The City of Kitchener’s commitment to building an age-friendly community has inspired some new and exciting opportunities for older adults to stay connected during the COVID-91 pandemic and while at home this winter. They include:
Technology Training and Lending Library
Launching this month, older adults in the Kitchener community will be able to access the City’s new technology lending library and training programs tailored for older adults. Tablets or Chromebooks with or without cellular service, will be available for borrowing for up to a month.
In addition to the technology lending library, the City of Kitchener has partnered with the Bits and Bytes computer club to offer virtual group or individual technology training programs. The Bits and Bytes Computer Club hosts ongoing monthly virtual events including speakers’ meetings, computer “drop-in” support, and presentations on a variety of technology
For more information or to register for technology training or the lending library contact Sandy Hrubik at 519-741-2200 ext.5079 (TTY 1-866-969-9994) or by email at sandy.hrubik@kitchener.ca.
Virtual Classes
A recent addition to our Active At Home virtual programs was inspired by some of our most popular registered programs at Rockway Centre including:
Strength training Flexercise Chair yoga Stretch classes Stability ball Memoir writing To learn more about these programs or to register visit Active Net or contact Rockway Centre at 519-741-2507 (TTY 1-866-969-9994).
Kitchener Connections
This free interactive telephone-based program, offered Monday through Friday, gives older adults the opportunity to stay connected from the comfort of their homes. Themes for participants include fun activities, health and wellness topics and much more. Each month a new calendar will highlight upcoming activities.
To register for Kitchener Connections call (519) 741-2382 (TTY 1-866-969-9994). Registration is simple and only requires participants to complete a short intake over the phone. Registered participants are welcome to sign up for any of the sessions listed in Older Adults Events Calendar.
Social Support Calls
With physical distancing measures in place to stop the spread of COVID-19, the City is supporting Kitchener seniors, who may be feeling isolated, or just want to talk, through regular social and well-being support calls. If you know a senior who would benefit from this service, please have them contact 519- 741-2916 (TTY 1-866-969-9994) to register. Referrals from friends, family and community agencies are also accepted, provided the senior has given permission to share their contact information and has agreed to receive reassurance calls from the City.
Connected @ Home Program
To assist older adults in staying active and connected while at home, the City is delivering curated activity boxes and kits to their front door. During registration individuals will be asked to complete an initial questionnaire about their social and leisure interests to help personalize the activities and programs selected for each participant’s activity box.
To further support social connections, individuals receiving the activity boxes will be encouraged to join weekly teleconferences or Zoom programs to participate in group activities such as BINGO, guest speakers, trivia games or discussions. For more information about this program or to register, please call 519-741-2916 (TTY 1-866-969-9994) or email andrea.klein@kitchener.ca.
Grand Connections Letter Writing Program
To connect our younger citizens and our older neighbours, the City is offering Grand Connections, a new writing program. Community members of all ages are encouraged to submit electronic letters, cards, artwork and messages of hope that City staff will share with an older adult in our community during their regular social support calls and other programs.
To submit your messages, visit the Grand Connections page on the City’s website or mail them to:
Grand Connections Program c/o Downtown Community Centre 35B Weber Street West Kitchener, ON. N2H 3Z1
Rock Solid Connections
Rock Solid Connections is an interactive, Zoom-based, social and recreational program that aims to keep older adults active and engaged in their community while at home. Programs include guitar jams, adult coloring and a weekly social coffee chat. There is no charge to participate but registration is required by emailing brenda.vandekeere@kitchener.ca or by calling Rockway Centre at 519-741-2507 (TTY 1-866-969-9994).
The City’s goal is to remove barriers and to provide accessible programs and services. If you require accessible documents, support or accommodation to participate in any of our virtual or in-person programs, please contact Bethany Pearce at 519-741-2200 ext. 5081 (TTY 1-866-969-9994) for assistance.
For more information on programming for older adults, visit www.kitchener.ca/olderadults
