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INFO-FLASH News - Special COVID-19 Updates 2020-04-30
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What to do at home to find the right balance

Change is what has made us humans. Change is constant. Change is inevitable. But our current, rapid, and unpredictable change can leave us feeling overwhelmed and out of control.

We’re all different. We have different responses to change. We have different coping methods. We have different skill sets. And that’s a wonderful thing.

It also means that there is no one size fits all to regain our sense of control and find the right balance. Here are some ways to help you:

  • Stay informed. Start with the facts. Ottawa Public Health is a good place to start. Follow them on Facebook @AgingWellInOttawa 
  • Keep to your daily routine. It can help decrease anxiety and maintain healthy eating. According to the Harvard Health there is positive link between your food choices and your mood.  
  • Create some new routines for your day. Pay attention to your meal planning, grocery shopping and sleep routines.  
  • Take on simple tasks to maintain a sense of accomplishment. Clean out a drawer. Put away winter scarves. Sweep the deck. Decorate your window or apartment door to entertain the neighbours during their walks. 
 
Below are a range of links to try something new, explore new places and spaces, volunteer your time, laugh, and find support.  
Try Something New  

Not sure what to do with your time? Are you a gardener? Want to try your hand at growing a pot of tomatoes or herbs? Have you thought of taken an art or cooking class? Want to try yoga from the privacy of your own living room? Need other options to reduce the boredom? Here are a few local and online options to try something new: 

Explore your city, world, and universe  

If you can’t get out into the world, why not bring the world into your living room. With a little curiosity and creativity, the possibilities are almost endless. And most of them are free. 

Thank you to all the members who shared their ideas of what to do while at home self-isolating. Here are a few crowd sourced links to explore your city, your world, and your universe through virtual tours.  
Explore local landmarks, museums, and history    

Ottawa is a beautiful city. How much have you explored it as a resident? Explore your home town through other virtual options and check out some of our amazing landmarks, museum, and history: 

Attend events and festivals virtually  

Some of the many benefits of living in the nation’s capital are world class events, festival, and arts and culture. Many are offing other ways to experience these attractions. Check them out below: 

Explore the world

Don’t let the travel bans stop you for exploring your world. Check out places you have been to before, or those on your travel bucket list. These are just a few internet options to explore: 

  • Machu Picchu explore the view of the Peruvian Andes at 2,430 metres above sea level  
  • Pyramids of Giza see two of the largest pyramids ever built – the Great Pyramid (147 metres) and the Pyramid of Khafre (136 metres) – plus the Great Sphinx  
  • Eiffel Tower travel up to the viewing platform of the 324-metre tower 
  • Taj Mahal discover the final resting place of the beloved wife of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan 
  • Vatican City step into the Sistine Chapel and Raphael’s Rooms 
  • Great Wall of China take in the breathtaking view of the Wall of China, and visitors can even read up a little on its history 
Explore the universe
If earthly destinations are not your thing, try other worldly adventures: 

Volunteer your time  

Focusing on others can be a reminder of what we CAN do, instead of what we can’t do. Many seniors volunteered before the pandemic lockdown. Try reaching out to the organization you regular volunteer with, to see what they need. Also check out other volunteer opportunities you where you can still help while maintaining safe physical distancing: 

Laugh and find a new perspective  

In times of crisis, we search for meaning. Why? In conversation with family and friends, we are all finding things that are going wrong. We are also finding some positive things, or what we call silver linings. Who we suggest? Keep a photo journal of changing COVID-19 hairstyles, share your bread making misses, or recall doomed family vacations. Be sure to laugh with others about it. Here are a few options to explore the absurd:  

Find support: It’s ok to not be ok   

This is a new experience for us all. We have access to different levels of support. And it is  OK to not be OK  (Ottawa Public Health). We may feel unsure. We may not know what to do. We may feel trapped, anxious, scared, and overwhelmed. It’s OK. As long as you find support. Here are a few other resources:     


What do you do to find your balance? Find a sense of control? Please share your ideas with us and we will add them to our  Facebook page or our  Special COVID-19 Update website . 

I hope you can find your balance !
Sarah Bercier
Executive Director
The Council on Aging of Ottawa
Disclaimer: INFO-FLASH is published as an information and education service. We try to present the most current information available. Things continue to change rapidly with COVID-19. Some details and links to external sources may become out of date. Please check the information and resources below for additional information.

Feel free to share this newsletter with your family and friends. 
Community Information and Services for Seniors
2-1-1

Community Information Centre of Ottawa connects you with supports and services in 150+ languages.
3-1-1

City of Ottawa provides information and services for residents about municipal services.
Resources to Stay Socially Connected
offers a telephone friendly visiting line for seniors 55+.

613-696-9992 or 1-855-892-9992
Seniors’ Centre Without Walls organizes free telephone group activities for seniors 55+ and adults with physical disabilities.
613-236-0428
Other Resources and Supports
Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region is a local connection to mental health support and resources, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Distress: 613-238-3311
Crisis: 613-722-6914 or
1-866-996-0991

LGBT Wellbeing Check-in Program provides a telephone assurance program for LGBT adults with disabilities (18+) and older adults (55+). To access the program, contact Good Companions at 613-236-0428 or info@thegoodcompanions.ca

Ontario Caregiver Helpline provides caregivers with a one-stop resource for information and support.
1-833-416-2273 (CARE)
TelAide offrons un service d’écoute téléphonique en français aux personnes qui ont besoin d’une oreille, qui nécessitent du soutien ou de références.
1-800-567-9699

Elder Abuse Response and Referral Service provides intake, information, consultation, referral, and support services for seniors at-risk or who are in an abusive situation.
613-596-5626 ext. 230

Telehealth Ontario is a free, confidential service you can call to get health advice or information. A Registered Nurse will take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 1-866-797-0000
COVID-19 Support Services
Services for seniors are available right now:

Food : Includes food and other essential supplies
Meals on Wheels : Delivery of nutritious frozen meals
Telephone Safety Checks : Regular check in phone calls to ensure you or your loved ones are safe
Transportation : Rides to essential medical appointments
Dementia Support: Information, support, and care navigation for persons living with dementia, caregivers and families
Staying Connected While at Home: Join group social programs, by phone or online
What should older adults and their caregivers
know about COVID-19
Canadian Media Sources on COVID-19
For all other COA News check the Updates
Contact Us
(613) 789-3577