In rural and remote communities across North Vancouver Island, there is a growing number of older adults who need supports to stay at home. This region has a disproportionately higher proportion of older adults in the province. With changing demographics due to out-migration of young workers (for urban job opportunities) and in-migration of older adults (due to lower cost of living and desirable retirement area), keeping up with services has been more challenging than in other places.
This project seeks to build community-engaged patient-oriented research partnerships with social-sector agencies, service providers, private businesses, government partners, and people from local communities in rural and remote locations within North Vancouver Island. Together, we will gather uncertainties facing vulnerable older adults in rural and remote communities about staying at home, and jointly plan a co-design workshop to develop a plan to engage researchers, research users, and funders with our findings.
Project outcomes include 1) research agenda on aging at home in rural and remote communities; and 2) network of partners and collaborators for future research and grant applications.