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Pat's Place - A Safe Haven for Older People Experiencing Abuse
- What is Pat’s Place?
- Is Pat’s Place a shelter?
- Who is eligible for Pat’s Place?
- Where is Pat’s Place located?
- How long can a person stay at Pat’s Place?
- What will happen if a person can’t leave after 60 days?
- How can someone access Pat’s Place?
- What will happen after a first contact is made with Family Service Toronto?
- What can a person expect during their stay at Pat’s Place?
- How much does it cost to live at Pat’s Place?
- When will Pat’s Place open?
- When can I phone to inquire about Pat’s Place?
- What can I do to support the development of Pat’s Place?
What is Pat’s Place?
Pat’s Place is a safe haven – a short-term safe place where older people who are experiencing abuse can go to take time out from their current situation. At Pat’s Place we believe that all older people have the right to live a life free of harm. We are striving to create an environment where an older person can live with dignity and in peace.
Is Pat’s Place a shelter?
No, it is important to realize that Pat’s Place is not a shelter. It is an apartment in a secure location in Toronto. It is not staffed like a shelter (i.e. staff on site 24/7). ).
Who is eligible for Pat’s Place?
People 60 years of age and older who are being abused emotionally, physically, sexually, financially or in other ways by a family member can use Pat’s Place.
Pat’s Place is open to women, men and transgendered persons.
People who move to Pat’s Place must be able to care for themselves. If a person requires some supports we will work with them to determine if we can put them in place. If the person can function independently when support services are not present, they will be considered for entry to the progam.
Pat’s Place is not a fully accessible location. This means that people with mobility challenges will not be able to use this resource.
Where is Pat’s Place located?
Due to the nature of this program, the location of Pat’s Place is confidential. The unit is located in an apartment building in Toronto.
How long can a person stay at Pat’s Place?
Pat’s Place is a temporary, short-term safe haven. People who move to Pat’s Place can stay for up to 60 days.
What will happen if a person can’t leave after 60 days?
Pat’s Place is not a long-term form of accommodation. It is critical to be thinking about future plans from the time a person moves in. Staff will work with the resident to set goals that are realistic and achievable within the 60 day stay.
Residents will be asked to sign a document that acknowledges they can stay for up to 60 days.
How can someone access Pat’s Place?
Any person experiencing abuse who is 60 years of age or older can call Family Service Toronto’s Service Access Unit at 416 595 9618 to inquire about Pat’s Place.
We encourage service providers who are working with someone who is experiencing abuse to call, with the person’s consent, to determine if this program would be a proper match.
What will happen after a first contact is made with Family Service Toronto?
During a first contact with Family Service Toronto the caller will be asked to provide basic information about who the potential resident is (i.e. name, age, address, contact information and issues the person is facing).
If a service provider calls to refer someone to Pat’s Place it is important to secure verbal consent from the older person prior to making a call to Family Service Toronto.
A counsellor from the Seniors and Caregivers Support Service Unit will contact the caller to gather more information. They will make an appointment to meet with the potential resident either in their current home, in the community, in one of our offices or any other safe place.
During this appointment we will share more information about Pat’s Place and work with the potential resident to determine if it is the right fit.
What can a person expect during their stay at Pat’s Place?
A counsellor from the Seniors and Caregivers Support Service at Family Service Toronto will be assigned to work with the resident. If the person is connected to one or more organizations in the community we will work with them to determine how we can best support the resident. A range of services are available such as:
- Counselling
- Crisis intervention
- Safety planning
- A low cost meal program five evenings a week
- Referral to, and liaison with, community resources
- Assistance with housing applications
- Developing plans for the future beyond Pat’s Place
- An emergency alarm system (pending funding)
How much does it cost to live at Pat’s Place?
The Rotary Club of Toronto is supporting the development of Pat’s Place. Consequently, there is no charge for rent at Pat’s Place. People are asked to contribute to the day-to-day costs (i.e. buying food, clothing, medications, doing laundry and so on). Family Service Toronto is currently fundraising to be able to cover these costs and to install an emergency response system.
When will Pat’s Place open?
Pat’s Place will be available as of September 1, 2008.
When can I phone to inquire about Pat’s Place?
To make a referral, either for yourself or someone else, call our Service Access Unit at 416 595 9618.
What can I do to support the development of Pat’s Place?
Family Service Toronto is creating Pat’s Place to be used as a community resource. We need your help to:
- Get the word out to seniors and service providers.
- Visit our web site at www.familyservicetoronto.org for this information flyer on Pat’s Place.
- Distribute this flyer to your networks, post in your organizations, place in your newsletters and create links on your web sites. Please feel free to translate this material.
- Make a financial donation. Help support the day-to-day costs that will be incurred by people using Pat’s Place. Contact Murray Rowe at 416 595 9230 ext. 242 or murrayro@familyservicetoronto.org
- Invite a member of the Seniors and Caregivers Support Service unit to come to your work place, social club, community workshop, conference or any other event to speak about the work of Pat’s Place. Contact Lisa Manuel at lisama@familyservicetoronto.org or 416 755 5565 ext. 422.
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