Services for seniors and people with disabilities in Northbrook

Land O' Lakes Community Services | Nov 04, 2015

Each year, nearly a million seniors and people with disabilities use the services offered by Ontario's community support service (CSS) providers - and that demand is growing, Even If you've never heard of these unsung heroes of the health care system, you've benefited from their work.

October was Community Support month, but any time is a good opportunity for Ontarians to get to know, donate, volunteer and raise their voices in support of the not-for-profit CSS providers in their local areas. They offer a wide variety of services which help people live independently in their own homes for as long as possible. These services include attendant care, adult day programs, Meals on Wheels, respite for family caregivers, personal care and home support, transportation to medical appointments, and supportive housing programs (to name just a few).

In Northbrook, Land O' Lakes Community Services (LOLCS) offers five different services to seniors in our catchment area. We provide Transportation, Meals on Wheels, Homemaking and Congregate Dining. These four programs are all fee for service. We do have subsidies available for individuals who have limited income. The fifth service is our Care Givers support services. This service provides education on various health-related issues and one-on-one support to seniors and their care givers.

Individuals prefer to receive support in the comfort of their own homes and communities, not in hospitals and institutions. By meeting this need, CSS providers improve the quality of life of clients and their families - and they also create significant cost-savings to Ontario's health system, freeing up desperately needed funds and hospital beds. They are a crucial part of building the strong, sustainable health care system we will all need In the future.

"I encourage all Ontarians to learn about the home and community support services available In their communities," says Deborah Simon, CEO of the Ontario Community Support Association.

''These organizations support a vast range of individuals In our communities - including some of our most vulnerable citizens. This month is an excellent opportunity to give them a little extra support in return."

Land O' Lakes Community Services is a community based· multi-services organization located in the Township of Addington Highlands. We provide three distinct programs, one of which is the Community Support Services for seniors. Last year we provided services for 654 different individuals. It is our goal to keep seniors healthy and in their own homes for as long as possible.