Celebrating Seniors: How SPLC is Keeping Ontario's Aging Population Connected and Supported

Celebrating Seniors: How SPLC is Keeping Ontario's Aging Population Connected and Supported

June is Seniors Month, a time to show appreciation for the seniors in our lives and recognize their valuable contributions to our communities. It's also an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges that seniors face and the resources available to support them. One such resource is Senior Persons Living Connected (SPLC), an organization that has been helping seniors and older adults stay connected and enjoy a high quality of life for over 40 years.

In Ontario, the number of seniors aged 65 and over is projected to increase significantly over the next few decades. Most seniors express the desire to age at home, but this can be challenging without adequate support. Caregiver burnout is on the rise, and many caregivers feel overwhelmed and lonely and experience worsened mental health. This highlights the need for well-coordinated and comprehensive support for both seniors and their care partners.

With SPLC, seniors can find caring and responsive help that is individualized for each unique person. The team offers support in multiple languages that are culturally appropriate and inclusive. SPLC offers a range of services in the community and in homes, and also offers affordable seniors’ housing. With a focus on healthy aging and a high quality of life, some services include specialized geriatrics and mental health, care management, in-home supports, and day programs.

One senior, Mui Yin Hau, is 91 years old and lives independently in Scarborough. She uses SPLC’s Personal Care and Homemaking services. Carmen Kwok, SPLC’s Home Support Supervisor, thought she would enjoy creating new experiences and memories with their pilot program called Day Program At Home. Ms. Hau’s daughter and caregiver, Cathy, was approached to help co-design the service that bundles Personal Care, Homemaking, and Day Programs into a three-hour visit.

SPLC’s Personal Care and Homemaking service helps older adults live comfortably at home by providing support for daily living tasks, such as dressing and light meal preparation. The Day Program portion of the service focuses on keeping Ms. Hau connected and active through therapeutic activities for the mind and body.

“My mom has been living alone for many years,” said Cathy. “The pandemic and its residual effects made her feel particularly isolated. The weekly SPLC house visit has provided her with companionship, interaction with people who speak her language, and activities that stimulate her brain and support her physical well-being. She feels much more socially connected and engaged. We really appreciate the flexibility, the social interaction, and the support team behind the services. I would highly recommend this service for other seniors.”

SPLC offers many other programs and services to support seniors to where they most want to be: at home. Whether it’s a dance class, skill-building for the digital world, hot meal delivery, support groups, a drive to medical appointments, or counselling for mental wellness or substance use, there is something for everyone.

As we celebrate Seniors Month, let's take the time to show seniors that we care. Whether by volunteering with an organization like SPLC, reaching out to a senior in our lives, or advocating for better support and resources for seniors, we can all make a difference.

Find more information about SPLC and their services for seniors at splc.ca