Strengths of Senior Centres
  • Provide core services in the health care system.
  • Provide a key component of the continuum of care:
    • holistic health promotion
    • Postpone and prevent disabilities
  • Allow seniors to maintain their independence longer.
  • Provide assessments and outreach (staff know the community and identify priority needs).
  • Build community partnerships with the private sector and other senior groups to develop new programs and services.
  • Educate organizations about seniors’ issues and needs.
  • Accessible locations and services.
  • Give seniors a voice by involving seniors in decision making processes.
  • Open atmosphere, adaptable to meet diverse client needs.
  • Meet the holistic needs of seniors: mind, body and soul.

Senior Centres

  • Are community agencies with multiple services and a holistic health focus
  • Have community based boards.
  • Have professional staff maintaining the accessibility of centre services and programs.
  • Offer core preventive health programs
  • Provide leadership in the community
  • Offer resources to senior serving organizations.
  • Partner with other health care organizations to keep seniors in the community.

Drop In Centres/Seniors Clubs

  • Serve their members with specific programs.
  • Have member boards with no responsibilities to the larger community.
  • Generally do not have professional staff.
  • Focus on social and recreational programs