Whitby, ON, L1N 6A3
Community Counselling
- intake, assessment, referral
- short-term individual, couple, family and group counselling
- professional counselling for a variety of mild to moderate issues including:
- substance abuse, problem gambling, other addictions
- anxiety, depression
- grief and loss
- anger and emotion management
- personal stress, self-esteem
- communication, couple and family conflict, extended family issues
- separation and divorce, blended family issues
- abuse and violence, sexual assault and abuse, trauma
- job stress, workplace violence and conflict
- school problems
- balancing work and family life
- caring for elderly parents
Service is offered in-person at various locations throughout Durham Region, or remotely by phone or video
Partner Assault Response (PAR) (see separate listing)
- mandated structured group program for men and women who have been found and/or pled guilty to domestic violence
Employee Assistance
Available for people whose employers contract with Family Services to provide employee assistance services and supports as part of their employee benefits program
- intake, assessment and referral
- counselling for employees and their family members
- critical incident counselling and support services
- organizational support and wellness seminars for employee groups
Adult Protective Services (APS) (see separate listing)
- assessment, information and referral
- service coordination and system navigation
- case management
- advocacy and supportive counseling for adults with a developmental disability
Support Services for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse
Offers support services and short-term counselling to help survivors deal with the impact of abuse and to develop improved coping strategies
- partner agency of Support Services for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse - Central
Primary Care Outreach Program (PCOP)
Primary care paramedic and social worker offering basic health care services and assessment, counselling and referrals to those who are unhoused and may be struggling with mental health and/or addiction challenges
Mental Health Outreach Program (MHOP)
Mobile team of social workers offering outreach counselling and psychotherapy to those who are unhoused or recently/precariously housed and may be struggling with mental health and/or addiction challenges.
Older Adult Safety Advisor (OASA)
Works to help improve the safety and well-being of older adults who are experiencing and/or at risk of abuse or other harm, including supports:
- advocacy
- referrals and service navigation
- education
Whitby, ON, L1N 6A3
- coordinates case management
- advocacy
- outreach
- counselling
- accommodation needs are considered
- clients consent to participate in programs
Whitby, ON, L1N 0B8
Whitby, ON, L1N 6A3
Toronto, ON, M1V 0G2
Adult Day Program -- Monday-Friday 9:30 am-3:30 pm, weekday extended hours, Saturday 10 am-3 pm, available in Scarborough and Richmond Hill
- for persons 50 years and older with special needs, such as physical frailty or mild memory impairment, in need of supervised, structured setting
- social and recreation activities, lunch, snack
- personal care and health related services -- exercise, foot care, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, massage therapy
- transportation available
Chinese Bereavement Services -- culturally specific bereavement services, including individual support and self help group
- public education, seminars, workshops, information and referral and supportive counselling
Chronic Disease Self Management Program -- 6 week workshop for adults with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, asthma, bronchitis
- individual counselling with nurse, dietitian and social worker
- health and education workshops, seminars
- caregiver education and support
- information and referral
- workshop licensed by Self-Management Resource Centre
Community Outreach -- outreach programs for those living in seniors apartments and suburban areas, retirement groups,seniors self help groups
- community, wellness and health education
- caregiver support, volunteer development
Community support services -- client intervention and assistance, telephone security checks, friendly visiting, hospice visiting -- free
- congregate dining -- fee, subsidies available
- transportation for medical appointment, transportation -- fee
- referrals, follow up
Elder Abuse Prevention Program -- Chinese Elder Abuse Helpline 416-502-2321, elder abuse education, supportive counselling and support group
Geriatric Assessment & Intervention Network (GAIN) Community Team -- wrap around supported care and services with individualized comprehensive geriatric assessment
- intensive case management, personalized care plan
- service navigation
Home care services -- home help, homemaking, respite care, palliative care -- fee
Personal Care Program -- for seniors living in the community requiring higher level of care, care coordination, scheduled and unscheduled personal support workers' visit, security check
Transitional Care Respite Stay Program -- short stay transitional care for individuals recuperating from illness/hospitalization and respite (caregiver relief) -- fee
Integrated Dialysis Care Program -- Registered Nurses and Registered Practical Nurses visit home peritoneal dialysis patients at their home
- health maintenance, nutritional counselling
Supportive housing services -- for seniors requiring higher level of care, 24 hour on site services at Alexandra Park Apartments and Tam O'Shanter Towers, emergency response service
Senior Active Living Center -- social, recreational and educational programs for persons 55 years and older
Markham, ON, L3R 9X9
Promotes understanding and awareness, supports effective interventions, and influences public policies that enhance the overall well-being of older adults.
