Dementia program for seniors living in the community
The Thrive Program is part of the Government of Ontario’s Community Access to Long-Term Care pilot program, created to support seniors who are waiting for long-term care, are eligible now, or may soon need it. The goal is to help them live safely and comfortably at home for as long as possible.
Thrive gives clients access to a specialized primary care led team that works together to meet the integrated care needs of clients and caregivers. The interdisciplinary team includes a Primary Care Physician and Nurse Practitioner, a Neurobehavioural Nurse Practitioner, a Registered Nurse, a Registered Social Worker, personal support workers and recreation team members, all of trained in emotion-based care. Learn about our team.
On this page
Services
- Dementia-focused primary care.
- Specialized neurobehavioral and geriatric services.
- Pharmacy consultation support for high-risk medications.
- Lab work and diagnostics coordination.
- Access to social work services and social care supports for clients and caregivers.
- Outreach to other care partners for care planning and supports that prioritize aging at home.
Available Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In-person and virtual primary care appointments available.
Eligibility
The Thrive Program is for adults who are frail, living with dementia, have a disability, chronic illness, or other condition.
Additional requirements for the Thrive Program:
- 65 years and older.
- Cognitive impairment (CPS score of 2 or more) or diagnosis of dementia.
- Overall goal of staying in the community vs. transitioning to long term care.
- Insured under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan.
- Supported by an engaged caregiver.
- Willing to change from current primary care provider to physicians at the Integrated Care Centre within the Seniors Health and Wellness Village at Peel Manor in Brampton.
- Able to attend in-person adult day services for minimum of 2 months, before switching primary care provider.
For seniors who have a high risk of:
- Emergency admission or readmission to hospital.
- Alternate level of care status if admitted to acute care.
- Crisis placement for long term care.
Fees
There's a daily fee to attend the Thrive program. Thrive Program’s primary care services are covered by OHIP.
How to apply
Contact us by email or call 905-791-6905 ext. 1691.
Who to contact
If you have any questions, contact the Integrated Care Centre reception at the Seniors Health and Wellness Village at Peel Manor at integratedcarereception@peelregion.ca or 905-791-6905 ext. 1691.
Funding provided in part by the Ontario government.
Our team
Dr. Stephen Chin, MD CCFP FCFP SFHM
Physician, Peel Manor Long Term Care Centre
Medical Director, Adult Day Services
Dr. Chin completed medical school at Queen’s University and Family Medicine Residency at St. Joseph’s Health Centre, University of Toronto. During his 16-year medical career, he has served in community settings in family medicine and long-term care, and in hospital settings on medicine inpatient units and in the Emergency Department.
Dr. Chin brings extensive experience as a clinician, and as a system and medical leader. His leadership experience spans across various organizations including William Osler Health System, Ontario Medical Association, Halton Healthcare, and Peel Region. Dr. Chin serves as an Attending Physician to residents at the Peel Manor Long Term Care Centre where he provides dementia-focused care in collaboration with the interprofessional team. Dr. Chin is a Clinical Associate Professor with the Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University and is a Senior Fellow of Hospital Medicine.
Ekta Hans
Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Ekta Hans is a Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner specializing in geriatric and dementia-focused primary care. As a key member of the integrated care team, she provides advanced clinical expertise in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of older adults. Her practice is rooted in a commitment to high-quality, person-centred, and integrated care that addresses the evolving health needs of the aging population.
With extensive experience across the health care continuum, Ekta brings a comprehensive and holistic approach to patient care. She holds a Master of Nursing degree and a Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate from Toronto Metropolitan University.
Karanjit (Karan) Vora
Neurobehavioural Nurse Practitioner
Karanjit is a dedicated and experienced Neurobehavioural Nurse Practitioner with a deep passion for supporting individuals living with complex neurological conditions. Leveraging her expertise in the optimal management of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, Karan strives to empower both clients and caregivers to age in place in the community. She has a strong foundation in system integration, prioritizing enhanced team collaboration and capacity building.
Karan completed her Master of Nursing from Queen’s University. In addition to her interest in research and program development, she specializes in gerontological nursing and has supported seniors across the health care continuum, in both urban and rural settings. Karan remains committed to helping people living with dementia and their caregivers thrive in their health care journey.
Elisabeth Catalano-Bon, BSW RSW MA CCC CPCA
Specialist, Integrated Care and Social Work Portfolio
Elisabeth is an experienced Registered Social Worker with a diverse background working with seniors and their caregivers in health and social care settings which includes consulting in private practice, long-term care, and the community services sector. As a caregiver herself, Elisabeth understands the challenges caregivers face when navigating the health care system for someone with complex health or dementia care needs, and tailors her therapeutic approach to meet the individuals’ need.
Elisabeth works closely with seniors and their caregivers to explore what matters most to them and applies a non-judgemental and strength-based approach through counselling, to support and empower their goals. Focused on meeting the needs of Peel’s diverse seniors’ population through an integrated and person-centred approach, Elisabeth collaborates with community health service partners to promote interventions that support aging at home and prioritize overall health and well-being.
Elisabeth holds a bachelor’s degree in social work, a Certificate in Gerontology, a master’s degree in organizational leadership, and is a Certified Professional Consultant on Aging. With over 25 years of experience, Elisabeth is passionate about enhancing services for seniors and their caregivers and is an advisory committee member with the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence promoting awareness to enhance the profile of caregivers.
Janet Hobson
Integrated Care Centre Coordinator
Janet is an Integrated Care Coordinator at the Seniors Health and Wellness Village at Peel Manor, where she supports older adults and their caregivers through collaborative and person-centred care. She coordinates enrollment and case management across the Overnight Respite Centre, Thrive Primary Care program, and our Adult Day Services. Her role involves close collaboration with an interdisciplinary team to ensure seamless transitions in care, optimize access to community resources, and promote aging in place.
Janet brings over 20 years of experience working with Peel Region in both long-term care and community settings. She holds a certificate in Recreation Therapy and is trained in the Butterfly model of emotion-based care, with a strong passion for dementia-informed and emotion-based approaches to care. Janet’s background has given her a deep understanding of seniors' needs and the importance of integrated, compassionate support to help clients live well at home and in the community.