Newsletter Volunteers Needed

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The Saskatoon Council on Aging is looking for a couple of dedicated volunteers to help us produce our newsletter, Coming of Age. These opportunities would be of interest to older adults or anyone who is looking for volunteer opportunities in graphic design, newsletter production or gaining work experience.

Contact Virginia admin@scoa.ca for more information or to apply for the following positions.  Candidates must be able to supply a current Police Check [less than 3 months] and 3 references

 Newsletter Designer

We are looking for a volunteer who:

• Wants to help SCOA [Saskatoon Council on Aging] build an age-friendly community
• Enjoys actively participating as a team member

Role: Design and format a print newsletter to promote the programs and services and age-friendly focus of the Saskatoon Council on Aging [SCOA]

Responsibilities:

• Produce the Coming of Age newsletter 3 times per year [Fall, Winter, Spring] under the supervision and with the assistance of the SCOA Fund Development and Communications Coordinator
• Attend Communication committee meetings [optional]
• Format and design 12 page newsletter with content provided by SCOA Fund Development and Communications Coordinator
• Ensure branding, publication standards and author guidelines are met

 Must have skills and experience:

• Some experience with desktop publishing software e.g. Microsoft Publisher, Mac Pages, InDesign, MS Word or other application
• Ability to meet necessary deadlines and time commitments

Desirable skills and experience:  

• Written communication and editing proficiency
• Previous experience in a non-profit

Time Commitment:  6 to 12 hours per month during production times:
Must be available to produce 3 newsletters per year according to the production schedule. 
Production Schedule:
Newsletter submission deadlines are July 1, December 1 and April 1.
Distribution is done during the first week of September, first week of January and first week of May  *Note: Exact schedule may vary

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Newsletter Distribution Coordinator

We are looking for a volunteer who:

• Wants to help SCOA [Saskatoon Council on Aging] build an age-friendly community
• Enjoys actively participating as a team member

Role: Coordinate delivery and distribution of a print newsletter to promote the programs and services and age-friendly focus of The Saskatoon Council on Aging [SCOA]

Responsibilities: Distribution of the Coming of Age newsletter 3 times per year [Fall, Winter, Spring] under the supervision and with the assistance of the SCOA Fund Development and Communications Coordinator

Coordinate the following according to the publication and distribution schedule:

• Arrange volunteers to prepare newsletter for delivery
• Arrange and schedule delivery volunteers
• Ensure all routes are delivered on schedule

Must have skills and experience:

• Organizational and time management skills
• Ability to meet deadlines

Time Commitment:  Approximately 4 hours per month during distribution times
Must be available to arrange distribution for 3 newsletters per year according to the production schedule
Production Schedule:
Newsletter submission deadlines are July 1, December 1 and April 1. Distribution is done during the first week of September, first week of January and first week of May
*Note: Exact schedule may vary

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Staying Strong, Balanced and Fast: Fall Prevention

Agenda:

1:00 Welcome and Opening Remarks – Dr. Joel Lanovaz, College of Kinesiology and Dr. Cathy Arnold, School of Rehabilitation Science, University of Saskatchewan

1:10 Importance of Research Improving Capacity to Prevent Fall-Related Injury – Cathy Arnold

1:20 Video: A Successful Collaboration and Emergence of FAST (Cathy Arnold and Melanie Weimer)

1:30 Results of first FAST pilot study – Cathy Arnold

1:40 How to measure Fall Arrest Capacity? Joel Lanovaz

Video: College of Kinesiology Labs, Developing Novel Measures (Joel Lanovaz, Jon Farthing, Glennis and Terry Stirling, Danelle Banman, Justin Pfifko)

1:50 FAST 1 and FAST 2 Study Designs and Results – Cathy Arnold and Joel Lanovaz

Video: What do these results mean for fall prevention? (Jenny Basran)

2:10 Introduction of FAST team members

2:20 Acknowledgement of student trainees and their work (Hayley Legg, Danelle Banman, Justin Pfifko, and others not here today)

2:30 REFRESHMENT BREAK and poster viewing

2:50 Welcome and words from collaborators:

June Gawdun, Executive Director, Saskatoon Council on Aging

Kimberly Willison, Lead for Forever in Motion

Cheryl Lehne, Lead for Staying on Your Feet

3:00 Final Words from Participants and PI

Video: (Janet Barnes, Cathy Arnold, Terry and Glennis Stirling, Neil Collins)

3:10 Break out session.. What’s next – Hearing from you (Café style – choose 2)

Questions to consider:

After hearing what you heard today, what would you like to see related to reducing fall-related injuries for older adults?

