COVID-19 Resources for Seniors

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

Government Resources

• Government of Saskatchewan Toll Free Line – non-health related questions 1-855-559-5502
• HealthLine 811 – Call 8-1-1 for health-related questions
• Visit www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19 for updates and resources
  
• Visit Government of Canada for updates and resources
• Visit City of Saskatoon: COVID-19 Information 
• Apply for Canada Emergency Response Benefit [CERB] 

Community Service Directories

• 211 Saskatchewan
• 211 Saskatchewan: First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Services and Information
• COVID 19 Service Directory by Arcana Creative
• Resource Hub: Mental health and wellness during the COVID-19 pandemic
• COVID-19 Support Resource List – Produced by Saskatoon Regional Economic Authority [SREDA]
• Community Resources by Quint Development Corporation
• COVID19 Renter Community Support Contacts by Renters of Saskatoon and area [ROSA]

Grocery and Food Delivery

YXE Community Response to COVID 19 – Humans Helping Humans

Volunteers will 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.

As a temporary measure during the COVID-19 outbreak and to help make up for our postponed/reduced programs, CHEP’s food access programs (Community Markets, Good Food Box – Saskatoon, and Bulk Buying) are now providing home delivery. Delivery is FREE! To order, message us, call 306-655-4575 or email marketsoutreach@chep.org

Salvation Army – Grocery and Pharmacy Delivery 

We will be providing 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.

World Sikh Aid Foundation

Volunteers with the World Sikh Aid Foundation in Saskatoon delivering 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

Save On Foods – https://www.saveonfoods.com online order

InstaCart – Groceries delivered from local stores Order online – https://www.instacart.com 

Other Local Stores that deliver

Saskatoon Farmers’ Market’s online store

Dad’s Organic Market – Delivery Service and Store hours: Open Monday to Saturday: 10am to 5pm Sunday: Closed Phone 306.373.7999 or email saskatoondelivery@dadsorganicmarket.com

Bulk Basket – http://www.bulkbasket.ca Online order

Bulk Cheese Warehouse – Pick up and delivery 306.652.8008

Nutana Bakery – Place orders by phone 306.653.1828 11 am to 3 pm or by email nutanabakeryyxe@gmail.com . Please include your name, phone number and address.

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Stores with extended hours for seniors 

Save-On-Foods – 7 am to 8 am
Sobeys Varsity Common 1550 8th Street E – 7am to 8 am
Saskatoon Co-op Food Stores – 8 am to 9 am
Shoppers Drug Mart –   First opening hour of shopping to our customers who need assistance or consideration, including seniors and people living with disabilities. Check with local stores for hours
Costco – Tuesday’s and Thursday’s from 8 am to 9am shopping for seniors and immune-compromised people
Real Canadian Superstore Confederation & 8th St –  7 am to 8 am

Saskatchewan stores with dedicated shopping times for seniors 

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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

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Pharmacies

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.

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Support Services 

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

Saskatoon Food Bank – 306-664-6565 Emergency Food Hampers

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.

Lumeca

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

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

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News Releases

Saskatchewan doctors providing virtual appointments amid novel coronavirus concerns

Prime Minister announces support for vulnerable Canadians affected by COVID‑19

Emergency benefits: What each province is offering during the COVID-19 pandemic

Canadians targeted by scams taking advantage of COVID-19 fears

Travellers returning home must enter mandatory isolation: health minister

COVID-19 in Sask: Premier threatens international travellers who don’t self-isolate with arrest, fines

Saskatoon city council passes special measures to deal with COVID-19 pandemic

Fraudulent Activity Ramps Up During COVID-19

Covid-19: Saskatchewan Declares State Of Emergency, Imposes Additional Measures To Protect Saskatchewan Residents

Coronavirus: City of Saskatoon closing leisure centres, libraries to mitigate COVID-19 risk

News Release: Saskatchewan Health Authority COVID-19 Testing Locations

Sask. Health Authority addresses ongoing COVID-19 situation

CTV Saskatoon: How Saskatoon Seniors are protecting themselves from COVID-19

Managing COVID-19 stress and anxiety

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.

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.

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

 

SCOA Covid-19 Response

The following events have been cancelled:
– Mayfair Seniors Neighbourhood Hub Club – April 16
– Mayfair Seniors Neighbourhood Hub Club – May 21
– Seniors Hub Club at St. Martin’s – April 21
– Seniors Hub Club at St. Martin’s – May 19
– Eastview Seniors Neighbourhood Hub Club – April 28
– Silverwood Seniors Neighbourhood Hub Club – April event cancelled, May 12 Wind Up event cancelled
– SCOA Globe Walk event – April 23 [Annual Outdoor Walk or rescheduled Tai Chi event]
– SCOA Globe Walk Celebration Luncheon – May 12
– Bird Identification Class – April 29, May 6, 13

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.

 

 

 

 

COVID-19 March 18, 2020

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.

