FREE Oapacity assessment, guardianship & substitute decision webinar on April 22, 2020 at 7:00 pm
Join Kenneth Pope and Dan Silver (capacity assessor). Discussion will be around the basics, any updates and what can be done remotely during our current pandemic. To see Kenneth C. Pope’s YouTube Page click here.
Learn About:
• Capacity Assessments (including remote video assessments)
• Guardianship
• Powers of Attorney (personal & property)
• Substitute Decision Making
• RDSPs
• Pension Planning
• OAS & GIS at age 65
Time: Wednesday, April 22nd at 7:00pm Eastern Time To register in advance for this webinar: CLICK HERE
Utilities Kingston: here to support you.
Call Utilities Kingston to discuss extended bill payment options and financial assistance programs.
- Temporarily suspending disconnecting customers for non-payment.
- Offering flexible payment terms and arrears payment agreements for water, sewer, gas and electricity bills, in order to provide customers with more time to pay outstanding balances on their account, if needed.
Before falling behind on utility bill payments, contact Utilities Kingston for assistance. Contact the credit department by email [email protected] or phone at 613-546-1181, ext. 2278, Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM.
Assistance programs
- The Low Income Emergency Assistance Program. This program offers assistance to customers who would otherwise be facing disconnection of services.
- The Ontario Electricity Support Program. This program provides ongoing assistance directly on the bills of eligible low-income electricity consumers.
Customers can contact Kingston Community Health Centre for application information for these programs and assistance at 613-542-2949, extension 2143.
UPDATE: Kingston Transit Service Reductions
Riders should only use Kingston Transit for essential trips at this time.
Kingston Transit is operating on on a reduced Sunday service schedule seven days per week. All routes will operate on a Sunday schedule except for the following:
- All express routes will be reduced to 60-minute service frequency and will operate from approximately 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Route 7 will be reduced to 60-minute service frequency and will operate from approximately 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Routes 1 and 15 will reduce service to operate from approximately 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Routes 17, 18, and 18Q will be suspended.
Transit passengers are asked to board and exit buses using the back doors. Passengers with accessibility needs can continue to use the front doors for boarding and exiting, but are asked to limit their interactions with bus operators.
These service level changes will remain in place until further notice. Additional service changes are possible and passengers should continue to monitor our website and social media for updates. To read more go to City of Kingston Website.
- Find the answers to frequently asked questions about COVID-19 on KFL&A Public Health’s page.
- Stay up-to-date with the City’s COVID-19 precautions.
COVID-19 Check-In
The Government of Canada is advising people to think about how they can change their habits and routines in the event that COVID-19 becomes common in our area. Below are some suggestions for what to stay healthy and be as prepared as possible.
Medication
- Refill prescriptions in order to avoid having to go to a busy pharmacy if there is a community outbreak, or in case of illness. Contact healthcare provider to renew prescriptions, if needed.
- Consider having over-the-counter medications for fever and other cold symptoms on-hand in case of illness or if unable to get out to a store.
Food
- Stock up on essentials but avoid panic buying. Having some extra food on-hand reduces the need to leave home at the peak of an outbreak or illness.
- Shop during off-peak or designated hours to avoid crowds.
- Home delivery service or online shopping may be appropriate.
- Some meal programs may be cancelled or have reduced hours (ie. Meals on Wheels, Loaves & Fishes) so look for other meal options.
- There may also be changes to shopping hours or local food banks (ie. reduced hours, reduced food variety / supply).
Schedules
- Review schedules for changes:
- Medical Appointments (ie. cancel or phone consult?)
- Community Activities (ie. volunteering, church, gym)
- Transportation (ie. volunteer drivers, Para Transit)
Staying Healthy
- Follow recommended prevention strategies:
- Wash hands for 20 seconds using good technique. Wash frequently. Sanitize to maintain hand cleanliness.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
- Cover cough / sneezes with tissue or into the sleeve.
- Practice social distancing (min. 6 fts) and avoid contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home if sick.
- Practice social distancing. It is recommended that people have reduced face-to-face interaction with others where possible and to maintain a distance of 6 ft. (2 m) apart.
- Follow practices to maintain physical and mental health (ie. walking outdoors, relaxation techniques, maintain regular sleep habits, eat well, avoid alcohol / drugs).
Beware of Covid-19 Scams
- Cyber criminals capitalize on crises like the current COVID-19 pandemic.
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Fake notices from health organizations (e.g., the Federal or Provincial Government, WHO or local health departments) that contains malicious links or attachments.
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Fake charities to help victims of the virus.
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Misleading ads or spam about masks or other protective gear, or other tips to combat the virus.
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Do not open any attachments or click on links that you are unsure about even if you know the sender. Look for red flags in emails you receive such as spelling and grammar mistakes, links, irregularities in the senders address, etc.
