Questions
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Does it cost anything?
No. The program is free for residents and for the facilities that host it.
Do I need my own phone or tablet?
Yes. We teach on the device you already use, so what you learn works at home the same day. If you don't have one yet, tell us and we'll help you plan around it.
I've never used a smartphone. Is this for me?
Yes. Week 1 starts with the basics: turning the screen on, making text bigger and setting the volume. With one volunteer for every two residents, nobody gets left behind.
What if I miss a week?
Come back the next week. Your buddy and volunteer can help you catch up, and the Tech Coffee Hour is there to fill any gaps afterwards.
My parent lives in a residence. How can I get the program there?
Send us the residence's name through our contact form. We'll reach out to the staff for you. You can also share our page for care homes with the recreation team.
What is the Tech Coffee Hour?
A weekly social hour that starts after the four-week program ends. Resident champions host it, and buddies bring questions and help each other. It keeps skills fresh and friendships going.
What does a facility need to provide?
A common room with seating for 12 to 16 residents for one hour a week over four weeks, help promoting sign-ups, a staff point of contact, and Wi-Fi for participants during sessions.
How many residents can take part?
Groups of 12 to 16 work best. We bring 7 to 10 volunteers, depending on the room, so there's about one volunteer for every two residents.
Which areas do you serve?
We're based in North York and focus there first. If you're elsewhere in Toronto, get in touch anyway. We plan to grow.
Will you take photos of residents?
Only with your facility's agreement and each person's written consent, agreed before the first session.
Who can volunteer?
High school and university students in the Toronto area who are comfortable with phones and tablets, patient, and able to attend a one-hour training. Apply here.
Do volunteer hours count toward my diploma?
Ontario high school students need 40 community involvement hours to graduate. Our hours are tracked and signed by an adult supervisor. Check with your school's guidance office to confirm which activities count.
What's in the volunteer training?
One hour covering how to represent Connected Seniors, customer service and patience, our screening and conduct rules, teaching methods, and privacy.
Will volunteers see my passwords or bank details?
Never. Volunteers look away when you type a password and never handle passwords or financial accounts.
What do you record about residents?
As little as possible. We don't log personal messages, emails or security incidents. Feedback surveys are anonymous, and nothing identifying leaves a facility without written consent.
What should I do if I think I've been scammed?
Stop contact, call your bank using the number on your card, and report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501. Our safety page has the full steps.
Who runs Connected Seniors?
A team of students based in North York. Meet them on our About page.
Are you a registered charity?
Our non-profit registration is in progress. Until it's complete we can't accept donations or issue tax receipts.
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