Senior support

Our recreation facilities are by appointment only. 

Our grocery shopping and telephone reassurance programs continue to operate. To inquire about these programs call 519-579-6930.

For a full list of services affected by closures, visit our COVID-19 webpage.

On this page

  1. Older Adult Housing Directory
  2. Active living programs
  3. WOW Waterloo
  4. Senior day program
  5. Home support programs
  6. Celebrating seniors video series

Older Adult Housing Directory

Each year we publish an older adult housing directory. The latest version was updated in June 2019.

Download the Older Adult Housing Directory (PDF)

Active living programs

Many of our registered programs appeal to active seniors, including dance, yoga, tai chi and more. We also offer drop-in leisure activities such as cards, wood carving and ukulele.

Check our program and classes page to find drop-in and registered options.

WOW Waterloo

WOW is a Seniors’ Centre Without Walls telephone program that brings social, recreational and educational programs to seniors. Enjoy guests speakers, learn new skills and engage in friendly conversations with other seniors in your community.

In order to join the WOW program you will need:

  1. A working telephone.
  2. You need to be a senior in Waterloo or the surrounding community.
  3. You will be required to register by calling 519-579-1020 x 10037
  4. Answering a brief intake questionnaire.

From there, you will be registered for weekly or daily activities offered on our program calendar: March, April. 

WOW Waterloo is an inclusive program for all older adults residing in Waterloo. To promote a welcoming and safe setting for all, we ask that participants observe our Respectful Conduct Policy:

  • to participate in a kind and respectful manner
  • to create an inclusive environment that honours people of all cultures, traditions, faiths, genders, sexual orientation, abilities, and life experiences
  • to respect all group members and their opinions, even if they differ from your own
  • to allow the facilitator, volunteer or guest speaker to lead the conversation or activity
  • to allow everyone a chance to speak and participate by not dominating conversations
  • to maintain confidentiality – information that is shared on the call by others should be kept private and confidential

Senior day program

We provide a variety of group activities for those 55+ and living with a chronic illness, physical disability or memory loss.

They run on Monday to Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Adult Recreation Centre. The cost is $17 per day. Subsidies are available if necessary.

Referrals can be made through Community Care at 519-310-2222, or you can register directly with us at 519-579-6930 or TTY (for deaf) 1-866-786-3941.

Home support programs

We provide a number of support services to assist vulnerable older adults to live safely and remain active. Depending on the service, it may take one day to several months to complete registration.

Register at 519-579-6930 or TTY (for deaf) 1-866-786-3941.

Three course lunches

Enjoy a delicious three course meal from Mondays to Fridays at noon at the Adult Recreation Centre.

We make accommodations for special dietary needs. Clients must book one business day in advance. $8/meal.

All meals are served with vegetable and salad, and include one cup of tea or coffee. All meals can be made to accommodate individual dietary requirements. Menus are posted weekly on Mondays in the front lobby.

Sample menus
  • potato leek soup, baked ham, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, salad, butter tart
  • vegetable beef soup, breaded haddock, mashed potatoes, broccoli and cauliflower salad, cooked carrots, chocolate zucchini cake
  • tomato soup, shepherd’s pie, Caesar salad, orange cake
  • sweet potato soup, chicken thigh, rice, mixed vegetables, salad, pumpkin pie
  • cream of broccoli soup, sausage, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, pudding

Grocery shopping
Getting your grocery shopping done can be a challenge. Our volunteers can assist you in the store or list shop on your behalf. $10/shopping trip.

Home maintenance

Maintenance workers can assist with seasonal work, including lawn care, snow removal and minor repairs. The cost is $20/hour. If workers uses their own equipment the rate is $25.00/hour.

The snow removal program for 2020 is full. We will begin taking requests for grass cutting in April 2021.

Homemaking

Dependable homemakers help with household tasks, including cleaning, laundry and meal preparation.

You will have a standing appointment with the same homemaker, scheduled weekly, bi-weekly or every four weeks.

Cost is $20/hour.

Telephone reassurance

When you live alone, loneliness and personal safety are issues. Our trained volunteers can call from Monday to Friday to check in and give you and your family peace of mind. This service is free.

Rides

Free transportation to vaccination clinics for older adults (65+), and adults with unique needs is available Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

  • Individuals who live in the city of Waterloo and have a scheduled vaccination appointment can contact a Care Facilitator with Home Support Services at 519-579-6930 to complete a short intake questionnaire and arrange for transportation.
  • Same-day transportation is not available. Available drivers and vehicles may be limited, passengers are encouraged to call to schedule transportation as soon as they have confirmed their vaccine appointment.
  • Vehicles are not wheelchair accessible, however they can safely accommodate walking devices such as walkers and canes. Passengers should be able to get into and out of the vehicle independently to promote safe physical distancing whenever possible.
  • All passengers will undergo active COVID-19 screening prior to their pick up, and are requested to wear a face covering for the duration of the trip.

General ride service

This service provides rides to medical appointments, activities and grocery shopping. Book your trained volunteer driver at least two business days in advance.

The cost is $5 for a one-way ride in Waterloo; rates outside of Waterloo vary depending on the location.

We are unable to accommodate wheelchairs or rides to day programs. For accessible transportation, please contact Mobility Plus.

Celebrating seniors video series

Celebrate Seniors is a video campaign featuring City of Waterloo senior groups that contribute to the health and wellness of other seniors in the community.

  1. The Old Salts Seniors Canoe Club (1:09) 
  2. Owl's Nest woodcarvers club (1:29) 
  3. Creative Crafters (1:15)