Pluto is a Humdinger

See Pluto the dog on YouTube for some self-care ideas.

Pluto the dog speaking out about this and that during this crazy time. Pluto Living is the creation of un-reknowned wildlife photographer, NJ Wight, but clearly not as popular.

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).

Read article ” Kingston food bank still providing hampers, by appointment” by Julia McKay  in the Kingston Whig Standard.

Impact of Covid-19 on City Programs, last updated on BrainInjuryHelp.ca April 03 2020. Please follow link for updates.

• Partners in Mission Food Bank: 140 Hickson Ave. | Open Regular Hours 8:30 a.m. -12 p.m.,   1 – 4 p.m. Please call 613-384-4534 for appointment. No walk-in service.
• Martha’s Table: 629 Princess St. | Providing take-away hot meals 11 a.m. -1 p.m. 7 Days a Week
• Lionhearts
  • Skeleton Park: 30 Alma St. | Providing take-home meals every day 6 – 7 p.m.
  • Kingston Community Health Centre: 263 Weller Ave. | Providing take-home meals every day 6 – 7 p.m.
  • Amherstview Community Hall: 108 Amherst Dr, Amherstview | Providing take-home meals Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday 5 – 6 p.m.
  • Morningstar Mission in Napanee  | delivery Lionhearts has partnered with Morningstar Mission in Napanee to deliver meals to-go packages 3 days per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Please contact Morningstar Mission for distribution details: www.morningstarmission.ca Phone: 613-354-6355 Email: morningstar@cogeco.net
• Lunch by George: 129 Wellington St. | Providing hot take-out meals or bagged lunches 11 – 11:30 a.m.
• Mutual Aid Katarokwi: Offering check-ins, grocery/pharmacy/foodbank box delivery.
  Leave message at 613-665-2959 or email mutualaidkatarokwi@gmail.com
• North Frontenac Food Bank: 14152 Road 38, Sharbot Lake. Call 613-532-8855 for appointment.
• Salvation Army: 342 Patrick St.| Mon – Fri 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Take-away prepared food baskets provided.
• St. Mary’s Cathedral: 260 Brock St.  Mon -Fri 1 -4 p.m.  Providing take-away light food/snacks
• St Vincent de Paul: 85 Stephen St. | Providing bag lunches 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Mon-Fri | Food Pantry available by appointment
• South Frontenac Community Services/Sydenham Food Bank: Frozen meals available for delivery daily. Hot meals delivered Tuesday and Thursday. Delivery only to South Frontenac/rural Kingston. 613-376-6477

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.

  • Fake notices from health organizations (e.g., the Federal or Provincial Government, WHO or local health departments) that contains malicious links or attachments.

  • Fake charities to help victims of the virus.

  • Misleading ads or spam about masks or other protective gear, or other tips to combat the virus.

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:

• https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/being-prepared.html

Tips for managing stress and anxiety related to COVID-19:

• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html

For those who are employed but unable to work due to layoff, illness or quarantine from COVID-19:

• https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/notices/coronavirus.html

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:

• https://www.publichealthontario.ca/-/media/documents/ncov/factsheet-covid-19-self-monitor.pdf?la=en

How to Self-Isolate:

• https://www.publichealthontario.ca/-/media/documents/ncov/factsheet-covid-19-how-to-self-isolate.pdf?la=en

Mental health and addictions supports

If you’re feeling anxious, experiencing other mental health or addiction challenges or you can’t access your regular in-person counselling support, there are services you can access online or by phone:

