Aging at Home Program:
A Helping Hand

The Aging at Home Program As we age, we encounter health problems that make it harder to get around and look after ourselves at home. Yet most of us prefer to stay in our own homes and communities as long as possible. Sometimes all it takes is a little extra help. The Aging at Home Program, launched in October 2008, is designed to fill the gap.

GETTING STARTED

You can be referred to the Aging at Home Program by a family doctor or nurse practitioner, another health professional, or a case manager from the Community Care Access Centre (CCAC). Or you or a friend or family member can call us directly at 519-238-1556, ext. 268.

THE AGING AT HOME TEAM

The Aging at Home Team consists of an Occupational Therapist and a Community Outreach Worker.

An Occupational Therapist (OT) is skilled at helping people do their activities of daily living safely, often by making changes to your home or adding helpful devices.

The job of the Community Outreach Worker is to help you navigate the health system and connect with the supports that are available to help you stay safe and happy at home.

MEETING YOUR NEEDS

The first step is for one of the team members to visit you at home. She will ask lots of questions, get to know you and get an idea of your needs. The team will then make a plan based on your situation.

For example, the OT may make suggestions to make your house safer by re-arranging furniture, removing loose rugs, and adding grab bars and other helpful devices. The OT may also recommend a cane or walker, ensure that you are fitted correctly, and help you apply for funding to cover the cost. The Community Outreach worker may suggest community group programs you could join, help organize transportation for you, connect you with the CCAC and other health care providers, arrange for a volunteer visitor to drop in on you, or put you in touch with people who do home maintenance or housekeeping.

Even when you’re feeling better and managing well on your own, the team stays in touch on a regular basis and is always ready to step in.

A LITTLE HELP GOES A LONG WAY

Among the benefits of the Aging at Home program:

• Grand Bend Area Community Health Centre is an important part of your community. We know what the challenges are and what services are available close to home.
• We work in partnership with many other organizations in our region, including the Erie St. Clair CCAC, Midwestern Adult Day Services, the Healthy Hearts Program, Meals on Wheels, local long-term care homes, VON, and others.
• We work in partnership with you. Every plan is tailored to the person it serves, so you get the help you need to stay at home safely.