Helpline connects seniors to important resources
Getting older isn’t easy. When you run into a problem it can be hard to know where to turn.
“The issue is often not that there is no one to help,” says Emma Potter from the Canadian Mental Health Association, an organization that provides assistance to anyone in Edmonton in distress or affected by mental health issues or illness. “But sometimes there are so many resources and options out there that navigation becomes a challenge.”
That’s why Potter will be giving a talk on behalf of the CMHA at this year’s Seniors’ Housing Forum. As Helplines Manager, Potter has experiencing connecting seniors in need with the right resources.
“We [at the CMHA] are here 24/7 to provide support by listening to people’s needs and referring them to the right places,” describes Potter.
Through their 211 phone program, CMHA also offer the Seniors Information Phone Line, which specifically helps seniors and their caregivers by providing information, referrals, and navigation assistance to social, health, and government programs.
This is the CMHA’s second time being involved with the Seniors’ Housing Forum, where they will once again present a formal overview of the community resources available for seniors in need, starting with the Seniors Information Phone Line.
“We encourage any seniors looking for support on any needs they have to dial 2-1-1 and press 2 to access the Seniors Information Phone Line. From there, our highly-trained staff will be able to guide them in the right direction for their needs,” says Potter, who admits that it can be difficult for seniors and caregivers to find all of the many potential places offering support on their own.
Having an easy-to-remember number that people can call to get the right information for their needs helps to reduce frustration, confusion, and the likelihood of someone going without the help they need and deserve, emphasizes Potter. “We can provide assistance with everything from finding social activities, connecting to emergency food or finances, in-home assistance, and supports for mental health like counselling.”
The CMHA maintains relationships with many local organizations in an effort to stay on top of all the resources that are available to help.
“Specifically, for seniors, we maintain partnerships with the local seniors outreach providers that allow us to provide enhanced support and connections for the most vulnerable and isolated,” says Potter, adding that CMHA staff are able to perform a comprehensive Needs Assessment tailored to seniors and older adults, which helps connect them to the appropriate outreach services.
“Each year I have seniors approach me with questions about where to turn, and stories of how they’ve called many places but haven’t gotten the help they need,” describes Potter. “Through using our seniors’ Needs Assessment, I’ve been able to ask a few simple questions to guide them to the place that can and should be providing the service they need.”
While this year’s presentation will review all of the resources available for seniors to help meet their basic needs – including physical, mental, and emotional health – Potter will also be discussing wills and estates, which is something that came up during last year’s question period following her presentation.
“Last year there were many questions about wills and estate planning for seniors without the means to pay for a full-fee lawyer,” she says. “Through the information I had – plus testimonials from others in the room – we were able to provide information about free legal services available to seniors.”
It’s during this question period that attendees are encouraged to come prepared with enquiries for Potter, but, if time doesn’t allow for all queries to be answered, participants are urged to follow up by calling 211 and discussing their personal needs with CMHA staff.