Tag: Saskatoon

age-friendly, Classes, Programming, Technology

What’s New for Fall 2020

Saskatoon Council on Aging

Saskatoon Council on Aging  Fall Class and Program Schedule

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. Class locations will be at SCOA, 2020 College Drive [Field House] unless otherwise indicated.
Registration begins September 1, 2020.
SMALL CLASS SIZES MAINTAINED FOR SOCIAL DISTANCING 

TECHNOLOGY

2018-ipad-iphoneAPPLE TECHNOLOGY CLASSES
Beginner one-on-one – Apple ONLY
Become more confident using your Apple iPad,iPhone, Computer or Watches.
Register now for 2 classes of 1.5 hrs (3 hrs) which includes a take home manual. Must bring your device.
Date: Friday afternoons Cost: $40

IOS 13/14 Apple operating system and iPhone/iPad photography/CloudAdvanced Tech classes. Mystified with the Apple system update (IOS 13/14) Having troubles with photos stored on the “Cloud”? Small group class sessions with social distancing – register early.

  1. IOS System Update 13/14 
    Tuesday, Nov 3 1:30pm – 3:00pm Cost: $20
  2.  iCloud/Photography
    Tuesday, Nov 17 1:30pm – 3:00pm Cost:$20

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. DATE TBA
COST: $10 To be added to the waiting list, phone 306-652-2255
Transportation is available for those in need!

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

ART CLASSES

roseAcrylic 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

 

LandscapeAcrylic 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

LIFESKILLS

Older Adults Lifeskills Class
Webinar discussing “End of life planning” and “Power of Attorney.”
Canadian Foundation for Economic Education
Thursday, Nov 12 2020 1pm Cost: FREE
Location/Delivery method TBA

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

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.

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.

Social Conection

 

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.

 

 

 

 

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 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- PDF
Forever in Motion Facebook Group  Join the group for fitness videos, health and wellness information and more

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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     
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 

age-friendly, Awards, Events

Age-Friendly Award Comes Home

Saskatoon Council on Aging

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The second annual Age-Friendly Community Recognition Award was presented to the City of Saskatoon in council chambers on January 27th, 2019. Presented by Saskatoon Council on Aging [SCOA] Age-Friendly Co-chair Candace Skrapek, the award recognizes the city for its commitment to working to provide an inclusive environment for older adults and supporting age-friendly environments that help seniors age actively.

On December 3, 2019, the City of Saskatoon received the award from the Government of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism (SSM) in the provincial Legislature’s fall sitting.

The work that brought this about was the Age-Friendly Saskatoon Initiative [AFSI] project. Led by SCOA, the multiyear project aimed at community change to establish Saskatoon as an age-friendly city. The City of Saskatoon plays a key role to establish clear policy directions for the programs and services needed by older adult citizens.

“By 2025, one-quarter of Saskatoon’s population will be over the age of 65. Planning for this growing, older population is critical.” 1

The city collaborated with the project and implemented some of its outcomes.

To create an age-friendly community, society’s attitudes must shift toward a positive view of aging and older adults. If older adults have opportunities to participate in social and community activities, they maintain connections to other people and the community which contributes to improved quality of life. Due to the enthusiasm, expertise and countless hours provided by older adult volunteers, the AFSI succeeded in its efforts to positively change community conversations about an aging population in Saskatoon.

The City of Saskatoon continues to demonstrate its commitment to this great community work. Following the completion of AFSI in 2017, the City of Saskatoon was granted full membership in the World Health Organization Global Age-friendly Cities Network.

The City of Saskatoon Strategic Plan, 2013 – 2023 identifies “development of age-friendly initiatives to enhance quality of life as people age” 2 as a priority under Quality of Life Strategic Goal.

SCOA looks forward to continuing collaboration to make Saskatoon a truly age-friendly city.  A commitment to respect and inclusion is a true measure of a society’s support for the quality of life of all of its citizens. This latest award marks one more achievement on the journey to an age-friendly Saskatoon.

For further information, contact SCOA 306.652.2255 or visit  our our website
Age-Friendly Saskatoon Initiative:

Read Candace Skrapek’s presentation speech to Saskatoon City Council:
City Council Award 2020

age-friendly, Classes, Lifelong Learning, Technology

Apple Tech classes – iPhone & iPad

Saskatoon Council on Aging

IOS 12/13 Apple operating system – Cancelled until further notice

Mystified with the Apple system update (IOS 12/13) Having troubles with photos stored on the “Cloud”? Small group class sessions with 5 people per class – register early.

IOS System Update 12/13
Tuesday, Feb 4 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm  Cost: $20
To register, phone 306.652.2255 or visit our office SCOA, 2020 College Drive[Field House]