• ConnexOntario: Adults and frontline workers who are dealing with the realities of COVID-19 can call ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600 for mental health, addictions and problem gambling support.
• 211 Ontario: For information and referrals for community, government, social and health services, including mental health resources across Ontario, call 211 or 1-877-330-3213. Live web chat is also available.
• BounceBack: A free, evidence-based cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) program that offers guided mental health self-help supports for adults and youth 15+ using workbooks, online videos and phone coaching. Call 1-866-345-0224.
• Kids Help Phone: Children and youth 18 and younger who need to talk to someone about their mental health can call 1-800-668-6868, for 24/7 phone and text support.
• Good2Talk: A phone and texting service that offers confidential support to post-secondary students. Call 1-866-925-5454.
• Hope for Wellness Helpline: Indigenous peoples can call 1-855-242-3310 for immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention across Canada (available in some Indigenous languages). Live web chat is also available.
• Talk 4 Healing: Indigenous women can get help, support and resources seven days a week, 24 hours a day, with services in 14 languages by calling or texting 1-855-554-4325. Live web chat is also available.

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.

Do you prefer to take in information on-the-go? Kenneth Pope how has a Podcast!

Check out the Podcast Channel where you can find previous webinars, radio shows, and quick overviews of our popular topics of discussion.

No smart phone? You can also listen via the web browser here

3 new Canada Recovery Benefits to assist people through these trying times.

From Kenneth Pope Law:

• Canada Recovery Caregiver Benefit (CRCB).
• Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)
• Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB)

All benefits received under the three Canada Recovery Benefit programs are considered taxable income. Click here for link to Canada COVID-19 benefits and services

You can apply for the Canada Recover Caregiver Benefit through your MyAccount or over the phone at 1-800-959-2019 or 1-800-959-2041, click here for more details.

We hope this information is helpful, and wish you all continued health and endurance during this difficult time.

Are you eligible for other benefits? Find financial help from the government of Canada

COVID-19 TESTING CENTRES NEED TO KNOW

Kingston COVID-19 Assessment Centre Booking

Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) is using Eventbrite, a third party site, for individuals to book appointments at the COVID-19 Assessment Centre, located at Beechgrove Complex (51 Heakes Lane).

Please note the following:

·    One person can book up to four timeslots

·    New timeslots will be made available every 2 days

·    Individuals can also book an appointment by calling the Assessment Centre directly at 613-548-2376 (phones are answered from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. daily)   Read more.

Hastings Prince Edward COVID-19 Testing

Quinte Health Care has set up an online pre-registration form and multiple hotlines for COVID-19 testing in Hastings Prince Edward.

The hotlines are available seven days a week from 9 a.m. – 5 pm.:

·    Bancroft: 613-332-2825 ext. 6222

·    Belleville & Trenton: 613-961-5544

·    Picton: 613-813-6864

For weekend testing please call the Belleville & Trenton hotline number.  Read more.

Lanark, Leeds & Grenville COVID-19 Testing

There are a number of COVID-19 Assessment Centres and pop-up locations throughout Leeds, Grenville and Lanark where individuals can get tested. Click here for a complete list of assessment centres in Lanark, Leeds & Grenville.

To schedule an appointment for one of the following areas please call:

·    Brockville: self-present for appointment on the day you wish to be tested

·    Smiths Falls: 613-283-2330 ext. 1401

·    Almonte: 613-325-1208

Read more.

Anyone can catch the flu.

Protect yourself – and others – by learning about the virus and recognizing the symptoms. ontario.ca/page/flu-fact

Influenza (flu) clinics – begin late October. Where to get the flu vaccine:

6 months to 4 years old

• doctor or nurse practitioner
• some local public health units

5-64 years old

• doctor or nurse practitioner
• some local public health units
• participating pharmacy

65 and older

For the 2019/2020 season, if you’re 65 and older, there are two different flu shots available – standard dose and high-dose.

Both shots are effective – do not delay getting vaccinated. Your doctor or nurse practitioner can answer any questions you might have.

To get the standard-dose vaccine, which protects against 4 strains of flu virus:

• visit a doctor or nurse practitioner
• contact your local public health unit
• visit a participating pharmacy

To get the high-dose vaccine, (also called “Fluzone® HighDose”), which protects against 3 strains of flu virus, but in higher doses:

• visit a doctor or nurse practitioner
• contact your local public health unit

Congrats to BIAQD, Recipient of the 2020 COMMUNITY BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION OF THE YEAR

Visit aoe.pialaw.ca for more information and photos of the winners.

