SCOA MEGA Raffle

It’s time for the Saskatoon Council on Aging MEGA Raffle!
Funds raised support programs and services for older adults impacted by the pandemic.

View our 25 exciting prize packages! Tickets $10 each
On sale now! [Total value $2045]
Draw Date and time: March 1, 2021 at 10 am

Click the white arrows on either side to scroll through/view the slide show

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Buy tickets online: click the link below

   Mega Raffle Ticket
   $10.00
   Buy now 

Buy tickets by phone 306.652.2255

Buy tickets at the SCOA office, 2020 College Drive, [Saskatoon Field House]

Lottery License # SR20-0421

Calling all artists!

ART CLASSES – Phone 306.652.2255 to register
Payment must be received at registration

Acrylic Rose with Dew Drops Art Class
Learn colour mixing and soft blending techniques. Use a muted background to enhance this pretty flower, enjoy learning how to blend soft petals and a dew drop or two, to really make this happy flower sing. A great gift for a loved one. 8”x10” canvas.
All materials included.

Monday, Nov 9, 2020 1pm-4pm $50
Saskatoon Field House, 2020 College Drive, main floor

Acrylic Prairie Landscape Art Class
Prairie landscapes can be challenging to paint. Excitement can be created, using an interesting colour scheme of yellow and violet fields. A distant elevator can also infuse the work with a nostalgic feeling of hometown Saskatchewan. Join Cecilia on Memory Lane and looking back to our roots. 8”x10” canvas. All materials included

Monday, Nov 23, 2020 1pm-4pm $50
Saskatoon Field House, 2020 College Drive, main floor)

Grand Old Opry News

Due  to the uncertainty of COVID-19 restrictions we are postponing the Grand Old Opry until September 24, 2021. We apologize for the inconvenience, but would hope that you will still be on board to support us. Thank you.

If you have any questions or concerns please call 306.652.2255.

Re-opening Saskatchewan – A Call to Action for a More Age-Friendly Community

As we look beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, the Saskatoon Council on Aging (SCOA) believes there must be a partnership among older adults, government and key stakeholders to address issues that impacted older people during this crisis.

SCOA wants to ensure that:
1. Voices of older adults are heard;
2. Diversity of perspectives of older adults is reflected in government public policy;
3. Older adults are engaged as co-leaders in developing policies that impact them directly.
Now is the time to seize the opportunity to improve policies, protocols and programs to address ageism, enhance the age-friendliness of communities, enable healthy, positive aging and support the well-being of older people across the province. Plan to talk to candidates in the upcoming provincial election! The pandemic is an opportunity to shift thinking, reset priorities and take action. Please use this information as you question candidates in your riding. 

Provincial Election: Briefing NotesDownload

Provincial Election Questions for Candidates.Download

Caregiver Forum 2020

Annual Forum Programming

MARK YOUR CALENDAR for the SCOA Caregiver Virtual Online Forum in November (watch for registration reminders in October)
Webinar: featuring Virtual Reality for Pain Management and Dementia Dr. Susan Tupper (PT, PhD, Saskatchewan Health Authority)

SCOA Caregiver Forum Virtual Reality for Pain Management and Dementia
Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2020

Thank you to grantors and partners: Saskatoon Community Foundation, Saskatchewan Health Authority, Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation [SHRF], Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation

What’s New for Fall 2020

Saskatoon Council on Aging  Fall Class and Program Schedule

This schedule subject to change. Locations/Delivery format: online or onsite at 2020 College Dr. [Field House] or TBD.  Social distancing in effect for classes held onsite, small class sizes maintained. 

To register: Phone 306.652.2255 pay by credit card or send cheques to SCOA, 2020 College Dr. Saskatoon, S7N 0W4 
Note: Class fees must be paid in advance. Registration begins September 1, 2020.

TECHNOLOGY

APPLE TECHNOLOGY CLASSES
Beginner one-on-one – Apple ONLY
Become more confident using your Apple iPad,iPhone, Computer or Watches.
Register now for 1 classes of 1.5 hrs which includes a take home manual. Must bring your device. Cost: $20

Tuesday afternoons. 1pm to 2:30pm To register: phone 306.652.2255

Watch for new technology sessions in 2021!   

SENIORS TECH BUDDY – ALL DEVICES
Learn how to use your tech device! Older adults work one-on-one with local high school students to learn how to use their iPads, iPhones, Android, tablets, laptops or other mobile devices.
COST: $10
Transportation is available for those in need!
Pending COVID-19 restrictions – sign up list phone 306.652.2255

For more information and support, please visit the  Seniors Help website

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ART CLASSES – CANCELLED 

Acrylic Prairie Landscape Art Class
Prairie landscapes can be challenging to paint. Excitement can be created, using an interesting colour scheme of yellow and violet fields. A distant elevator can also infuse the work with a nostalgic feeling of hometown Saskatchewan. Join Cecilia on Memory Lane and looking back to our roots. 8”x10” canvas. All materials included

Monday, Nov 23, 2020 1pm-4pm $50

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Virtual Learning for Older Adults programs are supported by the Government of Canada’s Emergency Community Support Fund and Saskatoon Community Foundation.

SCOA Covid-19 Response

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.

• Visit www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19 for updates and resources
• Visit Government of Canada for updates and resources
• Visit City of Saskatoon: COVID-19 Information 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Telephone Visit Program

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.

 

 

 

Using technology to reduce social isolation

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.

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

For more information and support, please visit the  Seniors Help website

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.

 

SCOA Covid-19 Response

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.