Alberta Seniors & Community Housing Association
9711 47 Avenue NW T6E 5M7 Edmonton, AB, Canada

https://www.cbc.ca//central-alberta-senior-lodges-waiting- This continues to be a major issue, causing many frustrations for seniors housing. ASCHA Members are extremely concerned with the inconsistencies in vaccine rollout and the confusion being created for residents, families and staff. We must keep our communities safe, and resident and staff vaccinations are critical to this. #ableg #ahs #COVID #vaccines Bridges Community Living

All Albertans face challenges. Most of the time, we can find our way through or lean on friends and family. But what if you need more help? Where you live in Alberta can make accessing other supports a challenge. Rapid Access Counselling is changing that, offering affordable counselling by secure video chat or phone to anywhere in Alberta. Whether you’re facing a current crisis or an ongoing challenge, change-focused conversations can help you identify the next steps. Appo...intments are often available within a 3 business days. Book online at https://www.CommunityConnectYYC.ca (click Rapid Access Counselling), or call 1.877.244.2360 (toll-free). Looking for more information about Single Session Counselling? Visit https://www.cfs-ab.org//mental-h/rapid-access-counselling/ for answers to frequently asked questions.

We need to be the "sidekicks" to support our front line "superheroes" right now. Pull up your mask and do all you can to keep community spread down. Staff members still need to access essential goods and services for their own households while keeping as safe as possible for those they serve. Seniors housing staff are doing an amazing job - and they need your help more than ever! #abhousing #abseniors #seniorshousing #abgov

During #housingmonth, as we share statistics about housing need in Canada and Alberta, we are also aware that more data is required and that housing information should be shared more broadly - especially in relation to current housing inventory and programs. What are some of the statistics you'd like to know about housing in Alberta? #abhousing

With the increasing cases of COVID-19 across the province, we are reminding Albertans that the rate in which the pandemic spreads lies with you and the choices you make. The seniors our members serve and protect every day are relying on you to do all you can to keep their odds of contracting the virus down. With community transmission up, we as community members all have a role to play. We want to ensure a balanced approach so that seniors can still enjoy activities, still s...ee their designated visitors, and have adequate staffing levels. This means that everyone has to stay as healthy as possible. Stay home if you are sick or have been around someone who is, maintain social distancing, wash your hands, and wear a mask in public. And be mindful of where you go, how you interact socially, and even who you invite into your home. We are all in this together and we can control the spread! See more

We have some more #housing news to share! Congratulations to the City of Lacombe for moving forward with its #affordablehousing strategy and providing spaces for Albertans in housing need. #housingmatters #housingmonth https://rdnewsnow.com//lacombes-affordable-housing-strat/

The Alberta Council on Aging shared this amazing video with us! You have to check it out! Happy #NationalSeniorsDay! https://youtu.be/Pl2fMCCQHBo

What an amazing story out of our member site, Points West Living Red Deer! Congratulations to Harold! What a feat! We also love that he "credits his energy levels to the good food and care he receives." #abseniors #seniorshousing #seniorsliving https://www.cbc.ca//harold-lehmann-cycles-globe-on-station

This is an excellent video and message! Happy #internationaldayofolderpersons2020 https://youtu.be/v85co2g9BfQ

While we weren't able to celebrate with Minister Pon in person due to our South Region Meeting with our members today, but we join her in the recognition of the important contributions seniors make to our country, province and communities. Celebrate the seniors today! We'd love to hear how you are sharing the day with a special senior in your life! #internationaldayofolderpersons2020 #abseniors #abgov

The Rapid Housing Initiative, part of the Federal government's #NationalHousingStrategy, will supply much needed housing across Alberta, for communities in need of affordable, immediate, options. This includes Edmonton and Calgary. #housingmonth #housingmatters.

