There is an increased risk of more severe outcomes for Canadians who are:
- aged 65 and over
- with compromised immune systems
- with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and lung disease
Government and local resources for seniors
Government resources and programs
- *New Resource - Ontario Community Support Association: Helping isolated, low-income seniors get meals, groceries, medicine and other essentials to stay safe at home during COVID-19
- Home and Community Care - How to get help for patients and seniors who need support living at home
- Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income System payments for seniors
- The Ontario government is doubling the Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS) payment for all recipients for 12 months beginning January 2023. This measure will increase the maximum GAINS payment to $166 per month for single seniors and to $332 per month for couples, a maximum increase of almost $1,000 per person in 2023. Starting January 2023 until December 2023, the doubled payment will be automatically issued as part of your regular monthly GAINS payments.
Local resources and programs
- Guelph Wellington Seniors Association
- Dufferin County Senior’s Services
- Meals on Wheels for Wellington Dufferin Guelph area
- Ontario 211 - primary source of information on government and community-based social services.
- Live Answer | Online Resources | 24/7 |150 + languages | Web Chat 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- gethelp@211ontario.ca | Call 211
- Toll free – 1-877-330-3213
- VON - Wellington-Dufferin Telephone reassurance: Provides a daily phone call to check on the health and safety of people who live alone. Phone: 519-323-2330 or 1-888-506-6353
- TeleCheck-Dufferin: A daily check-in call for adults 55+, 7 days a week. No referral required. No assessment required. No fee for service. Phone: 519-415-3764
-
Seniors Safety Line: Free and confidential emotional support and crisis intervention line available 24/7. 1-866-299-1011
Reduce your risk
- Wash your hands often for 20 seconds (especially before eating).
- Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue or your sleeve.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
- Disinfect high-touch surfaces in your home often (door knobs, light switches, etc.).
- If you have a doctor’s appointment, call ahead first before attending.
- Work with your healthcare provider to ensure you have access to all necessary medications.