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By CHAT News Today

Co-ordinating services

Online hub will help find support for seniors

May 11, 2020 | 10:52 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The provincial government is creating an online hub that will help seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic and long after.

Called CORE, (Collaborative Online Resources and Education) the hub will provide a platform for organizations that serve seniors to improve the delivery of services. Organizations will be able to share resources and co-ordinate services, with the current focus on COVID-19 issues, including transportation, food security, social isolation and home supports.

Organizations will be able to access training, COVID-19 information and resources, map where the greatest needs are across the province and aid seniors in more remote locations to get the support they need.

“We are using this technology to better serve Alberta seniors. Older individuals are among those most at-risk for COVID-19″ said Josephine Pon, minister of seniors and housing. “We believe the online knowledge hub will enhance the way organizations support seniors during the pandemic, and help keep them safe as we move forward with our relaunch plans.”

The Alberta government and partners will invest about $720,000 in inter-agency programs and initiatives that will be coordinated through CORE. Those partners include Alberta Health Services, Alberta Blue Cross and the federal government. The United Way of Calgary and Area will administer the hub and act as the project’s fiscal agent.

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CORE Alberta will feature:

• Online forums to access training, share resources and promote best practices.
• A link to Alberta 211 for seniors seeking direct supports.
• Information about volunteer safety, protocols and guidelines.
• Links to funding opportunities and resources to address challenges related to COVID-19.

A government release says Sage Seniors Association, carya, Age-Friendly Calgary and Edmonton Seniors Co-ordinating Council worked with more than 160 seniors-serving organizations across Alberta to develop the platform over the past year.

CORE Alberta will also coordinate with Family and Community Support Services to build on the government’s investment of $30 million to support seniors and vulnerable Albertans.