Supporting Caregivers, Enhancing Lives
At Westend Seniors Activity Centre, we care for our seniors holistically, supporting their physical, emotional, and social well-being. We believe in fostering a community that promotes healthy aging and enhances the quality of life for our members. Our mission to promote healthy aging and enhance quality of life aligns perfectly with Caregivers Alberta’s vision of a society that values and supports caregivers.
We’re proud to share resources from Caregivers Alberta, an organization that aligns with our commitment to supporting the well-being of seniors and their caregivers. Like Caregivers Alberta, we recognize the importance of providing valuable information, support, and connections to those who care for our loved ones. By partnering with organizations like Caregivers Alberta, we aim to empower our members and their families with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive.
LATEST NEWS FROM CAREGIVERS ALBERTA
Your Input Matters: Improving How We Connect You to Caregiver Education & Programs
Caregivers Alberta wants to hear from you! We’re conducting a short survey to learn how you engage with our education sessions and caregiver-focused programs—and how we can improve the way we connect these opportunities to you.
Caregiving Together Across Canada: You Are Not Alone
Caregiving often involves more than just physical care—it includes grieving losses that happen while the care recipient is still alive. Many caregivers mourn the parent who no longer recognizes them, the child who struggles to communicate, or the partner whose laughter fades into silence. Despite this ongoing grief, caregivers show up every day with love and resilience, carrying a heavy emotional burden that often goes unseen.
Proudly supported by the Petro-Canada CareMakers Foundation, the National Caregiver Collaborative campaign invites you to explore caregiving organizations and discover the programs, services, and supports available in your community or province.
Home Fire Safety for Seniors — A Guide for June 2025
From June 2 to 8, 2025, Assisted Living and Social Services focused on ways to make our communities safer for seniors and loved ones by sharing important home fire safety tips.
Did you know? Cooking is the leading cause of house fires. Medical oxygen use increases fire risk. Working smoke alarms save lives—test them monthly! Your local fire department may offer assistance with smoke alarms and escape planning.
Fire and life safety matters at every age, but as we grow older, changes in mobility, physical abilities, and health can increase risks. The good news is that simple, practical steps can help protect you and your home.
Fire Safety Tips for Seniors and Caregivers
Stay Safe in the Kitchen: Never leave cooking unattended. Keep flammable items away from heat sources, avoid loose clothing while cooking, and if a pan catches fire, turn off the stove immediately—never use water on a grease fire.
Use Oxygen with Care: Keep oxygen tanks away from open flames and heat. Never smoke near oxygen equipment.
Check Your Smoke Alarms: Install smoke alarms on every level of your home. Test them monthly and replace batteries yearly. For those with hearing or vision challenges, consider alarms with flashing lights or vibrations.
Plan Your Escape: Know two ways out of every room. Practice your escape plan regularly and prepare an emergency kit with essential medications, important documents, and emergency contact numbers.
Create a Safer Home Environment: Keep hallways and exits clear, use flameless candles, avoid overloading electrical outlets, and install carbon monoxide detectors.
You’re Not Alone — Help Is Available
If you need assistance, reach out to family, friends, caregivers, or contact your local fire department. Many departments provide support with smoke alarms and safety planning.
Beyond Medicine: How Social Prescribing Supports Caregivers – Now Streaming
In case you missed it last week, our webinar Beyond Medicine: How Social Prescribing Supports Caregivers is now live on the Healthy Aging Alberta YouTube Channel!
CAREGIVERS ALBERTA
Caregivers Alberta provide resources, support and education to help people provide care to family members or friends. Their services are wide-ranging to match the needs of caregivers: from caregiver support line to one-on-one coaching and peer support groups to their award-winning caregiver education program, COMPASS for the Caregiver.
ONE-ON-ONE SUPPORT
The Caregiver Coach provides one-on-one support. You can connect by:
- Phone: 780-453-5088 | 1-877-453-5088 (toll-free)
- Email: su*****@***************ta.ca
ONLINE SUPPORT FOR CAREGIVERS IN ALBERTA
Writers’ Circle:
- Participants will receive a journal prompt, write, and then share their thoughts with one another.
- Bi-weekly on Wednesdays,
- 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. (online)
Compass for the Caregiver:
- This education course is designed to equip caregivers with more skills and strategies for managing stress within their role.
- Session dates and times vary
Caregivers Book Club
- four weeks, three books, great company and conversation!
- Every 2nd Thursday of the month,
- 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (online)
Men’s Den Caregiver Support Community
- a small group gathering for male caregivers.
- Bi-weekly on Wednesdays,
- 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (online)
