Seniors’ Satellites
Summary
The City of London continually strives to identify opportunities for improvement at our seniors’ centres, aiming to enhance the experience for the members as well as the broader community. As part of our strategic plan that was developed for the seniors’ centres and endorsed by City of London Council, our seniors’ centres have moved to a ‘hub and satellite’ model of service delivery. Through public input and at the request of members, the first seniors’ satellite (neighbourhood outreach program) opened in September of 2012 at a neighbourhood library, and five additional satellites followed suit over the next 3 years. Each satellite operates 1-2 days/week, typically for 3 hours each day. Our satellites have enabled us the opportunity to provide recreation and leisure programs that enhance the lives of older adults living throughout London. The programs offered at the satellites mimic the ‘core’ programs available at our 2 larger Seniors’ Centres, (Kiwanis & Hamilton Road Seniors’ Centres and Community Centres, a.k.a the hubs), and the programming line-up relies on the suggestions and requests of the satellite members. We have always recognized the importance of reaching out to older adults in London, and with the creation of our satellite locations we are offering new opportunities for people to meet new friends, participate in various recreation programs, and volunteer. We offer membership to anyone over the age of 55, at $9.29 (plus HST) per year, with subsidy available for those that qualify. Additional minimal fees are incurred by members ($1-$2/program) to offset the cost of qualified/certified fitness, dance and yoga instructors. Programs led by volunteers or satellite members remain included in membership. Programs at the satellites include fitness (seated and active), yoga (seated and mat), dance (such as line dancing, belly dancing, zumba, square dancing), arts & crafts (such as scrapbooking, painting), social time (which includes cards, board games, coffee time), and more. In addition, members of the satellites receive a discount on City of London recreation programs offered at the hubs, and a discount on bus trips leaving from both Kiwanis and Hamilton Road Seniors’ Centres and Community Centres. To date, over 400 active Londoners, aged 55 & over belong to a satellite location. The City relies on community partners to assist with the satellite by providing free space for programming. In addition, the community partners are welcome and encouraged to offer quality supplementary programs for older adults before, during and after satellite times, and assist with special events at the satellites (we offer holiday celebrations annually, at a small additional fee to the member). Also, students from the local University are supported and encouraged to volunteer at all 6 of our satellite locations by assisting program instructors or other satellite staff.Each satellite, although in different London communities, will always be welcoming, accessible, diverse, inclusive and age-friendly.
Website: http://www.london.ca/seniors
Key facts
Main target group: Older people in general
Other target group(s): Anyone aged 55 & over
Desired outcome for older people:
Be mobile
- Accessibility
- Intergenerational activities
Other Issues: mobility: decrease in slips and falls, ability to remain in their home longer (remove stress from long term care facilities and/or local hospitals)