Discover how we’re helping individuals & Family Caregivers thrive
CALL: (705) 746-5102 | EMAIL US: [email protected]
Supporting
Independence.
Strengthening Lives.
At The Friends, our programs are designed to support independence, dignity, and quality of life. Whether you’re living at home, supporting a loved one, recovering from a hospital stay, or looking for supportive housing, we’re here to help—every step of the way.
LISTEN
We take time to understand each person’s needs and goals.
SUPPORT
Service plans are tailored to daily routines and comfort at home.
PARTNER
We work together to support independence, dignity, and peace of mind.
Who Can Access Our Services?
Eligibility varies by program. Our team will help determine the best fit based on your needs.
- Seniors and adults with physical disabilities
- Individuals who wish to live independently with support
- Caregivers seeking respite and guidance
- Individuals transitioning home from hospital
Programs & Services
In-Home Care
Caregiver & Community Support
Transitional Care
Supportive Housing
In-Home Care
Support that helps you
stay independent at home
Our In-Home Care services are designed to help seniors and adults with physical disabilities live safely and comfortably in their own homes.
We deliver flexible, in-home support: from homemaking assistance to caregiver respite, helping individuals remain safe, comfortable, and connected in their own homes.
Seniors’ Homemaking Program
Our In-Home Care services are designed for seniors and adults with physical disabilities who want to remain in their own homes with the right level of support.
We offer services such as but not limited to: light housekeeping, meal preparation, medication reminders, and wellness checks for seniors wishing to remain independent.
Personal care such as bathing, dressing, and grooming
Mobility support, transfers, and positioning
Meal preparation and feeding assistance
Light housekeeping, laundry, and shopping
Eligibility
Please click here to learn if you may be eligible for the Seniors’ Homemaking Program:
Assisted Living:
The Friends’ Assisted Living Program is available to high-risk, senior adults with physical disabilities. Independence is a central goal of all of our programs. The purpose of the Assisted Living Program is to assist you in remaining safe in your own home independently, or in an independent way with family.
Eligibility criteria for assisted living services
To provide Assisted Living services to a person, the person must meet all the following criteria. For more details, please contact us.
Caregiver Respite – In-Home & Overnight Support
Flexible care that gives caregivers time to rest and recharge. Respite care provides temporary relief for caregivers while ensuring their loved ones continue to receive safe, compassionate support.
Care can be arranged for a few hours, overnight, or longer periods depending on your needs. Services are most often provided in the home, helping individuals remain comfortable in familiar surroundings.
Eligibility
Please click here to learn if a person may be eligible for in-home respite services:
What We Mean by “Caregiver”
A caregiver is someone who:
- Has primary responsibility for supporting the individual’s daily care needs
- Provides care without financial compensation
- Provides a high level of physical, emotional, or cognitive support
- Is typically an unpaid family member, friend, or primary support person
Caregivers may or may not live with the individual they support.
Referrals
Referrals can be made by:
- Individuals and families (self-referral)
- Hospitals and discharge planners
- Ontario Health atHome
- Primary care providers and community agencies
Our team will guide you through the referral process and help determine the right level of support.
Caregiver & Community
Support
Relief, connection, and support for caregivers and families
Caring for a loved one can be rewarding—but also demanding. Our programs are here to support both caregivers and those they care for.
ADULT DAY
PROGRAMS
A welcoming space for social connection and engagement, offering:
- Recreational and group activities
- Wellness monitoring
- Meaningful companionship
CAREGIVER
SUPPORT PROGRAM
We offer guidance, education, and one-on-one support to help caregivers navigate their role with confidence.
Together, these services help reduce stress, strengthen relationships, and support individuals to remain at home longer.
Outreach Program
The Friends’ Outreach Program is available to adults with physical disabilities. Independence is a central goal of all of our programs. The purpose of the Outreach Program is to assist clients to live in their own homes independently, or in an independent way with family.
Staff will encourage you as a client to develop as much independence as possible in both your personal care and activities of daily living such as housekeeping, cooking, shopping, etc.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants will meet all the following criteria. For more details, please contact us.
Transitional Care
Short-term support to help you recover
and return home safely
Our Transitional Care programs support individuals following a hospital stay or during periods of recovery.
