Empowering Seniors: The Role of Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs) in Canada

Description: It’s Time to Unleash the Power of Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities in Canada

Source: NORC Innovation Centre at University Health Network (UHN). NORC is naturally-occurring retirement communities.

Original URL: https://norcinnovationcentre.ca/wp-content/uploads/NORC-Report-FINAL.pdf

It’s Time to Unleash the Power of Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORC) in Canada

The report titled “It’s Time to Unleash the Power of Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities in Canada” focuses on the growing significance of Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs) in the context of Canada’s ageing population. It emphasizes the need for innovative housing models to support older adults in ageing in place, thereby addressing their health, social, and emotional needs within their communities.

About the National Institute on Ageing

The National Institute on Ageing (NIA) is a prominent public policy and research institution based at Toronto Metropolitan University, formerly Ryerson University. The NIA is committed to advancing the quality of ageing across the lifespan, considering diverse aspects such as financial, psychological, and social wellbeing. Its cross-disciplinary research aims to inform better public policy and practices to address the multifaceted challenges and opportunities presented by Canada’s ageing population. The NIA collaborates with various stakeholders, including government bodies, private sector partners, academic institutions, and ageing-related organizations, to drive national leadership and public education in this domain.

About NORC Innovation Centre at University Health Network

The NORC Innovation Centre, part of the University Health Network (UHN), represents a pioneering effort to develop a 21st-century model of integrated care within naturally occurring retirement communities. It aims to provide Canadians with new avenues for ageing in place with dignity and autonomy. The NORC Innovation Centre is an initiative of UHN OpenLab, which is an interdisciplinary design and innovation studio focused on health and societal issues. UHN encompasses multiple healthcare facilities and is a leader in research, patient care, and education both nationally and internationally.

Executive Summary

The report highlights the increasing desire among Canadian seniors to age in their own homes and communities, a trend reinforced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this preference, the current infrastructure and policies are insufficient to support this aspiration effectively. The concept of Ageing in the Right Place (AIRP), which the NIA advocates for, emphasizes the need for policies that allow older adults to age in the most appropriate setting based on their personal preferences, circumstances, and care needs.

One innovative model to support AIRP is the NORC. The report differentiates between NORCs and NORC programs, explaining that while NORCs refer to communities with a high concentration of older adults, NORC programs integrate health, social, and physical supports directly within these communities. This integration aims to provide comprehensive support, thereby enabling older adults to maintain their independence and quality of life.

Key Findings and Recommendations

1. Growing Demand for Ageing in Place: The demand for ageing in place exceeds the available infrastructure, highlighting the need for policies that facilitate ageing in place and promote healthier ageing environments.
2. The Role of NORCs: NORCs are communities with a high density of older adults that naturally form over time or through intentional planning. They provide a valuable opportunity to offer integrated services and support to older adults within their communities.
3. Policy Recommendations:
   • Develop a national strategy to advance NORC programs across Canada.
   • Engage and support local communities in developing NORC programs.
   • Establish sustainable funding mechanisms to encourage NORC program development.
   • Enhance system capacity for innovation, research, and knowledge exchange around NORCs.

Case Studies and Lessons Learned

The report includes case studies from both Canada and the United States that demonstrate the effectiveness of NORC programs. For instance, New York State’s NORC programs, which are backed by state legislation and funding, have shown significant benefits in terms of health outcomes, reduced hospital admissions, and improved quality of life for residents.

In Canada, initiatives like the Cherryhill Healthy Ageing Program and the Oasis Senior Supportive Living model have successfully implemented NORC programs, showcasing their potential to provide integrated services and support to older adults. These programs have demonstrated the importance of community buy-in, sustainable funding, and the involvement of older adults in program design and delivery.

Conclusion

The report concludes that NORC programs represent a promising model for supporting Canada’s ageing population. By leveraging the existing density of older adults in certain communities, NORC programs can efficiently deliver integrated health and social services, thereby enhancing the ability of older adults to age in place with dignity and independence. The report calls for coordinated efforts from all levels of government, community organizations, and older adults to expand NORC programs and realize their full potential in improving the lives of older Canadians.