As the pandemic continues, it is important that seniors stay healthy, active, and connected. SPLC continues to change many of its programs to virtual and phone so that seniors can continue to participate in many of the SPLC programs that rely on and enjoy.
Read on to learn more about programs and services being offered through the pandemic and check out our resources for mental wellness.
FOOD AND GROCERY UPDATE
Did you know that SPLC clients can order the Good Food Box from FoodShare Toronto to get fresh produce delivered? When you purchase a Good Food Box through SPLC, you will be able to make your own fresh, healthy, and balanced meals. Good Food Box can be delivered to all SPLC community clients, including those living at Centre and Terrace buildings. Check our site to find out how to register for this program.
PROGRAMS UPDATE
Just because we are maintaining physical distance, it doesn’t mean we can’t be active! Here are three ways to keep seniors active and healthy with SPLC programs.
- Active Living
During the pandemic, many of our Active Living programs are being offered virtually, and many of our team members are posting activity videos on YouTube. Here are a few:- SPLC team member Sukaina leads a short lesson on how to sketch a sunset on the water.
- Seniors with a green thumb will enjoy a virtual class from our Health Promotion Team Leader, Tracy Yuan, called a Beginners Guide to Growing Vegetables in your Kitchen in English and Mandarin.
- Keep Moving
The SPLC team is encouraging seniors to keep moving with a series of videos on our YouTube channel. Several of our team members, including Linda, Julie, Maricor, and Evan lead several videos on simple chair exercises. There are also excellent Simplified Tai Chi and yoga videos.These videos are free for everyone. If you enjoy them, please consider supporting us.
- Stay Connected
Our groups can not meet in person, but technology is keeping us connected. Many of SPLC’s wellness and support programs are available through phone or Zoom meetups. Here are a few examples of programs:- There is a Telephone Support Group for Tamil-Speaking seniors
- Wellness Group meetings in English include idea-sharing on ways to maintain good mental health.
- A Cantonese Spiritual Support Group, in partnership with St. Paul’s L’Amoreaux Church, meets weekly on Zoom.
For more information on these and many more programs, check out our Health Promotions page.
HEALTH TIP
With long periods of isolation and a loss of many programs that allow for in-person connection, maintaining mental wellness can be a challenge.
Here are resources to help:
- As part of our Care Management program, SPLC is reaching out to its community of seniors with friendly check ins. To stay connected, also check out the many programs offered by SPLC’s Active Living Centre.
- SPLC is offering Virtual Counselling. Counselling can be helpful for a wide variety of issues, such as COVID-19 anxiety, family conflict, grief, stress, life transitions, depression, and more.
- SPLC Wellbeing Support Group in English and Cantonese is available twice monthly by phone. Call 416-493-3333 to register.
- Talk 2 Nice is a local service that also offers free, friendly check-ins to seniors to help ease isolation.
- For a listing of mental health supports for seniors, check out the Canadian Mental Health Association.
- For more resources, check out Canadian Coalition For Seniors' Mental Health page on COVID-19 resources.
Previous SPLC Community Update (May 15, 2020)
