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ROSSS extends support services to seniors, adults with disabilities in south rural Ottawa

A man wearing a ROSSS hat and shirt stands in front of the ROSSS white mini van and behind an elderly man in a wheelchair, about to be loaded into the van. Photo courtesy of ROSSS.
Doug Humphreys of rural south Ottawa gets transportation help from Louis Lacelle of ROSSS.
Candice Vetter - CJRO - | 15-06-2023
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An organization in Ottawa is hoping to assist seniors facing isolation in the city.

Melissa MacIsaac of Rural Ottawa South Support Services (ROSSS) explains the services they provide to older adults, seniors and adults with disabilities extends to Ward 20 residents.

Isolation caused by the pandemic exacerbated the isolation already affecting many adults with disabilities and seniors, and now that Carlsbad Springs and Vars are part of Osgoode Ward 20, MacIsaac wants residents there to know that ROSSS is available to them as well.

ROSSS provides a broad range of assistance including physical help with personal care, health services, foot care, transportation, emotional support, Meals on Wheels, social connections, income tax preparation, respite care for caregivers, home support services, friendly visiting, pickleball, luncheons, and a telephone program called A Friendly Voice. The last is a phone line for isolated and lonely seniors to call and speak to a friendly volunteer.

ROSSS covers southern rural Ottawa from Ashton to Metcalfe, Edwards, Carlsbad Springs and Vars, and some other areas if a similar service is outside a catchment area but ROSSS is actually closer.

Social programs or frozen meals to be picked up can be accessed by anyone regardless of location.

Rural transportation can be an issue, and Ottawa has faced numerous transit problems recently. In terms of transportation, aside from Edwards and Metcalfe people, people in Carlsbad Springs and Vars can access it through a referral from the Eastern Ottawa Community Resource Centre. MacIsaac said referral is an easy process and staff will help. Transportation is available for medical appointments in the City with minimum 72 hours notice.

The Friendly Voice program is 100 per cent free, available seven days a week, and is not catchment based. It is available to anyone in Ontario who feels lonely. The number is 1 855 892 9992.

ROSSS also accepts donations and is seeking volunteers. For more information, visit https://rosss.ca.

Listen to the interview below:

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