Home Care Workers Co-op/Community Seniors Co-op

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 59:08 — 81.2MB)

Is there a co-operative solution to seniors aging in place with dignity? And receiving support from staff who are recognized as vital partners deserving of respect and agency? You better believe there is!

We first reported on this trend several years ago during the COVID 19 pandemic. Danielle Turpin was a personal support worker assisting seniors in long-term care. The system was in crisis; not enough staff, doing double overtime, leaving vulnerable residents to fend for themselves, it became exhausting and disheartening. She knew there had to be a better way for workers and seniors.

So she started a worker co-op for personal support workers called The Home Care Workers Co-op based in Peterborough, Ontario. Since our first interview in 2022, the co-op has grown and is now the model for other communities who want to help seniors age at home, while also caring for those that assist them. Have a listen.

Back in early 2021, we heard about a small community in western PEI called O’Leary that was rallying to create a co-op for its seniors. The goal was to build a new residence right in the middle of town, where elders lived with some care, while staying connected to the community, stemming the isolation that can often accompany “the golden years.” We caught up with Sally Lockhart, chair of The Community Seniors Co-op for an update. She had lots of great news to share!