Resources and Links

Alberta Blue Cross

Alberta Seniors and Community Supports has contracted Alberta Blue Cross to administer dental claims, provide information regarding procedures, answer questions regarding claims and issue payments to the dental practitioner or the Senior as a reimbursement is required.

Alberta Caregivers Association

The Alberta Caregivers Association is a non-profit society that offers non-judgmental care-giving culture, offering the exchange of information and the opportunity to ask questions of others in your situation and provides support and social contact with people who live everyday with the challenges and difficulties of being a primary care-giver.

Alberta Caregivers Association is pleased to announce the COMPASS Program.
This program for caregivers will be starting on Wednesday, September 26, 2007 at their office.  The COMPASS (Caregiver Orientation for Mobilizing Personal Assets and Strengths through Self-care) program is an 8 part module and each module will be conducted on the fourth Wednesday of the month.  This program has been designed for caregivers, taking them through the journey of care giving and dealing with the stress/problems associated with it.  The details of the program are provided on the website, or click below for the brochure.

Alberta Centre for Active Living (ACFAL)

ACFAL is a key advocate of physical activity for all Albertans and a primary source of research and education on physical activity for practitioners, organizations and decision-makers.  The centre's mandate is to improve the health and quality of life of Albertan's through physical activity. 

The Rural Route to Active Aging

A guide for people who want to stay active as they age.  This guide is for adults living in rural areas who are considering being active or who want to stay active as they age. 

Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan

The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) is a publicly administered and funded health care system that guarantees Albertans receive universal access to medically necessary hospital and medical services.  AHCIP forms, information on premium and drug assistance, answers to common questions are available at:

Alberta Health and Wellness

(see link in government services)

Canadian Diabetes Association

If you have diabetes, know someone who does, or simply want to learn more about diabetes, you will be able to find information on this site.

For more information, click on the link below:

Alberta Monitoring for Health Program (AMFH) enables Albertans with diabetes, who meet eligibility requirements, to access limited funding to cover a portion of the cost of eligible diabetes management supplies.  This program is administered by the Canadian Diabetes Association and funded by Alberta Health and Wellness.

Canadian Health Network

The Canadian Health Network (CHN) is a national health promotion program found on the web.  The CHN's goal is to help Canadians find the information they're looking for on how to stay healthy and prevent disease.  The CHN does this through a unique collaboration-one of the most dynamic and comprehensive networks in the world.  This network of health information providers includes the Public Health Agency of Canada, Health Canada, and national and provincial/territorial no-profit organizations, as well as universities, hospitals, libraries and community organizations.

Caregiver Resource Guide

The guide contains listings for Federal, Provincial and support agencies of interest to Seniors and caregivers.  You will also find a selection of books, magazines, pamphlets, videos and websites. 

Dietitians of Canada

The Dietitians of Canada provide leadership and supports its over 5000 members to promote health and well being through expertise in food and nutrition.  They serve Canadians by maintaining high professional standards, advocating for sound public policy that promotes health, and providing trusted evidenced-based nutrition information you can use.

Health Link

Health Link Alberta id a 24 hour a day, 7 day a week nurse telephone advice and health information service.  Highly trained registered nurses will provide you with advice and information about health symptoms, and concerns that you or a member of your family may be experiencing.  Health Link can also help you find appropriate services and health information.

You can call from anywhere in the province by dialing:
Calgary Health Region (430) 943-5465, Capital Health Region (780) 408-5465,
or, Toll-Free 1-86-408-5465
For more information, click on the link below.

Health Canada

The Division of Aging and Seniors, Public Health Agency of Canada, provides federal leadership on health issues related to aging and Seniors.  The Division serves as a focal point for information and centre expertise in this area.

Regional Health Authorities

Regional health authorities (RHA's) are responsible for hospitals, continuing care facilities, community health services and public health programs in Alberta.  They deliver health services in the regions and work with communities to deliver health services to local residents. 

For more information, click on the link below:

World Health Organization (WHO)

WHO is the directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system.  It is responsible for providing leadership and for providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries and monitoring and assessing health trends.

Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL)

The AADL program helps Albertans with a long-term disability, chronic disease or terminal illness to maintain their independence at home, in lodges or group homes by providing financial assistance to buy medical equipment and supplies.  An assessment by a health care professional determines the equipment and supplies that an Albertan can receive through this program.

