Gambling Adults 55+ - Older Adult Services
What's Up at Problem Gambling Services
| - | 41.6% of our clients in the 2006-07 year were older adults. |
| - | 66% or those were 55-64. |
| - | 34% of those were 65 and older. |
| - | Their problematic gambling was: (in order) slots, instant win tickets, lottery tickets, card games, horses, bingo. |
Our program has specialized funding to provide outreach, counselling and prevention and awareness for persons 55 year and older in all counties of the Thames Valley area.
If you are concerned about your own gambling or someone else’s gambling you are welcome to receive individual, family or group support or all of those. What you do is based on your preference and comfort level. You are welcome to bring a supportive person with you to your appointment if you wish. Our counselling is free and confidential.
Gambling Adults - Fun at 55+
This group is for clients who have concerns about their own gambling or someone else's gambling. Our older adult addictions counselor arranges for outings in the community which will provide our older adult clients with opportunities to try new activities in a small group format. This is a means of replacing gambling with healthier interests and also a means to learn about community resources. Depending on the activity there may or may not be a small fee.
Older adults are also welcome to participate in our other support groups. To learn about these groups please click here.
Our Volunteer Ambassador Program
" Older adults seek information and advice from their peers, not their children or younger adults. "
Tindale and Norris, University of Guelph,
Older Adults Attitudes and Experiences around Gambling
Our newest initiative at the agency is our Volunteer Ambassador Program. Older adult volunteers will bring an awareness and prevention message by offering presentations in the community to older adult groups. There is an interactive presentation with a brief PowerPoint component. Our volunteers are skilled presenters and are available free of charge days and evenings.
Please call our intake line at (519) 673-3242 ext. 234 or send us an email for more information.
In Services to Professionals
Our clinical team is available to provide presentations to professionals regarding Older Adults and Problem Gambling. Manuals and kits are provided. For a list of contacts, please refer to our main contact page.
