LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS SEEK COHOUSING SOLUTIONS FOR OLDER EDMONTONIANS
About 90 per cent of older adults wish to age in their homes. Cohousing offers a way of rethinking housing options for older adults by combining the autonomy of private residences with the benefits of shared resources and community spaces. Age Friendly Edmonton is exploring the concept by bringing together local organizations that are currently involved in cohousing, or that are interested in being involved in cohousing. Meeting will help us understand what is currently being done around the idea, as well as the level of interest within our community. We want to hear from you! Consultation sessions on this subject will take place in the coming months. To get your name on the list and for more information, email [email protected].
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NOVEMBER IS FALL PREVENTION MONTH
Falls are the leading cause of injury among seniors, according to The Injury Prevention Centre. The impacts can be life-altering: disability, chronic pain, and a loss of independence. Now, there is some promising news in the results of a recent survey by the National Institute of Ageing (NIA). It shows Canadians are becoming more knowledgeable about preventing falls. However, it also found under a third of those age 65+ who were surveyed feel they know what to do in the event they fall. One NIA expert summed up the broader significance of this data with a simple headline "Why Better Preventing Falls Will Be Key to Helping Us Age In Our Places of Choice." The article also outlines a few simple measures someone can do to prevent a dangerous fall. It suggests:
- keeping active to improve strength and balance
- reviewing medications yearly
- going for yearly eye exams
- removing tripping hazards at home
There are more tips included in the article, as well as in a number of other resources. Here are just a few you may find helpful:
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(links to the ESCC News for Seniors Organizations web page)
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REMINDER: APPLY FOR THE EMERGENCY COMMUNITY SUPPORT FUND (DEADLINE: OCT. 30)
Government of Canada (via United Way of the Alberta Capital Region)
United Way of the Alberta Capital Region is accepting applications for the second round of the Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF) to help charities and non-profit organizations serve and support vulnerable Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ECSF funding is intended to meet immediate community needs related to COVID-19 and support frontline community service organizations providing services to support vulnerable Canadians, including, but not limited to, seniors living in low income, women, children and youth, persons with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ2S+ community, refugees, Indigenous peoples and members of racialized communities.
Any requests for funding (up to $75,000) must meet all eligibility criteria and all funds must be expended by March 31, 2021. Deadline to apply is October 30, 2020.
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REMINDER: CALL FOR DEMENTIA COMMUNITY INVESTMENT PROPOSALS (DEADLINE: NOV. 3)
Government of Canada
The Government of Canada is inviting organizations to submit applications for projects and initiatives that address the objectives and priorities of the 2020 fall Dementia Community Investment solicitation.
The objective of this current funding opportunity is to support advanced, community-based projects with a special focus on the current COVID-19 context for people living with dementia and family/friend caregivers. Projects must meet both of the following criteria:
- Virtual (telephone and/or internet-based or alternative) projects: to address the outcomes of physical distancing and other challenges posed by COVID-19.
- Advanced projects: to achieve rapid scale-up of proven virtual interventions into new communities and/or jurisdictions and/or to transform an existing intervention into a virtual intervention and test its effectiveness.
Successful applicants can receive up to $800,000 over two years (beginning in 2021/2022 and concluding in 2022/2023). The deadline for submissions is November 3, 2020.
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More awards and funding news (links to the ESCC News for Seniors Organizations and Funding Options web pages) |
MOVING FORWARD: CHARTING A PATH TO CIVIL SOCIETY RECOVERY
Premier's Council on Charities and Civil Society
The Premier's Council on Charities and Civil Society has recently released 'Moving Forward: Charting a Path to Civil Society Recovery', which noted two important aspects of civil society's response to COVID-19. First: the ability and willingness to adapt and innovate in service delivery. Second: the collaborations and partnerships that emerged. The report highlights some key opportunities for organizations which include "collaboration, coordination and integration of services; improving research and data; capitalizing on new and existing technology; strengthening civil society's financial foundations; and strengthening social finance and social enterprise." We encourage you to read the full report here.
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NEW COVID-19 INFORMATION FOR SENIORS CENTRES AND SENIORS SERVING ORGANIZATIONS
Government of Alberta
A list of common topics to consider when reopening seniors centres and seniors serving organizations is available online. Topics include supporting volunteers, home supports guidance, resuming personal care services, and resuming recreational activities. The Common Topics document, along with an updated Guidance for Senior Centres and Seniors Serving Organizations, and additional resources can be accessed on the Government of Alberta website or CORE Alberta.
