For over ten years, GEM Health Care Services has been engaged in a partnership with
the City of Ottawa to provide support for low-income social services clients, delivering
much-needed care services tailored to individual needs.
“From the outset, I knew I wanted to grow the company to a point where we would be
able to leverage our leadership position in the health care services industry to support
those who might not otherwise be able to receive care,” says GEM’s founder, President
and CEO Gaye Moffett. “Our team members take great pride in delivering the same
compassionate care to all clients, including vulnerable populations, to allow them to live
more comfortably and safely at home.”
Currently, GEM has over 500 social services clients to whom support is provided for
various aspects of what the City designates as homemaking services. These include
cleaning, dusting, vacuuming, laundry and changing linens, plus assisting with grocery
ordering and simple meal preparation tasks.
The difference that these in-home support workers make is valued and tangible.
“Oftentimes we are the main event in their week,” notes Gaye. “We are eyes and ears to
check on wellness; clients look forward to spending some time with our caregivers who
provide warm, empathetic support which enables them to maintain their standard of
living and avoid homelessness.”
Because of this hands-on role, GEM is well positioned to observe when additional
resources might be necessary to ensure an individual is receiving appropriate care. In
these instances, GEM will liaise with the City of Ottawa’s case coordinators who will
then look after securing the necessary referrals for additional assessment and/or
support.

GEM is ideally suited to this longstanding relationship with the City of Ottawa as it is
able to leverage decades of experience providing care to individuals with physical,
mental and emotional impairments. In addition, GEM’s dedicated office coordinator
overseeing the program has exemplary skills in managing the clients and scheduling
staff.
“This partnership with the city is something we are honoured to have,” adds Gaye. “It’s
about giving back to the community. We love making a difference and providing a better
quality of life for those who might otherwise fall through the cracks of the stretched
health and care networks.”
If you feel yourself or a family member may meet the financial eligibility requirements for
City of Ottawa Home Support Services, call 613-580-2424 x24994 (or 3-1-1) and
request a referral to GEM Health Care Services. Details regarding the program can be
found on the city’s website.