Helping Hands provides a wide range of home care and community support services for seniors with physical disabilities in Orillia and surrounding areas.
The organization aims to prevent caregiver burnout by assisting independent senior living in the comfort of clients’ homes.
“Our health system is overloaded, especially after the pandemic with major staff shortages," said Allie Madden, the social media and administrative assistant for Helping Hands.
"Through our transitional bed services, community PSW services, meal delivery and our Home at Last program, we can help relieve some of the pressure and provide support once clients are discharged from formal health care,” she explained.
Eight beds located in Orillia and Brechin are offered to clients who may require temporary support upon discharge from the hospital, deemed palliative, or who require respite services through the transitional bed program.
Clients can receive a wide range of in-home care services such as personal care, medical reminders, meal preparation and home chores and errands with the Caregiver Relief and Homemaking programs.
Helping Hands’ ‘Home at Last’ service allow clients to experience a comfortable transition back to their homes from the hospital.
“Helping Hands is kind to you and good to you and they’re just a good service. They showed me more things I could do for myself so I got in the habit and I’m able to get more done for myself,” said Helping Hands client, Diana Dolliver.
Understanding the importance of social connections, Helping Hands offers a Telephone Reassurance service encouraging clients to engage in friendly conversation with community members.
“Living on my own, I didn’t know what was going to happen and I was scared. But when I got into Helping Hands the people were so wonderful and made me feel so comfortable,” said client Donald Marlow.
These programs are subsidized by government funding and made possible by Helping Hands’ dedicated volunteers.
Volunteer opportunities include transportation service, Meals on Wheels delivery, and office support.
“You feel like you make a big difference in the world and in their life. I wouldn’t change my job for the world. With Helping Hands you’re more than just a number, you feel cared about and supported by management. You start not being able to imagine yourself anywhere else and you instantly feel part of the team,” said Helping Hands PSW Sara Kizilian.
To make a donation or learn how you can volunteer to help, click here.
To learn more about services provided by Helping Hands, click here or call 705-325-7861 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
You can also visit Helping Hands’ Facebook page for more information.
