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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 Information 

For general information about COVID-19, visit our resource page. 


COVID-19 Resources


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.  

 

Learn more and get involved!

 

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.


Download the Report



News, Information, and Resources from the Alberta Government

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Alberta Government announces state of public health emergency, imposes new measures
On Tuesday December 8, 2020 the Government of Alberta announced mandatory new restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 


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
Application deadline: March 31, 2021
The provincial government recently announced the Enhanced COVID-19 Business Benefit for businesses, cooperatives, and non-profit organizations severely impacted by the pandemic and public health restrictions. The grant will be available starting in April. Organizations are eligible to receive up to $10,000 to assist with operating costs.   


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.


Email memberservices@seniorscouncil.net if you would like more information about this initiative.  


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


National Institute on Ageing Launched New MyCOVIDVisitRisk Web Tool
Ryerson University National Institute on Ageing
Free
This web tool was created to help people better understand the factors that affect the risk of visiting with others on both getting and dying from COVID-19. Using the best available scientific evidence and the input of leading experts in infectious diseases and epidemiology, MyCOVIDVisitRisk has been designed to help people of different ages and states of health figure out how to visit with others more safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Director Duties Info Sheet

IntegralOrg

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 Events

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

Alberta Biz Connect


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 

Recently, the Prime Minister announced the introduction of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) for employers who have experienced a loss of revenue attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic. This wage subsidy aims to prevent further job losses, encourage employers to re-hire workers previously laid off as a result of COVID-19, and help better position Canadian companies and other employers to more easily resume normal operations following the crisis.

The program would provide a 75 per cent wage subsidy to eligible employers for up to 12 weeks, retroactive to March 15, 2020. To qualify, This subsidy would be available to eligible employers that see a drop of at least 15 per cent of their revenue in March 2020 and 30 per cent for the following months (see Eligible Periods). Eligible employers can apply for the subsidy through the Canada Revenue Agency's My Business Portal.

10% Temporary Wage Subsidy for Employers

Employers who do not qualify for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy may qualify for the 10% Temporary Wage Subsidy. The subsidy is a three-month measure that will allow eligible employers to reduce the amount of payroll deductions required to be remitted to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The subsidy is equal to 10 per cent of the remuneration employers pay from March 18, 2020 to June 19, 2020, up to $1,375 for each eligible employee to a maximum of $25,000 total per employer.

AGETECH Startups Contribute During COVID-19 Pandemic

As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds, older adults and their caregivers are seeing significant impacts on their health, overall  wellbeing  and ability to stay connected. Canadian  startups  in the  AgeTech  sector are joining other companies in doing their part to contribute to  mitigating  the effects of this unprecedented crisis. If you are a   tech  startup   providing  solutions that can help older adults and caregivers during the COVID-19 crisis, reach out to  startups@agewell-nce.ca . Visit the website for more information.  

Guidelines for COVID-19 Outbreak Prevention, Control, and Management in Congregate Living Sites

This helpful document by Alberta Health Services provides the best practices for preventing and controlling outbreaks in congregate living settings. In the context of this document, "congregate" refers to settings where residents/clients receive care and/or services in a communal environment with other residents/clients.

COVID-19 Public Health Recommendations for Environmental Cleaning of Public Facilities 

Maintaining a clean environment is a key prevention measure to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. This Alberta Health Services document provides an at-a-glance overview of cleaning tips for public environments. Current recommendations include an increase in daily cleaning of common areas and surfaces, including door knobs, light switches, staff rooms, desktops, washrooms, and other "high touch" surfaces.  

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

The Canadian Mental Health Association Edmonton's most recent COVID-19 report illustrates the top COVID-19 concerns of community members during this time using recent data from calls to the both the Distress Line and 211.

COVID-19 Support Group for Social Workers

As part of the frontline pandemic response, social workers support their communities, friends and families. In caring for others, it is important to not neglect self-care. This online support group is a great resource for Canadian social workers seeking support during the pandemic.

Information on Holding AGMs and Board Meetings During a Pandemic

Given the restrictions on in-person gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic, nonprofit organizations may be wondering how to convene board meetings and AGMs. The Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations (ECVO) has outlined information to help organizations think through decisions related to these key meetings. Visit ecvo.ca/covid-19 and click on the AGMs and Virtual Board Meetings tabs for more information.

ECVO also posted an announcement related to postponing AGMs. The Government of Alberta has officially announced that nonprofits and societies can postpone AGMs and filing of annual returns until meeting restrictions are lifted. Additionally, cancellation or dissolution processes for societies and non-profit companies that have not filed previously outstanding annual returns are suspended until further notice.

Online Collaboration Tools 

With the right tools, collaborating online can be a snap. This helpful resource lists tools to help your team with creative thinking, surveying and polling, online meetings, online discussion groups and communities, citizen engagement, file sharing, and project management.

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.


CBSS initiative releases report detailing consultations to build a coordinated sector.

Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council, Sage, carya and Age-Friendly Calgary 

In the fall of 2019, over 180 representatives from many different seniors serving organizations participated in more than 25 conversations across Alberta. The sessions were hosted with a goal of developing an integrated community-based senior serving (CBSS) sector in Alberta. 

The sessions resulted in a resounding consensus: community-based seniors serving organizations see the value in working collectively and systematically to support the healthy aging of seniors in Alberta. A full report of what we heard is included here for your review.

If you have any questions about the report or the CBSS initiative, contact one of the CBSS coordinating members:


The Office of the Seniors Advocate in Alberta

Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP)
At the end of 2019, the provincial government abolished the role of the Seniors Advocate, consolidating the office’s responsibilities with those of the Health Advocate. Many seniors organizations spoke out about the implications. One of the advocacy efforts that has emerged comes from the Calgary Chapter of CARP in the form of a letter writing campaign.

Seniors Becoming Caregivers 

Statistics Canada and The Daily
Data from across Canada is providing new insight into the experiences of Canadians age 65+ who are caregivers themselves. An article in The Daily sums up the findings, including:  
  • 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 
The data was collected as part of the 2018 General Social Survey on Caregiving and Care Receiving. While it does not include COVID-19 related data, the results highlight the many challenges senior caregivers already faced prior to the pandemic. 


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

Edmonton Transit Service
Due to the focus on the COVID-19 pandemic, the decision was made to delay the launch of the Bus Network Redesign until mid-2021. Because the project will be a significant change for customers, the City wants to ensure that staff are prepared and ready to help travellers navigate the new routes. When the network redesign launches next year, it will include some key changes, such as more frequent bus service, expanded service into evenings and weekends, and more direct routes. For more information about the project and for full details, visit edmonton.ca/newbusroutes.

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.



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