Dear Residents and Families,
We remain committed to providing updates to our residents, families, and staff at AgeCare. As such, we are providing weekly updates to keep you all informed on what is happening at our communities and organization-wide.
- Information and announcements – this week, we are sharing resources available to help you cope and support your mental health during this challenging time.
- Recreation calendars as the need to stay active, intellectually stimulated, and socially connected never ends.
- A weekly shout-out to celebrate the great work and activities happening at our AgeCare communities.
We hope these weekly updates helpful. Thank you all for your continued support.
Sincerely,
AgeCare Communications
Mental Health in Challenging Times
The COVID-19 epidemic has drastically changed the way we live, work, and connect with each other in a very short period of time. With the second wave of COVID-19 upon us, we know many people are experiencing a whole host of emotions, including anxiety, anger, sadness, and uncertainty. For many, a sense of loss or feeling like you don’t have control may be common. One set of data from the Mental Health Commission of Canada and the Conference Board of Canada found that 84% of respondents felt their mental health had worsened since the onset of COVID-19 restrictions and related stressors.
Virtual Mental Health Supports
It is important to know that there are resources available to help you cope and support your mental health during these challenging times. The government of British Columbia has a web page dedicated to Virtual Mental Health Supports during COVID-19 with resources and services available to help you or someone you know, including:
- Supports for everyone
- Supports for healthcare workers
- Supports for youth
- Supports for students and educators
- Supports for parents
- Supports for seniors
- Supports for victims of family or sexual violence
- Supports for Indigenous Peoples
Mental Health Check-In
You may wish to do a Mental Health Check-in. It is a free, anonymous self-assessment tool that helps you understand how you are feeling and reflect on your mental, physical and social well-being. It helps you find the resources most useful to you.
Taking Charge of What You Can: A COVID-19 Toolkit
We also found this resource created by Alberta Health Services, an excellent tool to find a sense of control right now. Check out their Taking Charge of What You Can: A COVID-19 Toolkit (PDF) designed to help you focus on the parts of your life that you can take charge of and stop spending energy on the things you cannot control.
Remember, we are all in this together. If you or someone you know is struggling, there is help available.
Recreation Calendar
Our recreation calendars are back, and many of our regular recreational activities in the community have resumed. Residents can participate in a variety of engaging activities that enrich the mind, body and spirit, while maintaining appropriate physical distancing.
Weekly Shout-Out
This week’s shout-out is from AgeCare Sagewood.
We would like to recognize our Care leader team Elizabeth, Maria and Jasvir. They have all been working tirelessly these past few months to ensure our residents remain safe and receive quality care. This year has been difficult with many long hours to support residents and their families, and ongoing changes to how our day to day practices look. They have gone above and beyond to see that everything is in place and we remain compliant with the CMOH orders. Thanks so much for all you guys do each and every day, it is noticed and greatly appreciated!
