Integrating Seniors Centres Into Primary Healthcare: A Community-Engaged Approach to Collaborative Care

TL;DR

This paper explores how seniors centers can be integrated into primary healthcare to improve older adults' well-being and healthcare access through community collaboration.

Contribution

The study introduces a community-engaged model for integrating seniors centers into healthcare through cross-sectoral workshops and intergenerational collaboration.

Findings

Improved collaboration between seniors centers and healthcare providers is crucial for integrated care.

Third places like seniors centers play a key role in supporting healthy aging outcomes.

Intergenerational pairings foster cross-generational learning and strengthen community ties.

Abstract

This presentation highlights the vital role of seniors centres as third places in promoting older adults’ well-being and social connectivity, yet their integration into primary healthcare is often overlooked. This project aims to foster collaboration between seniors centres and healthcare organizations to co-develop a community-integrated health model that enhances healthcare access, social inclusion, and well-being for older adults. Through five cross-sectoral workshops rotated across senior centre locations, we engaged representatives from four Vancouver-based seniors centres through the Alliance of Seniors Centres and four healthcare organizations—Providence Health Care, Vancouver Division of Family Practice, Vancouver Coastal Health, and Mid-Main Community Health Centre. Guided by community-engaged research principles, the workshops focused on a future research and practice agenda, long-term goals, and identifying conditions for success with measurable impact indicators toward a Theory of Change framework. A key engagement feature was the intergenerational pairing of seniors with students, fostering cross-generational learning, research inclusion, and community ties. Findings were analyzed using a thematic framework approach, and key themes were validated across stakeholder groups to ensure relevance in shaping integrated healthcare models. Preliminary themes include improved collaboration between seniors centres and healthcare providers, the role of third places in supporting healthy aging outcomes, and establishing a sustainable research agenda. A key implication involves opportunities to advance community-based research by reshaping healthcare delivery to be more inclusive, accessible, and responsive to older adults. Findings will inform policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and seniors centre staff and Board members, offering actionable strategies for integrating seniors centres into primary healthcare.