Our Services:
Continuity Care is here to help you plan for an enriched quality of life for your family member with an intellectual disability, now and for the future. Families are strong and resourceful, however, there may be times that you need assistance and are feeling like you are alone on your journey. We are here to listen, and here to help.
Our approach is family centered and individualized and we start with where you are at, providing tools and resources to create a plan that is unique to your family and your specific circumstances.
For more information about any of our services, or to register for a session, call or email our office and we’ll connect you with the right service for your family.
You can also visit our Resources page for more ways we can help you and your family member.
“This past year, I have learned a lot through your workshops and I don’t know where else I would have received this information. Thank you!”
– Past Workshop Participant
Individual support and planning
We offer families one-to- one, individualized support for planning, problem solving, navigating the social service system, advocacy, and making connections with important community resources. Sometimes just by being here, our staff is a valuable resource and comfort to families, whenever the need arises.
We help you turn your fears and worries about the future into positive, concrete plans, with the goal of giving your family peace of mind. You and your family can take comfort in knowing that you not alone, as you learn together about the solutions and resources available. For example, we can help you:
- plan your estate and make a will
- learn about different types of trusts and the role of a trustee
- connect you with community organizations that provide residential and
day services - create a portfolio or life book that helps to tell the story of your child or
sibling and your family - facilitate person-centred planning such as MAPS and a PATH
- develop and maintain a Sharing Circle of Support for your family member
In addition, Continuity Care members have access to our lending library of resources, and our free quarterly newsletter features helpful articles and information for families on planning, our programs and upcoming events.
Parent Support Groups
The focus of our parent support groups is providing parents and caregivers with the space and opportunity to share and connect with others on the same journey.
Parents and caregivers of children of all ages and stages are welcome in these support groups to come together and share their stories and experiences. Our inclusive parent support programs are open to a diversity of families: those with children living in the family home, in a home of their own or in a community residence, and to those whose children are in school, have a job, are volunteering or are supported by a residential or day program.
At each meeting, there is time for informal sharing and connecting, mixed with opportunities to learn about resources and information on topics that are of interest to the group.
Sign up for our newsletter, follow us on social media or visit our events page for details and reminders about our next Parent Support Group meeting.
Sibling Supports
We are offer support groups on a quarterly basis for adult siblings who have a brother or sister with a disability. These meetings bring adult siblings together to:
- share their stories and experiences
- identify specific issues and challenges they face
- strategize about what resources and supports can be accessed and developed
- create opportunities to make connections
- feel recognized and supported for their very unique role in the family
The Baby Boomer Café is an opportunity for adult siblings and their brothers or sisters with a disability, families and friends to spend time together. There are 3-4 Cafés planned each year and gatherings include musical entertainment, playing games, honoring the memories of past members, celebrating faith and family traditions and sharing a meal together. Their celebrations have a serious
purpose as well. As parents pass away, their siblings with a disability need relationships and friends more than ever. The Baby Boomer café is a place where siblings can build relationships and community.
Sign up for our newsletter, follow us on social media or visit our events page for details and reminders about our next Parent Support Group meeting.
Workshops
We offer a range of workshops for family members on topics related to planning for the future of a family member with a disability. From Will and Estate Planning, Trusts and The Role of Trustees, Creating a Portfolio, Developing a Support Network, Registered Disability Savings Plan, our workshops are led by experts in the field and provide plenty of time for questions and answers.
Our workshops are free for members, and $10 per family for non-members. Sign up for our newsletter, follow us on social media or visit our events page for details and reminders about our workshops.
Please note: if you are unable to attend a workshop in person, teleconferencing is also available. Please contact us for details on how to join our workshops by teleconference.
Sharing Circle of Support
Continuity Care is proud to offer families its Sharing Circle of Support Program that provides tools, resources and options to help develop and maintain a support network for a person with a disability.
A Sharing Circle of Support is our term or model for a strong support network for a person with an intellectual disability. Your Sharing Circle is a group of people who genuinely care about your family member at the center of the circle and who want to be a part of their lives, now and in the future.
This program is led by a trained facilitator and is designed to provide detailed information and resources on how to build and maintain a strong Sharing Circle of Support. Ultimately, a successful Sharing Circle will collectively increase your family member’s social and recreational opportunities and enrich their life in a variety of ways, including:
- helping to connect them with services and supports
- assisting and responding to life changes and decision making
- promoting health and wellness
- sharing the caring and the responsibilities
- developing friendships and exploring social opportunities
Special community events
Continuity Care hosts several social events for its community of members and non-member families throughout the year, such as our Family Fun Nights and Winter BINGO afternoons. These are great opportunity for families to connect with each other and enjoy some activities, food and fun.
The Annual Mike Keane Celebrity Hockey Classic, provide Continuity Care families and the broader community with an opportunity to volunteer and support our organization, as well as enjoy watching the hockey tournament as a spectator.
Sign up for our newsletter, follow us on social media or visit our events page for details and reminders about all our upcoming events.
Outreach and education
Our office regularly responds to requests for information and resources from other agencies, professionals and community groups.
Continuity Care staff and volunteers often speak at conferences, schools and community forums about how to prepare and plan for the ongoing needs of an individual with an intellectual disability.
We also provide presentations and training workshops to other community agencies supporting or working with people with intellectual disabilities and their families.
Contact our office with your questions or to arrange for a speaker or training workshop in your community or organization.