Let's Chat About Aging In Your Community

Matthew Meyer joins the CHATS Podcast for an engaging conversation about his journey, the experiences that shaped him, and the ideas driving his work today. From personal milestones to professional challenges, Matthew offers an honest look at the lessons he has learned along the way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A safe, comfortable home is the foundation for aging well. For many older adults, remaining in the home they know, and love is one of their greatest priorities, but maintaining that independence can become more challenging over time.In this episode of Let's Chat About Aging in Your Community, CHATS CEO Christina Bisanz is joined by CHATS team members Mark Lubberts and Alda Melo to explore two programs that are helping make aging in place possible: the Home Adaptation Maintenance Program (HAMP) and the Hoarding and Decluttering Program (Tenancy Risk Reduction Services).Together, they discuss how these services help older adults improve safety, maintain their homes, reduce health and tenancy risks, and preserve their independence. From home modifications and maintenance to compassionate, client-centred support for hoarding and decluttering challenges, these programs are making a meaningful difference for older adults and caregivers across York Region and South Simcoe.Join us as we explore how practical supports, dedicated staff, and a person-centred approach are helping seniors continue living safely, confidently, and independently in the homes and communities they cherish.To learn more:CHATS - Community & Home Assistance to Seniors Home Adaptation & Maintenance Program - CHATSCHATS - Community & Home Assistance to Seniors Hoarding & De-Cluttering Support Program - CHATS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this inspiring episode, CHATS Host and CEO Christina Bisanz sits down with long-time volunteer Wai Yeung, an 81-year-old whose remarkable 25-year journey with CHATS reflects a deep commitment to community service. From his early years serving on the Board of Directors to his current role as a dedicated transportation driver, Wai shares how volunteering has brought meaning, gratitude, and connection into his life. Recently honoured with an Ontario Volunteer Service Award, he reflects on the simple yet powerful impact of helping others, noting, “It doesn't require much time for me to drive a client for an hour, especially knowing that they really appreciate it.” Wai’s story is a testament to how giving back not only supports others, but also keeps him healthy, engaged, and fulfilled. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of CHATS: Chat About Aging in Your Community, we welcome Rose Patodia, Board-Certified Geriatric Pharmacist and Certified Diabetes Educator, to explore the critical role pharmacists play in helping older adults age safely at home. With experience spanning hospitals, community pharmacy, long-term care, and academia- including her leadership roles with Pear Healthcare Solutions and the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy- Rose brings decades of expertise in medication management and older adult care.Titled From Prescription to Prevention: A Pharmacist’s Role in Safe Aging at Home, this conversation dives into some of the most common and costly medication challenges facing older adults. Rose shares the most frequent medication mistakes she sees, how to distinguish side effects from normal aging, and the top drug categories that increase fall risk. She also explains when families should request a comprehensive medication review and why pharmacists are essential members of the aging-in-place care team. Packed with practical, real-world advice for older adults and caregivers alike, this episode highlights how proactive medication management can prevent harm, improve quality of life, and support safer, more independent living.Links mentioned in the episode:5 Important Questions to Ask: https://www.ismp-canada.org/medrec/5questions.htm Ontario Meds Check program: https://www.ontario.ca/page/take-your-medication-safely Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of CHATS: Chat About Aging in Your Community, CEO Christina Bisanzsits down with Dr. Howard Abrams, Director of UHN’s OpenLab and Medical Lead forthe NORC Innovation Centre (NORC)- to explore how community agencies areshaping the future of aging in Ontario and across Canada. An Associate Professor ofMedicine at the University of Toronto and former Division Head of General InternalMedicine at UHN and Mount Sinai Hospitals, Dr. Abrams brings decades of clinical andsystem-level experience to a timely conversation about Naturally Occurring RetirementCommunities (NORCs) and the growing need to support older adults where theyalready live.Together, they unpack what sets NORCs apart from traditional seniors’ housing and whythey are becoming increasingly vital within Ontario’s aging-at-home strategy. Dr. Abramshighlights the pivotal role community agencies play in identifying emerging NORCs,building trust with residents, and partnering with property managers, municipalities,Ontario Health Teams, and primary care providers. The conversation is insightful andhopeful at how local leadership and cross-sector collaboration can strengthencommunities and transform the aging experience in Ontario.To learn more, visit:NORC Ambassador Program: Home | NORCNORC Innovation Centre: NORC Innovation Centre - Creating Possibilities for Aging inPlace Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.