Request made to fund seniors support position

By Rob Vogt
With grant funding quickly coming to an end for a half-time position at Claresholm and District Family and Community Support Services, a request has been made for the Town of Claresholm to start funding that position.
At town council’s May 27 meeting, Gabrielle Kirk of the Claresholm Coordinated Response to Elder Abuse Coalition, appeared as a delegation.
She explained she was there to address the growing issue of elder abuse and the need for comprehensive services.
The coalition was established in 2016 in response to an alarming increase in elder abuse in Claresholm.
About 36 per cent of the population is over the age of 60.
Kirk said it is imperative for multiple community agencies to unite in addressing and preventing this concern.
The coalition’s mission is to create a coordinated response model leveraging the knowledge, services and expertise of various agencies and individuals to provide effective and efficient solutions to elder abuse.
The coalition is comprised of agencies such as the Claresholm Medical Clinic, Alberta Health Services and RCMP.
Elder abuse can take different forms including financial, emotional, physical, sexual, and spiritual, as well as neglect.
Every form jeopardizes the well-being of older adults.
Kirk pointed out there are often more than one forms of elder abuse at a time simultaneously.
In Claresholm, the most common types are emotional and financial.
Overall, in Canada it is estimated one in eight older adults experience elder abuse.
Since the colation started, Kirk said, her role has grown and the work has evolved. It now includes education and awareness, case management, mediation and prevention services.
In 2019, the coalition extended support to Vulcan where they developed their own coordinated response which Kirk oversees as well.
Over the past few years, Kirk has responded to hundreds of elder abuse concerns in this area.
When the coalition began, it was co-located downtown with Claresholm and District Family and Community Support Services, or FCSS.
Kirked said it was a privilege to work alongside FCSS.
However, in 2022 there was a reduction in staff at FCSS from three to two, limiting their ability to meet community needs.
Kirk said FCSS is a vital resource for seniors providing crucial support and connections to necessary services.
An increasingly aging population, limited housing options, financial strain, inflation, caregiver stress, and rising isolation have exacerbated the situation.
There is a direct link, Kirk noted, between these challenges and the increased risk of elder abuse.
In 2022, the coalition used a grant to bridge the gap and funded a 0.5 full-time equivalent senior services position at Claresholm FCSS, at $22,000 per year for a total of $44,000 over two years.
“This role is crucial in connecting seniors to resources that contribute to their independence and quality of life,” Kirk said.
She added when low income, isolated and vulnerable seniors are connected with resources they nee, they are more likely to live healthy, dignified and more independent lives in their community.
Research shows investing $1 in a senior’s well-being, equates to $3 in social return, that is increased health outcomes; reduced health-care costs; increased social interaction; enhanced quality of life; and more.
Sustaining this program should not fall on the shoulders of a non-profit organization, Kirk said, because their funding depends on grants and changes annually.
She stressed if this position ceases to exist, the negative impact to the community will be profound.
Claresholm has one of the older populations in Alberta, and the aging population in Alberta is expected to double by 2036.
Kirk said the Town of Claresholm needs to think long term. Investing in preventative measures today will save the community from greater social and economic costs in the future.
Supporting seniors is not just an immediate need but a wise investment in the future, she added.
So, Kirk asked the Town of Claresholm to fund a senior support position at Claresholm and District Family and Community Support Services starting in November of 2024.
Coun. Mike Cutler asked if the position is part time, and Kirk responded it would be a 0.5 full-time equivalent.
Cutler then pointed out FCSS has said this position is helpful.
Kirk added having someone there specifically for senior concerns has been a huge help to the community.
Coun. Rod Kettles asked that, with the grant ending, is there a possibility of renewal or a new grant?
Kirk said she is always looking but none currently align with this position.
Cutler said he sits on the FCSS board and has observed this position being very helpful in the community. They have set up the system, and are asking the Town of Claresholm to fund it on an on-going basis.
He added Kirk applies for a lot of grants.
Mayor Brad Schlossberger noted Kirk has been very successful at writing successful grant applications.
Council does not make a decision on a request by a delegation at the same meeting the request is made, so the matter will be discussed at a future meeting of council.