Helping You In The Community
Better Living Health and Community Services has been delivering programs and services to support individuals to maintain their independence while enhancing their social wellbeing, and optimizing their overall health and wellness since 1976. Our compassionate and dedicated staff and volunteers are committed to meeting the needs of our clients and their families. The following services listed below are available to help you remain living independently.
5 Deauville Lane
Adult Day Program
Full Day: $ 29.95 (with meal) Tuesday &Thursday 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Half Day: $ 16.95 (with meal) Mon, Wed, Fri Morning 8:30 am - 12:30 pm OR Mon, Wed, Fri Afternoon 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
The Adult Day Program provides a safe and stimulating, fully accessible environment within the Better Living Community Centre, for adults with disabilities and seniors who are frail, isolated or managing the cognitive challenges of Alzheimer's, Dementia, Parkinson's or Stroke. The Adult Day Program also plays a critical role in providing respite for Caregivers who are supporting their loved ones at home.
The Adult Day Program is available Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Clients may choose to attend for full or half days, up to six days a week. Additional 'flexible' support hours are available to those who regularly attend the program. Clients participate daily in mentally and physically stimulating activities geared to their individual needs. Additional programming and community outings are planned, monthly, in collaboration with the Clients attending the program, and are designed to meet a wide variety of social, physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual needs and personal interests.
The program area features secure entry and exit points, a dining area with a full industrial kitchen, two large programming areas, and a staff office. Clients attending the program are provided with a hot meal at lunch and a snack. Meals are either catered or prepared fresh in-house, meeting any special dietary needs.
Personal Support is available to those who require assistance with toileting. Our staff can also provide reminders to Clients who take medication during the day. As the program is not staffed by medical professionals there are specific limitations to the delivery of personal care within the Adult Day Program.
Given the unique and often complex needs of individuals requiring the support of the Adult Day Program, clients may be referred to Social Work for Case Management Support. The Case Manager will work with the family as a single point of contact for transition into the program and will also provide additional support with service coordination and/or identifying additional needs that may be served through other community services.
The convenience of our Transportation service is available to those residing in the organization's catchment area and attending the Adult Day Program. Transportation is provided at a reduced fee and a volunteer escort accompanies Clients on all rides to ensure safety.
Caregiver Support
Caregivers play an important role in helping seniors age with independence and dignity. Our Caregiver Support services are designed to keep Caregivers healthy, socially connected, and functioning well in their daily lives. Caregiver Support services are available to adults who are grieving the loss of a loved one or who are currently providing care to someone who is at end of life, frail, or is dealing with a long term illness. In order to address the spectrum of Caregiver needs we provide Professional Counseling, Peer Support, Caregiver Education and a variety of Support Groups geared to the unique needs of the Caregiver.
Drop-in Caregiver Support Group
Connect with other caregivers in a comfortable sharing space. Discover new ways to handle the challenges you are facing caring for a senior 55+
When:
Last Wednesday of the month: 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Second Friday of the month: 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Location:
Wednesday - 1 Overland Drive, Media Lounge
Friday - 1 Overland Drive, Upper Studio
For more information and to register, please click here. If you are new to this group, please contact Intake at 416-447-7244, ext. 541 for additional details.
8-Week Family Caregiver Support Group
Currently not available
Companionship
This service is available to individuals living in the community who would like to connect socially with a dedicated volunteer. Volunteers reach out in person, over the telephone, or via email, based on the Client's preference. Volunteers can engage in a number of different activities including: going for a walk, playing games, reading or simply chatting. This service is offered free of charge!
About the Centre
Better Living Health and Community Services operates a multi-purpose community Centre for those 50+, located at 1 Overland Drive, Toronto M3C 2C3.
We offer a wide variety of activities to suit all different types of interests. Over 100 programs are offered per season that include fitness classes, travel opportunities, recreation and leisure activities, arts and culture programs, life-long learning courses, computer classes, workshops, social programs and special events. Our seasonal quarterly Program Guide has detailed information about the wide variety of programs, services and activities offered.
Come and see what all the hype is about! Join the Centre today and experience how a Better Living Membership offers a wide variety of benefits, incentives, companionships, and programs all under one roof!
Our Members earn the benefits of saving 40% off all activities, programs, and special events, along with receiving exclusive offers, giveaways and discounts!
Centre Hours
Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
General Centre Facts
Address: 1 Overland Drive Toronto, ON M3C 2C3
Population Served: Adults 50+
Membership Fee: Membership Valid: September 1 to August 31st
$35.00 per year *No proration on membership fee
New members or renewals joining after June 1st, membership will validate until the end of August of the following year. Membership fees are not pro-rated and are non-refundable.
