October is Seniors & Elders month, this is the month we celebrate older adults and their invaluable contributions that they provide to all of us on a daily basis. Given the reality of living during a pandemic, the way in which we choose to recognize and celebrate older adults in our lives must be conducted in a safe physically distanced manner.
We know that older adults 65+ are at an increased risk of contracting COVID-19, while knowing this it is important to stay connected in a safe way to family, friends and social supports for assistance during this challenging time. Social engagement plays a critical role in our emotional and mental health.
A & O: Support Services for Older Adults is here to assist, you are not alone! Please do not hesitate to contact us as our Social Workers are continuing to provide services to older adults through a variety of different methods including one-on-one telephone consultations. The agency also has a variety of programs and services that provide opportunities for older adults to be socially engaged.
We encourage all older Manitobans to access our FREE innovative social engagement programming listed below:
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Social engagement:
Senior Centre Without Walls. This program is the first of its kind in Canada and offers a unique opportunity for Manitobans, 55+, to join educational and interactive programs from the comfort of their own homes. Programming topics include; educational presentations, language classes, book clubs, travelogues and support groups. The free programs are accessed through a toll-free number and are offered during the day and evenings.
Connect Program. Registered Social Workers assist socially isolated Winnipeggers 55+ living in the community by connecting them to resources that will facilitate independent living. Clients of the program may be connected to: Volunteer Visitors & Callers, Community Resources, Senior Centre Without Walls, Safety and Security Programs, Counselling and Support Services.
Senior Immigrant Settlement Services. The program offers a wide range of settlement services for newcomers 55 years of age and over. Our Settlement Orientation for Seniors program is a group orientation where participants learn about important settlement topics such as law, health and safety, housing, transportation, money and banking and community information. Upon completing the orientation, participants are referred to The Winnipeg English Language Assessment and Referral Centre (WELARC) for a language assessment appointment. They may then register for our English Language Program for seniors or are welcome to join one of our English Conversation Classes. A settlement worker is also available to provide additional information about community programs and services, to assist with forms and documents and offer opportunities to connect with other older adults in the community.
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Stay safe, be well & stay engaged!
For more information, please visit our website at aosupportservices.ca or contact us at: Phone: 204-956-6440 OR Toll-free: 1-888-333-3121