New: Seniors’ Resources Webpage

With the long, dark winter days and even more time at home looming ahead, Jewish Federation has curated a seniors resources and services webpage to help older adults stay connected socially, spiritually, and communally. The objective is to provide in one place easy online access to the wide range of seniors programs and services that are available, so that they, their families, or those who may be assisting them, can readily find information about where to get assistance or what’s happening around the community. 

Growing Isolation
Whether for medical concerns or caregiving reasons, a number of older adults have barely—if at all—left their homes since the onset of the pandemic. Others have seen favourite recreational programs that also provided an enjoyable social outlet curtailed for the foreseeable future. Harder still, some people have had to choose between personal safety and in-person time with family or friends.

And while many senior adults are taking advantage of the ever-growing and incredible array of Zoom events, online classes, and virtual community gatherings that community organizations and synagogues have brilliantly organized to keep our community connected, they too report that reduced social interactions are taking a toll.

Community Connector
Since the onset of COVID, Jewish Federation has been convening regular meetings with the community’s senior services providers to assess and respond collectively to emerging and changing needs among older adults. One of the salient concerns early on was a growing sense of isolation and the need for opportunities that increase social engagement. The idea for a centralized seniors’ resources webpage to help bolster this avenue to connection is one of the initiatives that arose from these fruitful collaborations.

The new webpage features an A to Z of resources, services, and programs that are offered by Jewish community organizations and synagogues, ranging from home support and kosher food delivery programs, to where to find virtual and in-person classes and social events, be it a mah jongg game or a minyan, to how to access medical support and who to call for help.

Due to evolving COVID public health restrictions, the availability and frequency of various programs and services may change. For the most up-to-date information, please check the organizations’ respective websites or call them.

Jewish Federation is proud to support the important programs and services that our partner agencies offer to help older adults thrive. For more information about these initiatives, please contact Ayelet Cohen Weil, Jewish Federation’s associate director of community engagement.