covid-19, Events, Health Services, Important Notices, Services

COVID-19 Resources for Seniors

Saskatoon Council on Aging

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COVID-19: Resources for Isolated Seniors 
A one page handout with essential phone numbers and information

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Community Directories

Face Masks

Fitness 

Forever in Motion Home Fitness and Leisure Resource Guide

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Grocery Delivery Services 

YXE Community Response to COVID 19 – Humans Helping Humans
Volunteers help isolated seniors with grocery delivery and other errands
Hotline – 306-361-4357     |    Grocery Order Form   
Email yxecovid19help@gmail.com 
Join Facebook Group 

CHEP GOOD FOOD INC. 
CHEP’s food access programs (Community Markets, Good Food Box – Saskatoon, and Bulk Buying) provide home delivery. Delivery is FREE! To order, message us, call 306-655-4575 or email marketsoutreach@chep.org

NEW! CHEP Good Food has been designated Food Security Lead
for Seniors by United Way of Saskatoon & Area as part of the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program. Through this program, we are able to deliver ‘good food’ to Seniors FREE OF CHARGE. 
Seniors can self-identify or be referred and submit orders, or orders can be submitted on behalf of seniors known to be facing food security challenges
1. By phone (306-655-4575), or
2. Use the online order form. New Horizons for Seniors Order Form. The link can also be found on CHEP.org by scrolling down through Good Food Delivery.

Islamic Association of Saskatchewan – Saskatoon
If you would like to volunteer and help seniors who are in self-isolation or are at risk, please contact us so we can coordinate efforts to support the community. If you want to help or need help please email us (info@islamiccenter.sk.ca) or (president@islamiccenter.sk.ca) 

LutherCare Communities Phone 306.664.0393

Salvation Army – Grocery and Pharmacy Delivery
Deliveries for those in need, including those in self-isolation. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please email us at covid19response@salvationarmysaskatoon.org or phone (306) 477-2363 and inform the operator you are in need of assistance.

White Buffalo Youth Lodge – 306.653.7676  – lunch and supper delivery

World Sikh Aid Foundation Volunteers deliver food free of charge to people who can’t get out or afford to buy their own groceries during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Phone 306.880.3898 | 306.715.3366 | 306.241.6537

Grocery Stores that deliver

Where to find Saskatchewan sourced food essentials during the pandemic
How to Buy Groceries without going to the store Information Sheet by Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism

Mental Health Resources

Pets

  • Petland Canada – order online www.petland.ca or curbside pickup service phone 306.978.6990 Confederation or Clarence Avenue S. 306.934.3920
  • Pet- i- Coat Junction – Phone 306.384.7387
  • Critters Delivery – https://www.critterspet.com online order

Pharmacies

  • YXE City Cabs Free Prescription Pick-Up for seniors: (306) 444-3333
  • Medicine Shoppe [any location] – Free prescription delivery
    https://www.medicineshoppe.ca/ 
  • Earl’s Pharmacy – Free prescription delivery 306-244-1531
  • London Drugs – a program to help seniors who may be isolated and in need of medications.  Caregivers and family members can email SupportSeniors@LondonDrugs.com 
  • Shoppers Drug Mart – Fee delivery of medications to your home and help answer your questions via phone. Phone local store[s] for details.

Shopping/Stores with extended hours for seniors 

Support Services 

  • Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan: Phone/email support to people with dementia, family, friends 306-683-6322; Dementia Helpline at 1-877-949-4141
    email helpline@alzheimer.sk.ca
  • Canadian Red Cross – Friendly Phone program for Saskatchewan
    Matches volunteers with isolated seniors – 1-306-216-6602
  • Family Service Saskatoon – Phone counselling
    Phone counselling will be offered during our regular office hours – Monday – Friday,  9am – 5pm. Call (306) 244-0127 within those times for more information.
  • Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations [FSIN] 1-877-626-6448

Home Care by Doctors – One Hour Home Care Service
ONE-HOUR HOME CARE SERVICE

  • Saskatoon Food Bank – 306-664-6565 Emergency Food Hampers
  • Saskatoon Crisis Intervention Service – Emergency service
    (306) 933-6200
  • Sage Seniors’ Resources – home health and mobility needs
    Sage Seniors’ Resources in Market Mall  is temporarily closed for regular business.We will be monitoring our email sageteam@sasktel.net and phone messages 306-955-7243. If customers need any home health or mobility aids please leave/send a message and we will try and facilitate pick up or delivery.