· Researchers to examine next?

· Health care system to do?

· Community organizations/groups/public to do?

· What would you do differently?

3:50 De-briefing, Closing remarks Cathy Arnold

No Patient Left Behind: Electronic Health Record Use in Saskatchewan

We want to hear from you! No Patient Left Behind: Electronic Health Record Use in Saskatchewan

 Have you ever wanted to see or even access information in your medical record? Are you interested in learning more about what an Electronic Health Record (EHR) is? Or how it works? 

Your EHR is a secure and private lifetime record that gives you access to much of your health data through electronic devices (e.g.: computer, tablet or phone). In Canada, the EHR stores and provides information on your lab results, medication profiles, key clinical reports (e.g.: hospital discharge reports), diagnostic reports from x-rays or other similar tests, and your immunization history. This information can be seen by authorized health care providers and is becoming available for more and more patients to access across the country.  

This technology offers many benefits for patient and health care professionals. For example, the EHR gives patients the ability to see test results and previous and current prescriptions. Access to this data can reduce test duplication and increase communication with doctors and nurses saving time for both parties.  There are also potential challenges with EHR use, including technical difficulties, access to electronic devices and or internet connectivity and concerns about privacy and confidentially. 

Dr. Tracie Risling from the College of Nursing at the University of Saskatchewan is partnering with SCOA on a new research project, No Patient Left Behind: EHR Use in Saskatchewan. This study is about supporting patients across the province to uptake and use their electronic health records. We want to hear from you! How would you want to learn about EHRs? What do think some of the challenges might be when it comes to using EHRs? What type of supports could be developed to support EHR users?

In the coming weeks, Dr. Tracie Risling and her team will be announcing dates for information sessions about EHR use in Saskatchewan and this research project. We are excited to start this research, working with SCOA and looking forward to meeting with those who are interested in sharing their thoughts about this technology and how best to use it.  

For more information on this project contact RisTech Research Coordinator Courtney Carlberg at courtney.carlberg@usask.ca 

This research is funded by the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF) and the Saskatchewan Centre for Patient-Orientated Research (SCPOR). 

This research has been approved by the U of S Behavioural Ethics Board (BEH 1259). 

Spotlight on Seniors News

Celebrate 20 years of active aging at Spotlight on Seniors 2019!

This year we will take a look back at 20 years of Spotlight to celebrate memories and milestones of this special event for older adults.  The first Spotlight on Seniors was held in 1999, the International Year of Older Persons [ IYOP]. The show has been going strong ever since!

This year we  feature our wall of photos – a visual retrospective of past years and special moments at Spotlight. Experience a day to learn about products and services that enrich your lives, enjoy coffee and refreshments, displays,  music, draws for prizes and much more!

Visit our online photo gallery! 

Date: October 1, 2019 
Time: 9 am [doors open] to 3 pm
Location: Grand Salon, TCU Place – 35 22nd  Street East, Saskatoon
Cost: $10 [pay at the door]

Program Lineup includes:

Doors open 9 am
10 am – Greetings from SCOA
“A Look back at Spotlight”
10:30 to 11 am – Cloggers/Free Flow Dance Theatre Company
11 am to 11:45 am -Spectacle performs
12 to 12: 15- Lunch/Sponsor speeches
12:15 to 1 pm -Young at Heart performs
1 pm to 1:30 pm – Forever in motion
1:30 pm to 2 pm – Free Flow Dance Theatre Company
2 pm to 2: 30 pm – Slightly Off Centre Jam Band performs
Draws for prizes 2:30 pm

For more information, visit our web page or phone 306.652.2255.  See you there!

Grand “Old” Opry Zoomer Style

Saskatoon Council on Aging presents

Grand “Old” Opry – Zoomer Style event on March 27, 2020 at the Western Development Museum. 

News: Grand “Old” Opry finalists will be selected early this fall! More exciting news to follow for this one-of-a-kind event! 

Let’s celebrate the talents of older adults specializing in country and western music. This event will start with a wonderful meal followed by entertainment and an exciting competition between country music acts.

There will be several winners at the event.  Winners receive an award, press coverage and fan adoration”. This is your opportunity to be part of an entertaining night of fun where Saskatoon’s seasoned talent is showcased.

For more information call the Saskatoon Council on Aging at 306-652-2255.