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NEW RESOURCES FOR CAREGIVERS
Government of Alberta
The Government of Alberta has released fact sheets for family caregivers who work and provide care to family or friends.
Additional information on employment standards is available on the Government of Alberta website here.
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FALL NONPROFIT SECTOR SURVEY
Alberta Nonprofit Network
A lot can happen in a few months - what nonprofits were dealing with in the spring is vastly different than the struggles of today. To help gain an understanding of the current state of Alberta's nonprofits and charities, Alberta Nonprofit Network is conducting a fall sector survey. What funding, operating and staffing challenges are you facing? What support and policy decisions do you need on the road to recovery? The data and results from this survey will be shared with the sector, government partners and funders to support ongoing dialogue. Numerous funders, including the Government of Alberta and Alberta community foundations, have used data from past surveys to inform their funding decisions. The deadline to complete the survey is November 6, 2020.
Fill out the survey here.
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(links to the ESCC Resources web page)
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CONNECTING IN COVID: RETHINK AND REPROGRAM LEISURE IN SENIOR LIVING
The Eden Alternative and Walk with Me
Nov. 3, 11:00 a.m. - noon MST
Online
The Eden Alternative is hosting a live event in partnership with Walk with Me to discuss how infection control during a pandemic can support culture change efforts and share a new resource to shift the programming mindset and promote spontaneous leisure.
- Join Dr. Al Power, Schlegel Chair in Aging and Dementia Innovation at the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging, to understand how culture change and infection control in senior living benefit each other.
- Hear Heather Rozak, Recreation Therapist with CapitalCare, share how they turned their recreation programming upside down and how it changed everything for residents during COVID-19.
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SCIENCE LITERACY COURSE
We are often told not to believe everything we read online or see on TV-but how do we tell the difference between sensationalized statistics and a real scientific study? A new online course in Science Literacy offered by the University of Alberta is ready to help learners spot sound science-an increasingly relevant skill in today's world of social media. Students will have the opportunity to learn how holistic wisdom is gained and practiced by Canadian First Nations, Indigenous, and Metis peoples, compared to the westernized process of science. The online course has no prerequisites, features a variety of guest lecturers, and can be completed at the learner's own pace-roughly five weeks with five to seven hours per week of study.
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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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PAYROLL COORDINATOR
Sage Seniors Association
Reporting to the Finance Manager, this position is responsible for accurate and timely processing of monthly payroll, mid-month advances, and administration of benefits. The successful candidate will have completed Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) certification with 3 - 5 years of payroll experience with salaried and hourly payroll. This is a temporary, part-time position working 15-25 hours/week until March 31, 2021. The deadline to apply is November 6, 2020. For application instructions, view the job posting. For a detailed overview of the job expectations, view the job description.
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PROGRAM COORDINATOR
SouthWest Edmonton Seniors Association (SWESA)
The Program Coordinator supports SWESA's Vision, Mission and Core Values in the development and delivery of senior's programs and events at SWESA. The Program Coordinator is responsible for the day-to-day operation and delivery of all SWESA programs at Yellowbird Community Centre, Blue Quill Community Centre and any other satellite sites where SWESA offers programs. This is a fulltime (35 hours/week) position. The deadline to apply has been extended to November 2. For application instructions, view the job posting. For a detailed overview of the job expectations, view the job description.
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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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 THE SHARED MIC PODCAST: SEASON TWO OUT NOW!
Age Friendly Edmonton (AFE)
Online
Free
"The Shared Mic: Conversations for the Ages" is back for its second season - episode 2 is out now! If you're looking for more entertainment options, this podcast is a great opportunity to hear local conversations. Listen to folks from different ages and stages discuss a topic that matters to them, explore differences, and find common ground. Episode two takes you inside and behind the scenes of the Edmonton Folk Music Festival.
The conversation is available now at thesharedmic.blubrry.net. You can also tune in wherever you get your podcasts: Apple, Google, or Spotify. Help AFE share these intergenerational conversations by liking and sharing posts on the AFE Facebook and Twitter pages.
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NO LIMITS COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Black Canadian Women in Action (BCW)
Until February 2021
Free
The No Limits Community Connections (NLCC) program aims to help visible minority seniors aged 55+ increase their mental, social, and emotional wellbeing during the pandemic with virtually engaging activities that also promote inclusion and community. Every week, seniors will virtually meet with their matched volunteer mentor to socialize and engage in conversation. Through an online platform, our technology expert and wellness professionals will lead weekly workshops that help support seniors' physical and mental wellbeing, as well as enhance their proficiency with technology, the internet, and social media. Organizers are looking for participants and volunteers.
