STAFF EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
CLEAR
Climate, Lived Experience and Resilience Community Consultation
Vancouver Coastal Health
During an extreme heat event, the 2021 heat dome, VCH and non-governmental partners reached out to residents in VCH’s area with resources and supports. Now VCH is engaging vulnerable populations - people with disabilities or chronic conditions, older adults, people experiencing homelessness or marginally housed - in focus groups, one-on-one phone conversations or surveys. In order to plan for the future, VCH wants their input on how they managed heat and other climate-related events during 2021-2022 and how to plan for the future.
Individuals can register to be contacted or complete a survey. Organizations can also submit on behalf of a group.
More information and to register or complete the survey here
PATHWAYS:
BC COMMUNITY SERVICE DIRECTORY
PathwaysBC
“Publicly available services and programs, in participating communities.” The Directory is a joint initiative between Doctors of BC’s General Practitioner Services Committee and the BC government with a support team that provides the technical infrastructure. It is free, searchable by the public and has many filter options to narrow down keyword searches.
Search here
Organizations can apply to list their services in categories such as,.Navigation Support:Seniors Services; Health & Fitness: Seniors; Caregiver Support Groups; Seniors Centre:Seniors Activities; Loneliness/Social Isolation; Outings/Day Trips etc
More information about access to Pathways here
RESPECTFUL ENVIRONMENTS,
EQUITY, DIVERSITY, INCLUSION
UBC Faculty of Medicine
“… create respectful, diverse, inclusive learning and work environments that are anti-racist and that support the exercise of human rights for all members of our community.” Monthly 12:00-1:30 webinars with presenters from various IBPOC communities aiming for “community partners to implement action plans that will lead to systemic and behavioural change.” Events, Blog, and Resources.
Date: March 27, 2023 12:00-1:00pm virtual
Register here
SENIORS OUTDOOR ACTIVATION TOOLKIT
8-80 Cities and Woodgreen Community Services, Toronto
“…tells the story of over 100 seniors who saw the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to flip the standard for seniors programming in parks and public spaces.” Benefits, making the case, evaluation, recommendations.
Report here
MOBILIZING TO PROMOTE HEALTH & WELL-BEING FOR OLDER ADULTS
CORE Healthy Aging Canada
“Launching a series of monthly 90-minute webinars… to mobilize action on various issues by focusing on effective models and the policies, practices, partnerships, and networks that support them. Through interviews and discussions with practitioners, researchers, and policy-makers, each session will explore a topic and the key issues and challenges.” Q&A + opportunity to join a discussion group.
Housing and Living Arrangement Options for Older Adults: At Home. In Community
Recording here
Re-orienting Health and Social Services for Older Adults: Provincial Strategies for Community-Based Seniors
Services Webinar recording here
Age-friendly Communities: A Key Strategy in Promoting the Well-Being of Older Adults
Webinar Video here
CANADIAN INSTITUTE FOR SOCIAL PRESCRIBING
(CISP)
Intersectoral collaboration project anchored by the Canadian Red Cross
“CISP is a new national hub to link people and share practices that connect people to community-based supports and services that can help improve their health and well-being… part of a global movement of people bringing community capacity and healthcare services closer together by directly addressing the social determinants of health, from loneliness and social isolation to racism and ageism to income and housing and much more.” Newsletter, events, reports, resources, etc.
Website here
INTERGEN-NS
North Shore Community Resources
Intergenerational Program Directory and Resource Hub that “helps connect different generations on the North Shore while providing resources to help community partners establish intergenerational programming… These projects have been launched in order to actively facilitate a North Shore community that is connected, inclusive, and age-friendly.”
Information here
FLIPPING STIGMA ON ITS EAR TOOLKIT
“The discrimination caused by stigma that accompanies a diagnosis of dementia needs to be ‘flipped on its ear’! The purpose of this toolkit is to recognize and respond to this stigma and discrimination. It has been designed by people with dementia to help others – including other people living with dementia, the people who support them, and those who do research – to address the challenges of stigma and discrimination.” Video clips demonstrate interactions and stimulate discussions.
