Category: Health Services

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

SCOA Covid-19 Response

Saskatoon Council on Aging

SCOA Re-opening Update 

The safety of older adults and the community are top priorities to the Saskatoon Council on Aging.
Current Saskatoon Council on Aging Response:
As safety is paramount, we voluntarily remain with our office closed to public access.  Our staff continue to work from home to ensure that older adults have access to resources and information. We can be reached by phone 306-652-2255 or by email admin@scoa.ca for referrals. We maintain a dedicated COVID-19 resource page for older adults on our website www.scoa.ca.

We have a plan in place to reopen when it is safe to do so in compliance with guidelines set out by the Government of Saskatchewan. We plan to prepare our facilities in a way that will allow us to maintain the safety of all involved. We also adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic and physical distancing measures by creating new opportunities for older adults to stay connected. These include our Telephone Visit Program and a program that shows older adults how to use ZOOM technology to join social groups online. 

Once the City of Saskatoon allows SCOA to use their leased space in the Saskatoon Field House [DATE TBA] our organization will continue to operate with the majority of staff working off site and office closed to the public. The office will use a contact-less business model.  

Facilities precautions include but are not limited to:

  • A maximum of two staff members will work out of the office with their work space being more than 2 meters apart.  
  • Shared facilities, office equipment, and common touch surfaces such as telephones, computers, reception desk will receive increased cleaning and disinfection
  • All staff must wash hands upon entry and exit of building
  • Aside from the regular mail services, clients and staff picking up or dropping off items need to schedule times. Pick ups and drop-offs can be done just outside the front entrance of the Field House.  

Classes, Programs and Events 

  • We plan to host fall programs and classes online via ZOOM. Check our website scoa.ca for updates and class schedules 
  • Grand Old Opry Zoomer Style is scheduled for October 21 at the Western Development Museum http://www.scoa.ca/opry.html 
  • Spotlight on Seniors is cancelled for 2020 but will resume in 2021. http://www.scoa.ca/sos.html 

While there is a significant amount of COVID-19 information available, SCOA recommends utilizing only trusted resources to avoid confusion.

We suggest you act upon the recommendations found on the following web pages or other trusted resources.

Potential: SCOA acknowledges the potential challenges brought about by situations such as these. We will continue to do our utmost to remain responsive, flexible, and cooperative in the effort to deliver services and resources to older adults and the community. We will continue to evaluate this model and adjust as necessary as the situation evolves. 

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

 

 

 

 

 

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 – June 18

The following events have been postponed: NEW DATES**
–Grand Old Opry Zoomer Style – OCTOBER 21, 2020
– Main Caregiver Forum –   NOVEMBER 20, 2020
–Spotlight on Seniors   OCTOBER 5, 2021 NEW DATE

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.

 

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

COVID-19 Resources for Seniors

Saskatoon Council on Aging

eNews header 585X150

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

WordPress Headings

Community Directories

Face Masks

Fitness 

Forever in Motion Home Fitness and Leisure Resource Guide- PDF
Forever in Motion Facebook Group  Join the group for fitness videos, health and wellness information and more

WordPress Headings-2

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     
Email yxecovid19help@gmail.com 
Join Facebook Group 

CHEP GOOD FOOD DELIVERY 
CHEP’s food access programs provide home delivery. Delivery is FREE! Saskatoon only. To order, message us, call 306-655-4575 or email marketsoutreach@chep.org

NEW HORIZONS DELIVERY FOR SENIORS! CHEP Good Food is 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. 
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.

Salvation Army – Grocery and Pharmacy Delivery
 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  – Check for current services available – 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

Health Services

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

Self-Assessment Tool: COVID-19 – Government of Saskatchewan

Mental Health Resources

Pets

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

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
  • 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 covid@fsin.com
  • 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
    Phone: 306-955-7243 Email: sageteam@sasktel.net
  • Saskatoon Council on Aging: Telephone Visit Program – SCOA will match you with a friendly volunteer to chat over the phone.  To register phone 306.652.2255
    Funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program, in partnership with United Way of Saskatoon and area. 

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. .

Utilities

SaskPower
SaskEnergy
SaskTel – COVID-19 Update

News Releases

Caregiving, Health Services, Services

New to Caregiving?

Saskatoon Council on Aging
questions answers signage
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 

Health Services, Research

Try out the E-Music Box

Saskatoon Council on Aging

LOOKING FOR 3 COUPLES IMPACTED BY EARLY STAGE DEMENTIA TO TRY OUT THE E-MUSIC BOX!

The E-music box is basically an electronic version of a mechanical music box, providing a new way for two people to make music together. No musical knowledge or experience required.  We are invitingthree couples impacted by early stage dementia to play E-music boxes together. We’ll meet with you for about two hours. You’ll learn to play songs together using E-music boxes. You’ll give us feedback and answer questions about the activity. And you’ll receive $25.00 each/$50.00 per couple.

Please contact us if you are curious and if you are:

• A couple, married or in a long-term relationship

• Age 55+ years

• Impacted by dementia — one of you diagnosed with dementia and in early stages

• Living together in Saskatoon

• Willing to meet with 2 research assistants in your home or community site like SCOA office?

For more information, email Dr Jennifer Nicol at jennifer.nicol@usask.ca OR leave a message at 306-966-5261. Thank you. FYI: This study has been reviewed by and received approval through the Research Ethics Office, University of Saskatchewan

Untitled

 

 

age-friendly, Caregiving, fundraising, Health Services, membership, Volunteering

Executive Director’s Message – January 2020

Saskatoon Council on Aging

When looking at the past year SCOA has many things to be thankful for.  We have a great crew of dedicated and passionate volunteers.  Our services could not be provided without their assistance.  We received many donations to allow the organization provide much needed programs and services.   THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! 

