BC SPEAK
BC Centre for Disease Control
The provincial Public Health survey, BC SPEAK (the Survey on Population Experiences, Action and Knowledge), is open until July 31st. People living throughout the province can have a say in shaping the health programs and services in their region by sharing their stories. The Survey takes around 20 minutes to fill out anonymously using a tablet, computer, or mobile device and is available in 11 languages.
Access the SPEAK Survey here
EMPOWERING VOICES FOCUS GROUP FOR OLDER ADULTS
CanAge & Realize Canada
“…seeking the participation of 15 individuals aged 50+ with episodic disabilities for a virtual focus group…contribute to our understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with episodic disabilities in the workplace…chosen focus group participants will receive $50 as compensation.”
Apply now for notification by July 21st.
More information and application here
Date: Virtual focus group July 25th from 10:00-11:30am PDT
ASK Friendship Society
It is Summer in Vancouver and time for seniors' outings!
ASK has 9- and 18-passenger buses that are wheelchair accessible with high visibility drop down steps, handrails and 3-point seatbelts. ASK is renting the buses to non-profit organizations at below-commercial rates to help cover maintenance and insurance costs. ASK has an experienced driver available.
More information about rentals here
PREPARE TOGETHER
FOR EXTREME HEAT
Buiiding Resilient Neighbourhoods Society (BRN)
“BRN is a collaborative effort…currently delivered and hosted by the non-profit Building Resilient Neighbourhoods Society.” A new guide Prepare Together for Extreme Heat: Simple Neighbourly Actions provides tips for engaging neighbours and planning ahead, taking individual actions during heat events, and discussing effective communication systems. There is a list of links to reliable online information resources. Other guides are available and more are forthcoming.
Access BRN resources here
BOOK A PHARMACIST
BC Ministry of Health
On June 1, 2023, pharmacists’ scope of practice was expanded to allow them to prescribe for 21 minor ailments and contraceptives…Book an appointment to see a pharmacist through a new provincial online booking system… Search for available appointment times at nearby pharmacies or make an appointment by calling or visiting a pharmacy. Walk-in service without an appointment is also available at some pharmacies.
Online booking at See a Pharmacist here
AGING
STRATEGIC PLAN
Canadian Institute of Health Research
Institute of Aging
“Older adults represent the fastest growing demographic in Canada…It's time for us to reframe what it means to age, refocus on the value of lived and living experiences and reposition health care and supports to empower older adults to live vibrant, healthy lives at every stage…research is needed to advance our understanding of what comprises health in aging and to implement effective models of care through integrated care systems.”
Strategic Plan 2023-2028 and cross-cutting priorities here
LEGAL RESOURCES
FOR CAREGIVERS
Family Caregivers of BC and Nidus BC
Estate planning takes care of your assets when you die - a Will and Enduring Power of Attorney, but they do not cover health or personal care.
“If you do not want government (Public Guardian and Trustee of BC) to be involved in your personal and private affairs, you will want to make arrangements in case you need help managing your affairs due to illness, injury, or disability while you are still alive. “Choose those you trust to advocate for you and carry out your wishes, if you need help speaking up for yourself” and prepare a Representation Agreement (RA) and Advance Directive (AD).
Help Age Canada & CORE Healthy Aging
On Aging Canadian Conversations presents Dr. Samir Sinha, University of Toronto Health Network and expert in the care of older adults, spoke about meeting individual needs and finding the right place to age with supports that maintain one’s quality of life. Recording of a half-hour conversation with Dr. Sinha in March 2023 and links to his other presentations about practical technologies to help with aging place.
Recording here
FREE AND LOW-COST RESOURCES IN VANCOUVER
Vancouver City Free Resources
There are many opportunities throughout the city to obtain free and low-cost groceries, meals, clothing and shopping bags. Consult and download maps and lists that are updated as programs expand or change.
Information here
AGING IN THE
RIGHT PLACE
CELEBRATING SUCCESS AND MOVING FORWARD
University of British Columbia and Lakehead University
A 10-minute video captures the voices of people experiencing dementia and those facilitating projects involved with Building Capacity for Meaningful Participation by People Living With Dementia. These grassroots organizations undertook a variety of initiatives to create more inclusive communities. The Building Capacity project, funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada, celebrates its activities and anticipates moving forward with new initiatives to inspire others.
BC COMMUNITY
SERVICE DIRECTORY
PathwaysBC
Directory of “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
Website here
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WELLNESS
TOGETHER
CANADA
Wellness Together Canada is a “collaborative project…to provide high-quality resources for everybody and supported by a wide network of organizations…funded by the Government of Canada. It was created in response to a rise in mental health and substance use concerns and…services range from basic wellness information, to one-on-one sessions with a counsellor, to community support. Wellness Together Canada is designed to be used on demand.”
Explore resources at the website here. If you would like to speak with a Program Navigator, call 1-866-585-0445.
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
RAISING
OUR VOICES
DOCUMENTARY
Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST) The Seniors on the Move (SOTM) Initiative created a short ROVING documentary that features interviews with BC seniors and experts from senior-serving agencies. R.O.V.I.N.G. (Raising Our Voices in Support of Non-Ageist Ways of Getting Around) forms the centre of a broad communications campaign and province-wide dialogue on seniors’ transportation issues.
Are you or your organization interested in hosting a community dialogue and R.O.V.I.N.G. screening?
To get materials and support to help you through the process:
Send an email to seniorsonthemove@best.bc.ca or sign up for the BEST newsletter 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
ACTIVITIES TO KEEP YOUR MIND & BODY HEALTHY
McMaster Optimal Aging Portal
“Many outdoor activities help older adults stay physically and mentally fit. ..Physical benefits include improved strength, better endurance and greater flexibility. Exercise is not only good for the body but your mind too! It can reduce stress, improve self-esteem, and reduce depressive symptoms.”
Ideas here
AGEING IN THE RIGHT PLACE:
SUPPORTING OLDER CANADIANS TO LIVE WHERE THEY WANT
National Institute on Ageing report
“This report aims to present a practical definition and framework to understand what ageing in the right place (AIRP) is and what is required to make it work… highlights existing best practices and opportunities that can reduce unnecessary LTC home admissions and better support the implementation of successful AIRP policies and programs across Canada and beyond.”
Report and AIRP Programs & