Mind, Body, and Spirit A COLLABORATIVE COMMUNITY APPROACH TO ADDRESSING SENIORS' MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTIONS FINAL EVALUATION DECEMBER 2019
CONTENT 3 ABOUT THE ARTIST 4 INTRODUCTION 5 EVALUATION PLAN 6 Approach Used 7 Evaluation Methods 9 ACTIONS TO DATE 11 Spreading the Word 20 Building Capacity 31 Increase Knowledge and Create a Cultural Shift 36 Innovative and Creative Approaches 52 Working Together Collaboratively 56 INTERVIEWS 59 UNINTENDED OUTCOMES 60 LESSONS LEARNED 61 OVERALL REFLECTIONS
MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT FINAL EVALUATION About the Artist David Brooks died at the age of 62 in May 2014. David was raised in Indian Brook. Both his parents were also artists. He belonged to the province's first generation of contemporary Mi'kmaq painters. David was also a gifted carver and sculptor. He really cared about his community and was very passionate about his work, he was someone with a big heart, and this is evident in his work. David was the first Mi'kmaq artist to have his artwork collected and featured at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. It can also be found on covers of Mi'kmaq history books. Much of his work is owned by collector Rolf Bouman, founder of Friends United and is on display at the Friends United International Convention Centre in Richmond County, Nova Scotia, featuring the largest private collection in Atlantic Canada of Native Art. \"When I paint I do it as much for other people as myself. I hope my paintings can suggest a path to the future.\" 3
MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT FINAL EVALUATION UPDATED Introduction “Age should not limit access to quality mental health services.\" \"Our approach must account for changing needs.\" Mental Health Commission of Canada The overall goal of this project is to improve the quality of life of socially isolated seniors and seniors experiencing mental health and addictions issues to improve health outcomes. Living in rural communities, such a Richmond County present unique challenges in providing services for seniors, many of whom live on their own in their own homes and are further isolated or at higher risk due to the rural nature of these communities. The tiered approach to guide system design for mental health and addictions in Nova Scotia, recognizes different levels of care and supports are needed. The principles underlying this framework acknowledges programs and services offered in Tier One and Tier Two, which focus on population health promotion and prevention, with early brief interventions. The project also is closely aligned with the outcomes identified in Shift: Nova Scotia's Action Plan for an Aging Population to promote an inclusive and supportive population health approach throughout Nova Scotia's health system. In addition, many seniors do not have the support of their adult children, as many are living away due to the limited employment opportunities in rural Cape Breton. Others find themselves alone after the death of a long-time spouse; while others find themselves in a stressful caregiver role for their spouse. The project was designed to develop a strong foundation using a collaborative approach to provide services and programs. This approach would both build on existing resources and assets in the community and explore new programming that would compliment existing resources. The project was also designed to build capacity, increase knowledge and understanding in the community to better support seniors experiencing mental health and addictions issues in their lives. 4
MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT FINAL EVALUATION Evaluation Plan The Project Advisory Committee approved an evaluation framework that would apply a broad approach to measure the overall impact of the project, while looking at three overall themes. The premise of this project was to build a solid foundation in which future programming could continue moving ahead. Programs that addressed the unique needs and challenges facing seniors in rural communities were both developed and offered in the community. Much of the focus for this project was about creating the environment to ensure future collaboration and also building capacity and skills among community members. 1 Collaboration/Collective Impact It was important to be able to measure the impact on any changes that came about as a result of this project in the way that participating organizations interacted with one another, whether new groups and partners involved as the project evolved. Did the project offer an opportunity for more coordination and collaborative approaches to providing programs and services? Were opportunities provided to measure the collective impact when multiple partners work toward a common vision? 2 Improvement in Organizational Change and Community Capacity Did the project build capacity within the community? Was there an increase in awareness and knowledge about seniors mental health and addictions and social isolation? Are more people talking about the issue, has it helped to reduce stigma and shift the conversation? 3 Program Evaluations (Activities and Participation) Measuring the level of participation and how seniors and others became engaged in the programs offered through Mind, Body and Spirit has provided good qualitative and quantitative data to assist with future planning. It also provided specific feedback on several of the programs and services offered to make improvements. 5
MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT FINAL EVALUATION Approach Used The approach taken to evaluate this project involved a number of different tools and techniques to measure the impact of the overall themes. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected and story telling was used to get participant feedback. In many instances, the feedback demonstrated immediate positive results to learning and services provided. In other instances, it became apparent, that it will take time before the impact of the work that has been undertaken throughout the duration of the project can show results. Building collaborative partnerships and creating a cultural shift in how communities view and discuss mental health and addictions among its seniors, will take considerable time. This project has helped to plant the seeds to ensure on-going conversations and further understanding of the unique issues related to addressing seniors' mental health and addictions issues in rural communities. If you can't measure it, it doesn't exist. 6
MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT FINAL EVALUATIONS Evaluation Methods Online participant surveys Social media traffic. following an event to determine how the training has been used. Workshop and training evaluation surveys were distributed to participants at the time of the event or training. Partners/collaborators were interviewed using an appreciative inquiry approach. Questions included: What was the high point of being involved/connected to the Mind, Body, and Spirit project? What did you value most about being involved in this experience? What has changed in the way you view seniors' mental health and addictions in rural communities? Participants were interviewed in person for the Seniors Connecting Through Technology program and Villa Vignettes. Number of articles and stories that Number of people participating in programs. appeared in local media. 7
MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT FINAL EVALUATIONS NEW Evaluation Methods Art of Facilitation Evaluation Sample question: What was your main reason for taking part in facilitation training? (choose all that apply): - To better run a program or service - To better run an organization - To mobilize/motivate community members - To learn how to better lead meetings. Please indicate what your organization/program/service can potentially contribute to a larger collaboration effort. (choose all that apply): - Funding - Volunteers and Volunteer staff - In-Kind Resources - Knowledge / Feedback (e.g., meeting space) - Paid Staff - Specific Expertise in any area - Community Connections - Advocacy - Facilitation/Leadership - Communication (e.g. flyers and notices, face-to-face networking, social media) What do you feel is the most important outcome of the work you do in your community as a facilitator? (choose all that apply) - Health education - Improved Resource Sharing - Improved services - Increased Knowledge Sharing - Mental health Support - Community Support - Building social connections - Public Awareness - Early childhood services - Improved Health Outcomes - Food security - Improved communication - Poverty reduction - Other (please explain) Villa Vignettes Students and two residents provided feedback on the projects during one-on-one interviews. In depth answers found further in this evaluation. 8
MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT FINAL EVALUATIONS UPDATED Actions Completed - At a Glance 9
MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT FINAL EVALUATIONS UPDATED Actions Completed - At a Glance CONTINUED 10
MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT FINAL EVALUATION Spreading the Word 11
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MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT FINAL EVALUATION NEW NEW 16
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MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT FINAL EVALUATION Building Capacity 20
M I N D , B O D Y, A N D S P I R I T F I N A L E VA L U AT I O N Music Care Training 21 participants of music care training pose for a photo. It has assisted me in my role by understanding the skills people with music care training can provide in the community and to other programs being developed. The capacity built in music care can carry over into many different areas of care service. - Dawn Ostrem, Project Coordinator This picture represents a quilt exercise that was done by participants during the music care training. They divided a piece of paper into four sections and then listened to four different types of music and then expressed it visually. The final product is a musical tapestry. 21
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M I N D , B O D Y, A N D S P I R I T F I N A L E VA L U AT I O N Community Training I work primarily with seniors, many of whom have mental health challenges, but are not always at ease discussing them. These programs empower people by offering opportunities for self reflection, peer support and comfort in knowing they are not alone. - Michele MacPhee, Project Staff Member Two Program Staff took part in CMHA training: Art of Friendship Art of Recovery They also took part in Fountain of Health training. \"I love helping people and now my own daughter has issues, so I am trying to help her as well.\" \"It is pretty new for these courses to be made available to the general public, I would have done this years ago otherwise.\" - Mental Health FIrst Aid Participants 23
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The Essence of our Learning NEW Art of Facilitation In a closing circle discussion at the Art of Facilitation training session, the following learnings were shared: Pre-plan – be prepared, keeps it on track regarding purpose. Co-facilitation is valuable. Different forms of facilitation depending on the situation. Recognize diversity of experience in group – have facilitation style that fits. Be mindful of what you’re bringing to the group – leave your own ‘baggage’ at the door. Listening is important. Empowering people by finding their own voice – each one is vital. Elevated everything I do – honour to be here. Different types of facilitation – gear yourself and design for the topic. Working as part of a team is important – want to do more. Everyone here is special – going back as shining stars to do something in our communities. Helps to bring others into our community. In team work I can do many things. Gives me hope to hear what you are doing in Body, Mind and Spirit project· Hope for the future hearing what people are doing· In a short time we were able to crystalize a result· Don’t have to do it alone – reach out to others in the group· Not about the ownership as long as it’s rolled out in the community with love and compassion· Partnerships have been strengthened – I can approach and ask anyone for help· Start with assets and strengths rather than with what we’re missing· We have so much – its empowering· Grassroots is amazing – empowered to get together in community, across the county – we have the power to keep it going 26
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MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT FINAL EVALUATION NEW Gems From the Conversation on Death and Dying Gems I'm Taking With Me - Contacts in this group. - Death Café not as frightening as it sounds. - Indigenous ways of death and dying linked to important rituals for all – intercultural. - People really care about our community - about living and dying. - It’s about those that are left behind. - Important to establish caring rituals. - The conversations are spawning innovation in how we can talk about death. - Ongoing learning is happening. - Learning more about what’s available. - Wonderful group of leaders here. - Ideas for families and community. Gems That I Want Us to Learn More About - What happens when someone dies. - A lot of thinking to be done — what are my wishes. - Keep an ear to the ground for what’s happening. - What’s available to help people financially, e.g., ambulance. - Incorporating Indigenous knowledge in continuing learning. - How do we reach out to more people. - Know more about the services that can - Find out more about innovations in funeral benefit families and individuals before, practices – green funerals. during and after death. - We are all women here today — what about the - What do we need in the system to help men in our community, how do they become people. engaged in these conversations for their best deaths. 28
MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT FINAL EVALUATION NEW Conversation on Death and Dying Overall Learnings Openness to Sharing food as a Common purposes and discussing death. cultural practice. roles in many cultures. Fellowship Importance of traditions and This experience broadened rituals in Indigenous culture our awareness of options. and across cultures. Death Café resonated with people and it allows for a more general discussion of all kinds of grief and thinking about our own death. Heightened sensitivity regarding Safety and the bereaved person. confidentiality are key in any discussion format. Greater awareness of internet resources and how they can be accessed to reach others to be part of this discussion. Use social media to reach people, e.g., Reflection Room or a Richmond County alternative, and this may appeal to people who prefer e-communication to face-to-face communication. 29
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MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT FINAL EVALUATION Increase in Knowledge and Cultural Shift 31
MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT FINAL EVALUATION Feeding the Soul Conference The conference drew approximately 100 participants who took part in a variety of workshops that were mental health and wellness oriented. Keynote speaker was Pam Mood. \"Mind over matter ... wishing it were that simple!\". Conference Promotional Poster 32
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MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT FINAL EVALUATION Week #1 - (Mind) The Health Effects of Life-Long Learning Research shoes that adult learning has a positive effect on well-being. It improves our belief that we can succeed, boosting confidence. It also increases our ability to create support networks. There is a correlation between increased wages and employability for younger seniors and participation in learning leads to better mental health. Week one will feature stories about seniors' learning journeys and explore different kinds of learning that seniors can do from home or with friends. Week #2 - (Body) Emotional Health and Your Body Research shows that good physical health affects mental health and vice versa. Older adults experience unique physical, psychological, and social changes that individually and together may challenge their mental health, sometimes resulting in mental illness. Physical changes and chronic health conditions can have substantial impact on the psychological and social well-being of older adults. The Mental Health Foundation of the United Kingdom says depression has been linked to: 67% increase in risk of death from heart disease. 