Explore the website and sign up for a newsletter here
ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND RELATED DEMENTIAS IN INDIGENOUS POPULATIONS: KNOWLEDGE, NEEDS, AND GAPS
National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health
“ This report summarizes what is known about the knowledge, needs, and gaps of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples and healthcare practitioners working in Indigenous communities related to dementias…an overview of the barriers and facilitators of knowledge translation and exchange about dementia care and management.”
Explore the August 2022 report here
STORIES FOR CAREGIVERS
A series of 2-minute videos “‘Therapeutic Fibbing’ is a 4-part heart-opening dramatic comedy web series featuring an everyday Canadian family utilizing — with varying levels of success -- a form of compassionate lying to navigate communications with a loved one living with dementia.”
YouTube here
Facebook here
RECENT ADDITIONS
UNDERSTANDING SOCIAL ISOLATION AND LONELINESS AMONG OLDER CANADIANS AND HOW TO ADDRESS IT
National Institute on Ageing
“Social isolation and loneliness are increasingly recognized as important public health concerns. Globally, as well as in Canada, these issues have significant implications for the health and well-being of older persons.” This is one of many reports and other resources (news, National Seniors Strategy) of concern to seniors, some offered in many languages.
Explore here
BUILDING
DEMENTIA-FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES ONLINE COURSE
Alzheimer Societies of Canada
“The Building dementia-friendly communities course…a self-paced 75 minute online, interactive course in four modules…is currently available in English and French…designed for professionals working in the recreation, library, retail, restaurant and public transportation sectors…knowledge and skills needed to increase support, inclusion and accessibility (both in the social and physical environments) for people living with dementia.”
Information here
Register here
PROGRAM
PLANNING
FOR GRANT WRITING
United Way of British Columbia
“Effective grant seeking…involves strategic prospect research, detailed project planning, and articulating a compelling case, all while employing efficient tools, processes, and systems.” This online interactive session includes:
• creating compelling project rationales/needs descriptions;
• exploring planning methodologies, including Theory of Change and Logic Models;
• incorporating measurable outcomes.
Slides here
ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND RELATED DEMENTIAS IN INDIGENOUS POPULATIONS
National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health
“This report summarizes what is known about the knowledge, needs, and gaps of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples and healthcare practitioners working in Indigenous communities related to dementias…It provides a review of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis understandings of dementias, their perceptions of healthy aging, and their preferences for care…an overview of the barriers and facilitators of knowledge translation and exchange about dementia care and management…”
Explore the report here
PROMISING MODELS OF SENIORS' TRANSPORTATION
United Way British Columbia & SFU Cities, Health, and Active Transportation Research Lab
“This report provides the findings from case studies…to profile promising models of seniors’ transportation and to learn what facilitates or impedes the success of these services. We used extensive selection criteria to select six services that covered a diverse set of models and geographic contexts.”
Read the report here
LIVING MY
CULTURE
Canadian Virtual Hospice
“Quality palliative care helps you honour your culture, spirituality and traditions…people from various cultures share their stories and wisdom about living with serious illness, end of life and grief to support others.” Indigenous cultural safety training: Advanced illness, palliative care and grief and “Coming full circle: Planning for your care a booklet to ensure Indigenous Peoples’ choices for their future healthcare are known and respected.” Also videos and insights from representatives of eight global cultures.
Information here
HEALTHY AGING CORE CANADA
United Way BC & Employment & Social Development Canada
“Healthy Aging CORE (Collaborative Online Resources and Education) is a platform to connect local, regional, provincial and national non-profit, government, and academic organizations and coalitions that focus on programs, services, policies, practices, and research aimed at supporting older Canadians to age in place in their homes and communities….All content on CORE is vetted …CORE is designed to connect and coordinate with other relevant networks, and not duplicate.”
Features:
Resources…Training & Events…Groups & Activity….Programs & Initiatives…Funding Opportunities
Join email list here
AGING AND THRIVING IN THE 21ST CENTURY
Institute for Community Prosperity, Mount Royal University, Calgary
“…a scan of issues, trends, system dynamics and innovations…guided by the question: What factors are preventing older Canadians from flourishing, and how might we transform systems to maximize the choice, dignity, mobility, security, and trust accompanying an aging population transitioning into less autonomous living circumstances?"
Report authored by James Stauch here
FROME'S COMPASSION
PROJECT
UK Men’s Shed & Health Connections Mendip-UK
“Compassionate communities help to reduce isolation and loneliness and bring a sense of belonging. Social relationships are the most effective intervention for improving health and longevity. Frome’s care combines a compassionate programme of community development with routine medical care…three key elements: making the most of the supportive networks of family, friends and neighbours…building networks of support for the routine matters of life…linking to community activity, such as choir, walking groups, men’s sheds, talking cafes and other interest groups where people can make friendships and share life’s events.”
This event has passed.
Health Connections Mendip website here
ARCHIVED TRAINING WEBINARS
Healthy Aging CORE Canada
“CORE regularly hosts training events on relevant program and organizational development topics. These sessions are recorded and archived on CORE..and this compendium provides a listing of categories and links so that you can access them at your convenience.”
Available here
THE FUTURE OF AGING IN PLACE IN CANADA
University Health Network Open Lab, Toronto
"Through participatory design with seniors and inspiring demonstration projects, Vertical Aging pushes us to imagine and create possibilities beyond the current crop of institutional options. .these projects challenge conventional thinking about aging in contemporary urban society"
Webinar recording here
SOCIAL NEEDS OF OLDER ADULTS CAN'T BE MET BY TECHNOLOGY ALONE
CTV article; research by Dr. Yue Qian, UBC Sociology
“…virtual interaction, like phone calls, video calls and texting during pandemic lockdowns were not helpful on their own as an alternative to face-to-face time for people over 60. ‘Our findings demonstrate that face-to-face household contact is crucial to sustaining older adults’ mental wellbeing,” Qian said.’”
CTV article here
Frontiers in Sociology Article here
METRO VANCOUVER HOMESHARE
Canada HomeShare
“The goal of HomeShare is to foster intergenerational relationships, support aging in place for older adults while simultaneously addressing the affordable rental crisis faced by students…a facilitated model of shared housing to Metro Vancouver…for older adults who would like to share their home with a student for the coming school year…up to seven hours per week of assistance around the home and/or companionship…Canada HomeShare Social Workers create matches that meet both the needs of the home provider and student using a framework designed and developed by the National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly.”
Paused in 2022, but restarting in 2023. Sign up here for notification
ENABLING CONNECTIONS
- A TABLET LENDING LIBRARY
South Granville Seniors Centre & Partners
“The four elements of the Enabling Connections program are: a tablet lending library, digital literacy mentoring,
a virtual senior’s centre, and knowledge sharing with other organizations. The Enabling Connections project is focused on creating connections between individuals and creating a sense of community and mutual support, peer to peer.”
Information here
CLOSING THE GAPS: EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE AND RECOVERY FOR OLDER ADULTS
Canadian Red Cross; National Institute on Ageing
“This is a recent report…that includes 29 Evidence-Informed Expert Recommendations to Improve Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery for Older Adults Across Canada…directed at Community-Based Services and Programs…Webinar features Dr. Samir Sinha, lead author of the report.”
Report here
FROME'S COMPASSION PROJECT
UK Men’s Shed & Health Connections Mendip-UK
“Compassionate communities help to reduce isolation and loneliness and bring a sense of belonging. Social relationships are the most effective intervention for improving health and longevity. Frome’s care combines a compassionate programme of community development with routine medical care…three key elements: making the most of the supportive networks of family, friends and neighbours…building networks of support for the routine matters of life…linking to community activity, such as choir, walking groups, men’s sheds, talking cafes and other interest groups where people can make friendships and share life’s events.”
