Information and Referral
Links individuals with appropriate community, health and housing resources.

Driver Education Programs:
   55 Alive Course
A six-hour course to update driving skills, improve awareness of traffic hazards and review traffic laws. Held twice yearly. For information on course fee and dates, call RCSS. Please note there is no road driving involved.
   Defensive Driving Course
Teaches simple skills to prevent collisions, strategies for safe passing, how to deal with aggressive drivers, Please note there is no road driving involved. It is recommended that participants take the 55+ Alive Driver Training prior to enrolling in this course. For information on course fee and dates, call RCSS.

Caregiver Training and Support
Information sessions for families needing support with their caregiving responsibilities for an aging parent or relative. Information, resources and the opportunity to learn positive ways to cope through discussion, interaction and sharing. RCSS also offers a You and Your Aging Parent/Relative course in partnership with Family Services Ottawa.   

Diner Programs
Eligible clients receive assistance with transportation to a central location for a hot nutritious meal and social/physical activities on prearranged days. Programs held in Manotick weekly on Monday and alternative Thursdays in North Gower. Cost of the program $8.00.

Equipment Loans Cupboard
Wheelchairs, canes, walkers, shower stools, raised toilet seats etc. available on a short term basis. No fee. Donations appreciated.

Footcare Clinics
A weekly clinic is staffed by a Registered Nurse. For information on fees and to book appointments call RCSS. Client referrals are made to appropriate professionals when necessary. Fee $16.00. Inhome Footcare available at additional fee.

Friendly Visiting
This program matches volunteers on a one to one basis with isolated clients for regular visits providing companionship and support. No fee.

Shopping Bus
Door to door transportation weekly to shop in Manotick. Volunteer assist with shopping and carrying purchases into the home as needed. For schedule and route information, contact RCSS. Fee $7.00.

Urban Shopping Bus
Shopping excursions to a different major city mall the first Tuesday of every second month. Transportation provided to designated pick up points as needed. Volunteers are available to assist with shopping. Fee $7.00

Hearing Replacement hearing aid batteries are available at RCSS at a reasonable cost.

Home Help Program
Workers are referred to seniors and adults with disabilities who need assistance with routine household activities on a regular or occasional basis. Meal preparation may also be included in this service. Services available for an hourly rate paid directly to the worker. Minimum 2 hours.

Home Maintenance
Reliable workers are available for minor repairs, heavy house cleaning, window washing, yard work or snow removal. Services available for an hourly rate paid directly to the worker. 2 hour minimum. RCSS partners with St. Mark High School for a spring and fall cleanup program. Students are available for approximately 3 hours to assist seniors and adults with disabilities with outdoor clean up and other various tasks. No fee for the fall and spring cleanup program.

Income Tax Assistance
Volunteers, trained by Revenue Canada, will assist individuals with completing and filing returns. Some income restrictions apply. No fee. Donations appreciated.

Meals on Wheels (hot or frozen)
Hot and/or frozen meals delivered to the home by volunteers Monday through Friday. A large selection of frozen entrees with ingredient label and heating instructions are also available at RCSS. Specific dietary requirements considered. Cost of hot meals is $4.50 and the cost of frozen meals is $4.00.

Respite Care- Sitters
Respite workers relieve the primary caregiver and act as a temporary sitter providing companionship. Workers available days, evenings or overnight. Hourly rate paid to worker by client with a 2 hour minimum. Overnight rates dependent on the duties required.

Telephone Assurance Program
Volunteers contact seniors and adults with disabilities weekdays by telephone at a prearranged time. If there is a cause for concern, a follow up will be carried out by contacting family members, friends or emergency services. No fee.

Transportation/Escort
Volunteers drive clients to appointments, the bank, social outings or for personal shopping. Requests require advance notice (24 hours local and 48 hours to the urban centre). Fees are based on the number of kilometers driven. Range $5.00 - $25 (1 - 100 + Km).

Lunchability
A bilingual city wide program for adults with physical disabilities (18-59 years) featuring accessible environments, attendant care and volunteer support at a minimal cost per program. A variety of activities are offered which include a nutritious meal or snack. For more information or to register please call 613-737-5115 (South East Ottawa Health Centre) and ask for Lunchability Coordinator.

Social Recreational Programs
A variety of activities planned throughout the year encourages seniors and adults with disabilities to stay connected to their community, promote well-being and encourage social interaction. Activities include crafts, physical activities, monthly trips, and small group activities, educational programs, social activities (mens group, ladies group). Transportation arranged as needed. Costs vary with activity planned. Please call RCSS for more information.

North Gower Richmond Outreach Office
Working in partnership with Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre, Rideau Community Support Services coordinates an outreach office in the village of North Gower to provide information on and improve access to community support services and social recreational programs offered by Western and Rideau in the North Gower and Richmond areas. The office is located at Cornerstone Wesleyan Church, 6556 Prince of Wales, North Gower and is open Wednesdays and Thursdays 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Outreach Office phone number is 613-489-1584.

Going Home Project
The Champlain Going Home Program is offered in Cornwall, Winchester, Pembroke and Ottawa. Ottawa hospitals, Cornwall, Winchester, Pembroke hospitals identify and refer patients who would benefit from enhanced community support services on leaving their emergency departments or in-patient beds. Services may include transportation from hospital to home, Meals on Wheels and help in the home to support the patient’s recovery at home for up to 10 days post discharge. Rideau Community Support Services is the site lead for the program in the City of Ottawa.