The Older Adult Unit's Support Services Program provides programs for isolated older adults in their homes/apartments. These services help to reduce isolation and loneliness through friendship and socializing.

Support Service Programs

  • Friendly Visiting Program
  • Telephone Assurance Program
  • Walk-a-Bit Program
  • Snow Angels

These programs help seniors stay independent and social. All programs are free of charge.

Friendly Visiting

The Friendly Visiting Program matches volunteers with an isolated older adult for weekly in-home visits.  Volunteer matches are based on similar interests and location, if possible, to ensure an meaningful and engaging visit. Visits are scheduled at a time that works best or both parties. 

Telephone Assurance

The Telephone Assurance Program connects a volunteer and an older adult over the telephone. Volunteers call older adults on a weekly basis, and a scheduled time that works best for both parties. Volunteers can call from Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre or from their own home.

Walk-a-Bit

The Walk-a-Bit Program allows older adults to get out for a short weekly walk with a volunteer. This program helps to relieve some of the stresses older adults may feel about going out.

Snow Angels

The Snow Angel program matches a volunteer with an older adult to assist with minimal snow removal, clearing walks ways, porches and steps. Volunteers are expected to preform the task with in 48 hours of a 3 cm snow fall. This service does not offer services for driveways or parking spots for those living in apartments.

How to access these programs

Referrals for programs are accepted from agencies, family members, and friends, people can also self refer. The Support Services staff complete an assessment visit with the older adult to ensure suitability and get to know interests of the client to assist in making the best match possible. Regular follow-up calls and visits are made to make sure that the volunteer and the client are enjoying the visits/telephone calls.

Referrals

To refer a client to the Friendly Visiting, Telephone Assurance or Walk-a-Bit please contact the Support Services Specialist through email or call 807-684-3471

If you require assistance with snow removal and would like to be added to the Snow Angels list please contact the Support Services Coordinator through email or call 807-684-3276.

The office of the Support Services Programs is located within the Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre and programs are funded by the City of Thunder Bay and the Ministry of Health.

Volunteering with Support Services

Volunteers are essential to deliver the Support Services programs. For programs, other than Snow Angels, applicants must be 18 years of age, willing to submit three references and able to obtain a Vulnerable Sector Police Records Check.

Snow Angel volunteers are to be 14 or older and able to shovel walkways and steps. Shovels are provided to those that need one.

How to apply

Fill out the Volunteer Application, save and email it back to the Volunteer Coordinator, or print and return the to main office of the 55 Plus Centre. Or fill out the volunteer application online.

For more information, contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 807-684-3277.

Health and wellness programs and services

The Heath and Wellness area offers a comfortable setting for seniors to get health and wellness services and information on a regular basis. Health Matters is a free monthly program that focuses on health topics and issues facing people 55 plus.

If you require a PDF in an accessible format, email our Municipal Accessibility Specialist.

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