This event has passed.
Health Connections Mendip website here
COMMUNITY
COUNSELLING
SERVICES
IN BC
Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, Community Action Initiative
“An extension of government funding to 49 local community counselling agencies provides access to low- and no-cost counselling services. Community counselling provides flexibility for counsellors to meet clients through outreach, in-person counselling or through virtual supports. In some community agencies, counsellors connect people to other services and supports.”
Counselling services offered within BC’s Health Authorities here
AGING WELL EDUCATION - ONGOING
These are virtual educational resources for the seniors'-serving sector that can be joined or viewed on an ongoing basis.
COVID-19 AND THE DIGITAL DIVIDE
(Centre for Ageing Better, UK)
Key findings from research involving i) > 250 seniors’-serving organizations about their service delivery efforts and ii) 50-70 year olds with incomes less than $42k about their use of the Internet and digital devices. Identifies and shares good practices for supporting digital inclusion and skill development during the pandemic and beyond. Describes how supports improved seniors’ knowledge and understanding of digital skills.
July 2021 report here
COMMUNITY DEMENTIA CARE AND SUPPORT
(Healthcare Excellence Canada)
Webinar series:"Innovations that are supporting people living with dementia and care partners, closer to home…what’s working and what isn’t…help innovators figure out how they can spread and scale their innovation so more people living with dementia, and care partners can benefit.”Past webinars and newsletter registration for upcoming related learning opportunities here
AGING YOUR WAY: CREATING AN AGE-INCLUSIVE CANADA
(CanAge; Toronto Public Library)
A series of upcoming free webinars plus recordings & key learnings from other 2021 webinars.
Information here
GLUU TECHNOLOGY TUESDAYS
(GLUU Society; Government of Canada)
The Canadian nonprofit on a mission to help older adults use technology to stay happy, healthy & connected. We make digital skills stick…offer free digital skills training for all Canadian seniors about Apple and Android mobile devices.
Information here
Register for Technology Tuesdays here (Recordings available if registered)
DIALOGUE ON AGING SERIES WEBINARS
(Providence Health Care)
Recordings of 2020-2021series of monthly presentations about self-care for positive mental health, mindfulness, brain health, sleep health, physical activity, technologies, socialization, creativity & living well with dementia, COVID-19 and dementia strategies and support, etc. Typically 2-hour presentation including discussion.
Recordings here
CAREGIVERS OUT LOUD: A PODCAST
(Family Caregivers of BC)
“A series of conversations with caregivers that highlight the joys, trials, and self-discoveries that come along with this rewarding and taxing position... have support and balance through the stories of inspiring caregivers.”
Information here
WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO AGE IN PLACE?
(Hon. Joyce Murray, MP Quadra Brunch Connections)
Guest speaker Ms. Isobel Mackenzie, BC’s Seniors’ Advocate, discusses “how to plan successfully to age in place, and how to help others – spouse, parent, family member, or friend – do the same… communities, business, the charitable sector, and various levels of government must collaborate to ensure today’s Canadians can age-in-place safely, as long as they wish...challenges and solutions.”
Recording here
NO PLACE LIKE HOME(SHARE): INSIGHTS FROM AN INTERGENERATIONAL HOMESHARING PROGRAM IN TORONTO
“Toronto HomeShare Pilot Project that matched 11 over-housed older adults 55+ (overhoused with respect to physical home space, social needs or supports with activities of daily living), with post-secondary student homeseekers who were experiencing difficulty securing safe and affordable housing… ‘facilitated’ by social workers and housing experts…now fully funded as a program by the City of Toronto…expanded to the City of Barrie.”
Webinar recording here
RAINBOW STEPS TO LGBT2SQ SENIORS
“This webinar discusses aging in the LGBT2SQ communities and how service providers can deliver more inclusive and supportive programming…. practical ways to provide sensitive, competent and inclusive community programming and services for LGBT2SQ individuals.”
