Resources for Seniors and Their Caregivers

Older Canadians are at a higher risk of developing serious complications if they were to contract COVID-19. The following resources are from the Government of Canada to learn how you can prevent COVID-19 and find tips on taking care of your physical and mental health.

Lower the chance of getting sick

If you’re at high risk for serious illness from COVID-19, it’s important to take actions to lower your chance of getting sick.

• Wash your hands
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol if soap and water aren’t available.
  • Always keep some with you when outside of your home.
• Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Practise physical distancing.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid crowds and large gatherings.

If you can’t maintain a distance of at least 2 metres from others, take the following measures:

• keep interactions brief
• wear a non-medical mask or face covering
• give a friendly wave instead of a handshake, kiss or hug

What to do if you develop symptoms of COVID-19

If you develop the symptoms listed below, call 9-1-1 and inform them that you may have COVID-19 and are at high risk for complications. The following symptoms should be considered urgent:

• difficulty breathing, such as not being able to catch your breath
• chest pain or pressure
• confusion or difficulty waking up

If you think you may have symptoms of COVID-19, stay home and reduce your contact with others:

• Isolate yourself at home for 14 days to avoid spreading it to others.
• Wear a medical mask
• Call your health care provider or local public health authority, and tell them about your symptoms, then follow their instructions.

Take care of your mental and physical health

COVID-19 can increase feelings of social isolation, but you’re not alone. Ask for help if you need it. Stay engaged with your community. If you need someone to talk to in confidence, reach out to:

• Wellness Together Canada: Mental health and substance use support
• Crisis Services Canada: Resources and supports
• Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ mental health COVID-19 resources
• National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly
• Canadian Mental Health Association
• Fountain of Health for Optimal Aging
• Canadian Frailty Network: Tips to avoid social isolation
  • For older adults with technology (PDF)
  • For older adults without technology (PDF)

Financial support

The Government of Canada is supporting older Canadians financially by:

• reducing minimum withdrawals for Registered Retirement Income Funds
• supporting community services and supports, such as the delivery of items and personal outreach through United Way Canada and other organizations
• providing a one-time tax-free payment to help seniors cover increased costs caused by COVID-19
• temporarily extending the Guaranteed Income Supplement and allowance payments

If you receive Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPPD), you may be eligible for other provincial or territorial support, including COVID-19 emergency benefits.

Protect yourself from fraud and elder abuse

Events like COVID-19 can increase the risk of fraud and elder abuse. Learn how to protect yourself from fraud:

• COVID-19: Scams, frauds and misleading claims
• Cyber Security: Cyber hygiene for COVID-19
• Canada Revenue Agency: Know how to recognize a scam
• Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: Reported scams

For caregivers

Providing care to an older adult at home during COVID-19

If you live with an older adult, or provide care in their home:

• wash your hands often
• adhere to respiratory hygiene by covering sneezes and coughs with your sleeve or a clean tissue

Providing care to an older adult in a health or community setting during COVID-19

If you work with older adults in a health or community setting:

• wash your hands often
• adhere to respiratory hygiene by covering sneezes and coughs with your sleeve or a clean tissue

Post signs in commonly used areas. When providing written instructions, use:

• common language
• short messages
• large font and graphics
• accessible instructions, such as braille or photos

If an older adult is showing symptoms of COVID-19, contact your local public health authority and reduce their contact with others by:

• isolating themselves for 14 days or
• staying in a separate room or keeping a 2-metre distance if they live with others

For more information, please visit https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/resources-older-adults-caregivers.html