Watch the online presentation on YouTube:

From Ontario Brain Injury Association and PIA Law:

“Our congratulations to all the winners and nominees; this is a testament to your value and importance within the Brain Injury Community”

Wednesday 30 September is Rowan’s Law Day

Navigator Update Fall 2020:

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 2020 Fall Newsletter.

Click here to read or print the pdf version of the 2019 Fall Newsletter.

Note from KFLA Public Health on exemption from wearing a face covering in Kingston Ontario.

https://www.kflaph.ca/en/healthy-living/face-covering-frequently-asked-questions-faq.aspx

Connecting to one another virtually with March of Dimes Canada

MODC offers online events, activities and resources to connect caregivers with resources, tools, and a community of people who understand. The aim is to assist families and friends caring for a loved one after stroke or a chronic illness. Follow the link to read more on the Stroke-Recovery Website.

After Stroke is a program of March of Dimes Canada and a national service offering support, education and community programs for stroke survivors, their caregivers, and families. The goal is to connect  you with a network of support that can help you reclaim your independence, your sense of community and your ability to thrive after a stroke.

September issue of the OBIA Review is available ONLINE

Just like in June, the magazine will be offered in its entirety, electronically.

Please click on the on the links to the June issue and September issues of the OBIA Review.

Deadline for the Support for Families program is August 31, 2020 at midnight EST.

Get $200-$250 per child to help offset the cost of buying materials to support your children’s learning, while they practice self-isolation and physical distancing. Apply in 3 steps.

There is no income cap on this program. All parents are eligible if you have a child who is:

• aged 0 to 12
• aged 0 to 21 with special needs

Before you apply, please note:

• only one parent can apply for each child
• the parent who applies should have custody of the child

Step 1: gather the required information

Step 2: complete the application

Step 3: confirmation

Find out more at ontario.ca/page/get-support-families or click HERE

New dates for OBIA Caregiver Group

Online Caregiver Support Group – open to anyone.  Register online here

Positive Approach: A Four Part Life Skills Zoom Series

Brain Injury Association of Durham Region (BIAD) is has four on demand life skills session with Heather Campbell, BHSc, MScOT, OT Reg. (Ont.) Occupational Therapist from the Positive Approach.

Watch on demand of Session One:  www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0u3lqxkMcI                                                             Slides available here

Session one covered the following topics:

• Hydration
• Nutrition
• Sleep and Wake Cycles
• Movement
• Social Connection with Others
• Breathing
• The Mind and Emotions

Watch on demand of Session Two: www.youtube.com/watch?v=IELvo1qBDek

Slides available here

Session two covered the following topics:

• How to Successfully Organize your Week
• Routines
• S.M.A.R.T. Goals
• Energy Conservation (Planning, Pacing, Prioritizing, Posture)
• Balance of Activity and Rest

Watch on demand of Session Three: www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-R0yaTWfdY

Slides available here

Session three covered the following topics:

Practical Ways to be Kind to Yourself

• Positive Self-Talk
• Staying connected to the important people in your life (in person, phone, email, video chat)
• Managing Expectations, and breaking goals down into manageable chunks.
• Relaxation and Deep Breathing
• Mindfulness and Meditation
• Exercise and Movement
• Brief Review of Pillars of Health and Self-Care, and Energy Conservation, Daily Routines

Did you miss any other session? Subscribe to the BIAD YouTube channel to gain access to all past sessions and other BIAD content.  CLICK HERE

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.

The Food Sharing Project and community partners continue to deliver healthy food to families in July and August.

The Food Sharing Project will continue to be delivering food boxes and grocery gift cards to local families.

