Ottawa’s older residents are set to benefit from an innovative support program that will be the first of its kind in Eastern Canada. A non-profit support group based in Centretown is introducing a free telephone-based social outreach service for people who are over 55 and for adults with physical disabilities.
“Clients will be able to learn and participate in programs from the comfort of their home,” says Rachel Sokolsky, volunteer and membership co-ordinator at The Good Companions seniors’ centre on Albert Street.
“They’ll be able to talk with other clients, gain health and wellness information, create friendships, share their thoughts, and expand their knowledge.”
She says the new pilot program is called the “Senior Centre Without Walls.” It was inspired by similar telephone-based support programs in New York City, Winnipeg and Oakland, California.
Registration begins on March 16. The pilot will kick off on April 1.
Russ Gallant, director of operations at Good Companions, says the centre has been envisioning this project for a few years. “Since first hearing of its existence in other cities, we immediately thought that it would nicely round out the services we provide to Ottawa’s isolated seniors,” says Gallant. “Plus, we know from our experience that this demographic is very hard to reach and offer services to.”
He says demand for community support services in Ottawa is high and so waiting lists for programs are long. Senior Centre Without Walls is aimed at expanding service offerings in Ottawa to help ease the pressure on existing programs while including those who normally wouldn’t be able to visit the Good Companions community centre in Centretown.
According to Gallant, studies have shown that a high percentage of isolated seniors live well below the poverty line. The use of email and computer technology for so much modern communication would potentially isolate a large portion of Good Companions’ target audience since some older citizens don’t spend much or any time online.
“We are using an equalizing tool (telephone), something that everyone should have. No one needs to go out and buy new equipment, as long as they have a touch-tone phone,” says Gallant.
Interested clients will need to go through an initial intake process with Good Companions staff. Once registered, they’ll receive a guide that outlines the upcoming sessions, including descriptions and times. They will then be able to call in to sign-up for programs.
Instructions on how to use the teleconferencing system will be provided, as well as an access code for when clients dial the free local number for their session. Volunteers or professional facilitators are scheduled to be on-hand to moderate each session.
Gallant says the program is intended to be a stepping-stone to other services. Once clients are registered for Senior Centre Without Walls, staff and volunteers at Good Companions can educate them on how to access external services that are available through other local community support service programs.
Gallant and his colleagues are already planning for growth.
“We can also envision this program growing beyond the City of Ottawa boundaries,” he says. Staff will gather statistics and other information to measure the growth of the program and then use the data to plan for future expansion.
“Of course, growth requires additional funding,” he says. “We will be actively soliciting additional funding from several municipal, provincial and federal sources.”
Good Companions has been providing support to older citizens since 1955. According to Sokolsky, the goal of the centre is to create a “hub” for seniors in Ottawa.
“Increasing new and innovative community programs that embrace older adults living alone is just another step along the journey,” she said.
“The joy that I see on the face of individuals, or through their words of thanks on the phone that I have helped, or even just listened to, is life changing.”
For more information, call The Good Companions at 613-232-0428 ext 2323, or email at scww@thegoodcompanions.ca
FACT BOX
The issue: Isolated seniors (55+) and people with disabilities not getting access to community support programs.
What’s New: An innovative new telephone-based program for Ottawa seniors and people with disabilities called ‘Senior Centre Without Walls’. This innovative system of supporting seniors and adults with physical disabilities will enable them to remain in their homes much longer, by expanding their connecting to a social network of their peers, while also improving their access to much needed health related information and stimulating activities.
What it Means: Ottawa is set be the first place in Ontario and eastern Canada to have a service of this type. Seniors will have access to a new support service.
What’s Next: Registration for the service will begin on Mar. 6. The pilot is then set to start on Apr. 1.