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Lumeca
A Saskatchewan based app that gives Saskatchewan residents free, confidential access to health care professionals through their mobile devices.

Technology

Bolt Mobile – Operation Lifeline 
Old phones are being refurbished and sanitized and then donated to people without phones who are isolated in seniors’ homes and hospitals. Currently available to hospitals and care homes only. Donations accepted. If your hospital or care home facility is interested in receiving donated devices, please contact us today by calling 306-668-4653. 

Saskatoon Public Library – Ask Us; One on One Tech Support

Utilities

Saskatchewan Crown Corporations that operate utilities in the province will offer a zero-interest deferral on all utility payments for a period of 6 months.
SaskTel – waiving data overage charges, offering news and family channels for free
SaskPower – stopped active collections and won’t be limiting power supply to customers
SaskEnergy – deferring payments and not limiting natural gas supply

News Releases

age-friendly, Important Notices, Services, Technology

What older adults need to know NOW about virtual communication 

Saskatoon Council on Aging
apple coffee computer desk
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

One truth that has emerged from the Covid-19 pandemic is how important virtual communication has become. Sometimes it’s the only means of communication possible. In hospital settings and nursing homes where visitors are not allowed to visit, virtual communication becomes the only way (besides trying to talk through a window) to reach a loved one and keep them (or yourself) from feeling totally abandoned.

And please don’t throw up your hands and say: Oh, that’s so beyond me; I’ll just phone; my family will be there for me; I haven’t needed it in the past 20 years and I don’t need it now! Really? You may need it tomorrow if you have to be admitted to a care facility or hospital.

Got your attention?  Let’s start with the common cell phone. I think everyone should have one for safety sake in any case, and should, at the very least, know how to text, send emails, use FaceTime and just for fun, learn how to take photos. These basic functions will allow you to keep in touch with your family and they with you.

So why not prepare now for a worst possible communication scenario?

Even if you never have to endure the trauma of mandatory visiting restrictions keeping you from  a loved one, note that there are many other advantages to a cell phone. Texting is the fastest way to reach the grandkids!! FaceTime brings them right to the edge of your chair. And they can teach you the basic functions of a cell phone! And photos are fun!

Why not give it a try?

Isn’t it everyone’s responsibility to learn to communicate virtually?

You’ll be glad you did!

by Mercedes Montgomery, SCOA Co-President 

Great collection of how to’s for ZOOM 

 

age-friendly, Events, Programming, Services

Live on Zoom: Musical Finale with Harreson James

Saskatoon Council on Aging

Calling all Hub Clubbers and older adults

The Saskatoon Council on Aging and the University of Saskatchewan invite you to join our “Virtual” Seniors Neighbourhood Hub Club!
LIVE ON ZOOM:
Online Musical Performance with Harreson James
When: May 28th, 2020 at 1 pm NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED:

HOW TO JOIN:  How to Join the webinar  PDF or WATCH VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS

Please click this link to join!     If prompted, enter: Webinar ID: 886 9082 7261

HJ-Harreson-20

Do you have a computer, tablet or an iPad? Join us for this lighthearted, entertaining musical performance.

Along with some great tunes, we’ll also be releasing the NEW fall schedules for all the Hub Clubs in the city. Join us for some rockin’ good tunes!

Don’t know how to use Zoom?

Are you joining by ipad or tablet or smartphone for the first time? You will need to be able to download the Zoom app. We can help, but you will need your username and password to download apps.

No problem, click on this link for a step by step demonstration.
A collection of how-tos for using Zoom
Participating in a Zoom Webinar Quick Start Guide

Tech Support  PDF Instructions:
Android – How to install Zoom on a computer or tablet
Computer – How to create a Zoom account
Computer – How to install Zoom and join a meeting
iPad or iPhone – How to install Zoom and join a meeting

Tech Support – Video Instructions:
How to install Zoom on Windows 10
How to use Zoom on Windows 10
How to install and use Zoom on iPad
How to install and use the Zoom app on an Android device

Still having problems with Zoom?

Again, no problem, the University of Saskatchewan is here to assist you with all of your Zoom tech questions.
For one-on-one assistance call Megan O’Connell at 1.306.966.2496?

if you are interested in virtual socialization hubs please click here 

age-friendly, Important Notices, Programming, Services, Volunteering

Telephone Visit Program

Saskatoon Council on Aging

Like many other organizations we have cancelled and postponed events until it will be deemed safe by government and health authorities.  As a result of COVID-19, older adults are at high risk for social isolation. They lack opportunities to stay engaged and socialize with others; a key component to health and wellness. They also lack access to current or reliable information as many do not use or cannot access the internet. This may further impede their ability to access basic necessities such as groceries, health products or medical assistance.

