June marks Seniors Month — a time to celebrate the resilience, contributions and needs of older adults in our communities. For Shirley, 71, of Bracebridge, it’s also a moment to reflect on how the right support at the right time has helped her through significant challenges.
Shirley has long struggled with severe anxiety, but she hasn’t had to face these challenges alone.
Thanks to the specialized care provided by North Simcoe Muskoka Specialized Geriatric Services (NSM SGS), Shirley has experienced a turning point. NSM SGS, a regional program with Waypoint as its lead agency, is a vital resource for older adults dealing with complex mental health and cognitive challenges. With an interdisciplinary team that includes geriatric psychiatrists, nurses, community support workers, pharmacists, recreational therapists and behaviour technicians, the program offers in-depth assessments and person-centred care plans tailored to each individual’s needs.
When you talk to people who can help, you don’t feel alone. I think that’s where a lot of people would appreciate having a service like this — because when you don’t feel alone, it makes you stronger.
Shirley, Waypoint Patient
One of the key aspects of NSM SGS that has made a difference for Shirley is the ability to receive care at home. For older adults, especially those without family nearby, travelling to appointments can be stressful or even impossible. Having clinicians come to her door not only eased the logistical burden, but also helped her feel more comfortable and cared for.
The support Shirley receives goes beyond simple check-ins. “NSM SGS has been wonderful,” she said. “Through their support, you are able to make decisions on your own and feel good about it because they’ve guided you there. They give you the opportunity to see things in a different way and make different choices because you feel secure that someone is listening.”
In addition to the emotional reassurance, Shirley now has practical tools and strategies to manage her anxiety. That kind of empowerment — the ability to make decisions and see a way forward — is one of the many goals of programs like NSM SGS and Waypoint’s broader mental health initiatives for older adults and their care partners.
Waypoint stands out for its compassionate and co-ordinated approach. Its Horizon Program for Geriatric Psychiatry delivers expert care for individuals aged 65 and older living with serious mental illness and conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. For seniors returning home after receiving care, the Waypoint at Home program provides short-term support through home visits, virtual or phone check-ins, and help navigating community resources — all focused on ensuring safe, stable transitions.
Shirley’s story is just one example of the profound difference these services can make. This Seniors Month, it’s important to recognize not only the needs of our aging population but also the programs and people who rise to meet them. For Shirley, the journey has been challenging, but, with the right support, she has found confidence, strength and hope.