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GOVERNMENT OF CANADA RELEASES CANADA'S FIRST DEMENTIA STRATEGY
On June 17, the Government of Canada announced the release of A Dementia Strategy for Canada: Together we Aspire (The Strategy). The landmark report is the first national strategy focused on preventing dementia, advancing therapies, finding a cure and improving the lives of people living with dementia and caregivers.
Dementia's impact on Canadians is significant and growing all the time. Unfortunately, it is an issue that disproportionately affects seniors with more than 419,000 Canadians aged 65 years and older diagnosed with dementia at the time of this report. As our population ages, the number of Canadians living with dementia is expected to increase, affecting families, caregivers and communities nationwide.
Regarding The Strategy, The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Seniors, stated, "helping seniors live healthy and active lives is a top priority for our government. With its focus on prevention and education, Canada's first national dementia strategy will help improve the quality of life of seniors living with dementia and ensure that their family members and caregivers have access to the resources they need."
The Strategy is a result of collaborative efforts between governments, researchers, health professionals, people living with dementia and caregivers. It was informed by evidence and advice obtained from consultations across the country.
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(links to the ESCC News for Seniors Organizations web page)
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HEALTHY COMMUNITIES GRANT PROGRAM
The Alberta Blue Cross Healthy Communities Grant program was created to help Albertans build spaces for active living in their community. Whether it be a skate park, playground, outdoor gym or arena, Alberta Blue Cross is helping Albertans young and old get and stay healthy.
Eligible projects include but are not limited to outdoor adult gyms, cycling paths, construction or replacement of playgrounds, skate parks and outdoor rinks. Community leagues, school councils, municipalities or other non-profit community groups or organizations with new projects in need of funding are eligible to apply. Applications close August 31, 2019.
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More
awards and
funding news
(links to the ESCC News for Seniors Organizations and Funding Options web pages)
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OLDER ADULTS NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Between October 2018 and February 2019, the City of Edmonton conducted the Older Adults Needs Assessment to understand the needs of older adults in our community. The research focused on issues specific to the needs of older adults in Edmonton, including participation in activities, volunteering, technology use, intergenerational connectedness, social isolation and loneliness, safety and financial security, aging-in-place, and ageism.
Review the Older Adults Needs Assessment
to see how this information can be relevant to your organization and the seniors you serve via programs, services, and organizational policies.
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(links to the ESCC Resources web page)
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SO MANY CHOICES, SO LITTLE TIME: SETTING STRATEGIES TO GUIDE YOUR TACTICS
Big Duck
July 17, 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m. (Eastern)
When it comes to getting the word out or inspiring engagement with your nonprofit it seems like there are infinite options for communications channels you could use. But with limited resources, which channels are worth your time? Maximize your communications impact using tips from this webinar.
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I SURVIVED A TOXIC WORKPLACE: INSIGHTS TO SHIFT YOUR LEADERSHIP PRACTICE
Charity Village
July 18, 1 p.m. (Eastern)
Free
No one wants to leave a job they love because of a toxic work environment.
This
webinar
will teach nonprofits methods to shift their team from conflict to collaboration and cooperation.
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WORKING STRONGER: ALBERTA'S WORKPLACE MENTAL HEALTH CONFERENCE
Canadian Mental Health Association-Alberta Division
Oct. 28 & 29, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
$550 early bird; $650 regular admission
Location: Chateau Lacombe Edmonton (10111 Bellamy Hill Road)
This October, the Canadian Mental Health Association-Alberta Division is hosting a workplace conference designed to improve mental health outcomes in Alberta workplaces.
This workshop offers two days of networking, information exchange and dialogue that will advance efforts to support healthier workplaces across the province. It brings together the most creative and inspiring mental health thinkers and leaders in the field.
The conference will feature keynote speakers, workshops, panels, presentations, training opportunities and exhibits.
This conference is ideally suited to organizations and individuals interested in learning more and becoming champions of workplace mental health in Alberta.
