Services

The goal of the Deaf Seniors Outreach Services is to help ensure isolated seniors stay connected with the local Deaf community. Social isolation is a significant concern for Deaf seniors and challenges such as deafness can further marginalize a senior. Many Deaf seniors live alone or reside at a nursing home and have difficulty leaving their homes due to mobility and other health issues. There are many seniors’ centres in Calgary, however, they are inaccessible to Deaf seniors due to lack of communication accommodation.

CAD has identified the needs of Deaf seniors in Calgary and hopes to hire a full-time staff to develop and implement the Deaf Senior Outreach Services to provide them with outreach services. CAD staff are required to be fluent in American Sign Language and provide in-home support and transportation assistance which would enable Deaf seniors to attend Deaf events, medical appointments and/or go shopping. CAD recognizes that Deaf seniors may lack the stamina or mobility to take care of basic home maintenance tasks such as changing light bulbs, sweeping floors or going shopping for groceries. Others require help to obtain resource information and access to government or health services. This program would offer seniors an opportunity to be removed from social isolation and remain connected in their communities.