Keeping Older Ontarians Safe and Connected in Uxbridge

 Community-Based Initiatives Receive Grants for Older Adults 

 December 15th, 2020 

Uxbridge— Ontario is investing in the Seniors Centre Without Walls Program to help community organizations deliver diverse community projects that will enable older adults to stay connected with their communities from the safety of their home. 

Today the Township of Uxbridge received $12,520 from the province to provide programming that will help older adults maintain their physical, mental and social well-being as they continue to self-isolate due to the COVID-19 outbreak. 

“The Seniors Centre Without Walls projects are of great benefit to Ontario’s older adults, especially during these challenging times,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “Helping seniors access programs and services while they remain at home has tremendous health benefits, including helping to keep them safe and out of the hospital.” 

The funding is being provided to help non-profit organizations, local services boards and Indigenous groups develop programs that will: 

  • Help older Ontarians receive the support they need in their community, reducing demand on acute and long-term care 
  • Ensure Ontarians are less at risk for neglect, abuse and fraud, and that their rights and dignity are protected 
  • Ensure more older adults are connected and engaged, reducing social isolation and leading to wellness and better health 
  • Provide more opportunities for older adults to achieve greater financial security and engagement within the community. 

“These projects will make a big difference in the lives of older Ontarians here in Uxbridge by helping them maintain their autonomy and independence,” said MPP Peter Bethlenfalvy in Pickering-Uxbridge. “They will also help to provide meaningful opportunities for older adults to connect with their communities without risking their health.” 

“This grant from the Ministry of Seniors and Acessibility will help further our efforts to expand services specifically targeted at Uxbridge’s aging demographic. Awareness of the need to continue to reduce possible isolation and loneliness of seniors has grown during the pandemic and this grant will help the Township deliver services to actively engage this demographic,” said Bruce Garrod, Councillor Ward 3 Uxbridge and representative on the Age Friendly Advisory Committee of Council. 

“In today’s world, and especially in this time of pandemic, use of digital technology is key to the full participation of seniors in the community. This grant will allow us to bring seniors together, virtually, to discuss topics that are important to their health, safety and social connections. It supports one of the three main goals of our Age-Friendly Action Plan: “to ensure older adults are connected, respected and informed,” stated David Richardson, Chair of the Age Friendly Committee. 

The health and safety of Ontario’s older adults remain a key priority for the government. The province is working to ensure that seniors are connected to the programs and activities in their communities that help improve their safety and overall wellbeing. 

LEARN MORE 

Programs and services to help seniors be healthy, active and engaged 

Seniors Active Living Centres 

Age Friendly Communities