In June, the Community Response Network put out a small, anonymous survey of Revelstoke seniors (age 60+). The survey, which received 58 responses, is not scientific but it does reflect what many seniors in Revelstoke are thinking about. It was available at the LFI market on June 15, in the July newsletter and at Community Connections and the Seniors’ Centre. Here are the responses to the four statements on the questionnaire (bolded headings).
I love living in Revelstoke because:
Predictably, seniors of all ages identified Revelstoke’s beauty, mountains and active, outdoor lifestyle as reasons to love living here. Many also mentioned that Revelstoke is a friendly and caring town. Some were born here and their families had been here for generations.
One interesting comment that came up six times was about the good access to doctors and medical care in town. One person pointed out that seniors who move out of town often can’t find a doctor and some keep their Revelstoke doctor because of this.
Revelstoke needs more ______ for seniors. Explain.
Senior-appropriate housing and transportation were the two main needs identified. Of the 55 seniors who responded to this statement, 29 identified housing as a major need and three others, who didn’t mention housing directly, mentioned supports for staying at home – care aides and handypersons. Eight of the 29 seniors who mentioned housing, identified the need for more supported housing. Some of those identifying the need for supported housing were in their 60s but were caring for older family members.
Transportation and the ability to get around town was mentioned by 12 respondents. The main concerns were transportation out of town, better around-town transportation, parking opportunities and sidewalk clearing and safety.
When I can’t live in my home any more, I plan to:
This question focused on anticipated housing needs.
Of the 56 seniors who responded to this question, six said they would move out of town, 17 said they would like to downsize locally if something was available (many specifically mentioning a condo like Selkirk Gardens). Twelve mentioned wanting local supported housing – three mentioned Moberly Manor as an option. One additional senior in their 80s wrote, “We need more of Moberly.”
Nine seniors plan to live with or rely on their kids, seven said they would stay where they are – of these, two mentioned MAID (Medical assistance in dying), and seven wrote that they don’t know what they would do or hadn’t thought about it. Four pointed out that not much is available for seniors looking to downsize or needing supported housing in Revelstoke.
Other thoughts:
The comments written under ‘Other thoughts’ are interesting. A very common comment was reflected by a person in their 80s who wrote, “Hope to be able to live here until it’s time for the final goodbye!” Another expressed the fear conveyed by several responses, “We don’t want to leave Revelstoke.”
A senior in their 70s mentioned the need for accommodation that accepts pets, “We need condos that don’t do vacation rentals and take dogs and where you can walk to town.” Another senior in their 70s wrote, “All new builds should have some low rent places and ground level for seniors and handicapped.”
One senior wrote, “My mom is in long-term care here in Revelstoke and often they are short-staffed, overworked. They need more support and funds to care for seniors.” Another said “Our city planning needs to listen to seniors. Community forum to gather info on specific needs.”
The 2021 national census for Revelstoke lists the senior population (age 60 and older) as 2870 out of a total population of 8275 – almost a third. As many seniors are thinking about downsizing out of their current homes (or have already done so), as reflected in this survey, thought must be put into creating good options for all income levels. The Revelstoke Housing Society’s upcoming 164-unit affordable housing complex for moderate and middle-income residents will accommodate some seniors. Revelstoke also needs more supported housing option and options for seniors with pets.
Survey results will be shared with the City of Revelstoke and the Revelstoke Housing Society.
The Revelstoke CRN is a committee of service providers, including the City of Revelstoke, Interior Health, and several nonprofits that work together to prevent adult abuse and support vulnerable adults. For more information or to subscribe to the newsletter e-mail revycrn@gmail.com or call 250-814-8971.
