The shock wave from the pandemic highlights ongoing challenges. ESCC invites organizations in Edmonton's network serving older adults to join conversations to transform Edmonton's seniors framework.
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The majority of this page contains information about the COVID-19 response specifically for organizations. For COVID-19 resources aimed at older adults, reference the following page: COVID-19 Information for SeniorsFor general information about COVID-19, visit our resource page. |
COVID-19 News & Resources
Public Health Restrictions
Vaccine Program
For the latest on the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, visit: http://www.alberta.ca/covid19-vaccine.aspx
Apply for: rapid testing kits
The Government of Alberta is offering free rapid testing kits to public, private and not-for-profit employers and service providers. The province is prioritizing businesses and organizations that deal with vulnerable populations, high-risk settings and workplaces, first responders, essential services and critical industry, and sectors that support the reopening of economic and social activities.
Coordinated Pandemic Response Group Issues Report for 2020 Efforts
The Coordinated Pandemic Response Group--initiated by the Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council, Sage Seniors Association, and City of Edmonton--was developed as an emergency response to meet the needs of older Edmontonians during the pandemic.
Many Edmonton-based seniors serving organizations collaborated to form a Steering Committee. Three task groups were created in the areas of, "food and transportation", "outreach and home supports", and "psycho/social programming in community". Task groups were designed to address the needs of older Edmontonians in a holistic manner that is centred around the senior.
In January 2021, a final report for the task group was created to showcase the significant outcomes of the group's efforts.
Sector News & Resources
CORE Online Hub Helps Seniors During COVID-19 and Beyond
Multiple stakeholders, including the Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council, have been working with Alberta Seniors and Housing to develop and implement CORE Alberta. CORE - Collaborative Online Resources and Education - provides a platform for seniors-serving organizations to improve delivery of services for seniors. The hub will make it easier for organizations to share resources and coordinate services, with a focus on key COVID-19 issues, including transportation, food security, social isolation and home supports. For more information about the platform, reference this May 10 announcement.
Alberta Age Friendly groups now live on the Healthy Aging CORE platform
Two new groups are now live on CORE for individuals and organizations interested in creating Age Friendly environments and communities. The purpose of these groups is to share information, resources, and promising practices - based on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Age Friendly framework and eight domains.
The Open Discussion Group's objective is primarily education. It distributes information to educate members and to promote awareness, so individuals can support local Age Friendly initiatives and encourage more communities to join the movement.
The Closed Community of Practice Group's objective is action and mobilization. It is designed to support and provide mentoring for communities seeking greater involvement within the Age Friendly movement, including forming committees, conducting community needs assessments and developing action plans. Members attend regular group meetings to share knowledge with group members. Members are expected to take turns acting as meeting chairs and note-takers.
By joining one or both groups, you can expect to better understand the global Age Friendly movement, its principles, and how to mobilize for action. Based on your interest and desired level of involvement, you can choose the group(s) best for you.
Not a member of CORE? Click here to join.
Funding for elder abuse prevention and intervention
The Government of Alberta is providing $750,000 over two years to the Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Council for one-time funding to the province’s 31 eligible coordinated community responses (CCRs) to elder abuse. CCRs are multidisciplinary partnerships that can include a range of partners such as local governments, non-profit organizations, businesses, health service providers and police services. The funding will be used to increase supports for seniors affected by elder abuse, explore a consistent approach to data collection, and enhance the skills of responders.
Details about program eligibility and the application process will be available through the council’s website at albertaelderabuse.ca.
Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council releases assisted transportation advocacy brochures
To bring awareness to the fundamental role played by assisted transportation, ESCC has issued two brochures on the topic--one municipal and one provincial. Assisted transportation is a key area of concern and its impacts on seniors' health and wellness are substantial, by alleviating isolation, and connecting seniors to essential services and supports.
- Provincial Assisted Transportation Advocacy Brochure (ESCC, 2020)
- Municipal Assisted Transportation Advocacy Brochure (ESCC, 2020)
CBSS initiative releases report detailing consultations to build a coordinated sector.
- Sheila Hallett, Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council: sheila@seniorscouncil.net | 780-423-5635 ext. 3
- Karen McDonald, Sage Seniors Association:
kmcdonald@mysage.ca | 780-701-9008
- Lisa Stebbins, carya:
lisas@caryacalgary.ca | 403-205-5253
- Sian Jones, Age-Friendly Calgary:
sian.jones@calgary.ca | 403-268-5139