Ketiz Singh

The Heartbreaking Reality of Waiting for Assisted Living Support in Ontario

Imagine being told that your daughter may have to wait 30 years to get the support she needs. This is the harsh reality for Nicole Calender and her 24-year-old daughter, Caitlyn, who lives with Williams syndrome, a genetic disorder that makes it difficult for her to read or write.

A Mother’s Fear

Nicole has been Caitlyn’s rock, helping her with everyday tasks and ensuring her well-being. However, as Caitlyn grows older, Nicole worries about what will happen when she is no longer able to care for her daughter. The wait list for assisted living services in Ontario is staggering, with some families waiting for upwards of 30 years.

The Waiting Game

There are 52,000 people with developmental disorders on the wait list for services in Ontario, and the selection process is often based on crisis situations. Families like Nicole and Caitlyn’s have to wait for a desperate situation to arise before they can receive the support they need.

• Parents passing away
• Families unable to cope
• Illness in the family

Without more financial support, Community Living chapters across the province are struggling to keep up with the demand. Families are feeling burnt out and overwhelmed, with limited day programs and resources to help them.

Nicole works tirelessly from home to support Caitlyn, but she knows that her daughter deserves a sense of independence and accomplishment. She dreams of a future where Caitlyn can thrive in a community setting and reach her full potential.

As we reflect on the challenges faced by families like Nicole and Caitlyn’s, let’s come together to advocate for better support services and resources for individuals with developmental disorders in Ontario. Every person deserves the chance to live a fulfilling and independent life, and it’s up to us to make that a reality.

Let’s stand together and demand change for a brighter future for all.