Community Access to Long-Term Care at Deep River and District Health
A Place to Gather. Support to Stay Home.
The Campfire Program is a community-based program at Deep River and District Health (DRDH) that provides older adults with access to clinical care, personal support, rehabilitation, recreation, social programming and caregiver respite while they continue to live in their own homes.
The program is DRDH’s locally designed approach to Ontario’s Community Access to Long-Term Care (CALTC) program. It brings some of the care, services and supports available in long-term care to people earlier, with the goal of helping them remain healthy, independent and supported at home for as long as possible.
Referrals are opening soon.
The Campfire Program provides a welcoming place for older adults to receive support, participate in meaningful activities, connect with others and access services that can help them continue living at home.
Participants attend the DRDH Health Campus on a full-day or half-day basis, Monday to Friday. Some people may attend occasionally, while others may attend several days each week. The frequency and combination of services are based on each person’s individual needs, goals and care plan.
The Campfire Program is not residential long-term care. Participants continue to live in their own homes and return home after attending the program.
A campfire is a place where people gather, connect, share, learn and support one another. The Campfire Program is built around that same idea: bringing people together in a welcoming community space where they can access support, build connections and strengthen their independence.
Services and Supports
Services are individualized. Participants do not need to use every service to benefit from the program. The Campfire team works with each participant and their family or caregiver to identify the supports that will make the greatest difference. Participation in the program is free of charge, however some services will carry a minimal cost.
- Health assessments and monitoring
- Wound care
- Support with ongoing health needs
- Health education
- Assistance with activities of daily living
- Bathing and personal care
- Support to maintain independence
- Group exercise activities
- Support with strength, mobility and function
- Strategies to maintain independence at home
- Individual and group activities
- Therapeutic programming
- Opportunities for social connection and participation
- Activities that support physical, cognitive, and social well-being
- Support for individuals experiencing memory loss or cognitive changes
- Activities and strategies that support participation and independence
- Meals and refreshments while participating in the program
- Support related to nutrition and healthy eating
- Take home meals are also available for $8
- Information and education for participants and families
- Help understanding available services
- Connections to health and community resources
- Planned respite for caregivers
- Support and education for families and caregivers
- Meaningful programming and care for participants while caregivers take time away
- Regular foot care clinics
- Convenient access to preventative foot care locally
Who is The Campfire Program for?
The Campfire Program may be an option for an older adult who is living in the community and:
- Is currently on a long-term care waitlist; or
- Meets the eligibility requirements to be placed on a long-term care waitlist; and
- Could benefit from additional health, personal, social or functional supports while continuing to live at home.
This may include someone who:
- Needs increasing assistance with personal care
- Requires nursing or clinical monitoring
- Has experienced changes in mobility, strength, or function
- Is living with dementia or cognitive changes
- Would benefit from meaningful recreation and social connection
- Has a caregiver who needs additional support or respite
You do not need to be ready to move into long-term care to participate.
Being eligible for The Campfire Program does not mean that you have to move into long-term care. The purpose of the program is to provide additional support while people continue to live at home.
Not sure if you qualify?
If you are unsure whether you or someone you care for meets the eligibility requirements, contact the Campfire team. Team members can discuss individual circumstances, explain the referral process and help identify next steps.
How does The Campfire Program work?
A referral can be made by an individual, family member, caregiver, healthcare provider or community partner.
The Campfire team reviews the referral and completes an assessment to understand the individual’s needs, goals and circumstances.
The team works with the participant and, with their consent, their family or caregiver to identify appropriate services and supports.
Participants attend The Campfire Program according to their individualized plan. Attendance may be full-day or half-day and can range from occasional visits to several days each week.
The team continues to work with participants and families to ensure services remain aligned with their needs and goals.
Referrals are opening soon.
The Campfire Program is available free of charge to eligible participants.
Referrals may be considered from:
- Individuals
- Family members and caregivers
- Primary care providers
- Ontario Health atHome
- Other healthcare providers
- Health and community service organizations
A referral does not automatically mean enrolment. Each referral is reviewed to determine eligibility and whether The Campfire Program is an appropriate fit.
To learn more or make a referral:
Phone: 613-584-3333 x4100
Email: communityintake@drdh.org
Referral Form: COMING SOON
Location:
DRDH Health Campus
117 Banting Drive, Deep River, Ontario
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The Campfire Program is for people who live in the community. Participants attend the program at the DRDH Health Campus and return home afterward.
No. The Campfire Program is a community-based program. Participants continue to live at home.
The program is part of Ontario’s Community Access to Long-Term Care initiative and is intended to provide additional supports to people who may be eligible for long-term care.
You must either be on a long-term care waitlist or eligible to be placed on one. If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements, contact the Campfire team to discuss your situation.
No. You do not need to be ready or planning to move into long-term care. The program is designed to provide additional supports while you continue living at home.
Attendance is based on your individual needs, goals and care plan. The program offers both full-day and half-day attendance, Monday to Friday. Some participants may attend occasionally, while others may attend several days each week.
No. Services are individualized. The Campfire team will work with you to determine which supports are most appropriate for your needs and goals.
No. The Campfire Program is provided free of charge to eligible participants.
Yes. With the participant’s consent, families and caregivers can be involved in planning care, identifying goals and understanding available supports. The program can also provide planned caregiver respite.
Transportation needs and available options can be discussed as part of the referral and assessment process. Transportation is an important consideration for people living across our rural region.
The Campfire team will review the referral and contact you to learn more about your needs. An assessment will help determine eligibility and whether the program is an appropriate fit.
The program is located at the Deep River and District Health Campus in Deep River, Ontario.
The program is being introduced through Ontario’s Community Access to Long-Term Care initiative. DRDH will continue to evaluate the program and its services as it develops.
A Place to Gather. Support to Stay Home.
The Campfire Program brings care, support, respite and connection together in one welcoming community space, helping older adults remain independent and connected while continuing to live at home.