COVID-19 Program Launched for Seniors in Isolation

The Windsor-Essex COVID Care Coalition has launched a new program to provide outreach and social support to seniors in isolation due to COVID-19.

The Windsor Essex Seniors Call Assurance program is available to people who are 55 and older as of Monday, April 20. Seniors can sign up for the program by calling (877) 771-2677 from Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. 

“Seniors in our community are not only at the highest risk of poor health due to the COVID-19 crisis, but they are also much more likely to be negatively affected by increased social isolation measures,” said Lorraine Goddard, CEO of United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County, in a release.

The program is intended to help alleviate isolation by providing a meaningful social connection and support through regular telephone check-in calls and referrals to other community supports, if necessary.

"As a community, we know that a lack of social connections and social isolation is a great risk factor for older adults," said Sally Bennett Olczak, CEO, Alzheimer Society of Windsor and Essex County, in a release. "The Alzheimer Society is pleased to act as the central intake agency to provide wrap-around care and support for seniors who call the support line at this critical time."

Seniors who phone the hotline will be referred to an organization near them to receive a security check call within three days of the initial request.

Participating organizations include the Alzheimer Society of Windsor-Essex County, Amherstburg Community Services, Community Support Centre of Essex County, Life After Fifty, South Essex Community Council, The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County and VON Windsor.

More information is available on the United Way website about the Call Assurance program and other support programs.