News for Staff and Volunteers of Seniors Organizations
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 General InformationFor general information about COVID-19, visit our resource page. |
Working together to transform Edmonton's seniors framework
Among Edmonton’s community-based seniors serving organizations, discussions have centred around developing a framework to support the coordination of services for Edmonton’s older adults. This would enable the creation of collective agenda, a common frame of action and work to address common goals. Now, the discussions are turning into action.
Over the next three to five years, the collective work of stakeholders will result in the creation of a community-led, citywide network that forms the critical components of a framework.
COVID-19 News & Resources
Apply Now: Alberta Critical Worker Benefit
The Government of Alberta recently announced the one-time Alberta Critical Worker Benefit, which is intended to recognize the service of select workers identified as critical for the delivery of basic services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Social and Community Service workers supporting direct, front line services and programs for vulnerable Albertans may be eligible for a lump-sum payment of $1,200. The Government of Alberta will provide workers’ payments to their employers, and employers are responsible for distributing the payments to their workers.
- Deadline to apply: March 19, 2021
- The eligibility period for this benefit is Oct. 12, 2020 – Jan. 31, 2021
For more information and to apply:
Critical Worker Benefit | Alberta.ca
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.
News, Information, and Resources from the Alberta Government
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Alberta Government announces state of public health emergency, imposes new measures
Effective December 8, 2020:
- ALL indoor and outdoor social gatherings are prohibited (to be enforced with $1,000 fines)
- Masks are mandatory in all indoor public spaces and workplaces
Effective December 13, 2020:
- Working from home is mandatory when physical presence is not required
- Some businesses will be required to close, reduce capacity, or limit in-person access
The restrictions are province-wide and will be in place until January 12, 2021. These restrictions will be revisited at that time.
Provincial Government Announces New Grant to Replace Program for Small Alberta Organizations Hit by COVID-19
Masks for Seniors-Serving Organizations
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Currently out of masks
The Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council was provided with 100,000 masks in 2020 by the Alberta Government to distribute to Edmonton seniors serving organizations. ESCC is currently out of masks, HOWEVER, we encourage interested organizations to complete our online order form anyway. An ESCC staff member will connect with you in the event we receive more masks.
Coordinated Pandemic Response Packages and PPE Supplies
The Edmonton Coordinated Pandemic Response Group has secured resources to distribute essential PPE supplies and other resources to seniors throughout Edmonton. This program provides low-income seniors access to PPE; activity packages; hygiene, incontinence and denture cleaning supplies; M&M Meats packages; and food security gift cards. Learn more about the initiative.
Organizations that serve seniors can:
- Request PPE for multiple clients by emailing packages@mysage.ca with the number of mask packages you would like to receive.
- Request the other packages and supplies for clients by completing a referral form and emailing it to packages@mysage.ca.
Seniors living in the community who wish to access the program on their own without a referral through an organization can call 780-701-9007 and leave a message. They will be called back by a Sage Seniors Association employee to schedule a delivery.
Information package points Edmonton seniors in right direction during COVID-19
Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council (ESCC)
A new information package compiling services for vulnerable Edmonton seniors is now available. The package was compiled by ESCC and includes services currently offered by a number of seniors-serving organizations in Edmonton. Download the package to find out how to access:
- Health services
- Free/low cost food
- Free/low cost grocery delivery services
- Low cost prepared meals
- Transportation
- Friendly calls and remote social programming
- Technology assistance
Director Duties Info Sheet
During times of disruption, the need for engaged Board leadership and timely decision-making is only amplified. It is critical that Directors of non-profit and charitable organizations are aware of their responsibility to protect and steward the organizations they serve both in times of stability and during change or crisis. This information sheet summarizes the important role Directors play, regardless of whether their organization has continued operations without pause, reduced programs and services, or is taking steps towards dormancy or dissolution.
Grant Discussion
ESCC would like to hear from your organization if you have received some emergency funding related to the programs and services that you offer to older adults in Edmonton.
ESCC received a grant from New Horizons for Seniors (via the United Way of Alberta Capital Region) to organize support items such as essential rides, activity kits, cleaning products, hand sanitizer, and hygiene items for at-risk seniors. Likely any funds your organization received are for other purposes, but we thought it might be beneficial to discuss emergency grants so that as a sector we aren’t duplicating efforts and missing unmet needs.
Please let Sheila Hallett know if your organization has received a grant and what it will be used for by emailing her at sheila@seniorscouncil.net. The topic of grants will be added as a discussion item at the next meeting of Seniors Sector Executive Directors to see if all the bases are covered for our older adult community.
Relaunch info applicable to seniors organizations
Note: The relaunch is currently on hold and some of the following information may not be accurate. Consult alberta.ca/covid19 for the most recent information.
As seniors organizations consider whether or not to reopen, the following Government of Alberta resources may help you with your decision-making:
Guidance for Seniors Centres and Seniors Serving Organizations (June 13, 2020)
Guidance for Organized Outdoor Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation
Guidance for Outdoor Fitness Classes
Guidance for Restaurants, Cafes, Pubs and Bars
Guidance for Taxis, Limos and Rideshares
Guidance for Businesses Owners
Relaunch Considerations Template
COVID-19 Business Reopening Decision Tree
City of Calgary
This resource helps organizations think through the considerations involved in reopening.