- Priority Assistance to Home (PATH)
- Home at Last (HAL)
- Transitions to Home Program
- Post-Stroke Recovery
Priority Assistance to Transition Home (PATH)
For eligible seniors, PATH provides:
Transportation home from hospital
- A trained attendant to help you settle in
- Assistance with groceries, prescriptions, and essentials
- Light housekeeping and personal care support
This program is free to patients and designed to ensure a safe, smooth return home.
Transitions to
Home Program
Delivered through our respite unit, this short-term stay program offers:
- A safe, supportive environment for recovery
- Assistance with daily living and personal care
- Coordination with physiotherapy and community care services
- Flexible stays (from overnight up to several weeks)
This program helps bridge the gap between hospital and home—supporting recovery, confidence,
Post-Stroke
Recovery Support
Helping individuals regain independence after stroke
Our Post-Stroke program provides specialized support for individuals transitioning home after a stroke. We focus on helping clients safely manage daily activities while supporting their recovery and rehabilitation goals.
This program is designed to bridge the gap between hospital and home—supporting recovery, reducing risk, and helping individuals regain confidence and independence over time.
Home At Last program (HAL) Referred by Victoria Order of Nurses (VON)
The Home at Last program is a referral service that provides support to individuals on day of hospital discharge:
- Transportation home from hospital
- A trained attendant to help you settle in
- Assistance with groceries, prescriptions, and essentials
- Personal care support
This program is free to patients and designed to ensure a safe, smooth return home.
Supportive Housing
The Friends owns and operates accessible supportive housing in Parry Sound with personalized, 24-hour assisted living support
Our supportive housing offers a safe, barrier-free environment for individuals who require both housing and ongoing care. In order to be eligible and accepted as a tenant at The Friends you must require some level of personal care in addition to accessible housing. Find out more here.
- A private, barrier-free living space
- 24-hour access to attendant services
- A personalized care plan based on your needs
- Ongoing support with personal care, mobility, meals, and daily routines
- Light housekeeping and medication reminders
Getting Started
Accessing our programs is simple. Referrals can be made by individuals, families, healthcare providers, or community partners. Our team will work with you to understand your needs and connect you with the right support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are there fees for your services?
We are a non-profit charitable organization funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and through generous donations. Many of our services are covered. There are some programs which have minimal costs, but if you can’t afford it, the Agency will work with you to see if you are eligible for an agency funded subsidy.
Q: Are there waiting lists?
There may be a waitlist for various services and programs and the wait times will depend on various factors. Please reach out for more information or to get the ball rolling.
Q: Do you provide transportation?
While we do not provide transportation, we can connect you with transportation services
Q: What can I expect when reaching out for a general inquiry?
When you reach out to us, you can expect a friendly voice on the other end of the telephone line who can better understand what you need and who can refer you to the appropriate supervisor or person to get the ball rolling.
Q: What can I expect when reaching out for services?
You can expect an in-home visit to help us understand your needs and together we will figure out the kind of care and support that is best for you. For example: you may require a little help with personal care such as bathing or showering. You may need some light housekeeping or medication reminders etc. The services you receive are as unique as you are. We look forward to discussing how we can help.
Intake Process and Personal Care Planning
A supervisor will meet with you to discuss your particular support needs and will develop a service plan unique to your situation. This service plan can be amended at any time if your needs change. It is never easy to accept care, especially care that is highly personal in nature. We will work with you to provide the care you need in a professional, respectful manner.
Eligibility
Please click here if you may be eligible for supportive housing:
Caregiver
Respite Care
Adult Day
Program
Caregiver
Support Program
We provide flexible respite options to give caregivers time to rest and recharge:
- In-home respite and companionship
- Overnight and extended care
- Short-term stays in our fully supported respite unit
A welcoming space for social connection and engagement, offering:
- Recreational and group activities
- Wellness monitoring
- Meaningful companionship
We offer guidance, education, and one-on-one support to help caregivers navigate their role with confidence.
Together, these services help reduce stress, strengthen relationships, and support individuals to remain at home longer.
Discover how we’re helping seniors thrive at home.
Toll Free # 1.888.746.5102
FAX # 705.746.8139
Gravenhurst Office # 705-687-5100
Forest St. Parry Sound, ON, P2A 2R2
Head Office: (705) 746-5102
Email: [email protected]