Webinar recording here
HEALING IN PANDEMIC TIMES
(Northern Health, Indigenous Health, NCCIH)
An animated video reviews key terms such as stigmatization, stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination in an easily understandable way (4:32 min). Related publications include Thinking About Cultural Safety; Practical tips: Engaging People During COVID-19; Cultural Safety: Respect & Dignity in Relationships; Cultural Safety: Poster Series.
Video and information available here
PROMISING APPROACHES REVISITED: EFFECTIVE ACTION ON LONELINESS IN LATER LIFE
In the United Kingdom,“the Campaign to End Loneliness believes that nobody who wants company should be without it…We do this by creating spaces for collaboration and support to the sector and by…building evidence, convening and supporting the loneliness community, making the case for action, public campaigning, campaigning locally.”
Information here
FUNDRAISING TRENDS OF 2021 THAT MAY INFLUENCE YOUR STRATEGY AND PREPARE YOUR ORGANIZATION FOR A SUCCESSFUL YEAR
(Charity Village)
Webinar (Feb 2, 2021) and information here
SENIORS' TRANSPORTATION WEBINAR
(UWLM CORE Healthy Aging)
Learn more about the new Provincial Working Group on Seniors Transportation, the seniors-centred approach it will bring to its work, and its plans for improving seniors’ mobility in BC over the next two years. (January 27, 2021 presentation)
Recording and slides available here
ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
July 2021
Features reports from Medscape Medical News about advances in understanding dementia:
risk factors, tests, diagnosis, treatments, epidemiology, practice guidelines and more.
Conference news here
ENGAGING PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA IN DECISION-MAKING
Canadian Centre for Elder Law
“We are seeking participants for a series of virtual consultation events on strategies for including people living with dementia in decision making. The events will run from July 2021 to March 2022. We would like to hear from people living with dementia and other disabilities. We are also recruiting family members and friends for virtual consultation events on the perspectives of caregivers.”
Project Status: Work in Progress
Information here
Poster - people living with dementia here
Poster - caregivers here
VIRTUAL SERVICES FOR
PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA
Adult Cognitive Wellness Centre
Langley, BC
Virtual services for people living with dementia (Adult Cognitive Wellness Centre, Langley, BC)
Regular midday and afternoon sessions offered monthly by qualified facilitators: Caregiver Support, Yoga, Easy Practice of Qigong Movement, Experience-Centered Care with H.E.A.R.T. Methodology™, Mindfulness Base Stress Reduction.
Pre-registration & information here
DEMENTIA
EDUCATION & OPPORTUNITIES
BEACON *SHINING LIGHT ON DEMENTIA
Pacific Spirit United Church,
Vancouver, BC
In 2021, members of the congregation participated in a four-part series of online conversations “to further our sense of inclusion and love by opening meaningful conversations about what it means to be a dementia-friendly community…in our care for one another, in our building’s accessibility, and in our programming.”
Information here
Four-part video series here
DEMENTIA & SPIRITUALITY: PODCAST SERIES
Dementia Dialogue, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON
"This new four-part series explores the many dimensions of spirituality along the dementia journey, as well as how our cultural background influences and nurtures spiritual perspectives.Our hosts have held interviews with a range of guests including people living with dementia, academics and researchers, spiritual care providers and care partners.”
Listen here
HEALTH CARE DECISION-MAKING LEGAL RIGHTS OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA
Canadian Centre for Elder Law, Alzheimer Society of BC
“A set of resources on the decision-making rights of people living with dementia: three short animated videos, and a booklet. The booklet is available in English, French, Traditional Chinese and Punjabi.”
Information here
HEALTH CARE DECISION-MAKING LEGAL RIGHTS OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA
Canadian Centre for Elder Law, Alzheimer Society of BC
“A set of resources on the decision-making rights of people living with dementia: three short animated videos, and a booklet. The booklet is available in English, French, Traditional Chinese and Punjabi.”
Information here