Get Connected
Social isolation rarely happens because of just one life event or situation. Many factors contribute to an increase in the risk of social isolation for seniors:
- Living alone
- Lack of participation in social activities
- Poor health and mobility
- Financial challenges
- Lack of accessible, affordable transportation
- Life transitions such as retirement or loss of a spouse
- Providing care to a partner, parent or friend
- Unstable/insecure housing situation
- Language barriers
- Societal barriers such as ageism and lack of opportunities for seniors to contribute
- Inequality (racial/ethnic minorities, LGBTQ)
- Abuse
The resources and organizations listed here can help you connect with other people, find information, become involved in the community, and get support.
Connect to Information
- Seniors Information Phone Line (211): Dial 2-1-1 and press 2 to reach the Seniors Information Phone Line
- Directory of Seniors Services
- Government of Alberta Information for Seniors (Alberta Seniors and Housing)
- Seniors Programs and Services Information Guide (Alberta Seniors and Housing)
- Office of the Alberta Seniors Advocate
- LinkYEG.ca (lists important resources for homeless and low-income Edmontonians)
Participate in activities
- Edmonton Seniors Centres
- Edmonton Recreation and Wellness Directory for Older Adults
- Seniors’ Centre Without Walls provides opportunities for homebound seniors to socialize, learn new skills and stay connected through a variety of free, interactive telephone-based social and health programming
- Volunteer opportunities listed on the GoVolunteer website
- Free and low cost activities
Health and Support
- Health Link: Call 811 for health advice from a registered nurse (available 24 hours a day)
- Free drop-in counselling offered at various locations in Edmonton including Sage Seniors Association
- Alberta Mental Health Support Line 1-877-303-2642
- Distress Line 780-482-HELP (4357) offered by Canadian Mental Health Association – Edmonton
- Edmonton Meals on Wheels
- WeCan Food Basket Society 780-413-4525
- Edmonton Food Bank Hamper Program 780-425-4190
Finances
- Seniors financial assistance programs offered by the Alberta government
- Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security (Government of Canada)
- Money Mentors Alberta-based, not-for-profit credit counselling agency
- Free and low cost activities
Transportation
- Drive Happiness – Seniors Assisted Transportation
- Organizations providing alternate transportation for seniors in Alberta (search the database developed by the Medically At-Risk Driver Centre for Edmonton organizations)
- Seniors Transportation Info Hubs provide print information about driving, retiring from driving, using buses and taxis, and assisted transportation services for Edmonton seniors. 11 hubs are located around the city.
- Edmonton Transit Service Customer Mobility Travel Tools: ETS has several free travel tools for customers with mobility difficulties – Bus Hailer Kit, Customer Communication Cards, Mobility Card
- Edmonton Transit Service Mobility Choices Training Program
- Disabled Adults Transit Service (DATS)
Caregivers
- Alberta Caregivers Association
- ElderCare Edmonton
- Alzheimer’s Society
- Inventory of Resources and Supports for Caregivers in Alberta (Network of Excellence in Seniors’ Health and Wellness, 2016)
- Caregiver readiness resources e.g. Care Conversations, Care Options, Balancing Work and Caregiving and Helping Employees Balance Work and Caregiving Responsibilities (Forum of Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors, 2016)
Housing
- Alberta Seniors Housing Directory (Alberta Seniors Communities & Housing Association)
- GEF Seniors Housing and Vista Housing for Seniors affordable seniors’ housing options
- Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program allows eligible senior homeowners to defer all or part of their property taxes through a low-interest home equity loan with the Alberta government
- Seniors Home Adaptation and Repair Program provides low-interest home equity loans to help seniors finance necessary repairs, adaptations and renovations to their homes
- Seniors Home Supports Program gives seniors referrals to screened service providers who offer snow removal, yard help, housekeeping and minor home repair services
Language and Cultural Diversity
- Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers
- Multicultural Health Brokers Cooperative
- Multicultural Women and Seniors Services Association
- Refugee Alberta info on health, language, housing, finance, transportation, etc.
- Edmonton Aboriginal Seniors Centre
- Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society
- Metis Child and Family Services
Abuse
- Elder Abuse Intake Line: 780-477-2929 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
- Seniors Abuse Help Line: 780-454-8888 (Information and referral 24 hours a day)
- Empowering Seniors to Create Safer Communities
If you would like your organization included as a resource, complete the form below:
Funded in part by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program
Copyright © PEGASIS 2017