The Saskatoon Council on Aging is working with community organizations on a new project to support isolated older adults. We will launch a Telephone Visit program that matches seniors with trained and screened volunteers from community organizations. The volunteers will connect with older adults once or twice a week to chat. Conversations can be short or long and can cover any topic from pets to gardening. The volunteers are not social workers, doctors or any other health care professional. They are just regular people that want to help and touch base with older adults.  The only information that will be shared is a first name and a phone number. Seniors can also pick the best time for volunteers to call.

SCOA will be a central intake agency to provide callers with referrals and support relating to COVID-19.  If the senior is experiencing isolation they would be connected to friendly volunteers that would be a “telephone buddy” .

To register phone SCOA 306.652.2255 

Funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program
In partnership with United Way of Saskatoon and Area.

Background: 

The Saskatoon Council on Aging [SCOA] serves the approximately 80,000 older adults 55 and over in Saskatoon and area. The coronavirus outbreak has profoundly impacted the lives of older adults. They are at a high risk to become socially isolated due to necessary social distancing measures designed to keep them safe.

Prior to the crisis, SCOA provided many opportunities for older adults to socialize and stay connected. We presently have a membership of 4500 older adults. We keep people informed through our one stop information and resource centre, caregiver information and support centre, newsletters, directory of services for older adults, spotlight on Seniors trade show and our websites.  Our programs and services including seniors neighborhood hub clubs, century club, life- long learning programs and globe walk program keep older adults socially connected, engaged, active and healthy.

 

 

 

age-friendly, Classes, covid-19, Lifelong Learning, Research, Technology

Using technology to reduce social isolation

Saskatoon Council on Aging

Seniors are particularly impacted by social distancing measures to ensure safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many older adults feel more isolated than ever before. The Saskatoon Council on Aging is partnering with the University of Saskatchewan for an exciting new project to help older adults stay connected and access social opportunities.

SCOA will undertake a pilot project with researcher Megan E. O’Connell, a clinical psychologist and Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Saskatchewan.  The pilot involves showing older adults how to use the popular video conferencing app Zoom. Clinical psychology graduate students under Dr. O’Connell’s supervision will call older adults and walk them through getting them set up to use Zoom. Online or virtual groups will be organized for a variety of topics of interest to older adults including health and mental health.  Group sessions will be limited to 8 older adults and will allow time for questions and socialization.

The project will promote interactivity between older adults and sharing information through presentations. Technology will also reduce the social isolation experienced by many older adults. They will also experience increased mental engagement a
nd improved health and well being. Older adults will also learn new skills and find out new services available to them.

To take part in the project phone Dr. O’Connell 1.306.966.2496

Social Conection

 

covid-19, Health Services

Managing COVID-19 stress and anxiety 

Saskatoon Council on Aging

Older adults, 65 years and older, are at higher risk for severe illness following infection from COVID-19. Anxiety is a normal response to the current situation. Here are some tips to help you to remain calm and balanced as this public health crisis evolves.

cooking hands handwashing health
Photo by Burst on Pexels.com

1. LET GO
Tell yourself you need to accept there are things beyond your control. Focus on things  you can control, such as washing hands, covering your mouth during coughs and sneezes, social distancing and non-essential trips to the store.

2. UNPLUG YOURSELF 
Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news and social media. Constant information overload about the pandemic can cause more anxiety.

3. KNOW THE FACTS
Seek information from reliable news sources only. Limit checking in on the latest news to short, defined periods. While you might plan to go online to get quick updates to stay informed, before you know it, you’ve spent hours jumping from one story to the next and becoming more anxious than ever.
Government of Saskatchewan
Government of Canada 
World Health Organization 

4. KEEP THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE
Try to keep things in perspective; notice and challenge your thoughts if they may be extreme or unhelpful. Remind yourself that most people experience mild illness from the new coronavirus, many people will pull through, and this crisis will end.

5. SELF-CARE ROUTINE 
Look after  your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs. Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy such as reading, crafts or playing with pets.

6. STAY CONNECTED
Connect with others and lean on social supports. To flatten the curve we must practice social and physical distancing but you can still stay in touch by text, phone calls, social media, virtual chats e.g. Facetime or Skype.

 7. SEEK HELP
If you notice that your symptoms of anxiety (in association with COVID-19 or otherwise) are causing you distress or interfere with your ability to function normally, reach out for mental health supports available to help you through this difficult time.

