Appendix B: Inuvik Case Study

Community members have asked the Diabetes Program for video taped and translated copies of diabetes workshops. This approach is consistent with the ‘oral tradition/working through video approach’ adopted by the Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA).

The Elders Day Program is new. The program was setup in 2004 to address seniors’ health problems (e.g. depression, poor nutrition) associated with loneliness and poor lifestyle choices. In the early stages, the program attracted 10 seniors per day from long term care, and 10 seniors per day from the rest of the community.

The Day Program is fully integrated with some community activities for seniors (e.g. Ingamo Hall elders luncheon, and seniors fitness) and may expand and include seniors literacy activities offered by Ingamo Hall Friendship Centre and the Caribou Outreach Learning Centre.

Improving senior literacy skills, and youth-senior connections are viewed as Day Program priorities. Participants are encouraged by co-ordinators to tell stories about the old days. A question is asked during exercise sessions to stimulate participant story telling. In 2004, it is anticipated that a Beaver International volunteer will lead a session introducing video techniques to youth for filming seniors stories.

Seniors are involved in planning the monthly Day Program calendar. They chose activities such as traditional crafts and sewing circle, armchair yoga, senior exercise and fitness, bowling, Karaoke, old time square dance, lunch at Ingamo Hall, card and board games, guest speakers, baking, sing-along, spinning wool, and drum dancing. Senior volunteers will be recruited in the future to lead cooking classes and other activities. A newsletter is prepared in plain language. Day program promotional materials list the following services: hot meal daily; recreation programs; exercise programs; health and wellness information, education seminars, referrals to nurses, doctors and specialists, individualized care plan, whirlpool bathing, and foot care.

The Day Program is located at the Inuvik Hospital east end of Inuvik. The majority of seniors participating in the 2003 needs assessment preferred a location in the west end, closer to where most seniors live. Planners/coordinators acknowledge that the success of the Program will depend on a transportation system that moves seniors to different activities. They also recognize that the Program must remain culturally relevant to sustain the participation of most seniors. The program co-ordinator would like to attract more seniors.