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More
learning opportunities for staff/volunteers in the seniors sector
(links to the ESCC Learning Opportunities web page)
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Work Opportunities in the Seniors Sector
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CAREGIVER ADVISOR
Caregivers Alberta
The Caregiver Advisor will help build a provincial community of practice for caregiver support, focusing on the self-help, peer support group model and using a strengths-based community asset lens.
Reporting to the Program Team Lead, the Caregiver Advisor will respond to family caregiver inquiries via the provincial Caregiver Support Line, providing empathetic support and practical assistance with navigating the system. Additionally, the Caregiver Advisor will assist with the promotion of caregiver programs, add capacity through community-building and coordinate the needs of the Caregiver Support Team.
The successful candidate will have a degree or combination of education and experience in Adult Education, Human Ecology, Social Work, Public Health or other relevant discipline.
This is a fulltime role (32 hours per week). Review the job posting for a full job description and details regarding application instructions. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until a suitable candidate is found.
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(links to the ESCC Sector Job Postings web page)
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News and Events for Seniors
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CELEBRATING K DAYS IN EDMONTON
K Days in Edmonton is always a flurry of activity and it's no different in the seniors sector. Join a number of seniors organizations for K Days events featuring delicious food and fun activities for seniors and their families. Don't forget to don your best K Days duds. Go wild and break out the ruffles, gloves, vests, hats, ties and feathers!
K Days Parade & Pancake Breakfast
North West Edmonton Seniors Society
(12963 120 Street)
July 19, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
$6 general admission; $3 children aged 6 and younger
Call 780-451-1925 to purchase tickets by July 12.
K Days Pancake Breakfast
Strathcona Place Seniors Society (10831 University Avenue)
July 19, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Call 780-433-5807 to purchase tickets by July 16.
Klondike Pancake Breakfast featuring "Klondike Kitty"
South East Edmonton Seniors Association (9350 82 Street)
July 19, 9 or 11 a.m. seating times
Call
780-468-1985 to purchase tickets.
K Days Pancake Breakfast
North Edmonton Seniors Association and the Northgate Lions
July 26, 8:45-10:30 a.m.
Location: North Edmonton Seniors Association (7524 139 Avenue)
Call 780-496-6969 to purchase your tickets by July 19.
K Days Luncheon & Midway
North West Edmonton Seniors Society (12963 120 Street)
July 26, 11:30 a.m.
Call 780-451-1925 to purchase your tickets by July 19.
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CITY OF EDMONTON ACCESSIBLE TAXIS SURVEY
The Accessibility Advisory Committee is interested in understanding your experience using Accessible Taxis in Edmonton in the past. The Committee is hoping to collect updated information and will be using this data to contribute to a report going forward to City Council this fall. Please take some time to fill out the survey to add your opinion. This survey closes on July 16.
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FUN ART NIGHT
North West Edmonton Seniors Society
(12963 120 Street)
July 18, 6-9 p.m.
$30-includes materials
Give the right side of your brain a real workout at this fun art night. No experience is required for this class that will show you how to paint a beautiful picture. A cash bar with wine and beer will be available to help fuel your creativity. There are only 15 spots available for this event so call 780-451-1925 ASAP to purchase your tickets.
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ELECTRIC BIKE "TRY IT DAY"
Westend Seniors Activity Centre
(
9629 176 Street)
July 19, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Free
Electric bikes are useful for anyone who wants to get out and ride a bicycle again but lacks the power and stamina to complete a bike ride with long hill sections or strong head winds. Revolution Cycle will be available to answer any questions you may have. Registration is not required for this event.
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SUNNY SUMMER PICNIC
Rutherford House
(11153 Saskatchewan Drive)
July 21, 12-4 p.m.
$7 adults; $6 seniors/students; $20 family (2 adults and youths, up to 8 people); free for children aged 0-6
Join the Rutherford House for a day of picnicking fun in the sun. Bring your own lunch or let the Rutherford House make one for you (call 780-427-3995 to pre-order lunch). The Rutherford House will provide blankets and great picnic activities like croquet and badminton. For the more leisurely-inclined, there will be board games in the shade and a number of old-fashioned carnival games. Lemonade and popcorn will also be available to satisfy any snack attack.
