Senior services
Find information on seniors programming, home support services, aging in Waterloo and senior centres.
On this page
- Senior centres
- Seniors programming
- June is Seniors month
- Home support services
- WOW Waterloo telephone program
- Guides and directories
- Celebrating seniors video series
Senior centres
The Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex and the Community Pavilion are located at 101 Father David Bauer Drive. Programming for different activity levels is available.
Getting there:
- to arrive by car, enter the east entrance from Father David Bauer Drive
- to arrive by bus, use Route 5 Erb or Route 12 Westmount buses
- the walking distance to the WMRC east entrance from the nearest bus stops are 350 metres from the stop on the north side of Erb Street and 370 metres from the stop on the south side of Erb Street
Seniors programming
Our staff are happy to offer a variety of programming for adults 55+ in Waterloo. All of our programs are offered out of the Senior Centre located at 101 Father David Bauer Drive. Find our programs listed below.
Funding assistance is provided through the Seniors Active Living Centres Program supported by the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility.
Active living programs
Many of our registered programs appeal to active seniors. Programs take place at Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex. Types of activities include:
- dance
- yoga
- tai chi
- other activities as scheduled
Check our program and classes page to learn how to register.
Leisure programs
Drop-in leisure activities are available at the Community Pavilion. The fee for most activities is $2.25. A ten visit pass is available for $20.24. Types of activities include:
- billiards
- cards
- knitting
- wood carving
- ukulele
- arts and crafts
Call customer service at 519-579-1020 or email leisureprogramming@waterloo.ca for schedule information.
Waterloo Duplicate Bridge Club - Scores |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
To join the weekly email list please email Sarah Kelly, Community Leisure Programmer - sarah.kelly@waterloo.caWaterloo Duplicate Bridge ClubMay 27 2023RanksSession 20 Section A11 Table 22 Board Mitchell MovementDirector: Bob Fletcher Scorer: Haley Kavelman Received 242 of 242 scores.
May 20 2023RanksSession 19 Section A11 Table 22 Board Mitchell MovementDirector: Jake Liu Scorer: Haley Kavelman Received 242 of 242 scores.
May 13 2023RanksSession 18 Section A12 Table 24 Board Mitchell MovementDirector: Douglass Grant Scorer: Haley Kavelman Received 264 of 264 scores.
|
Senior day program
We provide a variety of group activities for those 55+ and living with a chronic illness, physical disability or memory loss.
Programs run Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Community Pavilion. The cost is $17 per day. Subsidies are available if necessary.
Referrals can be made through Community Care at 519-310-2222. If you have any questions or would like to know more about our program please call 519-888-6356 or TTY (for deaf) 1-866-786-3941. There is a wait list for this service.
Participants, caregivers and families are key partners in care provided by the senior day program and are supported by a Patient Bill of Rights that sets the foundation for how they can expect to interact with and be treated by all staff.
June is Seniors month
Join us for one or all of the free events we have planned throughout the month of June in recognition of seniors in the community.
Thursday, June 1
- Senior of the Year recipient announcement
Friday, June 2
- Friday Flicks Travel Show – Costa del Sol, Spain, 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. At the WMRC - Community Pavilion. Light refreshments provided. Sponsored by Chartwell Retirement Residences. Register by phone at 519-579-1020.
Tuesday, June 6
-
Older Adult LGBTQ+ Awareness Workshop – 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Learn about 2SLBBTQ+ seniors' housing history and issues, become a better ally, and ask questions in a safe environment. Presented by Diane Kilby and Leslie Litwiller. Register for the online presentation.
Tuesday, June 13
-
Best Practices in LGBTQ+ Affirming Housing Workshop – 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Learn about the housing barriers facing LGBTQ+ elders and creating a safe and welcoming space. Presented by Sydney Kopp Richardson and Brad Lawrence. Register for the online presentation.
Thursday, June 15
- World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Waterloo’s Elder Abuse Prevention Council will visit the WMRC lobby to share information and resources. Refreshments are available. For more information on the Elder Abuse Prevention Council, visit their website. Learn more about World Elder Abuse Day.
Tuesday, June 20
- Seniors’ Health Fair, 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. At the WMRC - Community Pavilion. Learn how various community, social and health services can help older adults remain active, well and connected to the community. Formal presentations are followed by refreshments and networking. Event hosted in collaboration with KW4 Ontario Health Team. Register by phone at 519-579-1020 to ensure seating for the formal presentation from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. Drop-in to visit vendors from 5:30 p.m. onward.
Wednesday, June 21
- Celebrating Seniors: Kevin Coates in Concert, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Join in on this afternoon of entertainment with local musician Kevin Coates at the WMRC - Community Pavilion. Register by phone at 519-579-1020 ext. 10037.
Wednesday, June 28
- Seniors In the City, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Outdoor event, rain or shine. Live music and light refreshments. Bring your own lawn chair to Brewmeister Green,155 King St. South at William. Sponsored by Chartwell Retirement Residences. No registration required.
Home support services
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.
Participants, caregivers and families are key partners in care provided by the home support services program and are supported by a Patient Bill of Rights that sets the foundation for how they can expect to interact with and be treated by all staff.
| Three course lunches |
| Enjoy a delicious three course meal Monday to Friday at noon at the Community Pavilion. 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
|
| 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 $22/hour. If workers uses their own equipment the rate is $27.00/hour. Snow removal recruitment begins in September with interviews held in October and orientation in November. Services are provided by a brokered worker that operates as an independent contractor paid directly by the client. Brokered workers are screened by Senior Services staff prior to being matched with clients. Services arrangements are made between the client and brokered worker. Learn more about becoming a maintenance worker. |
| 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 $22/hour. Services are provided by a brokered worker that operates as an independent contractor paid directly by the client. Brokered workers are screened by Senior Services staff prior to being matched with clients. Services arrangements are made between the client and brokered worker. There is a waiting list for service. Learn more about becoming a homemaker. |
| 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 |
| Services are available for 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. 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.
We are unable to accommodate wheelchairs or rides to day programs. For accessible transportation, please contact Mobility Plus. |
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:
- A working telephone
- To be a senior in Waterloo or the surrounding community
- To register by calling 519-579-1020 ext. 10037
- To answer a brief intake questionnaire
After joining, you will be registered for weekly or daily activities offered on our program calendar.
Download the latest WOW calendar (PDF)
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
Guides and directories
We provide guides and directories that help older adults navigate aging in Waterloo. Explore how our guides can help you and your family stay active and stay in the community you love.
Older Adult Housing Directory
Each year we publish an older adult housing directory. The latest version was updated in May 2023.
Download the Older Adult Housing Directory (PDF)
Ageing well directory
The directory was created to help people aged 55+ in Waterloo access information on older adult focused services, programs, and amenities. This directory functions as a one-stop-shop for residents looking for information on housing, home support, health services, recreation and leisure, ethnic and cultural supports, and much more.
View the ageing well Waterloo directory
You can download an accessible PDF version of the directory.
You are not alone
The City of Waterloo in collaboration with Age-Friendly Waterloo Multi-Agency Committee has developed a Guide to Improve Social Connectedness (PDF) as recommended from the city's Older Adult Social Isolation Report (2018).
The guide is intended to create awareness for older adults experiencing social isolation and provide resources to support getting connected in your community.
Hard copies of the guide are available at city recreation facilities and local libraries.
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.
- The Old Salts Seniors Canoe Club (1:09)
- Owl's Nest woodcarvers club (1:29)
- Creative Crafters (1:15)