Seniors Programs and Services - What We Do

Our Seniors Programs and services team is dedicated and passionate about connecting with older adults in Muskoka.

Krysia Schafer - Outreach Coordinator Older Adult Programming

Krysia Schafer is the Older Adult Outreach Coordinator with Seniors Programs and Services and has been on the team for almost 3 years.  She has a background in adult developmental services and social housing prior to working with older adults in Muskoka.

Originally from Toronto, her love of the outdoors brought her to Muskoka where she is raising her two young boys with her husband.  Krysia enjoys bringing her passion for the arts to the programming she delivers in the WISE Mobile Active Living Centre and she believes in a holistic approach to programming and helping clients in order to maintain healthy and independent lives while aging in place.

Jennifer Middleton - Program Information Coordinator

Jennifer grew up in Muskoka.  She enjoys travelling but her heart remains and resides in Muskoka, enjoying all the outdoor activities it has to offer.  Jennifer brings her creativity and her positive, friendly approach into her social programming.  She strives to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all participants.  Her hope is to reduce isolation for older adults by promoting socialization through engaging programs while building relationships with community members and organizations.  Her caring nature helps connect clients, caregivers and participants to resources and services in Muskoka.

Jennifer graduated from Georgian College in Office Administration and participates in continuous learning and educational opportunities to further develop her skillset and knowledge.  Her previous employment background in developing community programs, human resources, finances, office administration and marketing all play a crucial part in her current role.  Jennifer is passionate about her position, “it doesn’t feel like work when you love what you do and truly make a difference with the individuals we encounter.”

vacant - Seniors Wellness Outreach Coordinator

Our Seniors Programs and Services staff assist in community services and resources navigation, coordinate and facilitate community programming and work together to improve the lives of older adults in Muskoka.  

• WISE Mobile Active Living Centre offers free programs for older adults 55+ in multiple locations across Muskoka, allowing us to bring programs to communities across Muskoka rather than staying in one location.
• In 2018, WISE Mobile Active Living Centre received its designation through the Province of Ontario. 
• WISE Mobile Active Living Centre is a member of The Older Adults Centres’ Association of Ontario (OACAO), which is a recognized leader in the development of quality services, resources, and support for our network of community-based older adult centres. 
• Visit our Programs section of the website to see what the WISE Mobile Active Living Centre has to offer or contact us.

Our team is here to help!  We can assist older adults, families, and caregivers navigate resources and services that are available for individuals 55+ in Muskoka.

A few services and resources our team can help you navigate are, but not limited to:

• Community and Social Programs
• Community Volunteer Income Tax Clinic Program
• Ontario Drug Benefit Program, Trillium Drug Benefit, Exceptional Access Program (medical prescription coverage programs)
• Assistive Devices Program
• Dental Care for Low-income Seniors
• Ontario Electricity Support Program
• Transportation Services
• Meals on Wheels Programs
• Home Care Supports
• Housing: Social Housing, Retirement Home, and Long Term Care Home options

To obtain our supports and services, please fill in our Client Services Form.  This form is for self referrals and referring agencies.  If you do not have access or want more information, please call our --Information Line at 705-645-2100 ext. 4199.  We look forward to speaking with you and connecting you with the services and resources you are looking for or could benefit from. 

Focused on Identifying and Addressing Challenges Facing Seniors in Muskoka

The Muskoka Seniors Services Planning Table (SSPT) is made up of community members and agency representatives who provide health, social, recreational and other senior program areas in Muskoka. The Table focuses on identifying and addressing challenges facing Seniors in Muskoka and developing resources to improve their quality of life through joint planning and program development referring to the Muskoka Master Aging Plan.

The Seniors Services Planning Table values contribution of all partners equally with a goal to enhancing overall capacity and strengthening respective community programs.

Membership:

• Membership is open to individuals and representatives of organizations with an interest in and/or mandate to provide and/or access services to seniors in Muskoka. Where possible, persons who make decisions or develop programs and policies will be encouraged to attend

Meetings:

• Meetings will be scheduled in February, June, and October; occurring on the third Thursday of the corresponding month

To learn more about the Seniors Services Planning Table please contact the Seniors Programs and Services Team.

The District developed the Muskoka Master Aging Plan with assistance from an Age-Friendly Community (AFC) Grant through the Ontario Government.  An Age-Friendly community is one where policies, services, and structures related to the physical and social environments are designed to support and enable older people to live in a secure environment, enjoy good health and continue to participate fully in their communities.  This project was initiated in 2014, Muskoka Master Aging Plan.

For more information on on the Muskoka Master Aging Plan and Age-Friendly Community, contact the Seniors Programs and Services Team.