Mental Health Supports

Saskatchewan HealthLine 8-1-1

Mobile Crisis [City of Saskatoon] 24-HOUR CRISIS LINE PHONE: +1 (306) 933-6200

Walk-in Counselling – Family Service Saskatoon
Phone counselling will be offered during our regular office hours – Monday – Friday,  9am – 5pm. Call (306) 244-0127 within those times for more information.

Canadian Mental Health Association – Saskatoon Branch Inc. is continuing to provide support, counseling, system and community navigation and referral for ALL who need it during the COVID 19 pandemic. Staff are available to talk to you, connect on FaceTime, Skype, Zoom or just over the phone, about anything. Services are free and confidential, for everyone.
Phone – 306-384-9333 – leave a message in their general mailbox and a Mental Health Worker will get back to you ASAP.
Email – info@cmhasaskatoon.ca – they check this continuously and someone will get back to you right away.

Wellness Together Canada: Mental Health and Substance Use Support
Wellness Together Canada provides free online resources, tools, apps and connections to trained volunteers and qualified mental health professionals when needed.

HOPE FOR WELLNESS HELP LINE Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat. 

CRISIS SERVICES CANADA 1-833-456-4566 Available to all Canadians seeking support. Support is also available by text at 45645, from 4 PM to midnight EST

References:

Government of Saskatchewan: Mental Health Resources
Canadian Coalition for Seniors Mental Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
The Globe and Mail: Tips for Managing Anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic

Blue Minimalist Branding Infographic

 

age-friendly, covid-19, Health Services, Important Notices, Services, Uncategorized

SCOA Covid-19 Response

Saskatoon Council on Aging

The following events have been cancelled:
– Mayfair Seniors Neighbourhood Hub Club – May 21
– Mayfair Seniors Neighbourhood Hub Club – June 18
– Seniors Hub Club at St. Martin’s – May 19

The following events have been postponed: NEW DATES**
–Grand Old Opry Zoomer Style – October 21, 2020
– Main Caregiver Forum –   NOVEMBER 20, 2020

Other Events
–Spotlight on Seniors– October 6, 2020 

All those registered for postponed events e.g. Grand Old Opry Zoomer Style, Caregiver Forum or directly impacted by the changes will be contacted.

Our office is currently closed to the public. To ensure safety with respect to COVID-19, staff will work remotely. We will be available by phone, email or social media for inquiries or referrals.

Phone 306-652-2255
Email admin@scoa.ca
Facebook @scoa25
Twitter @scoa3

As older adults have a higher risk of getting very ill after exposure to COVID-19,  the Saskatoon Council on Aging  [SCOA] is very concerned about this situation.
• The safety of older adults and the community is paramount – SCOA wants to play our part to help flatten the curve for our healthcare system.
• We are cancelling and postponing our social events to ensure that older adults stay safe and also to ensure safety of the community.
• We are also communicating with our membership about basic precautions to take such as hand washing, social distancing et cetera to slow the spread of the virus and also where they can go for more information.
• We urge everyone in the community to stay updated and follow the precautions outlined by the Province of Saskatchewan and Government of Canada

Please watch our website http://www.scoa.ca or call our office 652-2255 for further updates.

 

 

 

 

Health Services, Important Notices, Services

COVID-19 March 18, 2020

Saskatoon Council on Aging

The safety of older adults, volunteers, staff and the community is paramount.

Our office is currently closed to the public however we are available by phone, email or social media for inquiries or referrals.

Phone 306-652-2255
Email admin@scoa.ca
Facebook @scoa25
Twitter @scoa3

Every effort will  be made to communicate regularly with our community, members, partners and stakeholders as this situation evolves.

We are developing a list of resources for older adults during the COVID-19 crisis that will be made available on our website scoa.ca.

We  will closely monitor the situation to respond to changes in provincial and public health recommendations.

Following official recommendations to support our community with respect to COVID-19:
-We have cancelled or postponed all events, programs and classes:

The following events have been cancelled: 
-Caregiver Week workshops – March 16, 17 and 18
-Globe Walk St. Patrick’s Day – March 18
– Seniors Tech Buddy – April 1
– Mayfair Seniors Neighbourhood Hub Club – March 19
– Century Club – April 7 

The following events have been postponed: NEW DATES**
–Grand Old Opry Zoomer Style – October 21, 2020
– Main Caregiver Forum –   NOVEMBER 20, 2020

As the situation evolves, we will provide further information on cancellations or postponements.