Health and support services

Vulnerable Seniors

In Ottawa, the older adult population will double by 2031. Most will have healthy, active lives but some may need support to remain safe in their home. People living and working in the community can help prevent the most vulnerable from “falling through the cracks” by knowing what to look for and how to connect with community supports and services for older adults.

A vulnerable senior may

• Have declining physical and cognitive health
• Be isolated or have a caregiver that needs more help
• Have trouble accessing or does not have a family physician
• Have no or limited services and supports in place
• Have barriers to accessing services
• Make frequent calls to 911 or many visits to the emergency department

What can you do to help?

• Learn about the services that can help
• Offer this information to the person that may need more help
• Connect the person to a support or service

Services to support vulnerable seniors

• Home and Community Care - 310-2222 (no area code required)
  No age requirement, health card required
• Community Support Services (Coalition of Community Health and Resource Centres of Ottawa)
  Seniors over 65, adults with disabilities and their caregivers
• Geriatric Assessment Outreach Team (GAOT)   East: 613-562-6362 West: 613-721-0041
  Seniors over 65 with recent changes in physical or cognitive health
• Geriatric Psychiatry Community services of Ottawa (GPCSO) - 613-562-9777
  Seniors over 65 with mental illness, physician referral required
• Primary Care Outreach for Seniors (PCO) - 1-844-726-5115
  Seniors over 65 who are isolated and have significant barriers accessing services   

For information on other supports and services in Ottawa, call 2-1-1. To speak with a public health nurse regarding a vulnerable older adult call 613-580-6744 Monday to Friday from 9 am to 4 pm.