Seniors Managing Independent Living Easily (SMILE)
At home is where seniors want to live and, with the help of family and friends, most seniors are able to stay at home. But without the proper supports in place, increasing frailty can make even day-to-day activities, like cleaning and shopping for groceries, difficult.
SMILE is a new regional program that will make it possible for more seniors who are frail and elderly, and most at risk of premature institutionalization, to receive help with activities that are essential to daily living, so they can remain in their homes. Because dignity is a matter of choice, SMILE will offer them options – in managing their care, in selecting services, in choosing who comes into their home.
SMILE is an initiative of the South East Local Health Integration Network (LHIN). The program is being implemented by VON Canada – Ontario, and will be phased in over three years throughout southeastern Ontario, beginning in 2008/09. The first clients are anticipated for the summer of 2008.
For more information about SMILE, read the brochure or visit the SMILE website
Read the news release about the program, “South East LHIN “SMILES” on VON – VON Selected as Regional Management Centre for Innovative Seniors Program.”
Who to Contact
If you are a senior or you care for a senior and are interested in the program, contact the VON directly at 1-888-866-6647
If you are a service provider or an organization that is interested i-n becoming a portal or in providing services, call Judy Stewart, at VON Canada – Ontario, at 1-888-866-6647, or write to her at judy.stewart@von.ca
SE LHIN’s Aging at Home Plan Page
