Frequently Asked Questions

If your question is not answered here, please call us on 613-292-3375 or email admin@floseniors.com. We would rather talk it through with you than have you guess.

Who does Flo's Seniors help?

We support Afro-Caribbean seniors living in Ottawa and Gatineau, along with the family members and caregivers who look after them. Joanne Robinson founded Flo's Seniors in 2018 in honour of her parents, Florence and Milton. We help older adults live independently through culturally informed housing, practical services and community connection.

Which areas do you serve?

Ottawa and Gatineau. Our transportation and in-person programmes run across the Ottawa-Gatineau region. If you live outside that area, contact us anyway: we keep a directory of trusted partner organisations and can often point you to something closer to home.

What is an Abbeyfield House?

Abbeyfield Houses are small, affordable shared homes for older adults, built around companionship rather than isolation. Residents keep their own private room and share communal living space and meals with a handful of neighbours. There are hundreds of Abbeyfield Houses around the world, and Flo's Seniors is developing safe, culturally informed housing on that model for seniors in Ottawa.

What is the Calling Initiative?

Our volunteers make regular friendly telephone calls to seniors who might otherwise go days without speaking to anyone. It is a simple thing that matters enormously: it keeps people connected, and it means someone notices early if something is wrong. To arrange calls for yourself or a relative, contact us on 613-292-3375.

I look after an older relative. Can you help me?

Yes. Caregivers are part of who we serve, not an afterthought. We can help you find your way through the health, social, legal and financial services available in Ottawa, including Ottawa Public Health, the Champlain Healthline, the Council on Aging of Ottawa and Jaku Konbit. If you are not sure where to start, call us and we will work it out with you.

What resources do you recommend for health and wellbeing?

We maintain a curated list of trusted local organisations covering health and wellness, social activities, support groups, financial help and legal services, including Health Care at Home, Ottawa Public Health, the Centretown Community Health Centre, The Good Companions, The Bronson Centre and Dubuisson Law Office. You can find the full list on our Support Resources page.

What events do you run?

Our best-known event is Flo's Annual Honouring, a celebration recognising community members who have given years of service. We also host Kwanzaa celebrations, wellness afternoons and an annual raffle with Rhythm Movements. Details and tickets for upcoming events are on our Events page.

How do I nominate someone for the Annual Honouring?

We honour seniors aged 55 and over who have made a long-term, outstanding contribution to the community, with a minimum of ten years of service, people who give without looking for anything in return. For nomination details, email admin@floseniors.com.

How can I volunteer?

We welcome volunteers for our calling programme, transportation, events and seasonal giving. Email admin@floseniors.com or call 613-292-3375 and tell us what you would enjoy doing and how much time you have.

How do I donate, and will I receive a tax receipt?

You can donate through the form on our Donate page, by e-transfer to admin@floseniors.com, or by cheque posted to 211 Bronson Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario K1R 6H5. Official tax receipts are issued for donations of $25 or more. Your gift funds transportation, friendly calls, holiday hampers and our housing work.

How do I contact you?

Call 613-292-3375 or email admin@floseniors.com. Our office is at 211 Bronson Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario K1R 6H5, open Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 5:00pm Eastern. You will find us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube as well.