We actually did a study a few years ago with the Royal Canadian Legion and the University of Alberta that looked at issues facing rural seniors. This study focused not necessarily on our clients but on a group of veterans as a whole. The research study involved surveys, analysis of Statistics Canada information, and also some community case studies.
We do know that there are often problems with availability of services in rural versus urban areas. We also know that there are regional differences in the availability of services. So these are challenges we struggle with, and we don't always have simple answers in terms of how to address them.
One thing we do know, though, is that in terms of how we case manage clients--that would be how our counsellors work directly with clients in these kinds of environments--we have to be aware of high-risk groups, groups that we might have to pay more attention to. Those would be people without social support--in other words, people who have less of a social support network to help them. Those would often be people who are alone or isolated or who have more health challenges. We know that there are certain key things that can help us when we work with clients in those areas. We have to pay more attention to certain kinds of risk factors for clients who live in those areas in terms of how we deliver our program and how we case manage.
In terms of strategies for success in rural areas, we know that living in a rural area may require more planning ahead for services in order to access them. More effort may be required in seeking services. Therefore, the self-manage aspect of our program, which gives a client considerable flexibility in who they choose to provide services, could also be of assistance.
Also, as you would know, being able to drive and have transportation can also be critical and is often more important than it is for clients in urban areas, especially if public transportation is not available. Therefore, paying special attention to what we can do in transportation, whether it's social transportation to assist with banking or other social needs or whether it's medical transportation, can be especially critical in these areas.
We also know that connections to other people and social support can play a really important role for people who live in rural areas. So making sure that veterans can connect with social groups or Royal Canadian Legions or other opportunities that can help them connect with other people and build support systems can also be of great assistance.
This is an ongoing challenge for us.
I hope I've provided some helpful information to address your question.