50% increase in risk of death from cancer. To learn more about the relationship between both types of health, tune into week two. It will feature stories from local seniors and introduce the unique physical activities in our community and learn more about mental health and the connection with healthy food. Week #3 - The Spiritual Part of Health There are enormous psychological and physical benefits for seniors who practice spirituality in their lives. Research refers to spirituality as a meaning-making practice, which means it helps to give people a sense of purpose. It can include religion or other spiritual practices as well as sense of purpose around family or work. While our sense of purpose is often very personal, it can often be seen among our chosen social groups. Week three will broaden our look at health by hearing stories about social connections, personal reflections, and that sense of purpose. It will feature stories about finding social connections that align with what feeds our spiritual health. 34
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MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT FINAL EVALUATION Innovative and Creative Approaches 36
MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT FINAL EVALUATION Seniors Connecting Through Techology I dreaded getting out of bed in the morning. On one side of my bed is my Bible and the other in my iPad. - Seniors Connection Through Technology Participant The high point of being involved in this project was seeing the immediate difference it was making in people's lives. - Richmond County Literacy Network Network Coordinator 37
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MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT FINAL EVALUATION UPDATED Around the Dinner Table When I brought up the idea of hosting the program, Around the Dinner Table, I thought it would be maybe 8-10 people at my home. Members of the club embraced the idea and the session reached many isolated seniors who have not participated in programs for 2-3 years. It was a huge success with about 80 seniors attending. We are now considering planning 3-4 of these sessions a year! - Debbie Samson, Retired Nurse and member of the Fleur-de-lis seniors club and Seniors Take Action Coalition. The purpose of Around the Dinner Table program was for groups involving seniors to grow their social circles by including those who will benefit from new social connections. This social activity, to improve well-being, was captured in meaningful conversations around food. The program was based on a story sharing circle, which creates opportunities for rich conversations. Over 175 people attended Around the Dinner Table, a program hosted by the Fleur-de-lis Seniors Club based in Louisdale, Richmond County. Click here to watch the Telile program on Around the Dinner Table. 43
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Villa Vignettes NEW Resident Feedback What did it feel like for people to be interested in you? How did you feel about the visits? P1: Well it must be good for them and there is a lot P1: When she came to visit …. It doesn’t bother me at all, it’s kind of of them that has been here and my nieces and fun to tell the people how I grew up compared to what they have. I nephews that grew up in Halifax. For me to write don’t know why, but I liked telling them how little I had and how what comes to mind every day, there are so many much they should appreciate what they have. It is important so things that come to you. Oh, it doesn’t matter at all. they will appreciate more what they have, I find most people now I loved to tell them about how I was brought up don’t appreciate, they are always looking for more. I found it easy because they now they think that every little thing to talk to Clare because I talk to everyone. I figure I have lots to say that is not so is terrible. I was there from making to them that they never heard. See, I have a book here that my moccasins for your feet to making socks and niece gave me to record my memoirs. knitting. P2: It is a great thing for people who feel lonely. P2: I think it is great. Wish we had it when I was a kid. That girl is Everybody has a past. in Grade 10 and she is very nice too. So, interesting. We had nothing. I didn’t know her but I knew her parents and grandparents. I used to live in L’Ardoise. How did you feel about talking about your stories? P1: I got the gift of gab. I think it is something that goes with me. I am always prepared for someone who is complaining about something and I can tell them in my day what I had because there were four boys before me so I had to learn to take my part so I got the answers for most of them. P2: I thought it was really great and I was surprised that any kid with no notebook or anything could remember all that even when just talking. Most of it was true, but a few mistakes and you don’t want someone to think something that is not true. It’s ok, though, it don’t bother me. How did you think other seniors would feel about visitors to tell stories to? P1: They don’t say much if they are put out there is nothing much I can do about it. I think it is good for your health because it is as they say getting things off your chest. P2: Yes, it is good for us because to me it brings back pleasant memories. I had a good life and seven kids. Especially in here it gets pretty lonely. What did you think of your book? P1: She didn’t put all the things that I told her about. Yes, it doesn’t make much difference to me I just want people to know where I came from. I was poor as a church rat but I find out now that here was people poorer than me. P2: My daughter video-taped it while the girl was reading it. It gives you some self-pride, I guess. I just love people, all people, I have no enemies, not that I know of anyway. I was not an engineer but an iron worker. I got the monkey in the Dutch West Indies. In a way I feel proud. I loved my work. I was foreman most of the time for 20 years. 48
