CEO, Christina Bisanz joined The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister for Labour and Seniors, and Newmarket-Aurora MP Tony Van Bynen in Newmarket to meet with clients in one of CHATS’ assisted living sites.  Given the number of people over 65 living here,  the building is considered to be a “Naturally occurring Retirement Community “(NORC).

Clients shared with the Minister, the importance of having access to CHATS’ assisted living services 24/7, making it possible for them to continue to live independently and safely in the building. They also shared ideas on ways in which tenants in the building could be supported to address social isolation and loneliness, providing more inclusive and welcoming activities for the increasingly diverse backgrounds of the tenants, and addressing primary care needs and access.

CHATS has been exploring various NORC models and plans to partner with other organizations in the community to bring services and activities to older adults in York Region and South Simcoe.