With many questions about Edmonton senior covid-19 resources – I’m working to create this article as an ongoing resource to keep you informed. This post will keep growing with resources for you and your aging loved ones as updates become available.
Please remember – social distancing is about preventing the spread of this virus. This is a good thing for all. So stay calm, stay kind and all of this will pass soon! If we all do our part to minimize spread of the virus then we will emerge from all of this much sooner than other areas of the world.
HEALTH NEEDS
Self Assessment Tool if you suspect you have CoVid19
You can go online to complete a self assessment to see you if you qualify for care or additional measures. Please do not call 811 until you know you need additional support – their phone lines are overwhelmed.· Self Assessment Tool for CoVid-19
· Self Isolation Information Sheet
Mental Health Supports
For those feeling anxious or overwhelmed during this time, you can get support by calling in to the Mental Health Phone line 24/7.· Mental Health & Coping during Covid-19
· 24 hour support line: 1-877-303-2642
Caregiver Support
Caring for someone is extremely difficult when our access to resources, respite and recreation services is limited.Caregivers Alberta is continuing to provide telephone support to caregivers (no charge)
advisor@caregiversalberta.ca
1-844-539-1670
Sandwiched 911
A group of senior focused businesses who provide dispatch to family caregivers to the right professionals to support them in their needs.
www.sandwiched911.com
780-909-1002
Private Homecare Companies That Can Assist Seniors in Homes or Residences
These home health agencies are still operating, there is a fee for their service but can help with companionship and health needs, especially in residences where visitors may be restricted.HomeCare Assistance
Care at Home by Exquisicare
Needing Additional Referrals or Support
For referral to services or needs during this time, calling 211 can continue to point you to many resources and services still operating or designed to assist you during this time.SOCIAL AND RECREATION NEEDS
Senior Centre Without Walls
Offers phone in support, social interaction and activities for those who are staying at home or missing their regular programs at the local seniors centre.Senior Centre Without Walls
780-395-2626
Exercise Programs for Seniors at Home
There are a number on online videos that can help you or your loved ones keep fit while recreation centres are closed. Not all videos series are appropriate for older adults, so be careful about your choices. Here are some videos colleagues suggested as really good workouts for older adults.· Westend Seniors Centre – 8 Week Fitness Program
· YMCA fitness videos for older adults
· Sharing Dance – Canada’s National Ballet
· Carl Kircher
· Zoe Cordwell
· Virtual Field Trips including San Diego Zoo, The Louvre, Great Wall of China
Recreation Centres
If you have an annual or continuous monthly membership with one of the Edmonton Recreation Centres – you can call and place up to a 60 day hold on your membership.Staying Connected
It is vital to stay connected with friends and love ones during this time of social distancing. Pick up a phone and call a friend, a neighbor or older adult you know. You can also video chat using Facetime, Skype, Zoom, Google Hangout, Duo, Alexa Echo and many other devices. It’s a great time to learn this new technology for staying connected.Fun Things Online To Explore
· Free Mandala Coloring Pages· Museums You Can Tour Online
· UofA Open Courses You Can Take Online for free
· 6 Italian Museums With Online Tours
· The Met will broadcast nightly operas
· Look up podcasts to listen to online using Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify. Check out Age Friendly Edmonton’s ‘Shared Mic’ Podcasts
GETTING SUPPLIES
Stay Home – Use Delivery Services
Many organizations provide delivery services. Your pharmacy, many grocery stores, medical supply stores and more provide free or low cost deliver services. Call and check online for delivery options available to you.RxDelivery – home delivery of medications and medical supplies
Wendy’s Errands for Elders – grocery, banking, pet vet appointment services
Stores with Senior Only Access
These stores have set hours to allow older adults and others in a vulnerable population to shop in a smaller setting and have first opportunity at supplies. Please call stores to confirm hours have not changed.Belmont Sobeys (NE Edmonton) 1st opening hour
Many Sobey’s dedicated first hour
Many Costco’s dedicated first hour
Shoppers Drug Mar – 1st hour (check stores for their hours) & 20% off during this hour
Leduc Co-Op Mar 19 from 6am-8am
You can find more resources for meal delivery, home services and much more in our RESOURCE section of the website.
FINANCIAL RESOURCES
Mortgage Deferral Programs
If your income is affected by policies related to CoVID-19 then you may qualify to defer your mortgage payments. Please speak to your mortgage specialist or bank to see if you qualify.Food Banks
Edmonton Food Bank is helping seniors that are struggling to purchase food before their payments come in. Many other organizations offer food bank services.· Edmonton Food Bank
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Needing Additional Referrals or Support
For referral to services or needs during this time, calling 211 can continue to point you to many resources and services still operating or designed to assist you during this time.Edmonton55
I continue to offer free 1/2 hour consultations by phone to direct older adults and their families to resources, and living opportunities. I am working closely with many housing providers to help with urgent move to different levels of care if they are not managing well in their home during this time. Many of my partners in the senior sector are offering additional services and I am happy to help link you. Many of my upcoming presentations have been cancelled, and I will be looking to offer online seminars for those interested in learning more about aging in place, housing options and even may be able to provide some social calls to help field off isolation. Keep watch in my newsletters for updates.Do you have or know of other resources I should add here – please share with me in the comments below!
