Seniors phone line launches in Windsor-Essex to support elderly during COVID-19

Isolated seniors have a new resource dedicated to them in our region.

The Windsor-Essex Seniors Call Assurance program provides regular telephone check-ins and referrals to support programs.

Lorraine Goddard,CEO of the local United Way, saidolder adults are at the highest risk of poor health and isolation during the pandemic.

"It's really based on the individual needs," she said. "Someone would call them whatever that schedule is and check in to make sure they're doing OK, have a little friendly chat, or if they are in need of food, for example, or if there's an issue with anxiety or depression, that they're getting the support that they need."

United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County, who are running the program, will receive $102,499 through the federal government's New Horizons for Seniors grant program.

The funding is part of a $9 million grant to United Way/Centraide Canada supporting emergency response services to vulnerable seniors across Canada.

"Seniors are very fearful to leave their home, and we don't want to have particularly vulnerable seniors all alone in their home and not having some level of support," saidGoddard.

Seniorswho are 55 or oldercan sign up for the program by calling(877) 771-2677 from Monday to Friday from 9a.m. to 4p.m.