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COMPASS FOR THE CAREGIVER WORKSHOP
Caregivers Alberta
Nov. 13, 20, 27, Dec. 4 (4 week course)
Online
$45 for 4 sessions
Caregiving can be a stressful, isolating, and overwhelming experience. And due to the COVID-19 pandemic many caregivers are experiencing added levels of stress and anxiety. The COMPASS for the Caregiver program helps caregivers balance their own well-being with the challenges of caregiving and is facilitated by someone who understands those challenges.
Before registering for the COMPASS for the Caregiver workshop, please ensure that you can virtually attend all 4 weekly sessions. For more information and to register, click here.
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GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP WORKSHOPS
Sage Seniors Association
Nov. 16 or Dec. 21
$50
These workshops provide an overview of the process for applying for Guardianship and Trusteeship of an adult who no longer has the capacity to make their own decisions. Your workshop registration includes:
- A mailed out package of necessary documents for the full application.
- Access to a 2-hour group workshop on guardianship, trusteeship, the forms, court process, and your role and responsibilities of a guardian and/or trustee.
To register: call 780-423-5510 or click this link.
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FAMILY CAREGIVER WELLNESS VIRTUAL EVENT
Caregivers Alberta and NorQuest College
Nov. 17 (afternoon) & Nov. 18 (morning)
Online
Now, more than ever, family caregivers are in need of support to care for their loved ones. This virtual event will provide educational awareness for family caregivers with regard to resources in the community to help them. This event is split into two days (November 17th & 18th) and you are welcome to attend either one day or both! This first day will showcase new technologies being tested by caregivers, as well as existing products and services to help family caregivers and their loved ones. The second day will include workshops with Caregivers Alberta and one of NorQuest's Family Caregiver Wellness Workshops. Organizers are also looking for vendors willing to highlight their products and/or services. For more information and to register, click here.
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GARDEN SUITE WEBINAR SERIES
YEGardensuites
Nov. 17, 24 & Dec. 1
Online
$24.95 - $34.95
This three-part webinar series provides attendees with an in-depth look at garden and garage suites in Edmonton. Find out useful information on rules and regulations, costs, tips for successful projects, the building process, and more. Connect with industry experts and get started on your suite journey! For more information or to register, click here.
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GRANDPARENTS WHO PARENT SUPPORT GROUP
Seniors' Centre Without Walls and Sage Seniors Association
Oct. 29 - Dec. 17 (Thursdays), 10 a.m.
Online
Free
This support series is for grandparents who are parenting their grandchild or grandchildren. Some of the topics covered include identifying the impact of family histories, healing practices and skills, understanding your "complex" role, building healthy boundaries, exploring legal issues, and promoting hope. Register for the program by calling Sage Seniors Association at 780-446-3569, or Seniors' Centre Without Walls at 780-395-2626.
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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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REMEMBRANCE DAY - STORIES FROM VETERANS
Westend Seniors Activity Centre
Nov. 10
Westend Seniors Activity Centre is looking for veterans to share their stories as part of an early Remembrance Day ceremony (to be held Nov. 10). This event may be in person or virtual, depending on the guidelines for social gatherings in place at the time. Organizers feel it would be inspiring to include videos or readings from veterans who want to share their experiences. If you would like to be part of this important day, please contact Heather Riberdy, Volunteer and Event Manager at 780-483-1209 ext. 224 or [email protected].
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CASTING CALL - ACTORS WANTED
Pleasant Solutions
Dates TBD
Pleasant Solutions is Edmonton-based seniors who would like to act for paid roles in upcoming commercials. Filming will be in Edmonton, consisting of one day in November (flexible to meet performer schedules). Auditions will be held both via video-conference and live in Edmonton in late October or early November. Casting will be contact-less, and done at significant distances (at least double the requirement). If weather permits, it may be done outdoors.
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(links to the Volunteer and Work Opportunities web page)
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SHARE YOUR STORY - WHAT DOES GROWING OLDER LOOK LIKE?
Age Friendly Edmonton (AFE)
Age Friendly Edmonton is trying to "paint a picture" of what healthy aging looks like in Edmonton. Older adults have much to offer through their life experience. We all benefit when older adults are respected, included, and supported. Let's expand the narrative around aging, together to build a more inclusive Edmonton. Add your voice to the conversation at GrowOlderWithMe.net. Tell us about your experiences: the joys and the challenges. As thanks for participating, Age Friendly Edmonton is providing $5 Tim Hortons gift cards on a first come, first served basis. Let's make Edmonton a great place to grow older and build a truly age-friendly city, together.
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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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