Age Friendly Info Hub
Community Support and Health Services
In an age-friendly community, health and social services should be available and easy to access by phone, online and in person. These services should also meet the range of health and wellness needs older adults might have.
Assistive Devices:
Assistive Devices Exchange: Assistive Device Exchange (A.D.E.) out of Simcoe County, ON is available to those from any area who would like to sell or give-away an assistive device and to those who are looking for an assistive device to buy or find as a give-away. – CLICK HERE
Assistive Devices Program: March of Dimes Canada Assistive Devices Program assists adults with physical disabilities who are in financial need to purchase assistive devices. – CLICK HERE
Brantford Immigration Partnership:
The Brantford Immigration Partnership: The Brantford Immigration Partnership (BIP) is a dedicated group of community partners who are working to ensure that the City of Brantford continues to be a welcoming and inclusive community for all. For more information and view newcomer stories – CLICK HERE
Caregiving:
Canadian Caregivers Resource: Stories For Caregivers is a collection of resources to assist caregivers. -CLICK HERE
Caregiver Helpline: The Ontario Caregiver Helpline provides resources for caregivers. Contact 1-833-416-2273 for more information. – CLICK HERE
Caregiving: The Ontario Government provides access to information and resources to support families and caregivers of seniors. – CLICK HERE
Caregiving Strategies: Regional Geriatrics Programs of Ontario offer access to strategies and supports to assist caregivers. – CLICK HERE
Ontario Caregiver Organization: The Ontario Caregiver Organization provides the latest resources, education, and events to support caregivers. – CLICK HERE
Exercise and Physical Activity:
Benefits of Physical Activity: Heart and Stroke Canada offers information on how regular physical activity can help you lose weight, stay healthier, slow the physical decline of aging, sleep better, reduce stress and more. – CLICK HERE
Exercise Tips for Older Adults: The Government of Canada advises taking part in regular physical activity is key to improving wellness for older adults. – CLICK HERE
Falls Prevention: The City of Brantford offers the Let’s Stand Strong video. Falls are the leading cause of injury in older adults and can threaten independence. This session highlights ten tips for preventing falls both inside and outside the home. – CLICK HERE
Movement Guide: Participaction offers Canada’s first ever 24hour Movement Guidelines for adults detailing what a healthy day should look like. – CLICK HERE
Food-Nutrition:
Healthy Eating Basics: Heart and Stroke Canada promotes eating a healthy, balanced diet as one of the most important things you can do to protect your health. – CLICK HERE
Healthy Eating for Seniors: The City of Brantford offers the “Let’s Cook Healthy” video. Cooking at home is important to stay healthy as we age. When you are alone it can sometimes be hard to stay motivated about cooking meals. This video discusses healthy eating for older adults, what nutrients to focus on and tips for making healthy meals for one or two. -CLICK HERE
Healthy Menu Planner: Dieticians of Canada developed information on nutrition, food and healthy eating as well as recipes, videos and interactive healthy eating. – CLICK HERE
Safe Access to Food: The City of Brantford presents information on food and meal support programs and modified store services. – CLICK HERE
Health Issues:
Addiction and Substance Use: The Canadian Mental Health Association provides information on the spectrum of substance abuse. -CLICK HERE
Addiction and Mental Health: The Brant Community Healthcare System provides programs and services based on recovery, striving to assist individuals in meeting their wellness goals, and transitioning to living well with community supports and services. -CLICK HERE
Alcoholism in Seniors:
Alcohol Rehab Guide: To understand what leads to the development of bad drinking habits and the risks of drinking, view the Alcohol Rehab Guide. – CLICK HERE
Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings: Find out where meetings are run locally. – CLICK HERE
Allergies: Learn how to help a Senior safely manage the allergy season. – CLICK HERE
Allergy Support: Find an Allergist/Immunologist in Brantford. – CLICK HERE
Alzheimer’s:
Activity Kits: The Alzheimer’s Society provides downloadable activity kits for seniors to enjoy. -CLICK HERE
IGeriCare: McMaster University provides free online learning resources for dementia patients and their caregivers. -CLICK HERE
Dementia- Finding Your Way Ontario: Ensure people with dementia can live safely in the community by recognizing the risk of going missing, and being prepared for incidents of wandering. – CLICK HERE
Warning Signs: The Alzheimer’s Society educates on Alzheimer’s disease, a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. Review the 10 warning signs and symptoms. – CLICK HERE
Arthritis: The Arthritis Society (Canada) teaches how to navigate life with arthritis with resources, workshops and online learning. – CLICK HERE
Brain Health: The Cleveland Clinic 6 Pillars of Brain Health illustrate how lifestyle has a profound impact on brain health. – CLICK HERE
Cannabis Use: Seniors Health 365 provides an in-depth summary of the use of Cannabis in seniors. -CLICK HERE
Cancer: The Canadian Cancer Society presents up to date information on cancer, supports and services. – CLICK HERE
Diabetes: Diabetes Canada provides a collection of over 50 tools & resources with the latest information to help people live well with diabetes. – CLICK HERE
Heart Health:
Heart Attack: Heart and Stroke Canada teaches about the emergency signs of a heart attack. – CLICK HERE
Risks: Heart and Stroke Canada identifies your risks for heart disease, including women’s unique risk factors, how to prevent heart disease as well as recovery and support services. – CLICK HERE
Vascular Cognitive Impairment: Heart and Stroke Canada presents more about VCI—its causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. – CLICK HERE
Incontinence: WebMD gives the facts about incontinence, the treatments available, and lifestyle changes you can make so you can understand your condition and continue to do the things you enjoy. – CLICK HERE
Mesothelioma: The Mesothelioma Centre provides information on mesothelioma, a condition caused by inhaling asbestos and how to fight this disease. -CLICK HERE
Mesothelioma: Mesothelioma.net spreads awareness and helps people that have been hurt by asbestos find financial support. -CLICK HERE
Obesity in the Elderly: Obesity Action Coalition provides a brief summary of the characteristics, risks, and treatment of Obesity in the elderly. – CLICK HERE
Oral Health: WebMD provides tips and resources to support oral health in seniors. -CLICK HERE
Osteoporosis: Aging Parents Canada links to information regarding quality services, education and research to help Canadians take care of their bone health. – CLICK HERE
Parkinson’s Disease: The Michael J Fox Foundation teaches about resources, education and community supports for Parkinson’s Disease. – CLICK HERE
Prostate Cancer: The Canadian Cancer Society through Prostate Cancer Canada is the leading national foundation dedicated to the elimination of the most common cancer in men. – CLICK HERE
Sensory Loss:
Hearing Loss-Counselling: The Canadian Hearing Society offers free counselling services to help you improve communication. – CLICK HERE
Hearing Loss-Translation and Interpretation Services on-line: The Canadian Hearing Society offers interpretation and translation services using video remote support. Book a virtual appointment today. – CLICK HERE
Sensory Loss: From hearing loss to blurred vision, aging adults often notice changes in their five senses. Home Instead Senior Care developed information about what to expect as you grow older, how to protect your senses and get expert tips for living with sensory loss. – CLICK HERE
Vision—Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Brant and Paris Family Eye Care produce information on macular degeneration, a medical condition which may result in blurred or no vision in the centre of the visual field. – CLICK HERE
Shingles: The Mayo Clinic website provides an overview of symptoms, causes, risk factors, complications and prevention. Visit the site. – CLICK HERE
Sleep Issues: Matt Walker brings you 6 tips on how to get better sleep. -CLICK HERE
Smoking Cessation: The Brant County Healthy Unit aims to protect people from the harmful effects of tobacco smoke, prevent people from starting to smoke, and support those who want to quit smoking. -CLICK HERE
Stroke: Heart and Stroke Canada provides resources to aid in identifying the signs of a Stroke. -CLICK HERE