Provides guidelines and educational resources to older adults, their care partners, and health care professionals on topics including
- anxiety
- behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia
- delirium
- depression
- mental health in long-term care
- social isolation and loneliness
- suicide risk and prevention of suicide
- substance use and addiction
- wellness in aging
Toronto, ON, M2J 4V6
Mental health peer support agency includes telephone counselling, support groups, elder abuse prevention and awareness, intergenerational mutual support, peer volunteer training and workshops, outreach to Asian community, and anti-racism leadership development
- Mandarin Hotline, 289-800-8818
- emotional support for a range of issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, health challenges, grief or bereavement, isolation, family conflict, unemployment, newcomer challenges
- support addresses language barriers and cultural stigma
- links to community and professional resources for individual and/or group support and treatment
- One-on-one Peer Support
- Emotional and practical support to individuals experiencing mild mental health challenges
- Building Intergenerational Connections (BIG)
- connecting Chinese seniors and youth through online and offline activities including English learning classes and events beneficial to the physical and mental health of the elderly
- Health Youth Peer Support
- Peer support program for international students connecting volunteer peer mentors (senior or graduated students) with newly arrived students
For information in Chinese, visitMHMH website
Richmond Hill, ON, L4B 3K2
Adult Day Program -- Monday-Friday 9:30 am-3 pm, weekday and weekend extended hours
- for persons 50 years and older with special needs such as physical frailty or mild memory impairment, in need of supervised, structured setting
- social and recreation activities, lunch, snack
- personal care and health related services -- exercise, foot care, physiotherapy, massage therapy
- transportation available
- fee
Overnight Stay Program -- respite care (caregiver relief) program for persons with cognitive impairment or dementia and seniors in need of services, stays up to three months, meals, snacks, showering services *
- laundry -- fee
- personal care and health related services provided by personal support workers including medication reminders, personal hygiene, feeding
Chinese Bereavement Services -- culturally specific bereavement services, individual support and self help group
- public education, seminars, workshops
- information and referral
Community Outreach -- outreach programs for those living in seniors apartments and suburban areas, retirement groups, seniors self help groups
- community, wellness and health education
- caregiver support, volunteer development
Community support services -- escort to medical appointments, telephone security checks, friendly visiting, hospice visiting, grocery shopping, client intervention and assistance -- free
- transportation -- fee
- referrals, follow up
Elder Abuse Prevention Program -- Chinese Elder Abuse Helpline 416-502-2321, elder abuse education, supportive counselling
Home care services -- home help, homemaking, respite care, palliative care -- fee
Personal Care Program -- for seniors living in the community requiring higher level of care
- care coordination
- scheduled and unscheduled personal support workers' visit, security check
Senior Active Living Center -- social, recreational and educational programs for persons 55 years and older
Toronto, ON, M4J 1L2
Services for both adults and children
Assists adults living with developmental disabilities to access community services and provides workshops to enhance fundamental life skills such as problem solving, budgeting and forming healthy relationships
ADULT SERVICES
Adult Protective Service Worker (APSW) Program - link clients to services and to community resources such as
- affordable housing
- medical services
- mental health services
- legal and child protection services
- social and recreational groups
- employment training and job opportunities
- APSWs and SIL worker do not provide the services directly
- voluntary, short-term, goal-oriented community-based program
Supported Independent Living Worker - Enhanced APSW services
- help with daily living tasks, which may include assistance and support with grocery shopping, escorting to appointments, accompaniment to social and recreational programs
CHILDREN SERVICES
Parent Outreach Program
- individualized teaching program promoting independence for children living with developmental disabilities
- coaching is delivered by home visitors who are parents of children with developmental disabilities
Parent Shared Services
- parents can participate in support groups led by other parents with lived experience raising children with developmental disabilities
- typically offered during the school year, from September to June