Mental Health
- Ideas for activities to reduce social isolation and boredom:
- regular phone calls / text messages with friends / family
- online social groups
- play games with family or housemates
- bake or cook
- listen to music
- watch a movie
- engage in hobbies such as crafts
- Avoid watching too much news as this can contribute to feelings of depression / anxiety.
In case of illness:
- call primary healthcare provider or Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 for further direction. Avoid going to a health care clinic without calling first.
- call 911 if following symptoms:
- difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- new confusion or inability to arouse
- bluish lips or face
Resources
General information on how to prepare:
Tips for managing stress and anxiety related to COVID-19:
For those who are employed but unable to work due to layoff, illness or quarantine from COVID-19:
For local public health updates:
- https://healthunit.org/coronavirus/
- https://hpepublichealth.ca/the-novel-coronavirus-2019ncov/
- https://www.kflaph.ca/en/healthy-living/novel-coronavirus.aspx
How to Self-Monitor:
How to Self-Isolate:
Provincial and Federal Government Assistance. Provincial and Federal governments have made several announcements to help protect the health and safety of all individuals and families.
- The provincial government is suspending time-of-use-electricity rates
- The Ministries of Transportation and Health are extending the validity period for driver licences, licence plate validation, Ontario Photo Cards, and Commercial Vehicle Operator Registration certificates, among others. Expiring and expired health cards will continue to provide access to health services. Visit ServiceOntario.ca for a full list of products and services that are affected by this change.
- The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has deferred the filing due date for the 2019 tax returns for individuals (including certain trusts) until June 1, 2020
- The government, through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), is allowing homeowners facing financial difficulties to defer mortgage payments on homeowner CMHC-insured mortgage loans
Click here for a printable flyer of Stay Connected with OBIA.
Follow the link to read the article in Psychology Today.
Kingston Free Parking
Until further notice, the city of Kingston is waiving hourly parking payments in an effort to better support the essential travel needs of residents, accommodate the parking needs of healthcare workers, as well as residents working from home.
This applies to:
- On-street parking spaces
- Surface parking lots
- City parking garages
- On-street time of day parking restrictions
Kingston Increasing Garbage Bag limit
The City of Kingston is increasing the number of garbage bags allowed per household from one to four per week without requiring bag tags. This increased limit will be in place until Apr. 5, 2020, at which point it will be reassessed. To read more go to City of Kingston website.
Free Brain Injury Education for Front Line Staff
Download the Brain, Body and You PDF for more.
2020 VISTA CENTRE Brain Injury Awareness Day
Sponsorship registration open now. Registration for attendees opens May 1 2020! The event fills-up quick, mark your calendars.
Read more about Brain Injury Awareness Day: vistacentre.ca
New OBIA Questionnaire about Brain Injury and Concussion
The new questionnaire contains more specific and concrete questions about changes to one’s life following a brain injury.
It also strives to apply to the many individuals in Ontario who have sustained a concussion and includes a separate and more extensive questionnaire for family members and caregivers.
Research Questionnaire Application Form. Look for the updated questionnaire in your mailbox this spring! Information collected from this project will be instrumental in the goal of developing new programs and supports for those caring for loved one’s with a brain injury.
Kingston Police warn about convincing smishing scams from popular mobile carriers.
Read article Global News article, Lethbridge police warn residents about ‘smishing’ scams by Taz Dhaliwal.
Read article by Kingston Police, Police warning public to beware of convincing smishing scams from popular mobile carriers.
Free On-demand Webinar about Strategies for Achieving Success after Concussion
The presentation and slides are posted on Ontario Brain Injury Association (OBIA). Share the link with anyone who can benefit from this information.
Follow the link to watch it at OBIA.ca WEBINAR on Practical Strategies for Achieving Success after mTBI.
February 03 2020, last day to Register!
Don’t Miss Out!
Join the UHN 2020 Brain Injury Conference to learn about innovative and evidence driven strategies and recommendations to enhance wellbeing following TBI. Learning objectives include:
- Learn to incorporate evidence driven strategies to facilitate self-management of common symptoms following TBI.
- Hear about current research innovations that highlight recommended best practice in treatment of TBI.
- Gain an understanding of the legal issues surrounding medicinal and recreational marijuana use and prevention of substance misuse.
Click HERE to View the Program
**All proceeds from this event will go to support Concussion research at Toronto Rehab**
VON Kingston: Free 8 Week Workshop about Stroke
Spots for Survivors and Caregivers STILL AVAILABLE
March 03, 2020 -April 21, 2020
Click here to see the flyer for more information
LivingWell South East offering FREE new workshops
Attend sessions at Living Well in person or through various short online workshops (1 to 2 hours) offered to the entire province.
New workshop to South East, Cancer: Thriving and Surviving.
