Follow-up Survey Data Collection with Older Adults Experiencing Housing Insecurities: A Reflection

By Sally Chung, Ian Victoria, and Aislynn Sharrock

Aging in the ‘right’ place refers to the ability of older adults to reside in their homes and communities for as long as possible, while accounting for their unique needs and vulnerabilities [1]. As a part of the Aging in the Right Place (AIRP) Project and in collaboration with Whole Way House (WWH), the AIRP team conducted a survey to evaluate the housing and well-being of community-dwelling older adults experiencing, or who were at risk of experiencing housing insecurity.

WWH is a non-profit organization that provides residents with home support and social engagement opportunities [2]. WWH facilitates various programs to support independent living and combat isolation, such as grocery shopping, financial services and support, laundry, haircuts, social programs, family dinners, weekly seated exercise programs, and birthday parties, among many others. These programs have been made possible by the volunteers and employees at WWH who work tirelessly to help foster belonging and connection with the residents in every building.

In May 2022, the AIRP team conducted baseline surveys (Time 1 or T1) in various study sites to capture residents' perceptions of the services provided by Whole Way House (WWH) in relation to how it impacts older adults’ ability to age in the right place. In November 2022, the team conducted follow up surveys (Time 2 or T2). The surveys at T1 and T2 were almost identical, though the control site surveys did not include questions related to WWH services. The follow-up surveys also included a more comprehensive list of WWH services, as their services were expanded on from T1 to T2. At T1, a total of 234 surveys were completed. At T2, a total of 170 surveys were completed, reflecting a response rate of 73%. The reasoning behind this includes residents not wanting to complete the survey, residents passed away, residents moved to another location, or a general lack of engagement and awareness of the survey. By capturing residents’ experiences over a 6-month time period, we were able to develop a deeper understanding of the experiences and needs of the residents. This blog post highlights the research assistants’ experiences of survey data collection at T2 with older adults facing housing insecurity building off the previously written blog post from T1 [3]

Experience of Residents: T1 vs T2

There was a marked difference observed in the residents’ survey completion experience between T1 and T2. During T1, the residents were not acquainted with us and the purpose of our visit, which led to a longer time to complete the data collection overall. During T1 we aimed to receive as many responses as possible, which resulted in knocking on every resident's door, extending the length of data collection days. In comparison, during T2, we had a select list of individuals who had participated during T1 and would potentially be willing to participate for a second time, easing the process. Moreover, many of the buildings were more prepared for our visit during T2. During T1, not many residents were aware that we would be coming; however, during T2 several of the residents mentioned they knew we were coming because of the notices WWH had left in their building and due to reminders from WWH staff. This highlights the fact that the residents were more familiar with WWH after 6 months and were more involved in current activities in the building.

We found that at T2, more residents gathered in the common rooms in anticipation of our visit. It felt like a small event in which many of the residents were excited to participate and update us on how things have changed over the past six months. The majority of the participants had nothing but positive things to say about WWH and their contribution towards helping residents get out of their comfort zone by participating in more social activities. As stated by research assistant JM during T1 reflection, “a clear message came through from the residents ‘we feel invisible.’ Most of the time they [residents] go about their lives without feeling like they belong to a community.” Whereas in T2, research assistant CN shared that “he [resident of Chelsea Tower] said he really enjoyed the hangouts/trips organized by WWH. He also complimented the staff of WWH for providing superb support, and he thought the services were great for the building residents.”

Experience of Research Assistants: T1 vs T2

The AIRP survey team consisted of seven individuals, most of whom were new to the team. One of the newer research assistants, IV, who was not part of the baseline team, mentioned that “the experience seemed daunting in the beginning as [he] was not sure of what to expect. During the first day of data collection, [he] was apprehensive about how the residents may react to [him] knocking on their door which made [him] nervous” but he ended up feeling grateful for the conversations he shared with the various residents. There was also a consensus within the group that many of the residents would be eager to chat and share about their lives and their experiences with WWH services. Research assistant, IV, shared his thoughts: “One memorable moment [he] had was with a resident who recently started attending the events hosted by WWH. Before joining, the resident was expressing her feelings of social isolation and how it has negatively impacted her well-being. She was overjoyed to share stories about meeting new residents and forming meaningful connections.” Stories such as these are touching as they remind us of the unique challenges older adults experience that are often unseen.