Toronto, ON, M4S 1A1
Addresses the quality of physical and emotional care given to residents of long-term care, and the general environment of the home in which they live
- brings concerns to the attention of the general public, works with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care on the compliance of long-term care homes to the regulations for the operation of the home, and the care and safety of residents
- works with key stakeholders in ongoing initiatives for improving the quality of care given to residents provides information to relatives of residents in long-term care facilities concerning residents' rights and responsibilities under government legislation
ON, M4S 1A4
Services include:
- site assessments for safety and accessibility
- workshop on senior's rights
- informational workshops on wellness, finance, and safe travel
Toronto, ON, M5B 0B2
Individual counselling, group programs, support groups and practical assistance to help adults 60 years and older, and those with disabilities 50 years and older, to deal with abusive relationships, difficult medical conditions (such as Alzheimer Disease, stroke, depression), cope with change and loss, explore housing alternatives, access community support programs, or other issues
Caregiver Programs
- individual counselling, support groups, workshops and discussion groups on issues including dealing with stress, accessing community services, coping with change and loss
- Virtual Caregivers Support Groups including support for seniors experiencing elder abuse
Pat's Place
- short term accommodation for one senior facing abuse, maximum stay 60 days
- Elder Abuse Consultation Team 416-586-9780 ext 422, provides support to professionals in the field
Toronto, ON, M3H 1T2
Community services
- community outreach
- alliance building
- the knowledge space
- information and referral services
- mediated access and intervention
- special projects and research
- supporting seniors to remain independent, be financially secure, and live safely in the community
Public education programs
- life skills learning 55+
- elder law and you
- 9-steps for smart aging
- elder abuse awareness and prevention
- reducing loneliness and social isolation
- digital literacy from beginner to intermediate
- provincial speakers and lecture programs
- organizing and presenting seniors' events and conferences
- safeguarding seniors: trained volunteers on elder abuse prevention
- your new superpowers: a masterclass on thriving with acquired disabilities
Toronto, ON, M5G 2M6
- makes medical treatment decisions for persons who are mentally incapable where no one else is able to do so
- investigates allegations of serious harm against vulnerable adults
- administers certain estates of persons who die without a will and without any family in Ontario
- deals forfeited personal property not located in, on or under forfeited land
- as the Accountant of the Superior Court of Justice retains all money, mortgages and securities paid into, or lodged with, the Court on behalf of minors and litigants
- protects the public interest in charitable property
- invests perpetual care funds of some cemeteries
- free power of attorney kits -- contact local office or visit website
- brochures available online
Live chat includes confidential and anonymous online counselling, Mon-Fri 11 am-8 pm
Provincial organization dedicated to raising awareness about the mistreatment of older adults, under the Ontario Strategy to combat elder abuse * promotes awareness, education and collaboration across the province * offers training, information and support to individuals and professionals who assist seniors
Free and confidential support line for seniors experiencing or at-risk of abuse * provides emotional support, safety planning, referrals and information in many languages
Toronto, ON, M5T 1H1
Adult Day Program -- Monday-Friday 9:30 am-3:30 pm, weekday extended hours, Saturday 10 am-3 pm, available in Scarborough and Richmond Hill
- for persons 50 years and older with special needs, such as physical frailty or mild memory impairment, in need of supervised, structured setting
- social and recreation activities, lunch, snack
- personal care and health related services -- exercise, foot care, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, massage therapy
- transportation available
Chinese Bereavement Services -- culturally specific bereavement services
- individual support and self help group
- public education, seminars, workshops
- information and referral
Chronic Disease Self Management Program -- 6 week workshop for adults with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, asthma, bronchitis
- individual counselling with nurse, dietitian and social worker
- health and education workshops, seminars
- caregiver education and support
- information and referral
- workshop licensed by Self-Management Resource Centre
