As our population ages, the desire to live independently remains strong among older adults. CHATS (Community & Home Assistance to Seniors) recognize this aspiration and offers an Assisted Living program designed to support seniors in maintaining their autonomy while ensuring their safety and well-being.

What Are CHATS Assisted Living Programs?

CHATS Assisted Living program provides 24/7 assistance to eligible older adults residing either in supportive housing or their own homes within specific geographic areas. The program caters to individuals who require both scheduled and unscheduled services daily to continue living safely and comfortably in their communities.

Comprehensive Services Tailored to Individual Needs

The program offers a range of services, including:

• Personal Support: Assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and mobility.
• Homemaking: Help with light housekeeping, laundry, and meal preparation.
• Security Checks: Regular check-ins to ensure clients’ safety and well-being.
• Care Coordination: Collaboration with healthcare providers to manage clients’ overall care plans.

These services are delivered by certified Personal Support Workers and Home Support Workers trained in senior care.

Locations Serving the Community

CHATS Assisted Living services are available in several locations, including:

• Armitage Gardens, Newmarket
• Dunlop Pines, Richmond Hill
• Friuli Terrace, Woodbridge
• Genesis Place, Richmond Hill
• Hadley Grange, Aurora
• Heritage East, Newmarket
• Keswick Gardens, Keswick
• Kitchen Breedon Manor, Schomberg
• Parkview Services for Seniors, Stouffville
  

The Growing Need for Assisted Living in Ontario

Ontario is experiencing a significant increase in its senior population. As of September 2024, approximately 7.6 million Canadians were aged 65 and older, representing 18.9% of the total population. By 2030, this share is expected to rise to approximately 23%. This demographic shift underscores the escalating demand for assisted living services.

However, the availability of assisted living options is not keeping pace with this growing need. In 2024, the vacancy rate for non-standard senior living spaces in Ontario, those providing more than 1.5 hours of care daily was at a record low of 9.9%. This tight vacancy rate indicates limited availability for seniors requiring higher levels of support.

Moreover, the waitlist for long-term care homes in Ontario has reached nearly 48,000 individuals, reflecting the strain on the province’s capacity to accommodate its aging population. This backlog not only affects those waiting for placement but also places additional pressure on community-based services like CHATS Assisted Living program to fill the gap.

Advocating for Enhanced Support and Investment

The current landscape highlights the urgent need for increased investment in assisted living services. Expanding programs like CHATS’ Assisted Living can provide seniors with the necessary support to live independently and reduce the burden on long-term care facilities.

Key areas for advocacy and action include:

• Increased Funding: Allocating more resources to community-based assisted living programs to expand their reach and capacity.
• Workforce Development: Addressing staffing shortages by investing in the training and retention of Personal Support Workers and other essential care providers.
• Infrastructure Expansion: Developing more supportive housing options to accommodate the growing senior population.

By prioritizing these areas, Ontario can better meet the needs of its aging residents and ensure that programs like CHATS Assisted Living continue to empower seniors to thrive at home.

Real-Life Impact

The effectiveness of CHATS’ Assisted Living program is best illustrated through the experiences of its clients. One client shared:

“I wouldn’t be here living in this building if it wasn’t for CHATS. I would be in a nursing home because I wasn’t able to look after myself. CHATS do most, if not all of my personal care. They are wonderful, I don’t know what I would do without them. Every one of them is so kind and so uplifting.”

Getting Started

If you or a loved one could benefit from CHATS Assisted Living services, or if you have questions about eligibility, availability, fees, become an advocate, or ways to give, please contact CHATS at 1-877-452-4287 or email seniorshelp@chats.on.ca.

For more detailed information, you can also visit their Assisted Living page.

CHATS commitment to empowering seniors to live independently with dignity and support is evident through its comprehensive Assisted Living program. By addressing individual needs and fostering a sense of community, CHATS helps older adults thrive in the comfort of their own homes.

Kelly Broome
Vice President, Philanthropy & Communications
CHATS-Community & Home Assistance to Seniors