Alberta Health and Wellness

For more information, click on the link below.

Alberta Seniors Benefit Program

The Alberta Seniors Benefit Program provides support in addition to the federal benefits received under Old Age Security, Guaranteed Income Supplement, federal Allowance and the GST credit.  It is based on income and provides monthly case benefits to eligible Seniors.

For more information call the Alberta Seniors Information Line at 1-800-642-3853, or click on the link below.

Dental Assistance for Seniors Program

The Dental Assistance for Seniors program is based on income and provides low to moderate income Seniors with financial assistance for basis dental services that help maintain a reasonable level of dental health.  You could be eligible for up to a maximum of $5,000 of coverage for eligible procedures every 5 years.

Optical Assistance for Seniors Program

The Optical Assistance for Seniors Program is based on income and is for low to moderate income Albertans, aged 65 and older.  The program contributes up to $230 every three years for the purchase of prescription eyeglasses.

Alberta Seniors Information Line

Call toll-free in Alberta 1-800-642-3853
Edmonton area: (780) 427-7876

Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH)

The AISH program provides financial assistance (living allowance), supplementary assistance (child benefits and personal benefits) and health-related assistance (health benefits) to adults with a disability.   The disability must severely limit the ability to earn a living and must be permanent.   AISH provides health benefits to assist clients, their cohabitating partners and dependent children with expenses related to their health.

Board Development Program

The Board Development Program is a unique service that is offered free of charge through the Wildrose Foundation that provides assistance to non-profit boards in the area of governance through workshops, consultations, training of volunteer Instructors, resource materials and special presentations.

Government of Canada Services for Seniors

This is a guide for information, programs and services of interest to Seniors and people who are planning for retirement.  It is meant to help you find information about services and benefits you are entitled to.

National Seniors Council

The National Seniors Council has been established to advise Canada's new government on all matters related to the health, well-being and quality of life of Seniors.  Canada has a diverse and growing Seniors population with approximately 4.2 million people who are 65 or older.  In the next 25 years, that number will double to almost nine million people, representing one quarter of the population.  the National Seniors Council provides advice to the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, the Minister of Health, and the Secretary of State (Seniors). 

The National Seniors Council provides advice to the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, the Minister of Health, and the Secretary of State (Seniors).  Under the leadership of the Chair of the National Seniors Council, the Council:

• advises on current and emerging issues and opportunities related to the quality of life, health and well-being of Seniors, both now and in the future;

• undertakes activities such as commissioning research, convening expert panels and round tables, and holding consultative meetings as needed; and,

• delivers well-balanced advice, taking into account the views of experts, Seniors, organizations and groups that provide Seniors programs and services, provincial/territorial advisory bodies on Seniors, and other relevant stakeholders and interested parties.

Office of the Public Guardian (OPG)

The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) through the Dependent Adults Act, the Personal Directives Act and the Mental Health Act provides appropriate decision-making mechanisms for individuals who are unable to make personal non-financial decisions for themselves.  This may require taking on the decision-making role under the guardianship program to ensure the rights of these individuals are protected.  The OPG encourages family members and friends to apply for private guardianship where possible and assists private guardians in fulfilling their guardianship obligations.  As well, the OPG assists adult Albertans in planning future substitute decision-making under the Personal Directives Act.

Protection for Persons in Care

Protection for Persons in Care investigates reports of abuse or safety concerns for adults in publicly funded care facilities including hospitals, Seniors' lodges and nursing homes.  The Protection for Persons in care Act,1998, makes it a requirement to report any suspicion of abuse to a toll-free reporting line or local police authorities.  Call: 1-888-357-9339.

Seniors Advisory Council of Alberta (SACA)

The Seniors Advisory Council for Alberta is responsible for advising and making recommendations to the province on matters relating to Alberta's Seniors.  It is a government appointed body that reports through the Minister of Seniors and Community Supports.  The Council gathers information on issues important to Seniors by consulting with other Alberta and Seniors' organizations in communities across the province.  The suggestions and feedback gathered through the consultations are used to develop recommendations on legislation, policies, funding and coordination of programs and services for Seniors.