Community Outreach -- outreach programs for those living in seniors apartments and suburban areas
- retirement groups
- seniors self help groups
- community, wellness and health education
- caregiver support, volunteer development
Community support services -- escort to medical appointments, telephone security checks, friendly visiting, hospice visiting, grocery shopping, client intervention and assistance -- free
- transportation -- fee
- referrals, follow up
Elder Abuse Prevention Program -- Chinese Elder Abuse Helpline 416-502-2321, elder abuse education, supportive counselling
Geriatric Assessment & Intervention Network (GAIN) Community Team -- wrap around supported care and services with individualized comprehensive geriatric assessment
- intensive case management, personalized care plan
- service navigation
Home care services -- home help, homemaking, respite care, palliative care -- fee
Personal Care Program -- for seniors living in the community requiring higher level of care
- care coordination
- scheduled and unscheduled personal support workers' visit, security check
Integrated Dialysis Care Program -- Registered Nurses and Registered Practical Nurses visit home peritoneal dialysis patients at their home
- health maintenance, nutritional counselling
Supportive housing services -- for seniors requiring higher level of care, 24 hour on site services at Alexandra Park Apartments and Tam O'Shanter Towers, emergency response services
Wellness and Social Program -- social, recreational and educational programs for persons 50 years and older
- drop-in centre, friendship groups, interest classes, outings, congregate dining
Brock, ON, L0E 1E0
- development of an integrated and effective strategy to address elder abuse in Durham Region
- education, prevention, professional networking, information sharing, support to others and victim resources
- resource for those with questions or concerns
Kawartha Lakes, ON, K9V 5B7
- Works with other community organizations and encourage participation in the Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes Elder Abuse Prevention Network which raises awareness about elder abuse
Elder abuse is abuse against a senior; the abuse takes many different forms:
- Financial abuse is any action taken without the older adult's consent that causes a monetary or personal gain to the abuser and/or monetary or personal loss for the older adult. Financial abuse also includes tricking, threatening or persuading older adults out of their money and or possessions. Misusing a power of attorney is a common form of financial abuse.
- Emotional abuse is any action, verbal or non-verbal, that lessens an older adult's sense of identity, dignity and self-worth. It includes threats, insults, intimidation, humiliation, treating the older adult like a child, and restricting the senior's contact with family and friends.
- Physical abuse is any act of violence or rough handling that may or may not result in physical injury but causes physical discomfort or pain. Giving a person too much or too little medication, or physically restraining a person, are also forms of physical abuse.
- Sexual abuse is any sexual behavior directed toward an older adult without that person's full knowledge and consent, including verbal or suggestive behaviour, not respecting personal privacy, sexual touching, and sexual intercourse.
- Neglect is not meeting the basic needs of the older person, such as food, clothing, medical attention, necessary supervision, and shelter. It can be intentional or unintentional. Unintentional neglect usually happens due to the caregiver's lack of knowledge, experience, or ability.
- Systemic abuse (also called institutional abuse) refers to rules, regulations, laws, policies, or social practices that harm or discriminate against older adults. Systemic/institutional abuse includes rules and practices developed for an apparently neutral purpose, but that disproportionately harm older adults. For example, funding long term care homes more than home care disproportionately leads to institutionalization of older adults. Staffing shortages in care facilities can lead to systemic neglect.
- Overlap among types of abuse - example: home takeover An older adult can experience more than one type of abuse at the same time. For example, older adults sometimes experience a home takeover in which an older adult is forced to accommodate unwanted guests in their home. A home takeover is a form of financial abuse because the older adult has lost control of their home. However, a home takeover is also a form of emotional abuse because the older adult feels powerless to force the unwanted guests to leave due to threats of harm/intimidation or out of fear that they will lose their relationship with the friend/family member who is the unwanted guest.
Emergencies:
- If the situation is an emergency and you believe that the person for whom you are concerned is at risk, call 9-1-1.
