Vulnerable Adults and Seniors Team services have been suspended until further notice due to COVID-19.

Connect to an Intake Public Health Nurse for more information through our eChat.
The service is available Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 

There are over 400,000 seniors in Toronto, approximately 15% of the population. It is estimated that by 2036 this population will increase to over 600,000*.

Some seniors living alone may have difficulty taking care of themselves on a daily basis, and may not have access to health and social resources.

The Vulnerable Adults and Seniors team are Public Health Nurses who provide consultative services to vulnerable adults and seniors, their caregivers, community support agencies and the public with a focus on older adults over 50 years.

*Population Projections, 2015-2041. Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

Our Services

Public Health Nurses are available for consultation with older adults and seniors, or their caregivers, who require help with accessing and understanding how to obtain services.

The Vulnerable Adults and Seniors Public Health Nurses focus is on older adults and seniors who are not currently connected to any other community or health supports.

They are also available to consult with landlords, community service providers and other members of the community.

Vulnerable Adults and Seniors Public Health Nurses are available to give presentations:

  • related to accessing community and health services and resources available for vulnerable adults and seniors;
  • for landlords, community service providers and other members of the community as well as groups of vulnerable adult and seniors.

During the hot weather period from May 15 to September 30, extreme cold weather from November 15 to April 15, Public Health Nurses are available to offer presentations to adult and senior community groups regarding safety during extreme heat or cold weather alerts, related to safety tips to prevent adverse effects of extreme cold or hot weather.

Learn more about Toronto Public Health’s Hot Weather Response and Extreme Cold Weather alerts.

Vulnerable Adults and Seniors Public Health Nurses participate on networks, committees and coalitions in Toronto to address social determinants of health such as hoarding with Toronto Hoarding and Support Service Network (THSSN) and elder abuse with Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario.

The Public Health Nurse may contact clients that are not connected to any community or health agencies to support them. In some circumstances the Public Health Nurse may provide a home visit to the client, for an assessment of the client’s concerns and issues.

During the home visit with the client’s consent the Public Health Nurse may offer to:

  • make recommendations and referrals to community agencies and/or other program services, including 2-1-1 Toronto services.
  • collaborate with other city divisions, community agencies and service providers to seek resolution of the client’s issues, including bed bug control.

Please note that services offered to vulnerable adults and seniors are voluntary and require the consent of the individual that includes meeting with the Public Health Nurse.

Protecting clients’ personal health information is an essential part of our commitment to quality public health services, programs, and professional nursing care.

For more information on privacy legislation, please refer to the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA).