Types of Services Offered
In many communities, there are voluntary organizations that provide information and supportive services for older people, persons with dsaiblities, and others needing assistance.
They offer:
- Information and referral services (includes resources/contact information for referrals for health and government services, as well as local non-profit seniors' supports and referral services).
- Activity centers and fitness (includes seniors’ walking groups, and seniors’ tours and travel)
- Bathing programs for people who cannot safely use the bathing facilities in their own home, even with the installation of devices such as grab bars and bath boards.
- Counselling - Emotional and mental health (includes contact information for organizations focusing on issues of abuse, addictions, bereavement, crisis intervention, mental health services, pastoral counselling, and peer counselling)
- Financial assistance (includes information and contacts regarding pensions, supplements, benefits and taxes)
- Health care and preventive services (includes contact information for organizations related to adult day centers, care planning, specialty clinics, community health centers, dental care, foot care, visiting programs)
- Home help (includes contact information for organizations focusing on home support, delivery services, laundry services)
- Housing (includes contact information for organizations focusing on housing options, life lease housing for seniors, congregate housing, residential care, subsidized housing for seniors and adults with disabilities, other non-profit housing societies, and tenant/landlord dispute resolution)
- Legal resources (includes contact information for organizations focusing on consumer protection, legal aid, public trustee and victim services)
- Meals and nutrition (includes contact information for organizations focusing on grocery delivery; meal programs, dining out; and meal preparation and delivery, dining in)
- Medical equipment and supplies (includes contact information for organizations focusing on communication aids, vision aids, incontinence supplies, specialized clothing, medical equipment loans, orthotics, prosthetics, and mobility aids rentals and sales)
- Safety and security (includes contact information for organizations focusing on emergency response in-home systems, and police and fire services)
- Support groups, associations and societies
- Transportation (includes contact information for organizations focussing on parking permits, bus information, and volunteer drivers)
- Veterans’ services
While providing a description of the various resources, we do not make recommendations or endorsements of particular services. The following provides more information on specific programs that might benefit caregivers.
Adapted from: Family Caregivers' Network Society, Resource Guide for Family Caregivers, 2006. |