As we move through different stages of life, our needs and priorities naturally shift. Getting older may bring change, but it doesn’t mean giving up your independence. Activities like preparing daily meals, managing appointments, or maintaining a home may require new approaches or added support over time. What remains constant is what people have always valued: the ability to live independently, feel safe, and stay connected to their homes and communities.
As we move through different stages of life, our needs and priorities naturally shift. Getting older may bring change, but it doesn’t mean giving up your independence. Activities like preparing daily meals, managing appointments, or maintaining a home may require new approaches or added support over time. What remains constant is what people have always valued: the ability to live independently, feel safe, and stay connected to their homes and communities.
Senior Services Are About Support, Not Loss of Independence
A common misconception about senior services and programs is that they are only needed when someone is not able to manage on their own. This just isn’t true. In reality, these options serve a much broader purpose. While they can be essential during times of physical and mental health challenges, they can also be beneficial for any older adult, no matter their age or situation. When explored early and proactively, these resources can become part of everyday living and help build a strong foundation for long-term well-being.
Senior serving resources and programs are designed to meet the various needs of older adults. They cover a wide range of areas, including:
- Health and medical care
- Home care and caregiving
- Transportation
- Meals and nutrition
- Safety and emergency support
- Financial assistance
- Social connection and mental well-being
Some resources are funded and delivered by government organizations, while others are provided by private businesses and non-profit groups. Both play an important role in supporting older adults. The key is knowing that help is available, and knowing where to find it.
Finding Senior Resources Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
Today, there are countless programs available to older adults, but it can be hard to know where to start. Having a clear and organized guide can be a helpful tool in your resource-finding journey. The Victoria Lifeline Senior Resource Guide brings together a wide range of government programs and private sector resources into one easy-to-use reference. How can you research something you don’t even know exists? Rather than searching on your own, a centralized guide provides a reliable starting point for understanding what help is available and how to access it.
Government Support Available for Older Adults
Government-funded programs for older adults aim to provide important and essential supports. They allow many older adults to access care and assistance that they otherwise wouldn’t be able to access or afford. These programs can form the foundation for a better quality of life for hundreds of thousands of older Canadians.
Home Care Programs
Home care programs allow older adults to get professional support right inside their home. Manitoba’s public home care program provides universal service to eligible residents who need help with daily activities or health-related needs. Wondering where you can find home care support? The Home Care Intake Line through the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA) connects seniors to home care services and assessments, helping determine what level of support is needed. If you live outside Winnipeg, please contact your regional health authority or check out the Guide to Homecare services in Manitoba.
Financial and Income Support Programs
Older adults may experience increased financial stress while living on a fixed income. Many programs for older adults exist and are designed to reduce financial stress. These include income supplements, tax credits, and housing-related assistance.
Some examples of the government-funded financial support programs available to older Manitobans include:
- Primary Caregiver Tax Credit, which provides financial relief to those caring for an older adult
- 55 Plus Program – Manitoba Income Supplement, which helps eligible seniors with limited income
- Manitoba Rent Assist Program, which supports affordable housing for older adults
Financial and Income Support Programs
Everyone’s needs and circumstances are different, which means the right support can look different from person to person. With so many programs and resources available, finding accurate and relevant information can be challenging, especially when details are spread across multiple websites and services. That’s why centralized, easy-to-use resources are so valuable. Services like Manitoba 211 offer a single point of access, whether by phone or online, to help people navigate health and social services available in their community.
Not-for-profit Senior Support
Not-for-profit organizations also play an important role in supporting older adults by focusing on community well-being rather than profit. These organizations are often mission-driven, reinvesting resources back into care, staff training, and client support. They frequently work alongside government programs to help fill service gaps and provide seniors with additional, flexible care options. Some examples in Manitoba include:
Care Possible: an initiative of the not-for-profit organization, Manitoba Possible, dedicated to helping older adults live safely and comfortably at home. Their services include personal care, companionship, and support with daily activities, all delivered with a strong emphasis on dignity and independence. By offering individualized care and community-based support, Care Possible complements public home care programs, providing older adults with another trusted option when navigating home care services.
Victoria Lifeline: a not-for-profit organization that has been supporting older adults in Manitoba for over 35 years by providing medical alert services designed to offer peace of mind at home and on the go. With a strong focus on safety and independence, Victoria Lifeline helps ensure that help is available at the push of a button in the event of a fall or medical emergency.
Private Senior Resources
Private senior organizations offer flexibility and a wide breadth of personalized service options for Manitobans. These convenient services are often delivered by local businesses that specialize in helping older adults with everyday needs.
Meal and Food Delivery Services
Eating well plays an important role in overall health and well-being. At times, everyday factors like travelling outside in our Manitoba winters, mobility issues, or busy schedules can make grocery shopping and meal preparation more challenging. Meal delivery services help bridge that gap by providing regular, balanced meals delivered directly to your door, making it easier to stay nourished and supported.
Examples of meal-related resources include:
Transportation Services for Seniors
As we just mentioned, the ability to travel is one of the biggest challenges older adults face. Research shows just how important access to transportation is to overall health. Changes in driving ability or access to a vehicle can happen for many reasons, and they don’t have to limit independence. Community transportation services offer flexible options for getting to appointments, running errands, and staying socially connected, helping people continue their routines and participate fully in their communities.
What’s the difference between a transportation service tailored for seniors and just using a service like Uber? While Uber provides an easy and convenient way to summon a driver right to your front door, it doesn’t provide the tailored support many older adults need. Support like trained drivers, help with leaving the home, and specialized vehicles for mobility needs. It also allows users to call to book a ride in advance instead of using an app, which can be difficult for some older adults.
Some local transportation resources for seniors include:
Private Home Care and Companion Services
Private home care services are also a good option for those who need more customized, longer-duration solutions. Private home care companies can provide flexible, comprehensive care, including companionship, personal care, housekeeping, or respite for caregivers. These companies charge a fee for service.
Examples of private home care resources listed in the guide include:
Using Senior Resources Early Makes a Difference
Don’t wait until a crisis or life-changing event occurs before seeking help. Senior resources are most effective when used early on and proactively. They’re a tool to help you age gracefully, not a course correction. These programs can strengthen well-being, reduce isolation, and lighten the load for family and caregivers. Choosing to use them isn’t about giving something up; it’s about staying connected, supported, and confident in your day-to-day activities. Most importantly, it’s a way for you to continue to live your life to the fullest. If you’re beginning to explore what support might look like for you or someone you care about, Victoria Lifeline’s senior services guide is a great place to start!
Disclaimer
This article is meant to be informational in nature and should not replace the advice of a trained healthcare or financial professional.