October marks Community Support Services (CSS) Month in Ontario, providing an opportunity to recognize the important contributions seniors make to our communities and the essential services that help them remain healthy, independent, and connected.
The Ottawa Valley is home to one of Ontario’s oldest populations. More than 23% of residents are aged 65 and older, compared with 18.6% across Ontario. Residents are also more likely to live in rural and remote communities, creating additional challenges when accessing healthcare, transportation, and social supports.
For many seniors, remaining at home is about more than comfort. It means staying connected to family, friends, neighbours, and the communities where they have spent their lives. Community Support Services help make this possible by providing practical assistance, wellness programs, transportation, meals, social opportunities, caregiver supports, and in-home services that promote independence and quality of life.
These programs are often the bridge between living independently and needing more intensive healthcare or residential care. A ride to a medical appointment, a hot meal delivered to the door, an exercise class, a friendly visitor, or respite support for a caregiver can have a significant impact on physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Community Support Services also benefit the broader healthcare system. By helping seniors remain safe and supported in their own homes, these programs can reduce unnecessary emergency department visits, delay or prevent long-term care placement, and support family caregivers who provide much of the day-to-day care for older adults.
Across the Ottawa Valley, dedicated staff and volunteers work every day to ensure seniors can age with dignity and choice. During Seniors Month and Community Support Services Month, it is important to recognize not only the seniors who enrich our communities through their experience, wisdom, and volunteerism, but also the organizations that provide the supports many rely on every day.
Services Available in the Ottawa Valley
Carefor Pembroke-Renfrew County
Carefor provides a wide range of community support and home care services throughout Renfrew County, including:
- Non-urgent medical transportation services
- Frozen meal delivery
- Friendly visiting programs
- Personal support services
- Assisted Living Services
Contact: 613-732-9993
Eganville & District Seniors’ Needs Association
Serving Eganville, Bonnechere Valley, North Algona Wilberforce, and surrounding communities, the organization offers:
- Meals on Wheels
- Transportation services
- Telephone assurance
- Frozen meal programs
- Home maintenance assistance
- Information and referral services
Contact:
Phone: (613) 628-2354
Email: info@eganvilleseniors.com
How Seniors Can Access Services
Many Community Support Services can be accessed directly by contacting the organization that provides them. Often, a simple phone call is all that is required to discuss needs, determine eligibility, and arrange services.
For publicly funded home and community care services such as personal support, nursing, rehabilitation, or assisted living, seniors may be referred through Home and Community Care Support Services (Ontario Health atHome).
Ontario Health atHome
- Phone: 310-2222 (no area code required in Ontario)
- Website: healthcareathome.ca
Individuals and families who are unsure where to start can also contact 211 Ontario, a free information and referral service that connects people with local community and social services.
211 Ontario
- Dial 2-1-1
- Available 24/7 in more than 150 languages
As we celebrate Seniors Month and Community Support Services Month, it is worth remembering that these programs do far more than provide services. They help seniors remain active, connected, and independent while strengthening the communities they helped build. In a region like the Ottawa Valley, where distances are greater and the population is older, these supports are not simply nice to have. They are essential to helping seniors live well at home for as long as possible.