ILWR HELPS RESIDENTS BE IN CHARGE OF THEIR OWN CARE
Independent Living Waterloo Region (ILWR) is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating choices and support for people with disabilities.
Their mission is to champion independent living through self-directed services and programs.
The organization was founded in 1982, originally named Independent Living Centre of Waterloo Region.
Founder Henry Enns, a social worker and wheelchair user, focused on self-direction and accessibility, elements that remain at the organization’s core today.
“We want their family to remain their family, not their caretakers. So, this program gives that back to a lot of people,” Robyn Jackson, Direct Funding Resource Coordinator for ILWR, said.
Through the attendant outreach program, ILWR helps adults with physical disabilities in their home, school or workplace.
These services include non-medical personal support, essential homemaking tasks, safety checks and medication reminders.
“We evaluate what sort of level of need they have, what sort of budget they’re looking to request and, as well, we test their knowledge of employment standards and how to be an employer,” Jackson said.
Some eligibility requirements for the assisted living program include that people need to be insured under OHIP, have a valid OHIP card, be 16 years of age or older and have a permanent physical disability that requires physical assistance with activities of daily living.
“I have two children. They’re both young adults, but my wife and I felt that direct funding provided me with more flexibility and more freedom to be able to fit my personal care needs,” Dan Lajoie, Manager of Independent Living Resources and a self-manager with ILWR, said.
According to Waterloo Region Community Foundation, the number of older adults in the Waterloo region is growing quickly.
The number of residents aged 65 to 69 rose from 23,000 to 31,000 between 2014 and 2024, which is a 28 per cent growth. This indicates a critical need for mobility, care and adaptation of public facilities.
“The traditional service model would see somebody accessing services through an agency where they might not necessarily get to choose who comes into their home. Being on this program gives that power back to the individual,” Jackson said.
ILWR focuses on personal support services. Professionals assist with essential housekeeping that fits around a client’s personal care.
Unlike other programs, there are no maximum hours. Hours are based on identified personal care needs and budgetary capacity.
“I find it very rewarding to do this type of work. We see a lot of folks coming in that maybe don’t have any care at all in place. Maybe their disability is new to them and they’re sort of navigating all those pieces, and I get to help them put this program in place,” Jackson said.
Another program available to ILWR clients is assisted living. Attendants are trained to assist with personal care activities. A service plan will be created between the client and an ILWR staff member, which includes assistance with controlled acts and complex needs.
“I would say that it’s a great program for anyone who can manage it. It allows freedom of choice and scheduling within your own life,” Lajoie said.
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