If you are interested in becoming a member, please complete the Better Living Membership Form and visit our Centre today!
Fitness & Falls Prevention Classes
On August 1, 2013, the Ministry of Health changed the structure of physiotherapy programs for seniors in Ontario. As part of this change, the Ministry introduced FREE programs for seniors related to physical activity and physiotherapy. Better Living Health and Community Services was selected by the Central Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) to provide more than 200 fitness and falls prevention programs on an annual basis at more than 50 sites across North York... and the Better Living Centre is one of them!
The Better Living Centre offers FREE specialized Fitness classes for those 65+ that run ongoing and indefinitely. These classes have been developed to help individuals cope with potential falls and include a combination of strength and balance exercises that will help increase general mobility, endurance and balance. The wide variety of Classes are divided into the following categories:
Low Intensity - Suggested for individuals that are new to a group exercise class and/or want an overall body workout at a beginners pace.
Medium Intensity - Suggested for individuals that want to build on their developing skills to improve their strength and balance at a higher intensity.
Intermediate Intensity - Suggested for individuals that are comfortable with increased level of balance, strengthening and cardiovascular exercises.
Free Exercise and Falls Prevention Classes FAQs
Please note:
1. This is NOT a Drop-In session or included in your membership.
2. Registration is required for each term through Community Fitness/Falls Prevention Department ext. 731.
3. On occasion, classes may be rescheduled or canceled on short notice.
4. Participant needs to notify if they will be away for more than 2 weeks. Otherwise, space will be removed and open for waitlist client
Who can attend these classes?
Those who are 65+ can join FREE of charge.
If you are under 65, a minimal pre-paid class fee of $2.50 will be applicable and a $35 membership fee per year (plus one-time $5 administration fee for NEW members).
Required registration process
65+ MUST complete a brief telephone assessment by the Central Local Health Integration Network (416) 222-2241 ext. 6444 prior to starting the program and complete the Better Living registration form.
Under 65 MUST complete only the Better Living registration form prior to starting your first class.
Once the form is completed, the Community Fitness and Falls Prevention Coordinator will confirm to ensure that the program is suitable for your level of fitness.
Falls Prevention Guidelines
Participants must register for the Falls Prevention Program prior to the start date.
The Physiotherapists Initial Assessments will be conducted during Week 1 of the session and Pre/Discharge Assessments during Week 12. These assessments will be used to assess participant progress and determine if the participant is eligible to continue. If the participant has completed the goals of the 12 week Falls Prevention program; they will be discharged and progress into other free fitness programs we offer.
A waitlist will be available on a first come, first serve basis, open until week 3 of the 12-week session.
In the case of emergency or absence that will extend more than 4 missed classes, without notification, your space will be discharged.
Meals & Grocery Delivery
Our Meals Delivery services assist individuals in achieving optimal nutritional health. By providing a major meal of the day, we ensure that clients have access to nutritious food and can continue to benefit from the quality of life that a balanced diet provides. Through our meal options, we can accommodate a variety of special dietary requirements. Individuals accessing meal services can also order milk as part of their meal delivery.
Transportation Services
We offer a cost-effective, easily accessible, and convenient community-based transportation service for those who are unable to drive or have difficulty accessing public transportation. Clients accessing our Medical Rides, Social Rides or Group Rides receive curb to curb service and benefit from improved access to medical and social activities.
Catchment Area: Better Living Health and Community Services provides services within the boundaries of Sheppard Avenue to the north, Yonge Street to the west, Victoria Park Avenue to the east and Eglinton Avenue East and the old North York boundaries to the south (including Flemingdon Park). However, please note our Transportation services, In-Home services and Adult Day Program may serve clients outside this geographic area.
Eligibility: All services funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care are available to seniors over the age of 55, adults living with disabilities, chronically ill or convalescing individuals.
Transportation services are now offering priority rides for shopping days between 7:30 am to 9:00 am (before they open to the public) for seniors and most vulnerable community. Find out more details about this service in the September - October 2024 Better Rides Calendar.
Hospice Services
Hospice Services supports Clients at the end stages of life and their Caregivers. Our team provides practical, physical and emotional support to maintain comfort and quality of life for the Client as a complement to professional medical care.
Our services also provide essential support and respite to a Caregiver supporting a loved one at home. We are sensitive to personal, cultural and religious beliefs and practices and work in collaboration with our Clients to coordinate and deliver individualized care.
Through Hospice Services and with the support of a member of our team, Clients can access: Hospice Case Management services, Complementary Therapy, and Visiting Volunteer support. All FREE of charge.