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
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.
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.
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.
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 LINECall 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
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.
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.
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.
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 White Buffalo Youth Lodge – 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
Canadian Mental Health Association of Saskatchewan: Saskatoon Branch Phone#: 306-384-9333 Email:info@cmhasaskatoon.ca Website: http://saskatoon.cmha.ca Free Mental Wellness Support Line in Saskatoon 1-306-270-3648
Canadian Mental Health Association of Saskatchewan: Finding Help
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 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. .
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, SaskatoonPhone: 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
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
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!
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 PresentationCANCELLED
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)