Belleville Date: February 18 to March 24, 2020
To Register: Program Secretary at 613-962-0000
Brock University Certificate Training Programs
OBIA Level 1 and 2 in 2020
Neurorehabilitation: Assisting Recovery and Function in Everyday Life Following Brain Injury (Level 1)
Early Bird Rate Ends January 20, 2020
Course Date: February 18-21, 2020 at Brock University
Please follow link to OBIA website and find in program listing for more information.
Mental Health, Addictions and Brain Injury (Level 2)
Course Date: June 11-12, 2020 at Brock University
This Level 2 course is designed to increase your understanding of the relationship between traumatic brain injury, substance misuse and mental health challenges, and to assist you in developing a greater appreciation of the factors which make brain injury rehab more challenging when a co-morbid disorder is present. Level 1 prerequiste mandatory
REGISTER ONLINE or DOWNLOAD REGISTRATION FORM
National Non-Smoking Week
Jan. 19 – 25 2020, is National Non-Smoking Week. There is no safe level of tobacco use or exposure to second-hand smoke. Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death in Canada.
If you’re interested in quitting smoking check out
- KFL&A Public Health Unit STOP study program offers free Nicotine Replacement Therapy for 5 weeks if eligible. (Contact 613-549-1232, ext. 1333).
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Your family health practitioner may have a Nicotine Replacement Therapy Program.
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Employee Family Assistance Program offers many resources to assist you in your journey to wellness.
Program that Lowers Electricity Bills for Lower-Income Households
Did you know that if you pay for electricity and are in a lower-income home, you may qualify for a reduction on your electricity bill.
The OESP will reduce the cost of your household electricity by applying a monthly credit directly to your bill. The credit amount will depend on how many people live in your home and your combined household income.
Applications are simple and can be done online by clicking here: https://ontarioelectricitysupport.ca/. In order to apply, you must be the account holder for the electricity bill AND live at the service address for the account. The reduction is generally $45 per month for ODSP recipients.
Visit our page on the OESP for more information.
Need help for yourself or tools to help someone close to you? Resources are available. Learn more
Start a conversation in your community. Get all the information you need to start a conversation about mental health. View the tools
Bell Let’s Talk promotes mental health awareness, acceptance and action built on 4 key pillars: Fighting stigma, improving access to care, supporting world-class research and leading by example in workplace mental health.
For information on the hundreds of projects that Bell Let’s Talk has supported across Canada, please click here.
BIAQD always has something fun planned!
Phone: 613-967-2756 Visit the BIAQD events webpage.
Upcoming Caregiver Connect
DATE TBA
To RSVP or if you have questions, contact
Michelle (SEO ABI System Navigator) through this webpage, directly at [email protected]
or by telephone 613-547-6969 ext. 37165
Help keep the streets clear! The Winter Parking Bylaw prohibits overnight, on-street parking from 1 a.m. to 7 a.m. – and from 12 a.m. to 7 a.m. around Kingston General Hospital. Learn more: https://bit.ly/33nqikwpic.twitter.com/6vUTiNPtkg
Upcoming University Health Network (UHN) Conferences & Events for ABI
- NDT Introductory Course in the Management of Adult with Stroke, Brain Injury and Other Neuromotor Disorders
- 2020 Traumatic Brain Injury Conference: Promoting Wellbeing Following TBI –
- GTA Rehab Network’s Best Practices Day 2020
- 2020 ABI Network Conference
- Read more here
Be heard with Brain Injury Speaks!
Join the Brain Injury Speaks, Stakeholder Engagement Network of Ontario
Often, decisions affecting the brain injury community in Ontario are made with little input from persons living with lived experience and their family members and caregivers.
Hands On Car Wash Opening on Saturdays
VOCEC’s Hands on Car Wash at Providence Care Hospital in Kingston will now be open on Saturdays. Read more here.
One-hour express and exterior “Zippy” washes will be available by appointment. Prices start at $25.00. Book online or call 613-544-0711. Click here to visit the Hands on Car Wash website.
Cooler temperatures are right around the corner.
Help keep someone warm this winter with Hotel Dieu Hospital and St. Mary’s Cathedral Coat Drive
Date: Now – Jan. 31, 2020
Where:
- Outside Cashier’s Office, Providence Care Hospital (Kingston) CH Level 1
- Main Lobby, Providence Manor (Kingston) Level 1
Details:
- warm (down-filled), washable coats (ski-jacket style), especially in large sizes
- hats and touques
- gloves and mittens
- socks
- blankets
Bereavement Services
Bereavement Services of Kingston is a collaboration between the Alzheimer Society of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington; Arbor Memorial; Bereaved Families of Ontario; and Hospice Kingston.
Bereavement Services of Kingston’s mission is to create partnerships and a network of services to support people who grieve. There is ‘no wrong’ door in seeking help with grief. The vision is a community where support is available to people experiencing loss and grief.”
