Community Connections is IN TRANSITION. The program, funded by the Employment and Social Development Canada 2023-2025, was designed to help seniors in St. Albert and the Sturgeon Region to age in place. It had three components:
- Frozen Meal Deliver. Meals on Wheels frozen meals are delivered to seniors’ homes by volunteers. Many options for ordering and paying. Free delivery. MOWs users may still order the frozen meals and this service will continue.
- Friendly Visits and Calls: Help reduce loneliness. Volunteers visit or call seniors on a weekly basis. Individuals can self-refer or refer other persons. No new applications for a visitor are being consider.
- Transportation: Access to door-to-door transportation services to critical medical appointments and other essentials for life (e.g., medication pick-ups, grocery runs). Limited to low income seniors. Income verification needed. Limited service currently being offered, only on a higher needs basis. Call Cruz Pinzon to find out more.
- UPDATES on the continuation of the program will come mid-February 2026. Contact Program Manager Cruz Pinzon in February for more info.
Loneliness and social isolation can have significant negative impacts on both mental and physical health.
Here are some of the key risks associated with these conditions:
- Depression and Anxiety: Sustained feelings of loneliness can lead to anxiety and depression.
- Suicidality and Self-harm: There’s an increased risk for suicidality and self-harm among those who experience chronic loneliness.
- Heart Disease and Stroke: Social isolation and loneliness can increase a person’s risk for heart disease and stroke.
- Type 2 Diabetes: There’s an increased risk for type 2 diabetes among those who are socially isolated.
- Weakened Immune System: Social isolation can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and diseases.
- Obesity: There’s a higher risk for obesity among those who are socially isolated.
- Dementia: Chronic loneliness can lead to cognitive decline and increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Earlier Death: Lack of social connections can increase your risk of premature death to levels that are similar to people who smoke daily.
