Support Services for Seniors

211 Seniors Information Line

You can now call one number to be connected to programs, services and resources in the community.

Next time you have a question about resources and supports for seniors, call the Seniors Information Phone Line (211). The 211 Information and Referral Specialist will direct callers to appropriate programs and services in the community.

If the caller requires additional support, the call will be transferred over to an outreach worker at one of several senior service agencies in Edmonton.

If you see someone in distress (mental health, shelter and intoxication) call 2-1-1 and press 3 for 24/7 Crisis Diversion.

Senior Isolation and Loneliness

According to the National Seniors Council, approximately 50% of people over the age of 80 report feeling lonely.

Could you go a week without having any positive interactions? Most isolated seniors do, and it’s time we talk about it. Edmonton’s seniors are our parents, grandparents, friends and neighbours with a wealth of knowledge and experience. They helped build our city and communities, leading us to where we are now. How many times were they there for us when we needed them? Let’s be there for them now.

Loneliness and isolation are overlooked problems for those already dealing with mental and physical challenges as they age. Loneliness depends on the quality of day-to-day interactions with other people, not just how many there are.

2 seniors reading newspaper

Seniors in our community are at particular risk of loneliness and isolation due to mobility issues and other factors. However, this does not exclude other Edmontonians who are lacking quality connection in their day-to-day lives.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of mental health concerns, loneliness and isolation are essential to helping seniors who might be suffering. You can help by reserving judgment, making a commitment and offering to help in whatever way you can.

How Can I ‘Connect’ with Seniors?

The following are a few examples of things to do that can help a senior and make meaningful social connections.

Say Hello, How Are You?

It’s a simple way to start a conversation. Some seniors may have trouble hearing or have memory problems, be sure to speak clearly and pause between each sentence or question so that they can digest the information. Give them extra time to answer and show genuine interest in their responses.

Walk with someone

Going for a walk together or tagging along for errands is a great way to connect and encourages seniors to stay active. Getting outside of the home and spending quality time with another person can easily help avoid isolation and combat feelings of loneliness.

Call or FaceTime

Calling a senior regularly is another simple act that can help maintain a senior’s well-being. Make sure that they can easily reach you by programming their phone or computer, walk them through the process, then do a trial run to make sure they are confident to do it independently. Again, showing a genuine interest in the discussion makes them feel connected and heard.

Offer a ride

Seniors that lack adequate access to transportation are more likely to suffer from social isolation. Many seniors have issues driving and taking public transportation; by offering rides, you provide a beneficial social connection and assisting them with public transportation helps them to regain independence.

Explore Transportation Options and Resources

Share a meal

Eating with someone is a personal and easy way to build positive connections, as sharing a meal is inherently social. It is particularly beneficial as a meal can be experienced and shared anywhere and at any home, including a senior’s. Dining with a senior also provides an opportunity to promote better nutrition, an important matter for aging seniors.

Shovel a sidewalk/walkway

Many seniors face a challenge every winter with the arrival of snow and ice limiting their mobility. Helping a senior in need by clearing snow is a simple way to provide relief from potential injury and to offer a helping hand.

View Snow Angels Program

Volunteer to help

There are numerous senior’s centres in Edmonton that provide services, programs and activities to help seniors stay engaged and active. By volunteering, you can enhance the quality of seniors' lives and make positive social impacts and connections.

Seniors Coordinated Outreach

Seniors Coordinated Outreach assists with resources, services and supports by assessing needs and offering appropriate support and outreach services.

Services include:

Housing information and referrals
Support in making the transition from one lifestyle to another
Seniors Housing Guide: a listing of subsidized and unsubsidized housing in the Edmonton area
Support completing applications for financial assistance
Referrals to screened service providers who offer snow removal, yard help, housekeeping, home repair and maintenance, personal services and moving help

Contact the Seniors Information Line by calling 211 and pressing 2, or walk in/call any of the Seniors Coordinated Outreach partner agencies directly.

Assisted Waste Collection

The City’s Waste Services offers an assisted waste collection service for customers who have difficulty getting their recycling or garbage to the curb or lane. Collectors will pick up garbage and recycling from outside the front or back door of the home. There is no additional charge for this service.

Apply For Assisted Waste Collection

Stop Seniors' Abuse

Seniors' abuse is any action or inaction by self or others that jeopardizes the health or well-being of an older adult and which occurs within a relationship where there is an expectation of trust.