The types of services offered to individuals and families across the Kingston community include care co-ordination; psycho-spiritual health by a registered psychotherapist; grief counseling by a registered health professional; anticipatory grief support; one-to-one support; closed support groups; monthly drop-in groups; and educational resources.
Deepak Chopra’s 21-Day Meditation Experience
Via an online, interactive program
Enjoy easy access to the daily program anytime, anywhere from your mobile phone, tablet, or computer. Learn more about Deepak’s all-new 21-Day Meditation Experience, The Path to Empowerment here
Visit our page here.
Thank you for attending the Provincial ABI Conference
The Conference theme is: Forging New Pathways • Navigating Challenges • Exploring Breakthroughs
2019 Provincial ABI Conference was November 6 – 8, 2019 in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
For more information about this event, visit our page.
Kingston’s first bike box at Princess and Division Streets.
Bike Boxes allow cyclists to be more visible to motorists at intersections. Motorists cannot turn right on a red light at an intersection with a bike box. READ MORE…
Image via City of Kingston.
It’s time to roll up your sleeves and get your annual flu shot.
Protect Against the Flu (influenza). It is a contagious virus that can infect anyone. You can protect yourself from catching it or avoid spreading it to others. More information available at HPE Public Health.
The Flu Shot Is Your Best Defence!
You can get your flu shot at:
- Your family doctor’s office
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Local pharmacy
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KL&A Public Health located at 221 Portsmouth Ave. Book an appointment online
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Leeds Grenville Lanark Public Health clinics
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Hastings Prince Edward Public Health clinics
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Ontario’s Flu Clinic Locator is another resource that allows you to search for an influenza clinic near you
Thank you Nancy and OBIA for the FREE Caregiver Events
Check out if the Workshops are coming to you! 30 locations across the province (including three of five planned Pediatric workshops, sponsored by Gluckstein Lawyers) have been announced and online registration is continuing.
- Visit our page here, visit the OBIA page here.
See the OBIA general poster here.
On demand viewing of WEBINAR on Pacing & Planning Strategies
Please click here for more information about on demand viewing.
Working in the Intersections:
Ontario 211 Services Annual Report 2018-2019
Have you taken advantage of ConnectProtect?
To learn more, follow the link.
If you know someone who lives in a community where MedicAlert Connect Protect service has been established and will benefit from the service, please recommend that they sign up today
Enhancing Hiring Practices to Maximize Business Performance
October 22, 2019, Learn how Belleville businesses have benefited from hiring people who have a disability.
Alzheimer Society Coffee Break
Read more here about the Coffee Break® Fundraising Campaign
Navigator Update Fall 2019:
Providing a Point of Entry for ABI Services Across Southeastern Ontario
Please read about what is going on in Southeastern Ontario regarding Acquired Brain Injury.
Click here to read or print the pdf version of the Fall Newsletter.
HSJCC 2019 Conference
Did you attend the 2019 Provincial HSJCC Conference?
Visit hsjccconference.ca for more details.
How was Session B6: Acquired Brain Injury and Addictions/Mental Health Collaborative for more information click here.
2019 Awards of Excellence in Brain Injury Rehabilitation.
To learn more, visit our page about the event.
Rowan’s Law
September 25 2019
Rowan’s Law (Concussion Safety) will be observed across Ontario on the last Wednesday in September each year. The purpose of Rowan’s Law Day is to increase concussion education awareness, especially in schools. Read more here
Kingston Gets Active
Try something new or just get out and get moving.
“Fitness-Free-For-All-Week” at Queen’s Athletic and Recreation Centre (Sept 9-14) and “Fitness Frenzie” week at Artillery Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre (Sept 16-22), both offering a variety of fitness classes. Read more.
Refurbished digital devices for eligible low income Canadians.
Lean more about Computers for Schools. It is not just for schools!
Connected for Success: high-speed internet for $9.99
Rogers Communications’ Connected for Success provides high-speed internet access to people living in rent-subsidized non-profit housing. Connected for Success is about bringing more Canadians online and giving them access to the digital economy so they can connect with friends, family, school, work and their future. Read more.
The Aphasia Conversation Group
For the stoke flyer, click here.
An opportunity for adults living with Aphasia to rejoin life’s conversations in a safe, supported environment lead by a Speech Language Pathologist.
For more information click here.
Assistance with School Supplies in HPE
Hastings and Prince Edward counties publicly funded schools: The Good Backpack Program
Get out, play ball and support the KGH Neurosurgery Department
Click here for more information
Feeling low? Stressed? Anxious? BounceBack® can help!
BounceBack®: Reclaim your health is a free skill-building program designed to help adults and youth 15+ manage symptoms of depression and anxiety. It offers two forms of help.
Click here to see our write up
or
the webpage directly at bouncebackontario.ca for more details
