Short-term, person-centred support services are available for vulnerable and at-risk seniors, persons with disabilities, and residents of care homes or supported living in Chatham-Kent. All services are client directed, confidential, and delivered at no cost. Please note that this is not a crisis service. This is a voluntary program and service users can withdraw from the program at any time.

What services are available?

• Personal assessment(s) at home or in the community
• Information and referrals to community programs and services
• Advocacy for individuals’ needs and/or rights

Areas of assistance may include:

• Elder abuse and neglect
• Age-related future planning
• System navigation – community resource and health care

How does it work?

The Client Intervention & Assistance Coordinator works with clients to:

• Complete assessments and identify areas of concern.
• Identify client-led service goals.
• Connect clients with a worker and/or community services

Worker offers professional supports and advocacy:

• Works alongside service users to address areas of concern
• Focuses on growth, development and independence
• Facilitates overall well-being and resilience
• Advocates to remove barriers to care
• Explores options to address concerns of abuse or neglect
• Develops safety plans when appropriate
• Assists with transitional care planning

Eligibility: Services are available to seniors 60 years of age or older and adults with disabilities who live in Chatham-Kent. Referrals are welcome from community partners, healthcare providers, family, friends, or self. To initiate a service request, please phone 519.354.6221 ext. 246.

Completed Request for Service forms can be submitted by fax: 519-354-5152 or email: tmartin@familyservicekent.com.

Cost: Our Client Intervention & Assistance Services are free and donations are very welcomed. All donations help us continue our support, empowerment, and advocacy work benefiting all members of the Chatham-Kent community.

Additional Resources

If you are experiencing any type of abuse or neglect, you can call the Seniors Safety Line (SSL) at 1.866.299.1011, a “senior friendly” service with a live counsellor available to help with emotional support, safety planning, information and referrals 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

If you are a caregiver you can call the 24/7 Caregiver Helpline. The Helpline is designed for caregivers in Ontario who are in need of support services or information for themselves or the person they care for.