Every day is #seniorsday at ASCHA! We advocate for the housing and supports #abseniors need, calling for the following: 1. Housing Sector Sustainability - this means that we need funding models and legislation that supports more housing options. This ensures we can meet housing need and demand. It also means more flexibility so that communities can offer innovative and creative solutions for people. 2. Appropriate Supports for Seniors - housing isn't just bricks and mortar.... It's not enough to build buildings to live in, seniors need to live WELL in our buildings! And to do that, they need the appropriate supports regardless of their income levels, or where they choose to live. And they need coordinated services - a full host of community and wellness supports so they can live with purpose and dignity. 3. Transparent Capital Planning - the public deserves to know which Albertan communities are in the greatest need of seniors housing (and the type of housing required), how decisions are made, and why and how capital projects are awarded or approved. 4. Outcome driven models over compliance driven models - seniors don't want to live somewhere only focused on complying with all the "rules" within a certain "system" or "program." They need approaches that ensure positive outcomes for THEM. Outcome-driven models that focus on their enjoyment, wellness and other measures that can show they are living their best life possible. #ItsTime for seniors and seniorshousing to matter! For more information about our Key Talking Points please visit us at: https://ascha.com/advocacy_points.php #seniorshousing #abseniors

Did you know that the population of seniors in Alberta is currently over 645,000 and is expected to grow to one million by 2035? Open your window of opportunity to advance your career in a sector that is constantly growing by enrolling in the ASCHA/Red Deer College Certificate Programs for Senior Housing Activity Coordinators and Site Managers. All courses are conveniently delivered online to fit in your busy schedule. For more information https://ascha.com/education_certificate.php

As #stayathome messaging circulates broadly to protect our most vulnerable during the pandemic, it is important to note the need for safe places for people to "stay at home." On today's #internationaldayofolderpersons2020, ASCHA calls upon governments of all levels to ensure we are working together with community partners to ensure the right housing options (with wrap around services) are available to meet the needs of older Canadians now, and well into the future! #seniorshousing #GovernmentofCanada #abgov

Drs Hoben (Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta) and Maxwell (University of Waterloo) invite caregivers of Designated Supportive Living residents in Alberta, and of Assisted Living residents in British Columbia, to voice their experiences in a survey: https://sites.google.com/ualberta/covcaresab-bc/participate

Excellent news for those in Edmonton faced with housing challenges - congratulations to Right at Home Housing Society! https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm

The 2020 Speech from The Throne highlighted a strong commitment to affordable housing programs, reiterating that housing is a fundamental human right for all Canadians. It also emphasized the importance of programs and services to support those in need of affordable housing, ensuring individuals can remain housed as they progress through the housing continuum. ASCHA embraces the opportunities presented in this speech to leverage Federal investments and explore partnerships....Continue reading

Very creative way to enjoy the symphony!

We echo this appreciation across the province! Thank you for your extraordinary work that is so critical to resident safety!

Respiratory Illnesses and Influenza in the COVID-19 Era Webinar targeted to Residents, Families and Front-line Staff On Sep. 23rd at 2 pm ASCHA in partnership with Sanofi Pasteur will be hosting this education session for our members. Register now and share the webinar info within your communities. The webinar will be presented by Dr. Mary Szabo MD FCFP(EM), Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Calgary. The webinar will cover: COVID-19 Overview Myths on COV...ID-19 Misconceptions about Vaccination Flu and COVID-19 similarities and differences Alberta’s strategy for upcoming Flu Season To register https://register.gotowebinar.com/regist/7184364415816442893 See more

Congratulations to Leduc Regional Housing Foundation on the Grand Opening of additional units at Linsford Gardens. Safe, affordable homes are so important to ensuring strong, enjoyable communities - this is great news for Leduc! http://www.ascha.com//20200914ABNewsReleaseLinsfordOpening

Great to see productive conversations happening!

Red Deer College Commercial Kitchen Management Certificate Program This online certificate program will help you develop kitchen management skills that focus on inventory control, budgeting, menu planning, marketing and HR management in seniors housing kitchen settings. All ASCHA members get 10% discount off the tuition fee. For more info https://rdcabca.augusoft.net/index.cfm

Are You Looking to Make a Career Switch? While most industries are scaling back or shutting down operations and laying off workers, seniors housing providers are grappling with a surge in demand of qualified professionals. ASCHA/ Red Deer College Online Certificate Programs for Site Managers and Activity Coordinators prepares you to enter into the seniors housing sector and/or advance your career. For more information https://ascha.com/education_certificate.php