NEWS
January 9, 2023
BRAIN WELLNESS
CENTRE PROGRAM
REGISTRATION
BC Brain Wellness Centre, UBC
Brain Wellness are unique and interactive programs establishing clinically relevant lifestyle approaches to complement medical treatment in the clinics at the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health…and provides learning opportunities for medical professionals and the general public on brain wellness practices. Wide range of free programs…from
interdisciplinary collaborations with Physiotherapy, Kinesiology, Occupational Therapy, Neurology, Psychiatry, Neurosciences, Sports Medicine, Nutrition, Psychology and the School of Music as well as several community partners.
Winter program information and registration here
January 15, 2023
THE ANTIQUES
ROAD SHOW
Beacon *shining light on Growing Old And The Arts Committee
A fun, light-hearted 'show and tell' at Pacific Spirit United Church. All generations are welcome to bring their own unofficial 'antique' and tell stories about those things we have inherited and may no longer use.Sing songs and enjoy the company.
Time: 12:00-1:30 with lunch
Location: Pacific Spirit United Church, 2915 West 45th Ave., Vancouver, BC
Please RSVP by email to admin@pacificspirituc.com
Poster here
January 25, 2023
FINDING HOPE
IN DEMENTIA
Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging
A public conversation between researchers and people with lived experience of dementia and carers… exploring answers to questions:
What does a diagnosis of dementia mean?
How can one find hope and a sense of belonging on this journey?
What is the place of people with dementia in society and community?
The panel will reflect on practical ways to find hope, social connectedness, and empowerment on the journey.
Date: January 25 3:00pm PST
Register here
February 14, 2023
SUPPORTING INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES AFFECTED BY DEMENTIA
United Way BC &Alzheimer Society of BC
“Learn how to distinguish dementia from normal age-related changes and how symptoms can evolve as dementia progresses…how you can support a person living with dementia and their family or friend caregiver(s)…Learn how to refer a client to First Link® and the programs and supports available.
Date: February 14, 2023 10:00am PT.
Register here
December 2022
MEMORY CAFÉ: COMMUNITY CENTRE PROGRAMS AND SUPPORT NEEDS FOR SENIORS EXPERIENCING MEMORY LOSS AND THEIR CAREGIVERS
Kitsilano Community Centre Association Board
The Association Board oversees programs at the community centre. “A Community Needs Assessment Group is charged to become better informed by the community… One gap that has been identified is tailored programs and supports specifically for those struggling with memory loss and supports and services for those caring for seniors with memory loss.” Two Memory Cafés were held to gain community members’ perspectives and formulate some potential next steps.
Read about the community responses and various strategies in their report
October 2022
DEMENTIA IN CANADA: CROSS-COUNTRY REPORT
CanAge
“We wanted to find out where Canada is on the path to making this country dementia-inclusive… This report, the first of its kind in Canada, benchmarks the progress made in each province and territory to prepare for the rapidly growing rate of dementia... It also looks at our National Dementia Strategy, and the role the federal government has to play in stewarding, and funding a collaborative approach to this important work. We need to do better. We can do better.”
Report here
January 2023
DEMENTIA VENTURES AT KITS HOUSE
You are invited to become involved in the Kits House Dementia Initiative: "create awareness and build community capacity to include the voices of people living with dementia and their care partners in meaningful activities.
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Participate in focus group
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Become a volunteer buddy
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Train as a community member
Contact thaisl@kitshouse.org or call 604-736-3588 ext. 127
Poster here
FLIPPING STIGMA ON ITS EAR TOOLKIT
Canadian Health Research Institute
“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. Sign up for the newsletter..
Explore the website here
November 2022
THE CASE FOR ENGAGING PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA IN COMMUNITY SUPPORT EFFORTS
United Way BC,BuildingCapacity Project, Westside Seniors Hub
“Building Capacity Project team members discuss their grassroots approach to community support with and for people with dementia. They look at both the logistical side and the bigger picture side of how engaging and collaborating with people with lived experience fosters a culture of inclusion and decreases stigma.”
Webinar recording and handout here
DEMENTIA DIALOGUE
PODCASTS
Centre for Education and Research on Aging and Health (CERAH)
Lakehead University
Listeners who have dementia, care partners, and others gain insight and strengthen their adaptive skills from podcasts that help the broader community understand what it means to live with dementia and how they can support people.”
There are special series for spirituality, arts, women, early onset dementia and new podcasts being added all the time. French & English. Episodes 51 and 53 of Season 4 feature feature lively and insightful conversations with Action Group member, Granville Johnson and Building Capacity Project’s Co-Lead, Dr. Alison Phinney.
Website here
Season 4 #51 & 53 here
CALL TO MIND PODCAST
University of Victoria, BC
Prof. Debra Sheets
“In this four-part podcast series, people living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia record audio diaries and conversations about their lives during the pandemic…Intimate and surprising stories about the challenges and rewards of caregiving, the impacts of isolation, finding joy by living in the present, and staying in love when everything else is changing...inspires you to make your community a more friendly and supportive place for people with dementia.”
Podcasts here
BUILDING CAPACITY PROJECT:
TAKEAWAYS
UBC Nursing
The Building Capacity Project Team led a discussion with Westside Seniors Hub Partners on May 25th about "engaging people living with dementia...to participate in community life as full social citizens...using the Action Group's Flipping Stigma Toolkit as an entry point...The online toolkit...gave Partners a chance to think through what stigma looks and feels like."The discussion included: Questions, Insights from Action Group members, Implementing the Toolkit, Engagement, and Resources 4-page Takeaways 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
BUILDING CAPACITY PROJECT
WEBSITE
University of British Columbia Nursing & Lakehead University
“The Building Capacity Project aims to enable people living with dementia to participate in community life as full social citizens. The project develops and evaluates effective ways to create sustainable opportunities for people living with dementia and family/friend caregivers, to remain active and connected in their communities…support community initiatives.” Webinars, newsletter, reports, etc.
Website here
CAREGIVERS OUT LOUD:A PODCAST SERIES
Family Caregivers of BC
Listen to “insightful, authentic and heart-centered conversations with caregivers that highlight the joys, trials, and self-discoveries that come along with this rewarding and taxing position.”
20-30 minute episodes accompanied by notes.
New addition Feb 2022:
Creativity as a Form of Self- Care Listen here
PROMOTING ENGAGEMENT OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA & FAMILY/FRIEND CAREGIVERS IN ADVANCE CARE PLANNING THROUGH COMMUNITY-LED PROGRAMS
BC Centre for Palliative Care
Research-based “learnings from, and resources developed...to promote the engagement of people living with dementia and family/friend caregivers in Advance Care Planning (ACP)…builds on the proven success of an existing, sustainable, community-led education model… to support community organizations facilitate ACP programs for the public.
Report here
FAMILY DYNAMICS AND HOLIDAYS
Family Caregivers of BC
Half-hour videos by Wendy Johnstone, Provincial Caregiving Consultant and Gerontologist, available free via Facebook that provide emotional support for those living with dementia and those caring for them.
The December 2022 theme was Family Dynamics and the Holidays, but past episodes, webinars, and much more are available to explore here.
COMMUNITY COUNSELING 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.”
Availability of counselling services within BC’s Health Authorities here