture. With a proven and impactful model, demand has grown significantly and there is opportunity for further expansion. This is matched, however, with the need to create formal operational and governance structures to achieve both consistency and sustainability. Next steps in the expansion of the Oasis model include developing a detailed plan to achieve sustainability, establish governance and corporate structures, and implement quality control for all existing and potential future Oasis sites. This process of growth and expansion has revealed many lessons learned, which we aim to share with others as we continue to evolve our model and operations.