“This program provides a safe, compassionate and stimulating environment for my wife. She has fluctuating low mood states that make it very difficult for her to be successful in other day programs. With each day I have noticed that I too have become less anxious in entering the long-term care environment. When the day comes for her to move into a home, I think it will now be easier for both of us as we are familiar with routines and environment.” – Participant of Family Transition Program
However, the greater success today is the realization of a holistic approach to care needs, a reduction in avoidable hospital admissions and lower rates of caregiver burnout.
Right from the start, the Family Transition Program was successful in supporting residents who were making the move from the community into long-term care. What wasn’t as obvious right away was that caregivers were also in dire need of attention. So, the team began to explore how best to support caregivers more directly.
In 2022, with the support of the Local Priorities Fund, a transitional day program was created that now offers respite support for caregivers as well as a structured caregiver support group.
Melissa Tanner is a Transitional Coordinator for the program. She says, “The Family Transition Program has become a cornerstone of our commitment to exceptional care—not only for residents entering long-term care, but for families and individuals navigating change within the community. By providing support, engagement and care moments, we’ve seen new participants and their families feel more confident, connected, and comforted throughout the transition process.”
The program’s goals reflect both community needs and have a great impact at the system-level. Seniors can remain safely and comfortably in their homes longer, which not only supports aging in place but also reduces hospital admissions and alleviates pressure on the long-term care system. Family caregivers who receive respite are less likely to experience burnout, which prevents additional healthcare costs and lost productivity.
By supporting people before they enter long-term care, programs like this also help ease the province’s growing pressure on the system — with more than 48,000 Ontarians currently waiting for a bed. Woodingford Lodge’s proactive approach ensures people receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.
The program has supported over 430 community members and has a growing waitlist with referrals coming from Ontario Health atHome, hospitals, general practitioners, community paramedicine and self-referral. This growing demand mirrors the increasing need for community-based support across Ontario.
Across the province, long-term care homes are creating spaces like this where residents and families feel supported and at home.