 

New to Caregiving?

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Information for New Caregivers

An informal caregiver is an unpaid individual who cares for and gives support to a
family member, friend or neighbour who is frail, ill or disabled.

Caregiving can be a stressful job.  The stress felt by many new caregivers is the lack
of choice they had when thrust into this new role.

As you prepare to care for a loved one, consider options available:
1. Personally caring for your loved one
2. Asking for help from friends and family
3. Asking for help from a professional service

Your first step:
Contact Client/Patient Access Service (CPAS) Phone: 306-655-4346

In Saskatoon, Client/Patient Access Services (CPAS) will aid you in sorting out your needs, options, and the professional services available to you and your loved one. CPAS is a department of the Saskatchewan Health Authority, Saskatoon Region. There is no direct cost to you or your loved one for CPAS services. 

CPAS staff will assess your loved one to determine eligibility for and
provide access to:

• Home Care Services
• Volunteer Services
• Meals on Wheels
• Community Day Programs
• Community Services
• Long Term Care Services
• Permanent admission
• Planned respite
• Unplanned respite

CPAS also provide information on:

• Personal Care Homes
• Enriched housing options
• Other community resources
• Advance Health Care Directives

Other resources that can help you get started with caregiving:

Counselling and Support Groups

Community Social Work, Saskatoon Health Authority, Saskatoon Region 
103 – 310 Idylwyld Drive N, Saskatoon Phone: 306-655-3400
Support groups are offered which provide information on topics relevant to caregiving and provide a safe atmosphere to share ideas and concerns and to receive support. They are offered at various times throughout the year. For more information or to register call 306-655-3400.
Individual counseling is available for issues related to caregiving. To request a referral, contact CPAS intake at 306-655-4346.

There is no fee for social work services or groups.

Information and Resources on Caregiving

Caregiver Information and Support, a program of the Saskatoon Council on Aging 
2020 College Drive, Saskatoon Phone: 306-652-4411
Website: www.saskatooncaregiver.ca  Email: info@saskatooncaregiver.ca
A caregiver drop-in-centre and awareness service can answer many caregiver questions such as “who can I talk to about this?” or “where can I obtain certain health care needs?” and many other common queries. Although information and referrals are provided; this is not a counseling service.

Saskatoon Council on Aging Inc.
2020 College Drive, Saskatoon Phone: 306-652-2255
Website: www.scoa.ca  Email: admin@scoa.ca

Resource centre, educational programs, lifelong learning opportunities, positive aging Seniors Neighbourhood Hub Clubs – free drop-in program for older adults
Pilot projects which promote dignity health and independence of older adults
Free directories of activities and services

Caregiver Resource Guide: Created by Caregiver Information and Support, a program of the Saskatoon Council on Aging 

Grand Old Opry Zoomer Style – Meet Roy Hargreaves

Roy Hargreaves

Now retired, Roy was employed with the SHR as a maintenance service worker. He enjoys the outdoors particularly going camping, fishing and golfing. Many years ago Roy took up music as a hobby and became a singer, songwriter and guitar player.

Roy is also a music volunteer with the SHR.

He has performed at many formal and non-formal events over the years. Family and friends enjoy his talent around camp fires, weddings and get-togethers.

He won the trophy for Saskatoon Zoomer Idol in 2017 and won again in 2018 in our Best of Saskatoon Zoomer Idol.

Grand Old Opry “Zoomer Style”
October 21, 2020
Western Development Museum
Enjoy a gala evening of country and western music presented by a talented roster of seasoned performers.
Doors open 5 pm Cash Bar
Supper 6 pm,  Entertainment 7:30  pm
Tickets: $100 [tax receipts issued $65]

Phone 306.652.2255 pay with credit card
Buy online at Eventbrite
Visit our office in the field house – 2020 College Drive

A fundraiser for the Saskatoon Council on Aging to provide health and wellness programs for older adults.

Grand Old Opry Zoomer Style – Meet John Quinn

John Quinn

John has been playing and entertaining since the late fifties. He started in rock n roll but has been playing mainstream country for the last forty years. He performs the classic country, which is Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard

John has been very active for over twenty years in the Saskatchewan Country Music Association.  He has served as President and  is presently on the Board of Directors and member of the Prince Albert Chapter.

John is a musician, singer, songwriter, producer and avid supporter of Saskatchewan talent. He is married for 55 years to his wife, Sharon. They have four children, ten grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Grand Old Opry “Zoomer Style”
October 21 2020
Western Development Museum
Enjoy a gala evening of country and western music presented by a talented roster of seasoned performers.
Doors open 5 pm Cash Bar
Supper 6 pm,  Entertainment 7:30  pm
Tickets: $100 [tax receipts issued $65]

Phone 306.652.2255 pay with credit card
Buy online at Eventbrite
Visit our office in the field house – 2020 College Drive

A fundraiser for the Saskatoon Council on Aging to provide health and wellness programs for older adults.