Memorandum
To: All Clients & Community Partners
From: Amanda Macrae, Chief Executive Officer
Date: March 16, 2020
Re: CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC – Effective March 17, 2020
A & O: Support Services for Older Adults (A & O) is aware that the Coronavirus (COVID-19) is spreading and we want to ensure that our staff, volunteers and older adults we support are at minimal risk.
Effective Tuesday, March 17, 2020 A & O: Support Services for Older Adults located at 200-280 Smith Street will be closed to the public until further notice.
At this time, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has assessed the public health risk associated with COVID-19 as low for the general population in Canada but this could change rapidly. Due to the fact that there is an increased risk of more severe outcomes for individuals
- aged 65 and over
- with compromised immune systems
- with underlying medical conditions
The agency will proceed in the following manner effective Friday, March 13, 2020 as it relates to providing programs and services in the community:
- Social Workers (RSW’s)
- All home and office visits are rescheduled or conducted over the telephone until further notice.
- Senior Immigrant Settlement Services (SISS)
- All classes are suspended until further notice.
- Volunteers
- All home and office volunteer roles are suspended until further notice. Where possible, volunteer roles may be fulfilled via conference call. Please be in touch with your designated agency contact for more information.
- Legal Services
- Postponed until further notice.
- Income Tax Clinics
- Postponed until further notice.
We will monitor the situation daily and inform you of any changes to our programs and services.
For further information, please see:
- https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/coronavirus/
- https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/being-prepared.html
- https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/notices/coronavirus-occupational-health-safety.html
- https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html
If you suspect you have a case of COVID-19, or have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19, contact Health Links: (204)-788-8200 /1-888-315-9257.
With roots that trace back to 1957, the focus of A & O: Support Services for Older Adults’ operations is identifying and addressing many of the issues facing older adults. Hand in hand with older adults, and through partnerships with community groups, the Agency takes action to improve the quality of life for older adults in Manitoba through advocacy, education and service delivery.
A & O strives to involve older adults in decision-making. Their expertise is an important contribution to building a healthy community in which older adults play a vital role.
Our pillars, Safety & Security, Social Engagement, and Counselling, were selected to identify the most important issues and areas of opportunity affecting older adults. Through offering these innovative programs and services, A & O is able to continue enhancing the quality of life for older Manitobans.
Safety & Security
The Agency provides innovative safety and security programs and services. Programs making up this pillar include:
- Elder Abuse Prevention Services
- Safe Suite Program
- Older Victim Services
- SafetyAid: Falls Prevention
- This Full House
Social Engagement
This pillar enables older Manitobans to remain independent and engaged in their communities. Programs making up this pillar include:
Counselling Services
The Agency provides pertinent information about a wide range of counselling, support and community referral material for older Manitobans. Services making up this pillar include:
Improving the quality of life for older Manitobans
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