Stroke Recovery Self Management: The March of Dimes After Stroke program provides resources, information and presentations on stroke recovery. – CLICK HERE
Health Services:
Brant County Health Unit: The Brant County Health Unit provides programs and services to support health and wellness. -CLICK HERE
Helplines:
211 Ontario: A provincial information site with a list of local services related to the services that affect the daily lives of seniors. Call toll free, 1-877-330-3213 – CLICK HERE
Assaulted Women’ Helpline: The Assaulted Women’s Helpline, telephone 1-866-863-0511, is a free, anonymous and confidential 24-hour crisis line. – CLICK HERE
Healthline: Hamilton, Niagara, Halton, Brant Healthline informs on facilities and services that provide support, health care, and recreational and social opportunities designed for seniors. – CLICK HERE
Mental Health Crisis Hotline: The St Leonard’s Society Crisis Hotline provides support locally. Call 519 759-7188 or Toll Free 1 866-811-7188. -CLICK HERE
Nova Vita: Nova Vita provides a 24 hour crisis support line and emergency shelter. Call 519 752-4357 – CLICK HERE
Seniors Safety Line: Elder Abuse hotline Call 1-866-299-1011 – CLICK HERE
Sexual Assault Centre of Brant: The Sexual Assault Centre provides a 24 hour crisis and support line. Call 519 751-3471 -CLICK HERE
Telehealth: Telehealth Ontario is a free, 24/7 confidential telephone service. For health advice or information, call 1-866-797-0000. – CLICK HERE
Telemedicine: Ontario Telemedicine Network offers 24/7 access to doctors in your area. – CLICK HERE
Medical Support Services:
Dental Care for Low Income Seniors: The Ontario Government offers access to free, routine dental care for eligible seniors 65 years or older, through the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program. – CLICK HERE
Dental Services: The Canadian Dental Association promotes maintenance of healthy teeth and gums for your whole life. – CLICK HERE
Finding a Doctor: Health Care Connect helps Ontarians who are without a family health care provider (family doctor or nurse practitioner) to find one. – CLICK HERE
MedsCheck Program: The Ontario Pharmaceutical Association offers the MedsCheck medication review providing an opportunity for pharmacists to meet one-on-one with patients, helping them to identify and resolve common medication-related issues in order to get the most benefit from their medication. -CLICK HERE
Naturopathic Health Care: WebMD illustrates more about naturopathic medicine as it focuses on education and prevention. – CLICK HERE
Prescription Refill Online: Check with your local pharmacist.
Mental Health:
Bereavement: Grief Share helps to find a grief support group near you. – CLICK HERE
Bereaved Families of Ontario South Central: Bereaved Families of Ontario South Central is a non profit organization whose purpose is to provide free professionally supervised, peer to peer support programs for grieving families. -CLICK HERE
Bounce Back Ontario: The Ontario Government provides opportunities for seniors to talk to a coach or watch videos with tips on managing mood, building confidence and living healthy. –CLICK HERE
Depression Support: Connex Ontario provides free 24/7 support and counselling. – CLICK HERE
Elder Abuse:
Elder Abuse Awareness: It’s Not Right: Download a booklet that details elder abuse, how to recognize it and where you can turn for support. – CLICK HERE or CLICK HERE
Brant Elder Abuse Awareness Committee:– CLICK HERE
City of Brantford Strategy on Elder Abuse: – CLICK HERE
Grief: The death of someone we care about can be one of the most difficult experiences of life. McCleister Funeral Home teaches about the stages of grief and how to help yourself and others through the difficult process. – CLICK HERE
Grief Library: The “Grief Library” is full of articles about taking care of yourself and/or taking care of others during the grieving process. – CLICK HERE
Mindset: Read inspirational articles to provide the inspiration needed to get the most from life after 60. – CLICK HERE
Music: Music therapy as medicine for seniors and caregivers. – CLICK HERE
Outpatient and Outreach Programs for Seniors: St Joseph’s Healthcare provides high quality and responsive mental health care for seniors. Call 1-905-522-1155, ext. 36396
Pets- The Healing Power of Pets: Learn more about the countless emotional and physical benefits of seniors owning pets. – CLICK HERE
