We are interested in evaluation experience with seniors' health promotion
initiatives.

Specifically, a "seniors' resource nurse" in public health in Edmonton is
working with a Chinese apartment complex to put in place a Chinese
meals-on-wheels service.

Intent is to take pressure off caregivers and provide "frail" residents with
a healthy, easy alternative to food preparation, and possible social
connections with other residents.  As one outcome, more of the residents
will be able to continue to live in relative independence, and some may
experience measurable health gains.

We see the inherent value in the program.  With the pressure on
accountability and the demand for "hard" data to prove health gains, we are
trying to identify indicators our funders will see as
hearty...meaty...substantive.

If it is feasible, the indicators need to identify the difference made by
the meal program independent of other factors, to keep the dollars flowing.
At the same time, we do not want the evaluation to be invasive.

Your ideas and experience would be most welcome.

Ann G.