Sheppard Christine L, Dubé Lise, Ducak Kate, Myers Anita M
a School of Public Health and Health Systems , University of Waterloo , Waterloo , ON , Canada.
J Nutr Gerontol Geriatr. 2018 Apr-Jun;37(2):49-58. doi: 10.1080/21551197.2018.1478760. Epub 2018 Jun 18.
A mixed-methods needs assessment was conducted in an urban senior center serving lower-income seniors in Toronto, Ontario, to determine whether they should offer a congregate meal program. Methods included three focus groups with participants (n = 31), a focus group with staff (n = 8), a center-wide survey (n = 36), and a community scan of programs in the area. Interviews with five coordinators at other seniors' centers who offered meal programs were also used to gauge interest and assist with program development. The results of these activities supported offering a twice weekly lunch program with user fees. Over a 6-month pilot period, process evaluation was conducted, comprising observations, record review, and focus groups with participants (n = 9) and staff/volunteers (n = 7) to examine delivery, usage, and costs. Results indicated that the program was well-received and affordable, and that demands on staff were reasonable when a facilitator with culinary training was available. The lessons learned can be used to guide other senior centers in developing and evaluating congregate meal programs.
在安大略省多伦多市一家为低收入老年人服务的城市老年中心进行了一项混合方法需求评估，以确定是否应提供集体用餐计划。方法包括与参与者进行三个焦点小组（n = 31）、与工作人员进行一个焦点小组（n = 8）、全中心范围的调查（n = 36）以及对该地区项目的社区扫描。还与其他提供用餐计划的老年中心的五名协调员进行了访谈，以评估兴趣并协助项目开发。这些活动的结果支持提供一项收取用户费用的每周两次午餐计划。在为期6个月的试点期间，进行了过程评估，包括观察、记录审查以及与参与者（n = 9）和工作人员/志愿者（n = 7）进行焦点小组，以检查服务提供、使用情况和成本。结果表明该计划受到欢迎且价格合理，并且当有烹饪培训的协调员时，对工作人员的要求是合理的。所吸取的经验教训可用于指导其他老年中心制定和评估集体用餐计划。