Fall 2019 Classes & Programs

Registration starts August 1, 2019

Note: All class/program fees must be paid in advance.
1. Phone 306-652-2255 to pay with credit card, OR
2. Mail a cheque to our office:
SCOA, Saskatoon Field House, 2020 College Drive, Saskatoon, S7N 2W4 OR
3. Visit our office at the Field House [after September 16th ] to register in person.

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Introduction to Genealogy

This is a basic genealogy class (Instructor Cindy Paradis/Genealogical Society) and will not be able to concentrate on anyone’s personal genealogy.  This class will cover: where to start, where to find information, what to do and what not to do, different organizational methods, and how to record information

Wednesdays (9hrs): October 9, 16, 23  1pm – 4pm            $90

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Wool Fibre Paint Art Class

Dianne Murphy, local wool fibre artist, back with wool painting. You will use natural fibres and the wet felting techniques to create your own “masterpiece”. Participants can bring a picture to work from or just have fun with colouring felts. All materials included.

Monday, October 21, 2019  1pm- 4pm           $50

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Wet Felting Vessel Wool Fibre Class

Dianne Murphy, wool fibre artist, is returning with a NEW Wet Felting class. “Making a vessel using a resist” is a technique used in the wet felting process to make a seamless article.  In this workshop, we will make a small bowl or hot pad while using this technique which can also be applied to making other items such as slippers, mittens, purses and other items.

Monday, November 18, 2019  1pm-4pm  $50

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Life Skills Class “Navigating the changes”

Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation:
Supports for aging in place
Canada has many housing options available for seniors that suit a wide range of budgets, health needs and personal preferences. CMHC staff will provide an overview of housing and financing options to help you make an informed decision. In addition, the Presenters will touch on helpful tips to avoid fraud and financial abuse related to housing.

Client Patient Access Services (CPAS):  Housing Transitions
CPAS provides access to, and determines eligibility for Long Term Care Homes (permanent admission and respite care), Community Day Programs, Home Care, Community Therapies, and Volunteer Services. CPAS also provides information on other housing options like, Private Care Homes and Assisted Living Homes. CPAS staff will provide an overview of the role the Health Authority plays in housing transitions for older adults.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019   1pm-3pm     $10 registration fee 

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Bereavement Class

This class has been cancelled. 

 

 

 

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Apple Technology Classes

Beginner one-on-one Apple ONLY classes on Friday afternoons.  Become more confident using your Apple iPad, iPhone, Computer or Watches. Register now for 2 classes of 1.5 hrs (3 hrs) which includes a take home manual. Must bring your device.

Date: Friday afternoons  Cost:    $40

IOS 12/13 Apple operating system and iPhone/iPad photography/Cloud Classes

Mystified with the Apple system update (IOS 12/13)? Having troubles with photos stored on the “Cloud”? Small group class sessions with 5 people per class – register early.

Dates:
November 5^th     New Apple IOS update 12/13  1:30 – 3:00pm
November 19^th   Photography/Cloud Storage  1:30 – 3:00pm

Cost: $20 per class

Seniors Tech Buddy – Fall 2019

Older adults receive one-on-one instruction from local high school students. All tech devices and operating systems. Dates and times to be announced. 
Cost $10
Phone 306.652.2255 for more information and to register.

Pain Knowledge Needs of Family Caregivers and Persons with Dementia

The Saskatoon Council on Aging [SCOA] is pleased to collaborate with Dr. Susan Tupper on the research project “Pain Knowledge Needs of Family Caregivers and Persons with Dementia: Role of Virtual Reality as a Training Modality”. As a leading organization in the province dedicated to supporting positive aging through programs and services that enhance health, dignity, and independence for older adults, SCOA recognizes the importance of this research project for our community members.

Dr. Tupper and the Pain Dementia Virtual Reality Research Team have proposed to create an innovative training program on pain management for family caregivers and people with cognitive impairments related to dementia. Incorporating virtual reality videos into the training materials is an exciting new way to teach family members and people with dementia about pain. The training materials will be developed based on family member input, and their perspectives on the new virtual reality video will help shape the training program in ways that truly support older adults in Saskatchewan. This education will help our families to better cope with pain and prevent suffering and the many negative consequences of living with pain.

In the news: 

CBC Saskatoon May 20, 2019: Pain researcher uses VR to help caregivers deal with dementia patients’ pain. 

CBC Blue Sky May 29, 2019: Managing Acute and Chronic Pain: A panel of Saskatchewan Experts 

The research is funded by the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation and Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation Advancement Inc.