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Community programs for seniors

Older adults playing cards and giving a high five

Supporting independence in the community

Services to help older adults stay active, healthy and connected in the community. Whether you're looking for exercise classes, social activities, rehabilitation support or caregiver respite, we're here to help.

Eligibility

To access these programs, participants must:

  • Be an older adult
  • Have or be eligible for an Ontario Health Card
  • Not live in a long-term care facility

Programs and services

Fees apply

A safe, supportive, engaging place for older adults. The program offers group activities that help participants stay active, social and supported. Participants stay connected, move their bodies and keep their minds active while caregivers get valuable respite.

Who it's for: Older adults who may be experiencing age-related challenges, including social isolation

How to access: Make a referral

Free, online, in-person

Group exercise programs led by certified fitness instructors to improve mobility, balance and strength. Available at locations across Niagara.

Who it's for: Older adults wanting to improve mobility and balance

How to access: Register online

Fees apply

Supportive conversation groups for individuals living with aphasia. Connect with others and practice communication in a supportive, understanding environment.

Who it's for: Individuals living with aphasia

How to access: Call 905-984-2621 or 1-877-212-3922 for more information or to join

Free

Get help finding and applying for supports available to older adults in Niagara. We'll work with you to identify programs and services that meet your needs.

Who it's for: Older adults who need help navigating available supports

How to access: Make a referral

Fees apply

In-home social visits for those living with dementia. Trained companions provide activities tailored to the client's interests.

Who it's for: Individuals living with dementia and their care partners

How to access: Make a referral

Learn how to become a respite companion.

Free, in-person

An ambulatory rehabilitation program including exercise and wellness education. Delivered through partnerships with Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre, March of Dimes Canada and Niagara College.

Who it's for: Older adults that need rehabilitation support

Requirements: Doctor's referral needed (we can help with this)

How to access: Make a referral

Free, online

Educational webinars covering topics relevant to healthy aging. Learn about health management, wellness strategies, and resources available to support you.

Who it's for: Older adults seeking health and wellness information

How to access: Register online

Make a referral

You can make a referral for yourself or someone else. Choose the option that works best for you.

An open laptop

Online

Complete an online referral form.

Start online referral

Document

Fax

Print, complete and fax the form.

Download PDF

Phone

Phone

Speak with our team
Toll-free: 1-877-212-3922

905-984-2621

Your rights as a client

Every health service provider and Ontario Health Team must ensure that certain rights of clients and patients are fully respected and promoted. Learn about the Client Bill of Rights (Déclaration des droits).

  • To be dealt with by the service provider in a courteous and respectful manner and to be free from physical, sexual, mental, emotional, verbal and financial abuse by the provider
  • To be dealt with by the service provider in a manner that respects the person's dignity and privacy, and that promotes the person's autonomy and participation in decision-making
  • To be dealt with by the service provider in a manner that recognizes the person's individuality, and that is sensitive to and responds to the person's needs and preferences, including preferences based on ethnic, spiritual, linguistic, familial and cultural factors
  • To receive home and community care services free from discrimination on any ground of discrimination prohibited by the Human Rights Code or the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
  • A client who is First Nations, Métis or Inuk has the right to receive home and community care services in a culturally safe manner

  • To give or refuse consent to the provision of any community service
  • To raise concerns or recommend changes in connection with the home and community care service provided to them and in connection with policies and decisions that affect their interests, to the provider of the home and community care service, the agency and its employees, government officials or any other person, without fear of interference, coercion, discrimination or reprisal

  • To participate in the assessment of their needs, development of their service plan, reassessment of their needs and revision of their service plan
  • To designate a person to be present with them during assessments
  • To designate a person to participate in the development, evaluation and revision of their service plan
  • To receive assistance in co-ordinating their services from the health service provider or Ontario Health Team

  • With clear and accessible information about their home and community care services
  • To be informed of the laws, rules and policies affecting the operation of the provider of the home and community care service, including this Client Bill of Rights, and to be informed, in writing, of the procedures for initiating complaints about the provider

Funding and partnerships

These programs are funded through Ontario Health. Seniors Community Programs partners with community agencies and health care providers to support healthy living and aging at home across Niagara.