Staying connected on a budget
TELUS’ Mobility for Good program will provide seniors with access to free smartphones, a subsidized mobility rate plan and reduced internet fees.
As human beings, we need each other. Social connection and the ability to connect with friends and loved ones has a direct impact on quality of life, however, this has proven difficult during this current time of lockdowns and restrictions. For many people including seniors, these restrictions can often lead to isolation, a sense of loneliness and other mental health struggles.
Fortunately for Calgary and area seniors, there are many inexpensive ways to stay connected with friends and loved ones that don’t necessarily involve much knowledge of technology. Recently, the Calgary Public Library launched a pilot program called Borrow a Computer, which lets any valid library card holder request a Chromebook to use at home. Remember, a library card is free, so this program is very accessible to those on a limited budget. Members can request a computer through the online catalogue and will receive the item through a holds process. Each device can be borrowed for up to eight weeks.
The current pandemic has placed an increased need for access to this technology and for Carrie Kitchen, service design lead at the Calgary Public Library, Borrow a Computer has helped fill the gap. “The Library has provided access to computers for many years in our locations, and when the COVID-19 shutdowns began, we quickly distributed about 400 of our existing Chromebooks to people in need through the City and our community partners,” says Kitchen. “That helped fill the gap temporarily, but we realized we needed a longer-term, sustainable way to get technology into the hands of people who need it to work from home, take online schooling, or just connect with friends and family. The pandemic has highlighted the need, but this is a service we plan to continue providing long after it has finished.” These computers can be requested through the Calgary Public Library website (calgarylibrary.ca/borrow-a-computer) and picked up at any Calgary Public Library location — with every branch except Rocky Ridge featuring curbside pickup. If seniors need help placing a hold, Kitchen encourages seniors to call the Library Hotline at 403- 260-2600.
For those seniors who may feel intimidated by the new technology, the program also provides information on some of the other supports offered by the CPL. “Seniors (or anyone else) can always call our Library Hotline for help, and I highly recommend our Tech Mentors program where experienced volunteers will work one on one to help people with any technology questions or problems they may have,” says Kitchen. “You can see more information about that program at https://calgary library.ca/events-and-programs/ programs/tech-mentors/ and if seniors need help registering and getting into the online program, the Hotline staff can help with that, as well.”
TELUS has established a program for seniors that will provide access to free smartphones, and subsidized mobility rate plan and reduced internet fees. TELUS Mobility for Good for seniors offers low-income seniors who receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) benefit a free, refurbished smartphone and a subsidized rate plan, which provides unlimited, Canada-wide talk and text and 3GB of data for $25/ month. The application process and additional details are available online at telus.com/MobilityforGoodSeniors. “COVID-19 has impacted our lives in unimaginable ways, and now more than ever before, much of our lives are being lived online,” says Nimtaz Kanji, director of community investment at TELUS. “In light of these changes, we want to ensure low-income seniors can participate in our digital world and have access to the technology they need to stay in touch with loved ones and access important resources and information, while following important and necessary COVID-19 safety guidelines.” The process to sign up is simple, with seniors needing to submit some basic information and government documentation proving that they receive the GIS benefit. Seniors can also have a family member or friend help them if they require support.
Once their application is approved, the customer will be sent a unique code that they will need to order their phone and plan. Their order can be placed online or by calling TELUS, after which TELUS will send the customer a free smartphone and SIM card. For seniors who may not have access to a computer or internet, Kanji suggests reaching out to friends or loved ones to help complete the process. “We recognize that some eligible seniors may not have access to a computer, and we encourage them to enlist the help of a friend, family member, social or case worker to assist them in their application,” says Kanji. “Applications are reviewed within three weeks, and if approved, seniors will be emailed a unique code that they can then use to order their phone and activate their plan — either online or by calling TELUS.”
For seniors looking to stay connected and learn a thing or two, Storytelling Alberta has launched a free friendly outreach program called StoryShare as a pilot project during the pandemic for Calgary and area seniors aged 65 years of age or over. The program, which features three unique sessions, has proven to be a huge hit so far with more than 150 services delivered between October and December 2020. The Individual StoryShare Session features Storytelling Alberta professional storytellers delivering a story to one or two seniors via phone or video platform. Participation is encouraged as the client(s) can share an anecdote from their lived history if they wish. A community volunteer connects the senior(s) to any resources they might need. Also featured is the Tellaround session that sees Storytelling Alberta host online story sharing circles where clients can join by phone or video to tell a story or listen to others share theirs. The final feature, entitled Legacy Recording, features a recording (by phone or video platform) of a senior’s story or an interview with them as part of StoryShare’s Legacy project. “We delivered 150 StoryShare sessions to 97 Calgary and area seniors (some seniors took advantage of more than one service). We employ 12 career storytellers who get paid for their StoryShare work,” says Doreen Vanderstoop, president of Storytelling Alberta.
“We have a cadre of 15 to 20 volunteers who participate in our sessions as caring community listeners who provide connections to resources such as information on grocery and prescription delivery services, government numbers and much more.” To register for one of the features, seniors or their loved ones can fill in an online request form at https://storytellingalberta.com/ storyshare-request-form, or they can call Storytelling Alberta at 587-578-6790. Once the request goes in, an administrator sets up the session and the storyteller confirms with the client. The onset of the pandemic has brought about increased isolation for seniors. However, a group of Calgary high school students have stepped forward to help bring some joy and uplift the spirits of those in need, launching the Joy4All program— a hot line where seniors and different age groups could call in and receive jokes, positive messages and inspiring quotes. When seniors dial the local number, 403-209-4300, they will be able to choose from several pre-recorded options so that they can listen to stories, kind messages, jokes and much more. How seniors connect may have changed during these uncertain times. What hasn’t changed is the desire to create these connections. Local innovations and initiatives aimed at helping bring seniors and their friends and loved ones together have helped to ease the burden or isolation
~ Story originally published in the Calgary Herald (February 22, 2021 edition)
