Connect Older Adults, Adults Living with Disabilities, and Caregivers to Community Support Services

Connecting patients to community-based supports is a critical component of patient care — but not always straightforward. That’s why AccessCSS.ca was developed in response to a need for simple, centralized, and coordinated referral process that fits within existing workflows and ensures that older adults, adults living with disabilities, and their caregivers can be connected efficiently to the care they need to stay healthy, independent, and safe at home. In response, AccessCSS has created referral pathways through the OCEAN, Caredove, and E-Fax digital platforms, streamlining the process and giving healthcare providers more time for patient care.

The AccessCSS e-Referral Network currently brings together over 60 Community Support Service providers across Ontario Health East. Funded by Ontario Health, these CSS providers play a key role in our healthcare system. In Ontario’s Champlain region, VHA Home & Health Support and the Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County provide a Coordinated Access function. Navigators guide older adults, seniors and adults with disabilities and their caregivers to the care and support they need to remain safe, independent and healthy at home.

As distinct from Ontario Health atHome (OHH), which provides medical and rehabilitation care in the home, Community Support Services through AccessCSS.ca can assist older adults and adults with disabilities who:

• Have difficulty managing self-care activities
• Are not able to shop or prepare healthy meals
• Cannot keep up with basic housekeeping or home maintenance
• Are lonely or isolated
• Need mental stimulation or physical activity
• Have Alzheimer’s, dementia or an acquired brain injury

Community Support Services can also help caregivers who need:

• Support to cope with responsibilities
• Support to maintain their resilience
• Caregiver education
• Helping to manage daily tasks
• Support to avoid caregiver burnout

Community Support Services to which patients can be connected through AccessCSS include:

• Adult Day Programs & Respite
• Care Coordination & Navigation
• Caregiver Support
• Condition Specific Supports
• Food & Meal Programs
• Foot Care Services
• Home Help & Home Maintenance
• Health Promotion & Education
• Hospice & Palliative Care
• Recreation, Fitness & Social Activities
• Safety & Security Programs
• Support & Care at Home
• Transportation

Physician & NP Resources

• AccesskCSS.ca — Referral portal and system overview
• Contact: info@accesscss.ca for support or questions

Nathalie Lafrenière
Regional Director
CSS shared resources, Ontario East Region

Chantal Jolicoeur
Knowledge Mobilization Specialist
CSS shared resources, Ontario East Region