37 Rigney Street, Unit 4
Kingston, ON
K7K 6Z3

Phone:   613-530-3514
Fax: 613-530-3710
Email: fsp@kingston.net

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. 

LivingWell South East offering FREE new workshops presented via Zoom Meeting.

Keep an eye on the website www.livingwellseontario.ca for further updates as LivingWell SEO adds more workshops over June and July.  information and/or to register. The workshop page has a complete listing and search function for finding out when (and usually where) our workshops are taking place.

LivingWell is hoping to schedule a Living Well with Diabetes and a Powerful Tools for Caregivers next. Inquire about the at-home kits for diabetes, and for chronic pain. Read More

Quick list of benefits and measures that may affect or apply to you or your loved ones.

Please click on the various links provided for further details of funding Assistance During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond

The Ontario Brain Injury Association is OPEN – VIRTUALLY and continues to attend to the needs of those living with the effects of acquired brain injuries and their families in this time of uncertainty. OBIA has lists of Provincial and Federal Funding Assistance, see the links below.

Click on the image to for link to resources on the OBIA website.

Note: The funding sources here may change as the COVID-19 situation evolves.

Click on the image to for a link to resources on the Kenneth Pope Law Website

For a list of available benefits during COVID-19, see the Community Legal Center’s Benefits tip sheet and click on the infographic.

• CERB: Canada Emergency Response Benefit
• CCB: May payment will be automatically increased by up to $300/child
• GST credit: One-time enhancement of $400-$600 on April payment
• Impact on clients with CRA refund setoffs? Speak to CRA collection officer at 1-800-675-6184 (8am-4pm)
• Taxes: Filing due date for 2019 tax returns deferred to 1 June 2020
• Seniors: GAINS payments for low-income seniors doubled to $166/month for singles and $332/month for couples for a period of six months beginning April 2020. 
• Children: One-time payments to families with children affected by school and daycare closures ($200/child up to 12, $250/child with special needs) 
• Students: OSAP loan and interest accrual relief for 6 months
• Energy relief
• Expanded funding for discretionary benefits to both OW and ODSP recipients – request must be made through online application portal or caseworker
• Ontario Works and ODSP recipients can access emergency benefits by contacting their caseworker.
• New applications for pregnancy-breastfeeding nutritional allowance

For more information on Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, visit
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html
and
https://covid-19.ontario.ca/

​Cleaning your hands is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick and spreading infections to others. Do you know there are two different ways to clean your hands?

Visit the World Health Organization’s website to learn:

·    How to handwash

·    How to handrub

Are you cleaning your hands properly? Take the Clean Hands Self-Assessments online.

Event hosted by: Canadian Patient Safety Institute

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

See in Global News, Laura Hensley’s article “How to politely say ‘back off’ during coronavirus outbreak“.

Read the article Jane Stevenson wrote in The Toronto Sun; Brain Injury Canada’s list of 30 ways to entertain yourself at home.

Follow the link to read the article in Psychology Today.

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.

Need help for yourself or tools to help someone close to you? Resources are available. Learn more

In person Caregiver Connect  on Hold

DATE TBA

To RSVP or if you have questions, contact

Michelle (SEO ABI System Navigator) through this webpage, directly at pangilim@providencecare.ca
or by telephone 613-547-6969 ext. 37165

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.

Read more.

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.

Read more on our page.

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.

See you at the next Provincial ABI Conference in 2021.

For more information about this event, visit our page. Speaker Notes are available for all 2019 keynote presentations and many of the concurrent sessions.

 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.

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

Read more here

October 22, 2019, Learn how Belleville businesses have benefited from hiring people who have a disability.

Alzheimer Society Coffee Break

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.

Refurbished digital devices for eligible low income Canadians.

Lean more about Computers for Schools. It is not just for schools!

Assistance with School Supplies in HPE

Hastings and Prince Edward counties publicly funded schools: The Good Backpack Program

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.

Get out, play ball and support the KGH Neurosurgery Department

Click here for more information