Background
Persons living with HIV or AIDS sometimes experience health issues that affect their independence, often necessitating additional support to enable them to remain in their own homes or communities. Although their health may not be poor enough to require hospitalization or Hospice care, persons experiencing certain symptoms of HIV infection may struggle to maintain an independent lifestyle.
HIV infection can cause a "yo-yo" effect with a person's health. Your health can be good for a while, then it deteriorates, improves again, deteriorates, improves ... up and down. This can make it extremely difficult for someone with HIV or AIDS to live on their own with no other supports for daily living. Not only is it economically beneficial for people to remain in the community rather than in a long term care facility, it also improve one's individual sense of worth and self-esteem by remaining independent for as long as possible.
The Supportive Housing Program
In response to this situation, AIDS Niagara was successful in obtaining funds from the Ontario Ministry of Health in 1997 for a Supportive Housing Program, through their long-term care directives. With an on-site office, 24 hour staffing, liaison with the local Community Care Access Centre, and other community services, AIDS Niagara is proud to offer quality care and services to those people with HIV/AIDS who can benefit from this type of service. Residents of the program are responsible for their own rent and food costs, but all other support services are provided without charge. The cost or availability of outside services is dependent on the specific service required.
Accommodations
The Supportive Housing Program has been integrated into an "open market" apartment building in order to increase confidentiality for individuals in the program. Spacious one and two bedroom apartments are available, and the building is close to medical facilities (clinic & hospital), stores, and bus route. Some units also exist in various private homes.Program Goals
The goal of AIDS Niagara's Supportive Housing Program is to provide health related and/or practical services to people living with HIV or AIDS who need assistance and wish to remain in a homelike environment. The program is based on a philosophy of respect for individual autonomy and dignity. We are committed to providing the best service possible in a supportive and spiritual environment.Program Objectives
- help residents maintain a healthy lifestyle
- assist residents in remaining independent
- help meet the identified practical and/or emotional needs of people living with HIV/AIDS
- develop and maintain a volunteer base to provide effective services
- raise awareness of services and provide education to other caregivers and service providers
Eligibility Criteria
- Canadian citizen or legal resident of Canada
- 18 years of age, or 16 and withdrawn from parental consent
- HIV positive (proof of status is required)
- Be, or are willing to become an active service user of AIDS Niagara
- Show a demonstrated need for services
- Undergo an Intake Assessment and approval process for admission into the program
- Understand and agree with both the program, and it's policies
Services Provided
- Housekeeping, laundry, ironing, mending
- Meal planning and preparation
- Grocery shopping
- Banking and assistance with budgeting
- Transportation to appointments
- Personal care/hygiene (Bathing, going to the toilet)
- Social and recreational activities
- Nursing care
- Physiotherapy services
- Occupational and/or speech therapy
- Dietician services
- Referral to and development of outside support systems in order to enhance current services
24 hour on-site staff coverage
For more information
Call Len Trebley at
905-688-5670
or e-mail him at .