Seniors and Community Supports

Website with links to all services offered by Alberta Seniors and Community Supports.
For more information, click on the link below:

Seniors Services Conference 2007
The Seniors services Conference was a two-day conference designed specifically for Seniors' service providers.  The latest information on programs and service for Seniors was offered at the conference including promoting mental capacity, funding opportunities and continuing care standards.  Click on the link below to review conference information and presentations:

Education Property Tax Assistance for Seniors

The Education Property Tax Assistance for Seniors program provides and annual rebate to assist Senior homeowners with the year-to-year increases in the education tax portion of their property taxes since 2004.

Seniors Housing including Continuing Care

Links and information regarding all housing options for Seniors in Alberta.

Alberta Community Development

Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) provides financial assistance to build, repair, renovate or otherwise improve Alberta's extensive network of community-use facilities.

Community Initiative Program (CIP)

The Community Initiatives Program will support project-based initiatives in areas such as community services, Seniors' services, libraries, arts and culture, sports, education, health and recreation.  The maximum grant will be $75,000 per project per year, and the applications can be submitted anytime throughout the year.

CIP funding is approved on a matching grant basis.  The matching requirement may be met in the form of and contribution of money, volunteer labour, services or donated materials or equipment for the project.  If a group can demonstrate significant difficulty in raising matching funds, funding will be considered on a non-matching basis.

New Horizons for Seniors (NHFS)

This program provides funding for community-based projects across Canada.  Projects encourage Seniors to continue to play an important role in the community by: helping those in need, providing leadership and sharing their knowledge and skills with others.

The objectives of the program are to:

• Encourage Seniors to contribute their skills, experience and wisdom in support of social well-being in their communities;

• Promote the ongoing involvement of Seniors in their communities to reduce their risk of social isolation.

Click here for more information:

New Horizons for Seniors (NHFS) New funding

The Government of Canada is pleased to inform you that they are implementing the Budget 2007 expansion of the New Horizons for Seniors program.  An additional $10 million per year has been added to the Program's budget to support two new types of funding: capital assistance funding for non-profit organizations that need upgrades to their facilities and equipment for existing Seniors' programs and activities; and funding to increase awareness for elder abuse on a national and regional level.

Through Elder Abuse funding, organization and coalitions will develop educational and awareness activities to help reduce the incidence of abuse of older adults.

Calls for proposals are now underway.  Organizations are invited to submit proposals for national or regional projects to increase knowledge and awareness of Elder abuse.  the deadline for proposals is December 14, 2007.  Please find the application form by clicking on the link below:

Wild Rose Foundation

The Quarterly Grants Program supports community service non-profit organizations in their ability to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow by investing in the lives of people from children to older persons-to live in strong, caring and healthy communities.  The Quarterly Grants Program goes beyond providing financial resources by working with others in communities to support life-enhancing programs and services.

Aging and Seniors

The publications of the Division of Aging and Seniors that are a great source of reliable information for and about Canadian Seniors.

A Portrait of Alberta Seniors

Alberta's Seniors are a diverse population whose lives have been shaped by a variety of experiences and circumstances.  This population spans more than two generations, with an age range from 65 to more than 100 years and has varying skills, abilities, support systems, living arrangements and levels of health.  The information is a profile intended to provide basic information on Alberta's Seniors and focuses on demographics, living arrangements, income, ethnicity, educational attainment, health status and activities. 

Communicating with Seniors

This manual gives tips on effective communication with Seniors in both print communication as well as person-to-person contact.

Dietitians of Canada-Senior Friendly™ Ideas for Healthy Eating for Seniors

In collaboration with the Senior Friendly™ Program, Dietitians of Canada has developed a series of 12 tip sheets to assist Seniors with planning, shopping and preparing healthy meals. 

Better Business Bureau

The mission of the Canadian Council of Better Business Bureaus (CCBBB) is to promote and foster the highest ethical relationship between businesses and the public through voluntary self-regulation, consumer and business education and service excellence.

Canadian Elder Law

This website is dedicated to social and legal issues affecting Seniors in Canada.  The purpose of this site is to provide information and raise awareness of key issues to help advance their rights as full citizens in Canadian society.

Canadian Mortgage and Housing Association

Home Adaptations for Seniors' Independence (HASI) program helps homeowners and landlords pay for minor home adaptations to extend the time low-income Seniors can live in their own homes independently.   The forgivable loan up to $3,500 is available if the homeowner agrees to continue to occupy the residence for a minimum of six months. 

