HL:  Seniors can find support through 211 and other local organizations

The first instinct many people have during a crisis is to step up and help those in need.

This is not an easy thing when social distancing and self-isolation rules are being practiced in order to keep people safe and stop the spread of COVID-19. However, there are resources in place both locally and provincially that can help people connect with services being offered in Pictou County. 

A great tool that people can use is 211 Nova Scotia.

Residents are able to call 211 – a free, confidential information and referral service that can connect people to thousands of programs and services within their local area. It is available throughout the province – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year – by dialing “2-1-1” to speak to a helpful staff member, or by searching the easy-to-use online database at www.ns.211.ca or texting 211.

This service is different from 811, which is also a free, provincial referral service, but it is for health-related matters. When someone calls 811, one of its registered nurses will give advice, offer information, and provide reassurance concerning all kinds of general health issues and questions.  During the COVID-19 crisis, residents are encouraged to call 811 if they believe they are experiencing symptoms of the virus.  911 continues to be used for emergency and life-threatening situations.

Dian Day, regional coordinator for Community Links, said 211 is a good resource because it has information on a wide range of services and topics. If they don’t have the answer, they are able to connect you with someone in Pictou County who can help answer it.  

Day explained that the service provided by 211 is available to anyone but may be especially helpful to seniors. 211 can help familiarize seniors with the services available to them when their normal routines are disrupted.

“It’s true that there are isolated seniors and for those folks in isolation is always a problem and people deal with it on a daily basis and this makes it more challenging,” she said. “But there are also seniors who are very active in their communities who thrive on that and it is what holds them together and those folks will be vulnerable and can’t do normal activities.”

However, she added, Pictou County is very fortunate to have several additional local services available for seniors. If 211 doesn’t have an answer for someone who calls, it will put them in touch with herself, Mary MacLellan with Seniors Outreach, or Barb Dewtie with Pictou County Seniors Safety.

Between these three organization, she is confident all the bases are being covered in getting seniors the information they need, not only on a normal day, but during a pandemic.

Regarding Community Links, it was recently given some emergency funding to help support those trying to get services to older adults.

“Our target is vulnerable adults and those facing long periods of isolation who used to rely on services in the community,” Day said. “There are lots of people who are already mobilizing to get service to those people. We are supporting organizations who are supporting people. “

Existing community groups or volunteer groups (fire stations, ladies' auxiliaries, women’s institutes, neighbourhood groups, local meals on wheels programs, etc.), are eligible to apply. Funds may pay for things like hand sanitizer for volunteers, gas money for meal or prescription delivery, for just a few examples. The money is being administered from Community Links central office to be distributed throughout the province.

Mary MacLellan with Pictou County Seniors Outreach said she has been checking in with local municipal councillors as well as other seniors in communities to make sure they are handling the current situation well.

“We are all trying to work together and do the best we can,” she said. “What I know, I am trying to tell them.” 

Pictou County’s Senior Safety Coordinator Barb Smith works closely with Pictou County Seniors Outreach to make sure seniors are getting to appointments, errands run, items picked up, and bills paid.

“I had a senior man call today and he wanted me to book him an appointment for blood work. This morning I took a senior to the bank and paid a bill for another senior. Then I went to the Superstore and picked up two small orders,” she said. “I think at this point more of our calls are about wellness.  People are scared, anxiety is high, and they don’t know what they can do and what stores are open.” 

The Senior Safety Program also received provincial funding to help vulnerable people in need and it will be reaching out to local councillors to find out who might be willing to volunteer to help others in their communities.

Community groups also seeking information during the COVID-19 crisis can contact the Pictou County Regional Emergency Management Organization.   It is made up of representatives from the six local municipal units who are working collaboratively with the province to follow the actions of an emergency response plan for Pictou County.    It is available to answer questions from community groups wondering about services at a provincial and regional basis.

For more information on any of these services contact:

211.ca or call 211
Community Links – Dian Day, 485-6888 
Seniors Outreach – Mary MacLellan - 902-755-1123 
Pictou County Seniors Safety Coordinator Barb Smith - 902-755-2886
REMO – Paige Clarke,   REMO Community Liaison Team Member – 902-921-1515
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From the Office of Regional Emergency Management Office-Pictou County Coordinator John Davision

As the Province of Nova Scotia declares a State of Emergency, local Regional Emergency Management Organization of Pictou County Coordinator John Davision wants to reassure all citizens that all municipal units, towns and the County have come together to ensure the Health, Safety and Security is a Priority. 

On March 22, Nova Scotia declared a provincial state of emergency to help contain the spread of COVID-19. Nova Scotians should not leave the province and only leave home for essential items and services.

A state of emergency gives the government broad powers to do whatever is necessary for the safety and protection of Nova Scotians.

At this time Pictou County has not declared a state of emergency, but REMO Pictou County is working together with the Nova Scotia Emergency Management Office and the Nova Scotia Department of Health to ensure the Health and Safety for all Pictou County citizens are a priority.

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John Davision REMO Coordinator

Ken Macdonald 902 759-7277

Sueann Musick 902 759-0603

New Glasgow Regional Police has implemented additional precautionary measures to all officers in order to slow the spread of the highly contagious COVID-19/Coronavirus Virus.

New Glasgow Regional Police has implemented these additional measures, to ensure the continued health and safety of our citizens, officers and communities.

• Officers responding to any calls for service will be wearing personal protection equipment that will include rubber gloves and mask.

NGRP Officers will ask the following questions:

• Do you have a fever or symptoms, respiratory infection, cough or have a trouble breathing.
• Have you or someone been in contact with recently who had travelling in the past 14 days to an international or out of province destination.

If you had answered yes to any of these questions, please advise the police officer immediately.

New Glasgow Regional Police building at 225 Park Street New Glasgow has implemented restricting building access to all visitors.

EMERGENCY Dial:911

NON-EMERGENCY DIAL:  902-752-1941

We ask all citizens requiring non-emergency services to make their request by phone at 902-752-1941. If you require police record checks or vehicle information call 902-755-8330.

New Glasgow Regional Police is committed to the health and safety for all persons. We are united in stressing the importance of social distancing in flattening the curve on exposure of COVID-19 within our communities.