COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES

Community Support Services (CSS) at NSHN provides assistance to individuals to help them maintain independence and quality of life in their own home, particularly for seniors and individuals with disabilities. These services include a wide range of supports, such as:

  • assisted living/personal care

  • medical transportation

  • Meals on Wheels

  • grief support

CSS plays a vital role in the health and quality of life for seniors living in our community and provides peace of mind to the individual, their families and caregivers.

WHAT IS COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES?

CLIENT BILL OF RIGHTS

Under the rights outlined in Section 9(1) of Ontario Regulation 187/22 under the Connecting Care Act, 2019, CSS must post and follow the Client Bill of Rights.

CSS SERVICES

ASSISTED LIVING / OUTREACH ASSISTED LIVING

Personal Support Workers (PSWs) deliver a range of essential supports for everyday
living that promote independence and quality of life of seniors over the age of 60. 

These supports include:

  • personal care, grooming/showers,

  • help with routine housekeeping,

  • medication reminders,

  • assistance with exercises and support with mobility

  • menu planning, grocery shopping, and meal preparation,

  • support arranging transportation,

  • support with errands,

  • support with appointments (foot clinic, medical, dental, grocery shopping),

  • friendly calls and socialization.

Ontario Health atHome

To apply for Assisted Living Services, clients and/or family members must first contact Ontario Health atHome (OHaH). Anyone can make a referral to OHaH on your behalf with your consent: a family doctor, friend, family member, caregiver, neighbour. There are no costs for these services. 

Call OHaH at 310-2222 (no area code required).

HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE PROGRAM

NSHN’s Hospice & Palliative Care (HPC) Program is an approach to care that aims to relieve suffering and improve the quality of life by supporting the physical, mental, social and spiritual needs of an individual. We provide Hospice & Palliative Care services to people living with a life-limiting illness and also to their family. Our Program has two main services that can be used at different points throughout the illness: 

  • Visiting Volunteer Services

  • Hospice Suite Services

People living with a life-limiting illness and their families can access Volunteer support, whether they are living:

  • at home

  • in Long Term Care

  • in the Hospital Suite

Our trained volunteers will be matched to you and your family for weekly or daily visits based on your needs and common interests.

For more information:
(705) 356-2265 ext. 2657

A group of eight women wearing face masks standing in a room with chairs and tables. They are dressed in various casual outfits, including colorful sweaters and patterned blouses.

MEALS ON WHEELS

Nourishing meals at a reasonable cost are delivered to the person's home by local volunteers three (3) days a week.

This service seeks to promote wellness and independence, and improve the nutritional status of individuals in our community.

For more information:
(705) 356-2265 ext. 2450

MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

Volunteer drivers provide safe and reliable transportation to out-of-town medical appointments to ensure best health and overall well-being. Available to anyone in the community. 

Fees include Travel Grants and a small fee to the client.

For more information:
(705) 356-2265 ext. 2450

PEER-TO-PEER GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP

NSHN’s Peer-to-Peer Grief Support Group is an 8-week support group comprised of
1 to 2 Volunteers and 3-12 individuals grieving the loss of an adult. The Volunteers guide the individuals through the published novel Understanding Your Grief: Ten Essential Touchstones for Finding Hope and Healing Your Heart by Dr. Alan Wolfelt (2021) and the accompanying Journal.

The aim is to provide a safe place for people to talk about their loss and find comfort with those who are also grieving the loss of a loved one (VON Canada, 2022). Benefits may include:

  • Social Connection: Meeting others with similar experiences may help you process your own grief and loss.

  • Better Health & Wellbeing: Learning how to grieve in a healthy way may impact your physical, mental and emotional health.

NOTE: NSHN’s Peer-to-Peer Grief Support Group is not a professional counselling/therapy service; Volunteers do not have the training to provide individuals with clinical assessments, judgments, or advice.

For more information:
(705) 356-2265 ext. 2657

CONGREGATE DINING EVENTS

Are you 65+ living in the Blind River area?

Looking for socialization, a delicious meal and some live entertainment? We suggest trying one of NSHN’s Congregate Dining Events!

Join us every other month for a luncheon aimed at improving nutrition and reducing social isolation.

Are you interested in volunteering at these events or providing live entertainment? See our Volunteer page, for more information.

The first step is to fill out an application form either online or in person. If you have questions regarding how you can get involved at NSHN:
(705) 356-2265 ext. 2450
bmattaini@nshn.care

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A VOLUNTEER?

Click on the button below to view our Volunteers page and access NSHN’s online Volunteer Application Form.

CONTACT US

COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES
525 CAUSLEY STREET, P.O. BOX 970
BLIND RIVER, ON   P0R 1B0
TEL:  (705) 356-2265 ext. 2450