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CHIROPRACTIC PRESENTATIONS
Strathcona Place Seniors Society
(10831 University Avenue)
July 24 & Aug. 15, 12 p.m.
Free
These presentations will help you live your best life! Learn how to improve your balance and posture in July and get tips about managing chronic pain and headaches in August. Call 780-433-5807 to reserve your spot.
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JUBILATIONS DINNER THEATRE PRESENTS "FOOTSLOOSE: NEW TOWN, NEW DANCE!"
Sage Seniors Association
Aug. 7, 6:15 p.m.
Location: Jubilations, West Edmonton Mall (
2690 8882 170 Street)
$58 members; $65 non-members
Everybody cut loose! Enjoy an energetic evening of dancing and live music accompanied by a gourmet 3-course meal. Call 780-423-5510 ext 301 to register. Seats are limited so call early to avoid disappointment.
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SUMMER DINNER & DRAG SHOW
Mill Woods Seniors Association
(
2610 Hewes Way, 2nd Floor)
Aug. 15, 5 p.m. doors open; 6 p.m. dinner; 7 p.m. show
$25
Looking for a fabulous night out? Join MWSA for an evening of fabulousness featuring dazzling performances by Edmonton's finest drag queens.
Call 780-496-2997 to get tickets.
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TENTH ANNUAL BADMINTON FUN DAY INVITATIONAL
South East Edmonton Seniors Association
(9350 82 Street)
Aug. 16, 9-11:30 a.m.
$3 advance tickets; $5 at the door
Join the SEESA Badminton Club for a fun day of sport while meeting players from other centres across the city. No prior experience is required. After you have worked up an appetite, join your teammates for lunch at SEESA's full service cafeteria. Call 780-468-1985 by Aug.12 to register.
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RCMP MUSICAL RIDE
Edmonton Seniors Centre
(3Y, 11111 Jasper Avenue)
Aug. 8, 12:30-4 p.m.
$25
This stunning day of pageantry is a Canadian tradition. Watch scarlet-clad "Mounties" on horseback present cavalry drills choreographed to music. Roundtrip transportation from ESC is included. Call 780-342-8625 by July 25 to get tickets.
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6 WAYS TO HELP PAY FOR LONG-TERM CARE
SouthWest Edmonton Seniors Association
Aug. 19, 9:30 am-11:30 am
Location: Yellowbird East Community Centre
(
10710 19 Avenue)
Long-term care insurance isn't the only way to receive quality care. Attend this information session and get expert advice that will help you save money and understand what to expect for your dollar. Call 587-987-3200 to register.
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FALL PROGRAM REGISTRATION
North Edmonton Seniors Association
(7524 139 Avenue)
Registration starts Aug. 19
Get a head start on planning your fall activities. The latest NESA Program & Activity Guide will contain plenty of great options to keep you busy and will be available by July 19. Call 780-496-6969 for more information.
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(links to the ESCC News and Events for Seniors web page)
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Volunteer/Work Opportunities for Seniors
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LONG TERM CARE VOLUNTEERS
Living Before Dying Pilot Project
Attention recently retired seniors! Is retirement not what you imagined? Are you losing your zest for life? A new pilot project, Living Before Dying-an initiative seeking to improve life for seniors in long-term care facilities, is looking for recent retirees who want to add meaning to their golden years. Volunteers should be empathetic go-getters who want to make a difference. This project involves a regular, significant time commitment of six hours per week (minimum).
Think you might be the perfect fit? Please read the detailed
volunteer posting
for more information.
Prospective volunteers are encouraged to attend a free one-hour information presentation by project volunteers, Peter Adams and Alain Nogue. Details as follows.
Volunteer Information Presentation: Living Before Dying Pilot Project
July 25, 7-8 p.m.
#258 Bonnie Doon Professional Centre (8330 82 Avenue)
Register now
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(links to the Volunteer and Work Opportunities web page)
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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:
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STAY CONNECTED
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