Business and service providers in Sarnia-Lambton could soon gain a better idea of how to cater to the needs of older adults through a free online course.
Lambton Public Health (LPH) has partnered with Age-Friendly Sarnia-Lambton and the Older Adult Care Pathway Steering Committee to develop an age-friendly e-learning certificate course.
The Age-Friendly Best Practice for Businesses and Service Providers course was developed after funding was secured in 2021 through the Inclusive Communities Grant from the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility.
“Based on a community-wide survey also completed as part of the Inclusive Communities Grant, we were able to identify barriers for older adults, caregivers, and service providers from their own experience and perspectives,” said Community Engagement Specialist and Age- Friendly Coordinator Amy Weiler in a statement.
LPH Health Promotion Supervisor Anita Trusler said close to 25 per cent of Lambton County's population is over the age of 55 so the course helps to ensure inclusive services and supports are available.
"The course has a few different modules," said Trusler. "We're really looking to help workplaces determine how they can become more age-friendly with links to really great assessment tools, there's a module on enhancing the older adult to client experience, tips for people to be able to advocate for at-risk seniors in the community, and just linking people to all available community services and supports that we have in Sarnia-Lambton."
Trusler said the course is flexible so participants can go through the modules at their convenience.
"I would say it probably takes about a total of two hours to complete the entire certification course," she said.
A virtual course launch will be held on March 22 from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m. Residents can sign up for the event through the health unit's website.
