INFO-FLASH News
- Special COVID-19 Updates
2020-04-01
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Key information sources are at the bottom of this message
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As we stay at home to be safe and healthy, we must rethink our approach getting food to our tables. Whatever the method you use, we need to give it some thought and proceed with caution as older adults. Here are a few tips to do it safety.
What food to have on hand
Public health officials have told us we should have two weeks of food on hand for when we become sick. To do this, you can add a few extra items to your grocery cart every time you shop. Good options are easy-to-prepare foods like dried pasta and sauce and canned soups, vegetables, fruits, and beans. For a full list of a list of essential supplies to have on hand, check out the Ottawa Public Health fact sheet on
how to prepare for a pandemic situation
.
If you are self-isolating and especially if you have symptoms, it is important to maintain good nutrition. Make sure you are eating and drinking regularly, even if you have a low appetite. You can find more information on nutrition and healthy eating at
unlockfood.ca
(Dietitians of Canada) or
Canada's Food Guide
(Health Canada).
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The new when, where, and how of shopping
We are seeing a variety of options to shop in person and online that are safer for older adults. Take advantage of
early shopping hours offered by some stores
for seniors and other vulnerable customers with special needs.
If you need help getting groceries, don’t be shy to ask your family, friends and neighbours for help. Consider putting a card with your request and contact information in your front window or on your apartment door to let others know you need help. If you are able to help others, leave a note in an older neighbour’s mail box or on their apartment door, like the
bilingual card
provided by Councillor McKenney.
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Other meal options
They continue to deliver meals to older clients with some changes in the delivery process to protect your health and safety. To cut down on the number of deliveries to your home, most agencies are asking you to order frozen meals. Try this service to reduce the number of times you must leave the house to shop as well.
Many restaurants continue to offer home delivery through services such as
Uber Eats
,
Skip the Dishes
,
DoorDash
,
or a new local service
Love Local Delivery
. Call or look-up your favourite restaurants online to see what is on their menu and for their safe food handling practices, such as contactless delivery.
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Food safety and COVID-19
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Keeping meals fun and social
Meals are better when shared with others. When you can’t share meals with friends and family, get creative about sharing meals at a safe distance.
- Arrange a morning coffee break with neighbours while staying in your driveways or backyards or on your apartment balconies.
- Invite neighbours on your apartment floor to a doorway potluck. Have a chat over dinner from your doorway. Remember it is not safe to share the food, but you can share the company at a safe distance.
- Plan meals with your extended family on your next call or video chat. Challenge them to make “crazy pizzas” at the same time, with whatever crazy food combos are available at home; or try an old family favourite recipe. Post pictures and recipes of your meals on social media for others to share in your mealtime fun.
- Sit down with your afternoon cup of tea and call a friend you haven’t talked to in ages.
We’re in this together!
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Sarah Bercier
Executive Director
The Council on Aging of Ottawa
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Community Information and Services for Seniors
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3-1-1
City of Ottawa
provides information and services for residents about municipal services.
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Resources to Stay Socially Connected
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offers a telephone friendly visiting line for seniors 55+.
613-696-9992 or
1-855-892-9992
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Other Resources and Supports
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Crisis:
613-722-6914
or
1-866-996-0991
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TelAide
offrons un service d’écoute téléphonique en français aux personnes qui ont besoin d’une oreille, qui nécessitent du soutien ou de références.
1-800-567-9699
Elder Abuse Response and Referral Service provides intake,
information, consultation, referral, and support services for seniors at-risk or who are in an abusive situation.
613-596-5626 ext. 230
Telehealth Ontario
is a free,
confidential service you can call to get health advice or information. A Registered Nurse will take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
1-866-797-0000
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What should older adults and their caregivers
know about COVID-19
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Canadian Media Sources on COVID-19
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For all other COA News check the
Updates
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