Senior Connectors are people of all ages who have completed the online training program and who live or work in the community. They are caring, concerned residents who are trained to connect seniors with the supports they need to remain independent, healthy and safe.

Senior Connectors play an important role in our community by recognizing seniors in need of support and responding with the information and resources they need. As people age, they can become isolated and disconnected, which may affect their social, mental and physical well-being.

Meet Tom, for example. Tom is a widowed senior living on his own. His family has moved away and he doesn’t get out much anymore. A neighbour who has completed the training and is a Senior Connector notices that Tom’s car is no longer parked in front of his home and decides to call him to see how he is doing. The neighbour learns Tom is no longer able to drive and needs groceries. So, she picks up some supplies for Tom and provides information about the Accessible Transportation Service for him to use in the future.

The training program teaches participants about a variety of local resources. 2-1-1 Alberta, for example, is a 24-hour information and referral line that helps connect people to a full range of essential social, health and government services in the community.

Each module will take between 15 and 40 minutes to complete. You should expect the entire program to take two hours.

During these challenging times it is important to find ways to be good neighbours to one another. Look for opportunities to provide assistance and support to seniors where you can and when it is safe to do so. You may consider the following services, for example, that don't involve physical contact:

• Delivering groceries or medical supplies
• Mowing the lawn or helping in the garden
• A friendly chat on the phone

Learn more about how to prevent the spread of COVID-19.