Pets- Benefits of Ownership in Older Adults: Sixty and Me provides a guide which covers why older adults should own a pet including some suggestions for how to bring a pet into your life if owning one isn’t quite right. –CLICK HERE
Resources and Tips: Canadian Mental Health Association provides mental health resources and tips on getting help when you need it most. – CLICK HERE
Stress and Mental Health: Aging Parents Canada offers information regarding meditation and how it can help with stress and mental health for both caregivers and seniors. – CLICK HERE
Supports: The City of Brantford has developed a list of mental health support resources that can be accessed in our community. – CLICK HERE
Togetherall: Ontario Shores provides access to a 24/7 online peer to peer support community for your mental health with self guided courses and resources. – CLICK HERE
Wellness Together Canada: The Canadian Government provides access to free educational mental wellness resources, e-courses and counseling. – CLICK HERE
Planning for the Future:
Advanced Care Planning: Advanced care planning is a process of thinking about and sharing your wishes for future health care. It can help you tell others what would be important if you were ill and unable to communicate. – CLICK HERE
Donation of Blood, Organs and Tissue: The Government of Canada educates on how blood, organ and tissue donation improves health and saves lives. – CLICK HERE
Emergency Preparedness: The Count of Brant offers a list of emergency preparedness tips and resources. – CLICK HERE
Estate Planning: The Government of Ontario provides information about estate planning, consumer issues as well as preparing for emergencies. – CLICK HERE
Funeral Planning: The Government of Canada offers what to consider when planning and paying for your funeral in advance. Also learn more about naming or being an estate representative. – CLICK HERE
Power of Attorney: Community Legal Education Ontario offers download booklets on power of attorney for both personal care and property to learn more. – CLICK HERE
Wills- Guided Pathway to Help You Make A Simple Will: CLEO provides a free simple online tool to create a simple will and appoint an executor for your estate. The Pathway asks you a series of questions about your situation, gives you information to help answer them, and creates a simple will based on your answers. Any personal information that you enter into the Pathway is confidential. – CLICK HERE
Wills- Making Them and Updating Them: The Government of Canada outlines a will as a legal document that says how you want your estate to be divided once you die. – CLICK HERE
Safety:
Falls Prevention: Health Canada presents this article discussing preventing falls in and around your home: – CLICK HERE
A Complete Guide to Economics and Seniors Safety Guide: Seat Up provides a guide to outline the importance of implementing good and practical ergonomics in our every day common activities and how to avoid strain and aches. – CLICK HERE
Safety in the Home Program: The VON provides free home assessments and recommendations to help older adults stay safe in their homes * includes installation of grab bars, home repairs, and snow removal to prevent falls * referrals to other services * fall prevention education. – CLICK HERE
Safe Living at Home Guide: The Government of Canada provides an in-depth guide to home safety for seniors. – CLICK HERE
Safety Training-CPR: Heart and Stroke presents the 2019 Guidelines Updates for Instructors. – CLICK HERE
Seniors Tool Kit:
The Brant Elder Abuse Awareness Committee provides a practical handbook for seniors to find resources and information on staying safe and keeping healthy. -CLICK HERE
Spirituality and Aging-A Guide for Seniors on Faith, Meaning and Connection:
Learn how getting older tends to deepen a person’s longing for the very things that a spiritual life can provide—things like a sense of comfort, meaning, purpose, and connection. – CLICK HERE
Social Isolation and Social Innovation Toolkit:
The Government of Canada helps to gain a better understanding of the issue and finding solutions to senior social isolation. – CLICK HERE
Tax Filing Support:
The City of Branford recognizes that their may be residents who have had challenges submitting their taxes due to the impact of COVID. Organizations are available to assist with filing your taxes at low to no costs. –CLICK HERE