Dealing with Aggression: Direct Service Delivery in COVID-19 Reality
Canadian Red Cross
To support the safety and security of front-line personnel this fact sheet provides background on factors that can escalate anger and tips for de-escalation.
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.
COVID-19 Fact Sheet for Nonprofits
The Government of Alberta released a handy fact sheet for nonprofits, including need-to-know information about supports and services during this time.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
10% Temporary Wage Subsidy for Employers
AGETECH Startups Contribute During COVID-19 Pandemic
Guidelines for COVID-19 Outbreak Prevention, Control, and Management in Congregate Living Sites
COVID-19 Public Health Recommendations for Environmental Cleaning of Public Facilities
Alberta Nonprofit Network Develops COVID-19 Resource Page for Nonprofit Sector
This resource page is a landing spot for COVID-related advocacy and issue-gathering for the sector, understanding the needs of the sector, and resources for talking to funders.
COVID-19 Resource Document for Nonprofit Organizations
ECVO, Align and the Alberta Council of Disability Services created a document containing resources for nonprofit organizations related to guidelines for working remotely, supports for employees who have been laid off because of the pandemic, and letter templates that nonprofits can use to advocate for government funding to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic on operations. Note that there have been some updates to information about financial support programs offered by various levels of governments mentioned in the document. These updates are reflected in the above section on government funding.
Alberta Counsel Provides Organizations with Government Policy Help
To help organizations stay up-to-date on the latest government policy announcements related to COVID-19, Alberta Counsel is providing a frequently updated infographic that outlines provincial and federal support measures. Review the infographic from March 30. Alberta Counsel is also providing an opportunity for organizations to ask a government relations expert questions about government policy.
Volunteer Resource Page for Organizations
Volunteer Bénévoles Canada has created a resource page responding to the needs of volunteer centres, corporate community engagement professionals, and non-profit organizations from around the country.
OHS Information: Respiratory Viruses and the Workplace
This bulletin offers employers, supervisors and workers information about minimizing risk from respiratory viruses in the workplace.
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety: Business Continuity Plan
This plan offers an outline for businesses an organizations affected by the pandemic.
Report Highlights Community Needs During COVID-19 Pandemic
COVID-19 Support Group for Social Workers
Information on Holding AGMs and Board Meetings During a Pandemic
Online Collaboration Tools
Remote Program Delivery: Adapting During COVID-19
Tech Impact Idealware
Your nonprofit is closed and your staff is working remotely…but people still need you, perhaps now more than ever. How can you overcome the distance and circumstances to meet their needs? This webinar recording and resource list highlights tools and software to help you adapt your nonprofit’s programs and services to virtual delivery without sacrificing quality.
Sector News & Resources
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
The Office of the Seniors Advocate in Alberta
Seniors Becoming Caregivers
- nearly one-quarter of Canadians aged 65 years and older consider themselves caregivers
- senior caregivers' activities are often divided along gender lines
- more than one-quarter of senior caregivers reported their own overall health had suffered because of their caregiving duties
Nonprofit Technology Learning Centre
The Technology Learning Center by Tech Impact is an expansive collection of nonprofit educational resources that can help your organization with all things tech! From infographics to fundraising campaigns, this resource collection has the information your organization needs to excel in the digital landscape.
New Bus Network Launch Delayed to 2021
Living Actively with a Chronic Condition: How practitioners can support individuals living with cancer, chronic heart failure, or stroke
Centre for Active Living
This year's Physical Activity Forum focussed on the science and best practices around being physically active when living with one of the following chronic conditions: cancer, chronic heart failure, or stroke. The forum was comprised of three 30-minute presentations followed by question and answer periods. Recording of the sessions are available online.
Tool explains service eligibility for immigrant, refugee and newcomer seniors
Depending on the immigration pathway in which immigrant, refugee and newcomer seniors (IRN) seniors arrived in Canada, most IRN seniors have limited or no access to essential services including income support and benefits, social programs, and healthcare.
The Age of Wisdom Collective initiative has developed a helpful tool that outlines service eligibility and includes stories from seniors that illustrate the diversity in their immigration experience and their access to services.
For more information, contact the Multicultural Health Brokers Cooperative at mchb@mchb.org or 780-423-1973.
Financial Information Sessions for Seniors
The Seniors Financial Empowerment Network (SFEN) provides free financial literacy information sessions in the areas of personal finance, protection of assets, housing, legal considerations, areas of fraud or abuse, communication and self-esteem. The seven core education modules can be presented as stand-alone sessions or as a complete series at seniors facilities, community leagues, churches, or in larger settings. The modules are delivered by senior volunteers. Contact Sarah by calling 780-722-6701 or emailing sarah.ramsey@edmonton.ca if you’re interested in booking a session.