Frequently Asked Questions

WE WANT YOU TO GET TO KNOW US!

General

Where are you located? How do I get there?
Please refer to the MAP section of this website. There you will be able to find our address, map, and directions on how to get here.

Do I need a referral from my Family Doctor?
No, you can call our office at 416-398-5510 yourself and request any of our services or programs.

How will I know who to speak to when I call the office?
The receptionist will answer the phone . Tell her what service you are interested in finding out about.

How much do you charge?
Many services have some government funding.
Please call our office and ask to speak to someone who is responsible for the service you are interested in to find out about services fees.

What is your catchment area? (In what area do you provide services?)
Our boundaries are Steeles Ave to the north, Bathurst St .to the east, Briar Hill St. to the south, and the Humber River to the west.

Can you tell me the name and phone numbers of the agencies outside your catchment area?
Call 416-398-5510 and the receptionist will be able to give you this information.

Do you provide volunteers who can drive me to shop, visit friends/family, etc?
Our focus is having volunteer drivers help us with the Meals on Wheels Program. However, you can book a ride with our Transportation department, which is a fee-for-service arrangement.

What if I cannot afford to pay for your service?
Our Case Managers will assist you in trying to seek funding sources.

I am interested in volunteering at Downview Services to Seniors. What is my first step?
Please call the Volunteer Coordinator at 416-398-5510 x222 or email cshea@downsviewservices.com. An interview will be set to further discuss how we can work together.

Can I pay by Visa or Debit Card?
At this time, we only accept Cheque or Cash.

Are your services only for older adults who are not well and need some assistance?
No, we have the Healthier Living Centre where we offer a yearly membership to anyone over the age of 55 years.

Healthier Living Centre (HLC)

How much is a HLC membership?
$40.00

Who can be a member?
Anyone 55+

How can I find out about upcoming programs?
Come in and pick up an HLC Monthly Calendar.

When is the centre open?
The centre is open to members from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Is parking available?
Yes, free member's parking is located behind the building.

Is the centre on a main bus route?
Yes, we are located on Wilson Avenue.

What types of programs will I find at the HLC?
You can participate in art classes, fitness programs, lectures, day trips.

Can I have lunch while I'm at the centre?
You can purchase a lunch while at the centre for $5.00.

Branson Place

Since the program is open from 7a.m.-7p.m. does my loved one have to attend the whole day?
All of our clients are encouraged to arrive by 11:30a.m. to engage in programs that will help to maintain their optimum level of health but really the program is designed to be flexible and the hours that individuals attend may vary.  Everyone’s schedule is individualized and based on caregiver/client need.

If my loved one happens to be away from the program will there be any charge for that day?
Although your loved one is scheduled to attend Branson Place on a regular basis, you will not be charged for any days that they are absent. A courtesy phone call would be appreciated so that the staff is able to plan and prepare for the daily activities. Please feel free to leave a message on the program voice mail.

How many days a week does my loved one have to attend Branson Place?
We recommend that your loved one attend at least two days per week to receive the most benefit from the programs.  However every client’s schedule of days is individualized and based on caregiver and client need.
   
Is it normal for my loved one to be apprehensive about attending a day program?
Yes, it is quite normal for someone to feel apprehensive about trying something new but given time and a chance to get used to a routine most of our clients begin to look forward to attending the program on a regular basis.

Can you accommodate special diets?
Yes, we can accommodate most diets and we are sensitive to cultural, religious and personal food preferences.

Do you offer transportation?
Yes, we do provide transportation to individuals in our catchment area.  We offer door to door transportation Monday to Saturday.  Pick-up and drop off times are individualized and based on caregiver and client need.

B.O.O.S.T.

Does the participant have to attend from 8:30am – 3:30 pm?
No. The program hours are flexible for people needing an extended day.  We do encourage the participants to attend at least a four hour period from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.  This will allow them to benefit from the various activities, exercise and nutritious lunch. This also allows the caregiver respite.

What do your meals consist of?
All are meals are prepared fresh daily with healthy ingredients. Heart healthy guidelines are followed. We can accommodate special dietary conditions such as diabetic or pureed as well as restrictions concerning culture or religion.

How does my family member become involved in the program?
A complimentary visit is offered for the potential participant and caregiver.  This will give them both an opportunity to see the space and view the program in action.  Following the visit an assessment can be completed as requested.

Can a caregiver attend?
We encourage the participant to attend on their own.  This allows much needed respite for the caregiver and promotes independence of the participant.

Transportation Service

Can you pick me up today?
We need 1 -2 weeks notice in order to set up the schedule for the driver .

Can I bring an escort, and will there be an extra charge?
Yes, and there is no extra charge.

Can the driver wait for me?
Yes, if it will be no more than 1/2 an hour. If it is longer, a return trip can be scheduled.

Home Support Service

Why do I have to pay for cleaning services? My neighbour has someone who comes to bathe her and then cleans and she does not have to pay.
The only government funded program which allows for personal care is through the Community Access Centre and if you are unable to bathe yourself, you are eligible to receive their help. There is no cleaning service available that is free of charge. Sometimes, the Personal Support Worker who is providing the personal care has some time and she may tidy up a bit. Sometimes family members pay for cleaning services for their loved one.

Does your staff provide heavy cleaning?
No, our staff provides light housekeeping duties. You can call one of our Client Intervention/Assistance Workers who would be more than happy to explain which duties our Home Support Staff is able to help you with.

Do you have Home Support Staff who speak different languages?
Yes, we can provide culturally-sensitive staff to more than 22 different cultures.

Is your home help staff able to do what CCAC staff is able to do?
Our Home Support Staff have received Personal Support Worker training with a government approved teaching facility and are certified through the same training program that CCAC staff receive.  In fact our staffs are qualified to work in any hospital or medical facility as well as in the home.

Meals on Wheels

Who is eligible for Meals on Wheels?
We serve the elderly and those that are unable to prepare a nutritious meal including frail seniors; persons with disabilities, individuals recently discharged from hospital.

What services are available with Meals on Wheels?
We provide hot meal Monday to Friday. Frozen meal orders are delivered on Fridays. In addition to the meals, you can order fresh fruit and vegetable baskets which are available every other week.

How much are the meals?
A full hot meal costs $5.00 which includes an entrée, soup, dessert, bread and a drink

Do I have to get a full meal?
No, it’s entirely your choice.  Individual pricing is available.  Please refer to the Meals on Wheels page to obtain the pricing

Do I have to get the meals everyday?
No, it is up to the client, you can get meals 5 days a week, once, twice thrice or four times a week

Are special diets available?
Yes – Diabetic, Low fat, Low Sodium, Salt free, Renal, Lactose free, Minced and Pureed meals are available

What is the delivery time?
We deliver meals between 10:30 am and 1:00 pm

Do I have a choice with the meals?
Yes.  We have a four week rotational menu that lists the choices that a client has everyday e.g. on Monday; you can have a choice of Baked Ham or Roast Chicken; on Tuesday, you can have a choice of Shepherd’s Pie or Baked Fish; if you like to make a change, you just have to call and let us know (24 hours notice excluding weekends)

Can I just get frozen meals?
Yes.  Frozen meals are usually delivered to you on Fridays OR you can come to our agency to pick them up

How long do I have to wait before I can start/cancel Meals on Wheels services?We require 48 hours notice

How do you bill a client?
We bill you monthly

Can you bill my family instead of me?
Yes, we can as long as we get an authorization from the family member