Coming Full Circle Literature Review and Community Consultation Overview

NIICHRO started the Coming Full Circle project with a Literature Review. The Literature Review helped to uncover issues that affect frail elderly Aboriginal people in Canada. The information gathered helped NIICHRO researchers develop questions for Community Consultations needs assessments in three communities in Canada. For the Coming Full Circle training, NIICHRO used the following definition of the word "frail":

"Frail" means any person at any age that is physically, emotionally or spiritually unable to care for herself or complete daily activities without the assistance of a family member or caregiver.

Some of the main points from the Literature Review included:

Seniors (65 and over) are the fastest growing segment of the Canadian population

Aboriginal people are generally considered "seniors" at age 55 simply due to the chronic diseases and disability issues that affect them at a younger age

By 2016, it is estimated that 7% of the Aboriginal population will be seniors, with many becoming frail or disabled

In the future, the frail and disabled population will require higher levels of care and social services

We must keep our aging seniors active and motivated so that they continue to contribute their valuable knowledge to future generations

Physical activity must happen throughout life, not just when age, frailty or disability become issues

The literature identified the following issues affecting the frail elderly Aboriginal population in Canada. These areas were further explored in consultation interviews in Sucker Creek, Ontario, Hobbema, Alberta, and Fort Liard, Northwest Territories.

· Physical Inactivity
· Chronic Disease - Diabetes
· Isolation, Loneliness and Depression
· Lack of Motivation and Meaning
· Inadequate Transportation and Housing
· Availability of Home and Community Care
· Poverty
· Diet and Nutrition
· Family Support and Caregiver Training
· The Effects of Residential Schools
· Literacy

There were eighteen interview questions and each interview took about one hour. The ideas and topics presented were surprisingly similar and consistent throughout all three locations. In assessing the needs identified by all participants, there is a great deal of common ground that can be addressed by the implementation of Coming Full Circle training.