Looking for Homemaking and Community Help?

Zoomer | January 7th, 2019

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Many seniors want to stay in their own home as they get older, if it is meeting their needs. These needs can include affordability, freedom, the community, memories, family, friends and feelings of safety, to name a few. However, sometimes minor to significant changes can cause challenges that might make it worth investigating what support exists in your community so you can manage at home a little more easily.

In addition, few homes are designed for the needs of an aging population, so making your home a great resource will often require adapting, adjusting and finding the right support to manage the risks as circumstances change. Some community agencies can provide free home assessments for mobility aides and devices that can support day to day activities. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation also provides a guide to help you think through the possible adaptions for your home.

There are a range of community organizations that can help you as you age or if you are recovering from a serious illness or injury. Homemaking help is one of the more common needs that can help a senior maintain independence. Both non-profit and for-profit organizations may provide these services in your community. You can tailor the support to your needs and budget, whether you want support once a month, to bi-weekly, weekly or daily.

Some services might also be covered by OHIP if provided through your Local Health Integration Network (LHIN). The LHINs across Ontario organize community support services covered by government funding. If you do not know which LHIN organizes health and community services in your community, call 211 to find out.

Community support services are provided by a variety of organizations. Please note that not all services exist in every community. Fees vary and sometimes an organization may provide reduced fees or free services depending on a variety of factors.

Community Support

Meals on Wheels and similar programs
Friendly visitors and safety checks
Rides for groceries, medical appointments and to seniors’ programs/centres
Safety monitoring and alert services
Mobile foot, hair and nail care
Snow removal, minor home repairs
Free home assessments for mobility aides and devices

Homemaking help usually comes under the following three categories, but these lists are not exhaustive:

Cleaning Services

Laundry
Light cleaning of kitchens and bathrooms
Changing bed linens
Lawn care and snow removal
Window washing

Personal Care

Bathing
Grooming and hygiene
Feeding and special diet
Toileting and incontinence care
Transferring and positioning

Companionship Services

Meal prep and grocery shopping
Reading and personal visiting
Errands and escorts to appointments
Medication reminders
Respite care for caregivers

For more information about programs and services mentioned in article visit https://211ontario.ca/211-ontario-services-blog/looking-for-homemaking-and-community-help/

For information about services and programs for your situation, call 2-1-1 from anywhere in Ontario. 211 is the helpline for information and referral to community, social and health services or search online at www.211ontario.ca. The 211 helpline is answered live 24 hours a day, every day by highly trained navigators. We provide interpretation in over 150 languages.