Center for Universal Design

The Center for Universal Design (CUD) is a national information, technical assistance and research center that evaluates, develops and promotes accessible and universal design in housing, commercial and public facilities, outdoor environments and products.  The mission is to improve environments and products through design innovation, research, education and design assistance. 

Competition Bureau

The Competition Bureau plays an important role in ensuring businesses provide accurate information when marketing their products and services.  The Bureau investigates complaints of misrepresentation and conducts inspections of consumer goods.  If you have encountered a product or service that has been misrepresented please contact the Bureau.  The Bureau also does a lot of work around fraud awareness and prevention.

Combating health fraud, through enforcement and enhancing consumer information, is a priority for the Competition Bureau.  Bogus weight loss schemes, cure-all scams or products claiming amazing health effects are some of the many areas of health fraud targeted by the Bureau.

Edmonton Aging Symposium

Leading experts discussed the economics and ethics of the development of advanced technologies able to extend the healthy human lifespan alongside evidence for the existence of these technologies and how to stay healthy today to prepare for the therapies of tomorrow.  Complete archives of all the presenters' biographies, and video stream of all individual speaker presentations.

Abuse of Older Adults (Elder Abuse)

Abuse of older adults is any action of inaction by self or others that jeopardizes the health or well-being of any older adult and it is divided into seven categories: physical, passive or active neglect, emotional or psychological abuse, financial, sexual, spiritual and systemic.

It may include the infliction of physical injury, restraint, financial exploitation, threats, ridicule, insult or humiliation, forces isolation (physical or social), or forced change in living arrangements.  It may also include neglect, that is, the refusal or failure to care for the older person whether intentional or unintentional.  This would include abandonment, withholding or not providing food, healthcare, companionship or assistance. 

June 15th is recognized as World Elder Abuse Day.

For information about community resources, call your local information line or ask directory assistance for  the phone numbers for the following services in you community: Victim Assistance Unit, FCSS, local health authority or Seniors' centre.

To report abuse in a care facility call the protection for Persons in Care reporting line 1-888-357-9339. 

In the Edmonton area contact the Elder Abuse Intervention Team (EAIT) at:
780-477-2929 or click on the link below:

Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (CNPEA)

The Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Network (AEAAN) is a network of professionals dedicated to increasing awareness and supporting a community response to Elder abuse.   The website provides resources and additional information.

Family and Community Support Services (FCSS)

Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) is a 80/20 funding partnership between the Government of Alberta, municipalities and Métis settlements.  The FCSS philosophy is based on a belief that self-help contributes to a sense of integrity, self-worth and independence.  The programs developed are intended to help individuals in their community to adopt healthy lifestyles, thereby improving the quality of life and building the capacity to prevent and/or deal with crisis situations should they arise. 

One of the key principles of the FCSS Program is local autonomy in priority setting and resource allocation.  FCSS emphasizes local decision-making for programming, based on the belief that communities have the desire, energy and resources to build community capacity. 

Fraud Awareness

With more than 6,000 Seniors falling victim to fraud each year in Alberta, Alberta Seniors and Community Supports has a number of valuable resources and agency contacts available for Seniors and caregivers in terms of information to use when approached with a potential fraud situation. 

If in Doubt Check it Out is a campaign to educate Seniors and caregivers about potential fraud situations and where to obtain more information or assistance.

Medic Alert

MedicAlert is the leading provider of medical information services linked to to customized medical bracelets and necklaces.

National Crime Prevention

Identity theft refers to all types of crime in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person's identifying information for the purpose of fraud or other criminal activity.

Mass-marketing Fraud is one of the most pervasive forms of white-collar crime in Canada. 

Phone Busters

The Canadian Anti-fraud Call Centre.  Identifies many scams and educates on recognizing, reporting and stopping fraud.

Alberta Ombudsman

The Ombudsman for the Province of Alberta is appointed by the Legislative Assembly to receive, investigate and resolve complaints from individuals who believe they have been adversely affected by any administrative act, omission or impropriety of the Alberta public service and certain professional bodies.  The Ombudsman is an impartial investigator, independent of government, who provides a third-party review process for administrative decisions. 

When the complaint falls outside the Ombudsman's jurisdiction callers will be directed to the appropriate contact, department or to another complain mechanism. 

RCMP

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police is the Canadian national police service and is a national, provincial and municipal policing body.  They provide a total federal policing service to all Canadians.