covid exposes health-care gaps, money issues for newcomer seniors
lauren boothby even if 65-year-old amy gets covid-19 and survives, she's worried a hospital stay could ruin her life. like many seniors, she has spent nearly all of the pandemic at home where she's safe from the disease.
postmedia met virtually with seniors like amy as well as workers with the multicultural health brokers -– an agency helping newcomer edmonton families navigate government bureaucracies –- and spoke with immigrant advocacy group migrante alberta about how the pandemic has amplified problems some newcomer seniors face.their stories show the impacts covid-19 has had on this demographic: it has revealed holes in the health-care system, further exploited financial vulnerabilities, and left these seniors feeling isolated.the
this is despite the best efforts of many seniors to learn a new language –- which can become increasingly difficult with age –- and work by local groups supporting different cultural communities to keep them informed.
alberta health services spokesman kerry williamson said in an email people can call 811 and say one word in one of 240 languages and be connected to translator. he also said there is a process in place to allow those without a health card or other identification to get tested or vaccinated.
'no one is there to talk' like many other canadians, newcomers seniors have been feeling isolated during the pandemic.tsegewyni
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