Muskoka Seniors Services Planning Table

• Membership is open to individuals (i.e. seniors) and representatives of organizations with an interest in and/or mandate to provide and/or access services to seniors in Muskoka. Where possible, persons who make decisions or develop programs and policies will be encouraged to attend
• The Chair for the group will be rotational
• Decisions will be made by consensus wherever possible
• Opportunities for individuals and groups to address the Planning Tables' members on issues of services for seniors will be encouraged
• Members will be expected to participate regularly, and to keep the larger group informed of programs and initiatives underway at their own club/agency/organization level. Members are also encouraged to share information from this table within their own organizations so that the resources of the group can inform those programs. Should delegates be asked to attend on a member's behalf, the member should ensure they are familiar with the work of the group and can continue to provide the expertise of their agency/group, so as to maintain continuity of purpose
• Muskoka will ensure there are resources for arranging and facilitating meetings
• The Rotational Chair, with input from the group, will be responsible for developing agendas

More information is available by viewing the Terms of Reference.

• Meetings will be scheduled bi-monthly initially
• The Seniors Services Planning Table may assign specific projects to smaller working groups which might need to meet more frequently
• These groups report back to the Table and share findings with the broader membership
• The Planning Table will remain active until such time as the membership determines meetings should cease

• Support and develop a coordinated, accessible continuum of services that enable seniors to stay healthy and live as independently as possible and with dignity. The design and delivery of services should respond to the needs of seniors and reflect their priorities and wishes.

Enhanced Partnership

• Pursue enhanced linkages and partnerships to achieve a seamless system, improve quality, access and the best use of limited resources

Information, Ideas and Best Practices

• Facilitate formal and informal information exchange, provide an opportunity for programs to present and seek information and ideas while jointly exploring new approaches and best practices
• Efforts to inform and encourage the public about what is available and how to access it

Joint Planning Opportunities

• Explore opportunities to undertake joint planning initiatives. These activities might include, but are not limited to: system planning, needs assessments, environmental scans, service inventories, the development of system navigation mechanisms, and program evaluations

Quality Enhancement

• Explore opportunities to improve program quality through the sharing and pooling of staff and expertise across sectors

Administrative Efficiencies

• Exchange information regarding administrative practices and consider integration opportunities to achieve critical mass levels otherwise unattainable by independent partners

Program Development Feedback

• Provide advice and feedback to agencies who are considering program expansion or the development of new programs

Opportunities for Staff Growth and Development

• Facilitate enhanced employment, staff development and training opportunities across multiple organizations
• Reduce interagency competition and address recruitment and retention challenges

Enhanced Capacity to Negotiate and Work with External Partners

• Facilitate a strong, integrated, well-coordinated delivery system at the at the community level that is capable of bridging the "silos" that otherwise create barriers between service providers and limit accessibility for seniors seeking support