We helped thousands of older adults and caregivers get information they needed from our one-stop information resource center and our caregiver information and support services. 

We are currently in the midst of our membership drive.  By becoming a full member, you are helping SCOA to continue operating to keep older adults active, informed and engaged.  As a thank you we will give you $117.00 in gift vouchers/coupons from our generous sponsors.  Please click here for more information

We have many new programs and activities starting up for the new year.   Please share  with your friends to spread the word about us and thank you for reading! 

age-friendly, Caregiving, Events, Health Services

Caregiver Forum 2020

Saskatoon Council on Aging

Join us for the 20th Anniversary of SCOA’s Caregiver Information and Support Centre
Call SCOA at 306-652-2255 to register

Looking Back – Moving Forward Caregiver Forum

When: NOVEMBER 20, 2020 TIME: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Where: Circle Drive Alliance Church – 3035 Preston Ave. S.
Cost: Tickets $20.00 (lunch and refreshments included) Registration must be paid in advance
Register with SCOA for all Caregiver Week events 306-652-2255

  • Greetings: Honourable Warren Kaeding (Minister Responsible for Rural, Remote Health and Seniors)
  • Virtual Reality for Pain Management and Dementia: Dr. Susan Tupper (PT, PhD,  Saskatchewan Health Authority)
  • Celebrating 20yrs of the  SCOA Caregiver Committee: Dick Strayer and Audrey Gullickson
  • “Caregiver Experience” Video by: USask Nursing Students
  • FIM Exercises: Kimberly Willison/Music by Mark Diakiw
  • Facilitated group discussions led by: Alex Hodson, Jennifer White and U of R/ USask Nursing Students

FREE Caregiver Workshop “Self-care and coping with caregiving” CANCELLED

Presented by USask nursing students
When: Monday, March 16 TIME: 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: Preston Park 1 (114 Armistice Way)
Register with SCOA  306-652-2255

FREE Caregiver Workshop “Building a self-care community” CANCELLED

Presented by USask nursing students
When: Tuesday, March 17  TIME: 12:45 p.m. – 1:45 p.m
Where: St Thomas Wesley United Church basement (corner of 20th & Ave. H)
Register with SCOA  306-652-2255

FREE Provincial Electronic Health Record Presentation CANCELLED

Technology is changing the way Canadians experience care. In this presentation, Dr. Tracie Risling from the College of Nursing at the University of Saskatchewan will share some of the research that her team has done on electronic health records. Learn more about how these systems work, what kind of health information is in this record, and how you can get signed up. At the end of the program, the library will present on resources for caregivers.

When: Wednesday, March 18 TIME: 1:00 – 3:00 p.m
Where: Alice Turner Branch Library (110 Nelson Road)

Register with SCOA  306-652-2255

cgsponsors

Health Services, Partners

Vestibular System and aging

Saskatoon Council on Aging

Bourassa & Associates Rehabilitation Centre

What is the Vestibular System? How does that relate to Balance? And what happens to it with age?

By Leah White B.Kin., M.P.T., C.A.F.C.I.

VestibularSystem
Wikipedia: Thomas.haslwanterderivative work: Ortisa (talk) – VestibularSystem.gif, CC BY-SA 3.0

Q: What is the vestibular system? How does that relate to balance? And what happens to it with age?

A: The vestibular system comprises our peripheral vestibular apparatus and our central nervous system. The peripheral vestibular apparatus includes the inner ear and the associated nerve (the vestibulocochlear nerve) that connects it to the brain. The inner ear organ provides information about acceleration (e.g., taking off in an airplane) and rotational speed (e.g., bending, rolling over, looking up at the sky) of our body in space. The central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) takes this information and combines it with signals from various sensory organs in our body including our eyes, and our muscle and joint receptors, particularly in our feet and neck, to create stable balance and vision. In short, the three most important components of balance are our visual system (eyes), our vestibular system, and our proprioceptive system (joints and muscles). Problems with balance can produce symptoms like dizziness, vertigo, nausea, blurred vision, and unstable gait, among others.

As we age, structures degenerate in all aspects of our body at varying rates. We can also succumb to various disease processes that cause decreased function in the affected organ. Changes in muscle and joint flexibility can affect the ability of the receptors to send appropriate signals to the brain about joint position in space and also limit our ability to respond to those changes and maintain our balance. For example, the majority of people will begin to experience decreased range of motion and strength in the ankle joint as they age. This lack of mobility limits the body’s ability to accommodate to perturbations in our balance and makes us prone the falling.

Disease processes like glaucoma or macular degeneration can impact the visual input that our brain relies on to determine our body position relative to the horizon. As a result, we are forced to rely on the other two major components of balance listed above; our inner ear and our joint receptors. This may require us to use a gait aid like a cane for extra tactile feedback with the ground which creates more proprioceptive input  for our balance system to rely on. Or, we may walk slower, take shorter steps and not lift our feet as high which can again make us prone to falling, especially if we have to rush unexpectedly to the washroom or to answer the phone or doorbell.

Alternatively, tiny particles can become dislodged in the inner ear and cause our peripheral vestibular apparatus to lose its ability to determine which way is up and makes us feel as though the world is spinning. This dizziness can be nauseating and debilitating or it can be a mild annoyance. If you believe you may be experiencing any of the above, or simply believe you have poor balance, contact a physical therapist  in your area that has specific training in vestibular and balance dysfunction. They can help determine why you may be dizziness and help devise a treatment plan to assist with your problem.