Who we are

We are a network of 9 organizations that provide recreational and social activities for vulnerable and isolated seniors.

In late 2021, representatives from the Adult Day Services (ADSs) in the legacy Mississauga Halton LHIN (Central OH) came together in support of developing a collaborative virtual service platform for their collective clients (both current and waitlisted). All ADS programs created some form of virtual service during the COVID-19 pandemic to support clients during program closures and saw immense success in this new way of supporting our clients.

The virtual services proved popular and allowed clients to remain engaged, increased the accessibility of services, and became an efficient and effective way to provide support to more families. With ADSs returning to in-person support, it became increasingly difficult for each ADS to simultaneously support in-person and virtual activities. Collaborating to create a single virtual service was determined to be the most efficient way to continue high quality virtual care. The ADS network established a virtual ADS collaborative working group to develop the concept of the service.

Virtual Rec Connect provides support for members of the community regardless of which services they are affiliated with or waiting for. Virtual Rec Connect is the digital solution for individuals waiting for ADS or unable to access in person programming. It has created a virtual community that spans a large geographical area yet feels like a small connected community.

Virtual Rec Connect Program Timeline

Fall 2021-Spring 2022

The Virtual ADS Collaborative came together to design, and implement the Collaborative Virtual ADS program.

June 13th-June 27th, 2022

Virtual Rec Connect goes live for programs for current virtual clients of all ADS network members.

July 31st, 2022

Starter kits were distributed to clients. The program is running at 43%. Website launch and e-referral available.

October 31, 2022

Released our Interim Pilot Report and including 2nd quarter data to OH. Fall activity kits distributed

November 30, 2022

Program at 50% capacity. Reviewed eligibility criteria to see if it can be offered to a larger audience. Reviewed based options for funding with OH and submitted business case.

December 31, 2022

Distribution of Winter Activity Kits. Continued PDSA, expansion to community clients, partnered with Central Registry to activity offer program to clients waiting for ADS and SDL. Extension of therapeutic programming offerings i.e.. Art Therapy, Music Therapy, Dance Movement Therapy.

January-February 2023

Tablet lending program fully live, evening and Saturday programs launched

March 31,2023

Program reached 99% capacity. Pilot funding came to a close.

April 1, 2023

Program continues to operate

Our Collaborative Partners

Our Vision.

R

REACH MORE PEOPLE: WIDER COMMUNITY OUTREACH, REACHING THOSE NOT ABLE TO ATTEND PROGRAMMING IN PERSON.

E

EFFICENCIES IN ADULT DAY SERVICES: ADDRESSING STAFFING SHORTAGES.

C

CREATING RICH, DIVERSE AND PERSON-CENTERED PROGRAMMING THROUGH COLLABORATION AND IDEA SHARING.

Our Goals.

C

CREATE CONNECTIONS THROUGH GROUP DYNAMICS

O

OPTIMIZE QUALITY OF CARE THROUGH DIGNIFIED, PERSON-CENTERED PROGRAMMING

N

NAVIGATE WITH TECHNOLOGY TO INCREASE COMFORT AND ACCESS TO SERVICE

N

NURTURE AND INCREASE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR PARTICIPANTS AND CAREGIVERS

E

ENHANCE CAREGIVER SUPPORT AND REDUCE STRAIN

C

CAPTIVATE AND MAINTAIN CLIENT ABILITIES

T

TAILOR PROGRAMS TO SUPPORT INDIVIDUALS WAITING FOR IN PERSON SERVICES

"The VRC provides ‘moments that matter’ for us with our loved one. We are able to spend time together in a safe space with people who are caring and respectful."
"We are grateful for the opportunity to participate in this program. It helps to relieve the feeling of isolation and the program leaders make everyone feel important. Thank you"
My mother’s geriatric doctor can’t praise more how the Day Program and virtual activities are keeping her dementia progressing in an impressive slow pace. I can’t be more thankful for that!"
"The VRC program has really helped my wife to exercise her cognitive abilities and have allowed her to further new/existing interests. This is helping provide a better quality of life and reduce stress "
"Thank you for all that you do. My mom is so happy and engaged in the programs that you organize. Keep up the great work, all of you! You’re making a HUGE difference in our lives! "

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"You've helped a lot and I really appreciate it. "

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Who we are

We are a network of 9 organizations that provide recreational and social activities for vulnerable and isolated seniors.

Virtual Rec Connect Program Timeline

Our Collaborative Partners

Our Vision.

R

E

C

Our Goals.

C

O

N

N

E

C

T

"The VRC provides ‘moments that matter’ for us with our loved one. We are able to spend time together in a safe space with people who are caring and respectful."

"We are grateful for the opportunity to participate in this program. It helps to relieve the feeling of isolation and the program leaders make everyone feel important. Thank you"

My mother’s geriatric doctor can’t praise more how the Day Program and virtual activities are keeping her dementia progressing in an impressive slow pace. I can’t be more thankful for that!"

"The VRC program has really helped my wife to exercise her cognitive abilities and have allowed her to further new/existing interests. This is helping provide a better quality of life and reduce stress "

"Thank you for all that you do. My mom is so happy and engaged in the programs that you organize. Keep up the great work, all of you! You’re making a HUGE difference in our lives! "

"You've helped a lot and I really appreciate it. "