One aspect that stood out was how diverse the participants were at each site we visited. It was beneficial to hear from residents with different ethnic backgrounds and life experiences to capture how these nuances impact their everyday lives. At certain sites, collecting survey data posed an additional challenge pertaining to time due to the language and cultural barriers. Both in T1 and T2 data collection, the research assistants brought copies of the survey in Chinese for Mandarin and Cantonese speaking residents. For others, we used Google Translate or translation from an English-speaking family member to help complete the survey if the residents were open to it. The research assistants spent the time necessary with each participant to ensure their voices were included in the survey. As a whole, the research assistants collectively agreed that having these conversations with older adults with lived experience of homelessness contributes to an increased understanding of what aging in the right place means for this specific population.

Comments on WWH Experience at T2

In the surveys, many residents voiced that the social activities provided by WWH increased their sense of belonging, purpose, and meaning in life. In addition, we observed that many residents were taking advantage of the events and activities hosted by WWH, which contributed to a community-engaged atmosphere in the building. Many of the buildings we visited had a designated recreation or community room where WWH staff interacted with residents in various ways, from assisting with tenant support services to engaging in a brief conversation over coffee. Research assistant AD shared, “The majority of the people knew WWH staff by name and couldn’t say enough nice things about them. They described them as ‘truly caring’, ‘inclusive’, ‘friendly’, and more”. This remark was echoed by other research assistants, who noted the sheer amount of praise and appreciation from residents toward WWH staff.

One of the buildings that WWH is most involved with is the Veterans Memorial Housing Society (Vet’s Manor). In May 2017, Vet’s Manor partnered with WWH society to provide supportive housing programs and services for its residents. Since then, WWH has been active in implementing various social activities at Vet's Manor. Though the building was not included in the T1 data collection sites, the research assistants were enthused by the warm welcome and positive attitude many residents exuded. The residents of Vet’s Manor shared positive feedback, specifically praising WWH staff’s work. As research assistant AS reflects on the experience, “Staff from WWH seemed to have a great relationship with the residents…all residents I interviewed knew they could rely on WWH to get them things and help them with their everyday needs such as appointments or phone calls.”

We received some constructive feedback and recommendations from residents regarding the variety of WWH services offered in their buildings. Some voiced suggestions on activities that they would like to see in the future, such as computer and cooking classes, music therapy, book exchange program, movie nights, inclusive drop-in activities, and resident-driven activities. These comments can provide WWH with some new activity ideas for future programming, especially in buildings that encompass residents of diverse cultural backgrounds. This feedback from residents highlights their anticipation of WWH to remain in their buildings and further support aspects of aging in the right place.

Overall, this data collection opportunity has provided the research assistants with valuable insights into the lives of this specific population of older adults and their needs. We would like to thank WWH and their staff for their support during our team’s data collection, connecting with residents and building a rapport would not have been easy without their help. We would also like to thank the residents from the various sites we visited for being courteous, open, and welcoming. Without their participation, this evaluation would not have been possible. Not only are we left with a newfound appreciation for the many challenges older adults face, but also with a rewarding feeling knowing that we were able to learn directly from individuals with lived experience.

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References:

[1] Golant, S. M. (2015). Aging in the right place. Health Professions Press.

[2] Whole Way House. (n.d.). Whole way house - Building healthy communities in housing. Retrieved from https://wholewayhouse.ca/

[3] Sharrock, A., Patille., & Mahmood. Survey data collection with older adults experiencing housing insecurities: A reflection. Retrieved from https://www.sfu.ca/airp/news-events/blog/survey-data-collection-with-older-adults-experiencing-housing-in.html.