Directors Message COVID-19 Update Housing Info
Community Update
With COVID-19 case counts starting to rise all across Canada, including right here in Toronto, some health experts are saying that the fourth wave is already here. In Ontario, the Chief Medical Officer of Health has stated that further openings of the economy will be delayed as a means to manage increasing cases of COVID-19 in our communities.
Vaccine Update
It has been mandated by Public Health Ontario that those of us working in healthcare and in high-risk settings, including employees of home and community service providers, must be vaccinated or submit to regular COVID-19 testing. SPLC already has a vaccine policy in place that meets many of the requirements outlined by the Chief Medical Officer of Health regarding vaccination of employees.
Already, SPLC staff have done remarkably well to get their vaccines: 91% of all staff already have their first dose and 82% are fully vaccinated.
We continue to encourage all staff, volunteers and seniors to get fully vaccinated to further help ensure the safety and wellbeing of our community.
If you need help getting your vaccination appointment or have questions, please call 416-493-3333. SPLC can assist with booking appointments, transportation to a community clinic, and providing other needed supports.
Our Programs
We understand that many of us are eager for a return to normal, but at SPLC we are committed to taking a slow and cautious response to program reopening so that we can ensure the safety of our community.
In line with the province’s decision to delay re-openings, SPLC will also delay further re-openings. Programs and services will continue to operate as they currently are: small group programs will continue as they have been this summer. Virtual programs will continue.
We will continue to follow Public Health guidelines and maintain our commitment to ensuring infection prevention and control measures, such as having staff, volunteers and participants wear masks and maintain physical distancing.
In-Person Programs
- Adult Day Program
Adult Day Program reopened on June 30 with small groups to allow physical distancing. SPLC is following strict COVID-19 protocols. Participants are expected to wear a mask and will be screened prior to entry. Sessions are half-day available in the mornings or the afternoons. All staff are expected to wear a mask and eye protection, sanitize hands, and disinfect high contact surfaces, chairs and washrooms. At this time, caregivers will not be permitted to enter the building in order to reduce the number of people inside. Virtual and mobile programs continue.
- Addiction Support Program
Our Addiction Support program is having small group meetings, outdoors. - Personal Care and Homemaking
Deemed an essential service, Personal Services continue as usual.
Homemaking services have resumed and are available in the area between Steeles Ave. E. to Ellesmere Rd. and Don Mills Rd. to McCowan Rd (Additional fees may apply if service is requested outside of this area). There is a service fee at $20 per hour with minimum requirement for 2 hours. Personalized Service Plans are based on an assessment of your abilities and needs. Seniors can expect reliable, professional staff who are provided with ongoing training to ensure safe and quality services. Please contact us to inquire about this important service. - Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels contactless meals delivery continues.
- Transportation Services
Transportation services continue to be available for seniors in need of transportation to medical and vaccine appointments and grocery shopping. Transportation services to and from SPLC Day Programs is also restarting. To ensure the health and safety of staff and clients, SPLC vehicles are cleaned and disinfected before and after use. Passengers will be screened for COVID-19 and expected to sanitize their hands, wear a mask, and sit at assigned seats to maintain distancing.
- Health Promotion
Health Promotion continues with a Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Market on-site in the Recreation Room, occurring once or twice monthly.
- Active Living Centre
Active Living Centre is reopened safely, starting with small group meetings and outdoor art classes.
- Care Management
Non-urgent continue care management continues virtually. In-person services will slowly re-open for urgent, essential supports.
- Terrace Restaurant
The Terrace is opening for limited indoor and outdoor patio dining. Delivery services to tenants and residents continues.
Virtual / Phone Programs
Recognizing that SPLC programs are key to promoting the wellbeing of seniors, SPLC continues to offer its programs through new tools, such as phone and online.
SPLC continues to conduct friendly check-ins, providing counselling and support services to seniors by phone to help them feel safe and connected. We are ensuring access to specialized health care professionals through our Geriatric Assessment and Intervention Network (GAIN) Community Team.
By phone and online, SPLC offers a range of programs, including:
- Support groups in Korean, Mandarin, Tamil, and more
- Wellness groups in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin
- Virtual and teleconference gatherings for Sri Lankan members of our community
- Chat group for men age 55+
- English conversation groups
- Caregiver support group in Cantonese
- Care management support groups
Our community of seniors have been having a lot of fun connecting virtually for weekly Chinese karaoke nights on Fridays, art classes, mindful meditation, and more. There’s a seniors’ yoga class every Friday and Monday.
Check the SPLC online events calendar for more events coming up. Also, visit Adult Day Program and Active Living Centre for more information. Or, call 416-493-3333 for more information.
Learning New Technology
For many of us, technology has played a big part in helping us stay connected with one another throughout the pandemic. But first we must learn to use technology tools!
SPLC offers a free 40-minute Technology Assistance session over the phone to seniors in our community. This program is for seniors at any level of technology experience. Call 416-493-3333 or email sukaina@splc.ca for more information.