- The Seniors Assistance Team, OPP ask you to call the police (OPP detachment/local police) if you suspect or know of any elder abuse
- Seniors crime stoppers 1-800-222-8477, Crime Stoppers
To report abuse
- Senior's Safety Line - 1-866-299-1011. 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in over 150 languages. The hotline is a toll-free, confidential resource for seniors suffering abuse, including financial, physical, sexual and mental abuse and neglect.
- Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario - 1-833-916-6728
- Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee - If you believe someone is no longer mentally capable of understanding their situation, and you believe that they are being harmed because they do not have enough to eat, or because their money is disappearing, you may want to call the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee. The Guardianship Investigations branch of that Office has legal authority to investigate and intervene in these kinds of situations. They may be contacted at 416-327-6348 or 1-844-640-3615
- Elder Abuse within a facility:
- Long-Term Care Home - Long-term Home Care ACTION Line at 1-866-434-0144
- Retirement Home - Registrar of the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority at 1-855-275-7472. To report suspected abuse of victims living in retirement homes,the abuse must be reported to the Registrar of the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority. The Director or the Registrar must look into all reports of abuse, and must send an inspector to the home immediately if the report is about harm or risk of harm due to 1) improper or incompetent treatment or care 2) abuse of a resident by anyone 3) neglect of a resident by a staff member or the owner of the home 4) illegal conduct.
- To report complaints about the operations at a retirement home and licensing breaches, call 1-855-275-7472
Support, Information, Referrals
- Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario
- Advocacy Centre for the Elderly - Elder Abuse 1-416-598-2656 (legal advice/ support)
- Ministry of the Attorney General, Victim Support Line, Ontario 1-888-579-2888
- Seniors' INFOline, Ontario 1-888-910-1999
Toronto, ON, M6J 3A2
Includes snacks, hot meals and assistance with personal care
- Alzheimer Day Program and Frail Elderly Program
- social and recreation activities
- daily fee
Intake, information and referral, case management, crisis intervention, social work, caregiver support, and individual and family counselling
- education, training and support for individuals caring for frail or disabled family members
- support groups
- information sessions
- advocacy
- assistance in locating health care services, financial benefits and other community resources
Drop-in programs including fitness, recreation (sewing, woodworking, crafts),educational workshops and wellness seminars
- day trips
- activities in English, Portuguese, Vietnamese
- $15 annual membership
Seniors create and perform short plays on elder abuse prevention and health promotion
Home Support Services
Meals on Wheels (Chinese, western, South Asian and frozen meals)
Home Help
- light housekeeping, laundry, meal preparation, Monday-Friday
- group shopping, transportation for medical appointments and wellness programs
- participates in Toronto Ride
- bathing, dental hygiene, light housekeeping, Monday-Sunday
- friendly visiting, security checks
Personal support and caregiver relief
Supportive Housing
On-site and on-call support services for residents of May Robinson Apartments and Springhurst Manor, with physical or chronic health problems that require consistent monitoring and supervision, includes personal support and emergency response available Monday-Sunday 24 hours
Toronto, ON, M6K 1Y4
Toronto, ON, M6K 1Y4
- group benefits on products and services for members
- magazine
- does not provide direct services to individuals
Toronto, ON, M6M 3W2
- health services, health promotion
- community services and community development
- Ontario Health Insurance NOT required for general services
- family practice including crisis pregnancy, family planning, management of chronic conditions, prenatal and postnatal care, preventative health care, seniors' health, sexual health
- individual and sexuality counselling, treatment of sexually transmitted diseases
- counselling and case management
- dietitian
- podiatry clinic
- breastfeeding clinic
- child and parenting programs, including Spanish-speaking groups
- Diabetes Education Centre
- harm reduction programs
- seniors programs
- Toronto Public Health dental clinic
- women's programs
- youth programs
- Adult Protective Service program for adults with developmental disabilities
- community kitchen
- client advocacy, crisis referral to shelters
- eviction prevention, information and referral
- housing search
- landlord outreach, negotiation with landlords
- Housing Connections Access Centre, Share the Warmth
- other Home Services -- Rent Bank and Streets to Homes Follow-up Services
For help with Enbridge Gas bills, call 1-855-487-5327
