Service providers face the challenge of getting to know the person and situation quickly, securing supports to keep the person in his or her home and providing emotional support. Fortunately, the Calgary region offers many examples of service providers who meet these challenges well and of PDD system changes that support excellent service to aging individuals. However, the consensus among those surveyed is that more of these excellent services are needed to meet demand. Flexible services which enhance choice. Flexibility in the way services are provided and in the choices offered is a keystone to excellence in services for all individuals, but particularly for those with reduced stamina.
Some organizations use the home as a base of operations for community access activities.
This approach allows service providers to form a comfortable relationship with family members if the person lives with his or her family, so that connections are in place before a crisis. Support workers can also meet in-home respite needs that arise if the person tires during the day and family or residential supports are not available. Other services implement flexibility while still using a facility as a base of operations. This may include part-time participation as an option and accommodates changes that reflect a person's preferences on a particular day as much as possible, by redeploying staff. If an individual chooses not to come on a particular day, the family or residential service provider are responsible for ensuring that someone is available for support in the home if it is required.