Call intake to register for an in-person class. Online classes are also available.
Seniors Community Programs offers a variety of social, wellness and outreach services to older adults. Programs are intended to help older adults remain safe and independent at home for as long as possible.
We offer the following non-medical programs to support seniors, their families and caregivers. Programs include in-person group sessions, in-home services and online programming.
For more information:
Helping older adults stay physically active, cognitively stimulated and socially connected.
The Adult Day Program offers a safe atmosphere where seniors can socialize and engage in meaningful programming. Program content encourages clients to reminisce, take notice, learn something new and participate in fun and meaningful activity.
Exercise class is designed to get clients active and promote physical health and wellness. Caregivers can benefit from valuable respite and peace of mind.
Eligibility
Suitability
Hours
We offer planned programming in three hour, half day sessions Monday to Friday at 9 a.m. - noon or 1 - 4 p.m.
Cost
A daily user fee is billed monthly. Contact Seniors Community Programs for more information and current rates.
Locations
This is a group exercise program that helps older adults live active, healthy and independent lives. The program provides free group exercise programs delivered by certified personal trainers. Exercises are intended to support and improve activities of daily living.
The service aims to:
Program structure
Classes run for approximately 50 minutes. Each class has elements of cardio, strength, balance and flexibility / mobility. Seated and standing exercise options are available.
Eligibility
Location and hours
Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Classes are offered one day per week at locations across Niagara. Contact us to find out if we're in a location near you. In person class sizes have limited capacity.
Cost
Free
This program helps older adults live active, healthy and independent lives. The South Niagara Health and Wellness Centre is a partnership of community and health care providers offering rehabilitation, wellness education and community resource connections to help older adults become healthier, safer and stronger.
The service provides opportunities for older adults to:
Program structure
The program combines exercise, wellness and group participation. Sessions are focused on helping older adults achieve optimal mobility, function in their daily activities, communicate effectively, and make them as independent as possible.
Eligibility
Suitability
Exclusionary criteria
Participants referred by a physician to the Hotel Dieu Shaver Ambulatory Rehab Program may not be required to self determine modifications, be independent in decision making or be 60 years or older. An assessment is required.
Location and hours
This program has a start and end date and runs twice a week for up to twelve weeks.
234 Bunting Rd., St. Catharines
Session are offered Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. - noon or 1 - 4 p.m.
Cost
Free
How to register
Register for a pop-up Wellness Series.
For entry through the rehabilitation stream, a physician referral is needed. Visit Hotel Dieu Shaver - South Niagara Health and Wellness Centre.
Partner agencies
The centre is operated through a partnership of community and health care providers, including:
Community workers offer short-term service navigation support to older adults to help them stay safe and independent in their own home.
A community worker provides service either in-person, over the telephone, or virtually. Visits can be arranged at the senior's home or in an alternate location. Services are provided upon consent from the older adult.
Community workers can coordinate referrals on behalf of the older adult to improve safety, independence and quality of life. Outreach services include:
Eligibility
Referrals to community services may include:
Cost
Suggested service plan may result in fees.
This program provides an in-home respite companion for persons living with Alzheimer's or other progressive dementia and their care partners. Respite companions are trained to provide activities, tailored to the clients' interests.
Regular scheduled visits aim to provide stimulation to enrich lives through social connection. We believe it's important for care partners to be able to step away from this role on a regular basis. This program provides opportunities for the care partner to use the time away from their role to focus on other tasks or take time for themselves.
Program focus
Eligibility
This program is funded to provide support for older adults with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or a progressive dementia.
Clients must:
If clients experience occasional challenging behaviours, we ask that they're able to respond well to our redirection. If clients need support with medication prompts, it must be in a blister pack prepared by a pharmacy.
Clients shouldn't have been deemed eligible for crisis placement in long-term care by Home and Community Care.
Hours
Regular weekly scheduled visits are arranged based on the client's preference, up to a maximum of 20 hours per week (based on availability). The minimum length of any visit is three hours.
Cost
A fee for service applies. Contact the Seniors Community Programs intake line for accurate rates. Participants may be eligible for a reduced rate based on income. Ask for details when applying.
This is a group exercise program that helps older adults live active, healthy and independent lives. The program delivers free group exercise by certified personal trainers in the privacy and comfort of your own home using Zoom. Exercises are intended to support and improve activities of daily living.
The service aims to:
Program structure
Each class has elements of cardio, strength, balance and flexibility / mobility and run for approximately 50 minutes.
Standing classes are intended for individuals who maintain moderate levels of physical activity and / or are looking to challenge themselves at their own pace. Seated classes are intended for individuals who are either new to exercise and / or are deconditioned and building a foundation of physical activity.
An optional additional class is available for registered participants on Wednesday mornings at 10 a.m.
Eligibility
Reasons to participate online
Location and hours
All classes are on Zoom.
How to register
Online registration is open for 2023.
Register for an online Healthy, Safe and Strong session.
For more information about online sessions and telephone-based classes, call 905-980-6000 ext. 3844 or email Healthy, Safe and Strong.
It's important to consult with your physician before starting any exercise regime.
This specialized program is offered in 90 minute sessions weekly through Zoom and provides small supportive conversation groups for individuals with aphasia (communication difficulties related to a brain injury or stroke). Online classes are for individuals who are registered clients of service or on a waitlist for service.
Programs are guided by a speech language pathologist and communication disorder assistant to help clients communicate with increased confidence and promote community reintegration strategies.
Eligibility
Suitability
Location and hours
The program runs for 90 minutes on Zoom
Cost
Free
This online program combines 30 minutes of exercise and 30 minutes of interactive small group discussions based on a variety of topics related to healthy aging.
Sessions are focused on helping older adults maintain mobility, function in their daily activities, connect socially and maximize their independence.
Reasons to participate online:
Eligibility
Location and hours
Sessions are about 90 minutes twice per week on Zoom in the mornings and afternoons, Monday to Thursday. Register to see dates and times.
Cost
Free
How to register
Register for the online South Niagara Health and Wellness March session.
For more information, call our wellness resource coordinator at 905-980-6000 ext. 3862 or email Seniors Wellness.
Our wellness team has cultivated strong relationships with community partners and agencies across Niagara to offer information and resources that support older adults to stay independent in their communities and engage in relevant topics aimed at achieving optimal health and wellness.
Guest speakers and presentations are focused on a variety of health and wellness topics relevant to the aging population. Topics are often aligned with seasonal wellness.
The program provides opportunities for seniors to:
Eligibility
Cost
Free
How to register
Register for February wellness webinars.
For more information, call our wellness resource coordinator at 905-980-6000 ext. 3862 or email Seniors Wellness.
Niagara Gatekeepers is a phone line that anyone in the community can call to help connect at-risk older adults with programs and services.
Know a senior who may need the help of an agency? Call 905-684-0968, 8:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Program funding is supported through Ontario Health.
Seniors Community Programs partners with other agencies to further support efforts for healthy living in our community and aging at home.