Know an older adult coping with complex needs? New program now accepting referrals

New Program for Adults Coping with Complex Needs

NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY – Wednesday, May 24, 2023 - Are you or someone you support feeling worn down from trying to cope with complex needs? Do you feel like some of your needs are not well matched to the supports and services you are receiving today? If you answered yes to both of those questions, the Ontario Health Team of Northumberland’s (OHT-N) new support program may be able to help. 


Introduced in 2020, the Volunteer Peer Support Program will soon be matching trained peer support facilitators with older adults in Northumberland County. The aim: support those experiencing persistent complex needs and conditions, and their caregivers, with the introduction of our region’s first High Fidelity WrapAround model.



What is WrapAround for older adults?


WrapAround is a proven approach that helps older adults with complex conditions, and their caregivers, achieve their goals. Teams of family, friends, and professionals chosen by the older adult and caregiver come together to ‘wrap’ participants in community supports. Each participant’s strengths, culture and vision for a better life drive the process from beginning to end. Participants choose what they want to work on and how fast they want to work on it. In this way, people are empowered to have a voice and choice in planning the care and support they require.


With a holistic, person-centred approach, WrapAround can assist with many life domains, including housing, safety, finances, spiritual support, healthcare, family dynamics, social networking, recreation, culture/values, mobility and, if required, legal assistance.


Four Phases of WrapAround


In the first phase, Engagement, the groundwork for trust and shared vision between the participant and WrapAround volunteer facilitators is established. The tone is set for teamwork and team interactions that are consistent with WrapAround principles, particularly through initial conversations around strengths, needs, and culture.


During the second phase, Team-Based Planning, team trust and mutual respect are built while the team creates an initial plan of care. It is critical participants feel as though they are heard, that the needs chosen are ones they want to work on, and that the options chosen have a reasonable chance of helping them meet these needs.


In the third phase, Implementation, the initial WrapAround plan is implemented, progress and successes are continually reviewed, changes are made to the plan and then implemented, all while maintaining or building team cohesiveness and mutual respect.


During the fourth and final phase, Transition, plans are made for a purposeful transition out of formal WrapAround to a mix of formal and natural supports in the community. The participant, with the support of their facilitator and team members, plan for potential future challenges.


Participant Eligibility


Older adults residing in Northumberland County who are experiencing complex and persistent needs/conditions or are caring for someone with complex and persistent needs/conditions are encouraged to apply to the program. The program focuses on those who have not effectively had their needs addressed through current services and are agreeable to the WrapAround process.   


For the purposes of this program, ’older’ is more a range than a specific age, but it is typically best suited for those 55 and up. If you think this program is right for you or someone you care for, but they are younger than 55, please contact us to discuss.


How to access the Volunteer Peer Support Program


Community Care Northumberland oversees the Volunteer Peer Support Program in partnership with the OHT-N. Community agencies looking to refer a potential participant to the program are invited to complete the referral form. Agency referrals may be faxed to 905-372-3898. 


Community members interested in being referred, self-referring, or referring someone they care for are invited to contact Kelly Peterson, the Volunteer Peer Support Program Coordinator, at  k.peterson@commcare.ca  or phone 905-372-7356 x102.


Feedback from program participants and volunteers


"WrapAround has been a wonderful experience for me. I have connected with my volunteers and always know they are there to support me when needed. For once, I have been left feeling like I have control of my own care and the services I have been connected with. My volunteers created a list of all my strengths, and I was brought to tears knowing I am a valued member of my community and I have purpose. I look at this list often when I am feeling low. Without the support & encouragement of my volunteer facilitators, I would feel overwhelmed by the services in the community and would be hesitant to accept help." –  Volunteer Peer Support Program participant


"As a volunteer co-facilitator for the WrapAround program, I am learning a lot about our community and am seeing many varied and caring supports within it. While the challenges that WrapAround participants face can be daunting, they know they are not alone, and they can choose supports that help them move forward with hope.” –  Wendy Sheppard, Volunteer Peer Support Program Volunteer Facilitator


“I am grateful to be a volunteer for the WrapAround program. It is rewarding and a much-needed service to our senior community. I am extremely thankful to be paired up with another volunteer that has the same commitment to help our seniors who are making their best efforts to live independently. I feel we were successful in determining our clients needs and creating a helpful team. We had a lot of support from our Volunteer Peer Support Coordinator, which made this experience very worthwhile”. –  Mary Lou Secord, Volunteer Peer Support Volunteer Facilitator


Interested in becoming a Peer Support Volunteer?  Learn more


About the Ontario Health Team of Northumberland


The Ontario Health Team of Northumberland (OHT-N) is a local team of patients, caregivers, health, and community service providers from across Northumberland County working together to deliver more coordinated care. Drawing on a strong history of collaboration, the OHT-N has come together to improve:

  • Patient and caregiver experience;
  • Patient and population health outcomes;
  • Provider experience; and
  • Value to the community.
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