May 11, 2017
Seniors Sector News
HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT THE ALBERTA SENIORS ADVOCATE?

Last September, the Minister of Seniors and Housing appointed Dr. Sheree Kwong-See, one of Canada's foremost experts in aging, as the Seniors Advocate for Alberta for a three-year term.

The Office of the Seniors Advocate:
  • provides information and resolution support to senior Albertans, their families and caregivers;
  • identifies trends and systemic issues impacting seniors; and
  • makes recommendations to the Government of Alberta for improvements to seniors services and programs.
When seniors, their families or caregivers contact the Office, they are linked with a knowledgeable Seniors Advocate Representative who works with them to help resolve issues, provide information or referrals and follows up to ensure they have the information they need. 
 
The office is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and can be reached at 780-644-0682 or [email protected].

More information can be found at www.seniorsadvocate.alberta.ca.
For interesting information related to seniors and issues, follow the Office of the Seniors Advocate - Alberta on Facebook.
More seniors sector news
(links to the ESCC News for Agency Staff webpage)
Grants and Awards
ALBERTA CULTURE DAYS GRANTS

Alberta Culture Days is an annual celebration that promotes the benefits of diversity and encourages participation in cultural experiences across the province. Grant applications are currently being accepted from organizations interested in hosting events for Alberta's Culture Days (September 29 to October 1, 2017).
  • Up to $10,000 is available to communities that want to be designated a Feature Celebration Site.
  • Up to $5,000 is available for communities interested in being a Host Celebration Site.
  • Up to $1,000 is available for groups wishing to host a one-day Pop-Up event.
The deadline to apply is June 16, 2017.
More awards and funding news  (links to the ESCC News for Agency Staff and Funding Options webpages)
Resources
CAREGIVING RESOURCES
Forum of Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors

8 million Canadians provide care to family members, friends and neighbours. A new series of caregiver readiness resources has been developed to help people prepare for this role:
  • Caregiver Readiness video
  • Care Conversations - It's about you and the person you support
  • Care Options - Choosing the best plan for you and the person you care for
  • Balancing Work and Caregiving - Tips for employed caregivers of family or friends
  • Helping Employees Balance Work and Caregiving Responsibilities
To order print copies of the publications, email [email protected].
NEW WEBSITE SHARES LEARNINGS IN SENIORS' HEALTH AND WELLNESS

The Covenant Health Network of Excellence in Seniors' Health and Wellness partners with seniors, caregivers, health professionals and researchers to design, test and spread ideas that help seniors live fully as active and connected members of their communities.

The Network has launched a website www.seniorsnetworkcovenant.ca to share knowledge and insights gained. You'll find:
  • Learnings from Innovation Fund Projects and Network Strategic Initiatives to enable change in the seniors' health and wellness system
  • Resources for seniors, caregivers and healthcare professionals
  • Summary reports on Network-hosted community outreach campaigns and symposia on topics such as family caregivers and senior friendly communities
  • Stories that profile care that honours seniors
More resources for sector staff
(links to the ESCC Service Providers Resources webpage)
Professional Development
HOW TO WRITE AN AWESOME ANNUAL REPORT: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
CharityHowTo
May 18, 1 p.m. (Mountain) or May 24, 11 a.m. (Mountain)
$87

Too often, we publish annual reports that are too long, too full of data people don't want or need, and not focused enough on how giving impacts mission or people and communities served. Donors, volunteers, grant makers, and other key stakeholders want to know the results of your work, but they also want to know that their investments make meaningful change in real people's lives. During this webinar, you'll learn how to craft an annual report that will inspire and engage your donors.
GREY MATTERS 2017
September 11-13, 2017
Hinton, Alberta
$250 until July 31, $325 from August 1 -September 1

Registration for Grey Matters 2017 is now open. The conference features:
  • An interesting and diverse line-up of concurrent sessions
  • Keynote address by Inuk singer-songwriter Susan Aglukark
  • Plenary address by Dr. Dave Hepburn and Dr. Robert Sealey, radio hosts of WISE QUACKS
  • Poster sessions
  • Trade show
  • Creative ideas to get everyone moving during lunch breaks
  • Networking opportunities
More events for staff/volunteers in the seniors sector
(links to the ESCC Events in the Senior-Serving Sector webpage)
Work Opportunities in the Seniors Sector
OUTREACH SUPPORT WORKER
GEF Seniors Housing

The Outreach Support Worker will be required to work with seniors to identify their service needs, liaise with other social service providers and support seniors in accessing the necessary services and resources to improve their quality of life.

Experience/Education:
  • Diploma in Human Services, Social Work, Human Ecology
  • 2 - 4 years' work experience an asset
  • Experience working with seniors, families or groups is an asset
Other Requirements:
  • Strong customer service skills including the ability to interact with seniors in a respectful manner
  • Ability to work collaboratively across organizational groups
  • Strong English communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Strong public speaking and presentation skills
  • Knowledge of and ability to access social supports and services available to seniors an asset
  • Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office
  • Must have vehicle and valid driver's license
  • Undergo a criminal records check
The competition will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. Review the complete job posting for details on the position and application instructions.
More work opportunities in the seniors sector
(links to the ESCC Sector Job Postings webpage)
News and Events for Seniors
FOOT CARE
Edmonton Aboriginal Seniors Centre (Cottage E, 10107 134 Avenue)
May 16, 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
$20

Would you like your foot care done in the comfort of a cozy chair with a coffee or tea? Sign up for a session on May 16. Marilyn is a senior who is fully trained and enjoys providing this care and service to her cohorts. It doesn't hurt that she's nice to chat with too! A receipt can be provided if you wish.  Call Stacey at 780-476-6595 Extension 2 to book your spot.
WHAT'S SO FUNNY ABOUT RECONCILIATION!
Creating Hope Society
May 18, 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Edmonton Intercultural Society (9538 107 Ave. - Old McCauley School)
Free

This event aims to bring together Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Elders and seniors to a conversation on reconciliation and the issues centered around grandparents and elders in today's society. 
 
A traditional lunch and healthy snacks will be provided and there will be door prizes and a special gift for each Elder/grandparent in attendance.

Call Carrie Kachur at 780-668-9071 for details. Pre-registration is required and there is space for 60 participants. Complete the registration and photo waiver form and send to [email protected].
MIX & MINGLE POTLUCK BRUNCH
Mill Woods Seniors Association (2610 Hewes Way, 2nd Floor)
May 27, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
$2 members/$3 non-members

This event brings people together through good food and conversation. Bring a dish that feeds 5-6 people to share. Please RSVP. Call 780-496-2997 for more information.
GOLDEN GIRLS FASHION SHOW
South East Edmonton Seniors Association (9350 82 Street)
May 28, doors open at 1 p.m.; show starts at 2 p.m.
Advance tickets for $15 each or bring a buddy deal of 2 tickets for $20

The event features clothing and attire from ALIA &Tan Jay lines, Paush shoes, and Great Hair Day, and a trade show with a wide variety of products and services that celebrate 24 carat women. There is also a Silent Auction. Call 780-468-1985 for information.
SENIORS WEEK LUNCHEON
North Edmonton Seniors Association (7524 139 Avenue)
June 5, 12 - 2:30 p.m.
$17/person

The event features entertainment from Central Lions, SESSA, Rural Routes and the NESA Musical Theatre Group. Tickets are available at NESA until May 31. Call 780-496-6969 for more information. 
SENIORS' WEEK KICK OFF
Strathcona Place 55+ Centre (10831 University Avenue)
June 5, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Celebrate the beginning of Seniors' Week with an outdoor barbecue luncheon, browse through the Seniors' Wellness trade show and listen to a presentation on ageism from the Alberta Seniors Advocate, Dr. Kwong See. The trade show and the presentation are free, but the barbecue will have a charge per item ordered. Call 780-433-5807 for information.
WELCOME TO RADIO - MY LIFE IN BROADCASTING, SO FAR!
Central Lions Seniors Association (11113 113 Street)
June 5, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Free

Imagine coming to work and finding an office missing. How about filling someone's convertible with puffed wheat, just because you can? If you can handle stories about people on the air that will make you laugh, shake your head or cry, then this presentation for you! 

Bob Layton will be sharing tales from his new book which will also be available for sale ($20 each) and signing them starting at 2:30 pm.  All proceeds will be donated to 630 CHED Santas Anonymous, Global TV's GIve Me Shelter, and The Edmonton Police Foundation. To help CLSA plan for this event, confirm attendance in-person or by phone at 780-496-7369 using barcode #608561. Drop-in's are also welcome.
RESEARCH STUDY SEEKING PARTICIPANTS

Do you suffer from bladder control problems? Thinking of using pads to help? Researchers at the University of Alberta are looking for women over the age of 18 to take part in a study on how pad use impacts quality of life. If you are interested in taking part and would like to hear more, contact Megan McCreary or Adrian Wagg at 780-492-9294 (24 hr voicemail) or [email protected] in complete confidence.
More  news and events for seniors
(links to the ESCC News and Events for Seniors webpage)
MORE INFORMATION

Link Letter includes new items each week.  If you're looking for content that was included in a previous issue of Link Letter, refer to the ESCC website:

Submissions for Link Letter can be sent to [email protected]Review our submission guidelines for more information.