Villa Vignettes Student Feedback Tell me what you thought of your storyteller. GRADE 10: - It was my great aunt so I knew a lot about her already. I sat there and we didn’t really talk much. - It was good, had to talk a little louder than usual but that is normal stuff. But it was interesting. Had to repeat the questions more than once usually but not always. - My storyteller was my great grandmother. At first she was not very talkative but in the second visit she was more apt to tell us about her life. She talked a lot about her childhood, some things I knew but some was new to me. - She was really nice and kind and did not open up for a little while but the second time she opened up and started talking about what was on her mind and how it is difficult because she is blind but makes the best of it. Seemed really happy. GRADE 5: - She was very nice and kind. I could just tell from how she was explaining her story and everything. - He was really nice and I want to go see him again for sure. He tells good stories. What did you learn about life in general? GRADE 10: - They were outside more and they worked a lot more than we do and they didn’t really have much choices about what to do in life. They always had to quit school at a certain age to go work. You didn’t get to complete school. People around here didn’t have a lot of money. - Also I think since they went outside they were more entertained outside. They had more people who went outside with them instead of a couple. Everyone was all right close so they’d go hang out. - That not all bad things last forever. She was 94 and all these big problems that I see in my life are not going to matter in the end. She passed away since the project so I feel like once I get the book it will give me a little more closure. - I just learned that no matter what you are going through you can always stay positive and have to look at it the right way. You have to learn how to cope with everything. GRADE 5: - Life was cool back then. It was really interesting · It was different back in the day than it is now. Because there were no cars or cell phones or stuff like that. 49
Student Feedback continued How do you think they felt having you visit? Has this experience made you think about things differently? If so what and how? GRADE 10: - She seemed happier I guess. Well she seemed GRADE 10: more energized and willing to talk and wanted to - It made me think how lucky I am that I get to complete schools and don’t share her story. have to quit. - Good because I am related to them and they - I find there is less poverty. Most people now have at least a car and TV don’t see me at all. and are not walking everywhere and everyone can usually go to the grocery store and buy whatever most times. They can buy a decent house for the - I know she definitely enjoyed it because she most part. And I also find people are having less kids too. I think it’s because loved having us very much. I was there quite often it’s cheaper that way. I think for the most part that might be why people when she lived at the villa but it was different to have more money. go and talk to her about certain topics. The last visit that we went there was the last visit that I - Just makes me think that I should make everything worth it before you get saw her. to that age and try to be happy and as positive about life as you can. - She really enjoyed it, got to tell stories about just - Never take your family for granted. how close her and her family were. She had an opportunity to talk about what she wanted to talk GRADE 5: about and opened up. I think she enjoyed it. I hope - I have never been in a cabin or had Christmas in a cabin and I would like to. she did. GRADE 5: How did you view older folks before this and has it changed? - Maybe it was good to have someone to talk to. GRADE 10: 50 - He felt happy because he would always smile - Nothing changed - same. when we showed up and he was always happy to see us. - They have always been interesting but this opened my eyes to how many things you can have in common with someone no matter how old they are. We listen to the same music – Alan Jackson, that was a good bonding experience and we talked about all his songs. - I always loved being with older people because they are so much more experienced but it gave me more of an understanding about what life was like for my grandmother because I mean we talked about things before but never really got in depth about what life was like when she was a kid. I learned that she had a lot of siblings, 21. And she was the last living sibling and life was tough for her at times. Married twice and lost both husbands early and worked very hard. GRADE 5: - I talk to people in the nursing home where my grandma lives. - The same, I’ve always like them and treated them like a normal person.
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