The Salvation Army's health services reflect the caring philosophy of a movement that has been ministering in Canada and Bermuda since 1882. Enveloped in Christian mission, The Salvation Army provides a broad base of care and services for seniors in residential settings.

This range extends from apartments for seniors with care and services being provided by community based health agencies, to residences where assistance with the activities of daily living is provided by Salvation Army staff on site, to Long Term Care / Nursing Homes, and community based Hospices.

As illustrated in Figure 1 (Location Map), The Salvation Army administers the following accommodation for seniors across Canada:

-Three apartment based residences ranging rom independent to assisted living with a 4th under development in Vancouver.

-Four residential facilities providing assistance with the activities of daily living.

-11 Long Term Care Homes, also known as Personal Care Homes or Nursing Homes which provide 24 hours access to nursing care to meet care requirements.

Hospice/Palliative Care is provided through three models of service delivery:

a) Community based Hospices provide care for adults irrespective of age. Location of the 4 cross-country hospices is illustrated in Figure 1 (Location Map).

b) An integrated model of palliative care is provided for residents in the Long Term Care Homes as life comes to closure. Care is provided in the residents' own room, the setting known as "home".

c) The Toronto Grace Hospital provides designated palliative care. This caring ministry has outreach that takes expertise and knowledge gained from 26 years of experience out into the community to persons requiring palliative care, and services in their own homes.

Spiritual and Religious Care is integral to Salvation Army operations, providing support and comfort to residents, family and staff experiencing the impact of end of life issues. A multi-'faith coordinating chaplaincy service facilitates residents accessing their spiritual advisor of choice.

In providing care and services, The Salvation Army partners with respective Provincial Health Authorities, working within various models of governance. In addition to meeting legislative requirements, provincial regulations set by health authorities, and municipal codes, The Salvation Army has internal Program Accreditation Standards. Accreditation with the Canadian Council on Health Services Accreditation is highly encouraged.

The Salvation Army is a church with an acute social conscience and this changes its perspective. It embraces Christ's command to love our neighbour by helping families and individuals meet immediate and future needs.