Some important supports and changes have occurred in the last month (March 2020)
Our COVID-19 Frozen meals Meals on Wheels Program in Kneehill County
Now more than ever, it is important to promote some healthy eating and sustained provision of meals. Through the provision of the Calgary Meals on Wheels program and in conjunction with the Wheatland Family & Community Support Services, Seniors Outreach provides the opportunity to have FROZEN meal deliveries happen in Kneehill County. Through the Calgary Meals on Wheels Program, their My Choice Menu service provides a line of wholesome frozen items. These meals are made at the Calgary Meals on Wheels’ production facility,and they offer a nutritious and affordable option which can be delivered through our Seniors Outreach volunteers to your community.
This program provides a menu that can be accessed from Seniors Outreach (403-443-2555) and then turned in with the payment made out to “Wheatland Meals On Wheels”. Approximately every two weeks the orders are sent in by Seniors Outreach no later than Monday at 10:00 a.m. or on the Thursday before (if that Monday is a holiday) to the Wheatland FCSS and are then ordered from Calgary Meals on Wheels that Monday. The payments are deposited on that Monday as well or on the Thursday before, no later than 10:00 a.m. (if the Monday is a holiday). The following week, Tuesday (in the afternoon), is usually the delivery day. For example: the last order date was Monday, March 30, 2020 and the delivery date will be Tuesday, April 7, 2020. Therefore one needs to contact Seniors Outreach for a menu, complete the menu for ordering and provide their payment with the ordere on or before the next order date – Monday, April 13, 2020 with deliveries occurring on Tuesday, April 21, 2020 in the afternoon.
We trust that this service will provide support for seniors who are in self isolation or simply attempting to follow the best health protocols by staying home. The volunteer drivers will not enter the home, but will set out the food ordered on one’s doorstep once the recipient is at the door to receive it. Generally, the food will not be ‘left’ at the door without someone able to take it in to the home.
Call Seniors Outreach and ask for the frozen meals Meals on Wheels program/menu information and the receptionist will assist you in obtaining it and setting up the orders/and reception of the payment for the order.
Changes to the Alberta Special Needs Assistance for Seniors program
On March 1, 2020, benefits from the Special Needs Assistance for Seniors program occurred regarding the following items:
• Funeral Expense – NO LONGER AN ELIGIBLE EXPENSE
• Lift Chair – NO LONGER AN ELIGIBLE EXPENSE
• Foot Orthotics – NO LONGER AN ELIGIBLE EXPENSE
If you requested assistance for any of these items before March 1, 2020 – they will still be funded. Any requests for these, after March 1, 2020 will not receive funding.
Further to this, we are still looking for drivers in some of the communities across the County. Thank you so much to the drivers who have already stepped up and are on our list and to all who are helping others in Kneehill County already. As you, Seniors, need assistance, do not hesitate to call Seniors Outreach between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays.
Until further notice, we encourage everyone, as much as possible, PLEASE STAY HOME. In all situations practice Physical Distancing of about 2 meters to have Social Communication occur. Do not get any closer. Please Practice frequent hand washing or sanitizing and wipe down items you have been in contact with – before and after usage. Be safe and keep others safe as well.
The present situation continues to still be quite changeable, however, Seniors Outreach will continue to take phone calls, set up deliveries where possible, answer questions and even assist with forms. You are also welcome to email us at office@seniorso.ca . We will provide support where possible. Call 403-443-2555 or from Carbon and area 1-888-443-2555 (toll free).
REMINDERS: UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE:
1. SENIORS OUTREACH MAIN OFFICE in Three Hills will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Mondays to Thursdays)
2. Extention Offices in Acme, Carbon, Linden, Torrington & Trochu are CLOSED
3. BUS RUNS HAVE STOPPED and NO Community Bus runs will occur on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week in Three Hills.
4. The CommUnity Drop-In Centre, Three Hills is CLOSED.
5. NO BUS TRIP TO RED DEER for APRIL.
6. Frozen Meals on Wheels is available.
Attention Kneehill County Seniors: Kneehill Regional Family & Community Support Services (KRFCSS) will be providing free Income Tax services starting in early March until the end of April, 2020.
Please PHONE THEIR OFFICE for an appointment @ 403-443-3800.
Do Not Drop In for a visit.
Out of the Mouth of ‘Little People’ – I guess there’s hope for us yet.
This is your great-grandma and great grandpa,” I told my grandson as I handed him a photo of my parents. “Do you think I look like them?”
He shook his head. “Not yet.”
