COVID-19 Web Page Responds to Seniors' Needs
In an effort to support seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council has developed a new
COVID-19 resource web page, which will be maintained and updated regularly in the coming weeks. This page includes updates from seniors' organizations and information to support seniors and their families during this challenging time.
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GOVERNMENT EXTENDS TAX DEADLINES AMIDST COVID-19 OUTBREAK
The federal government has
extended the due date for filing individual tax returns to June 1, 2020. Taxpayers will have until September 1, 2020 to pay any 2019 income tax amounts owed.
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COVID-19 EMERGENCY SOCIAL SERVICES FUNDING
On March 17, 2020, the Alberta government
announced additional emergency funding to charities, non-profits and civil society organizations through the Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) program to support their COVID-19 response. This funding will be provided immediately and will support social services in enabling social distancing, as well as supports and services for at-risk seniors and families facing homelessness, poverty and social isolation.
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(links to the ESCC News for Seniors Organizations web page)
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HELP PREVENT THE SPREAD COVID-19 POSTERS
Government of Alberta
To help organizations provide awareness surrounding COVID-19, the provincial government has developed a
series of posters providing social distancing tips and proper etiquette. The series also includes "do not enter" and "do not visit" posters for organizations that need to limit foot traffic in their facilities.
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SENIORS AND HOUSING Q&A
Government of Alberta
Developed by the Ministry, this
Q&A resource addresses frequently asked questions on topics of COVID-19, social distancing self-isolation, seniors' social isolation, seniors' health, community support, fraud, and more.
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COVID-19 RESOURCES FOR NONPROFITS
Alberta Nonprofit
Network
Alberta's nonprofit sector is a vital aspect of the support system that our communities and Albertans rely on, particular during a crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This
resource page has been created as a landing spot for COVID-related advocacy and issue-gathering for the sector, understanding the needs of the sector, and resources for talking to funders.
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(links to the ESCC Resources web page)
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SERIOUS GAMES: VIBRANT MINDS & VIRTUAL GYM
Institute for Continuing Care Education & Research (ICCER)
April 1, 10-11 a.m.
Free members; $15 non-members
Computer games are increasingly used as a tool for studying cognitive skills and aging. Usability and clinical studies have been conducted that allowed the researchers to establish that the games are (a) easy-to-use and engaging for older adults with and without dementia; and (b) older adults with dementia can become better on their cognitive skills at playing them. In this informative
webinar, you will more about the educational potential of gaming for older adults.
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CONNECTEDNESS, PURPOSE, AND BELONGING: ROLE OF SOCIAL PRESCRIBING IN INTEGRATING HEALTH CARE AND SOCIAL SUPPORTS
Ontario Age-Friendly Communities (AFC) Outreach Program
April 29, 12-1 p.m. (Eastern)
Free
As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important that we all recognize how essential services and community supports are in times of self-isolation and quarantines. In this webinar, learn how social prescribing is an intentional pathway that deepens the integration between health care and social supports, how it relates to your work, and how we can build a more connected community.
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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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News and Events for Seniors
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SENIORS' SHOPPING HOURS
North Edmonton Seniors Association has created a handy list of seniors' shoppin
g hours at grocery stores. During these times, the intention is that stores
will only be open for seniors.
- Costco: 8-9 a.m., Tuesday and Thursday
- Italian Centre Shop: 9-10 a.m., Monday and Thursday
- Safeway: 7-8 a.m., daily
- Save-On Foods: 7-8 a.m., daily
- Shoppers Drug Mart: 8-9 a.m., daily (hours vary by location)
- Sobeys: 7-8 a.m., daily
- Sunterra: 8-9 a.m., Wednesday and Saturday
- Superstore: 7-8 a.m., daily
- Walmart: 7-8 a.m., weekdays
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ONLINE FAMILY CAREGIVER WELLNESS WORKSHOPS
Gain the confidence to safely look after your loved one at home by learning online with a nursing instructor. Upcoming workshops include:
The COVID-19 workshop is 1.5 hours of lecture and Q&A. The other
workshops are two hours and include class lecture and a simulated scenario related to the workshop topic.
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STORY CALLS
Social distancing getting you down? Need a bread from books, board games, and baking? Storytelling Alberta is offering
Story Calls. Talented storytellers will tell 5-minute stories-your or teller's choice-by phone. Email
[email protected] with your name, phone number, type of story you'd like to hear, and date/time preference. If you don't have access to email, call Doreen Vanderstoop at 403-816-6002.
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AGING WITH PRIDE PHONE PROGRAM FOR SENIORS
2SLGBTQ+ seniors can access phone programming through Aging with Pride. There are a ton of
great activities coming up, including 2SLGBTQ+ Book Club (April 1), Seniors Beats (April 8), and 2SLGBTQ+ Movie Club (April 15). While there is no set age limit, participants should identify as older adults. All genders, sexualities, and abilities are welcome. To participate, call 1-855-703-8985 and enter the meeting ID 293 631 2402. For more information about pride seniors programming, email
[email protected].
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STAY FIT BY EXERCISING AT HOME
Just because you're at home doesn't mean you have to go into couch potato mode. This collection of exercise resources can help you work up a sweat from your living room and maintain your active lifestyle.
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ONLINE RELIGIOUS SERVICES
In-person services have been cancelled but many churches, temples, and synagogues are broadcasting their services using Facebook Live, YouTube, or live-streaming on their websites.
If you'd like to participate in an online service, check out the list on ESCC's COVID-19 Resources
web page.
If you hear of other online services, please pass them along to us and we'll add them to the list.
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(links to the ESCC News and Events for Seniors 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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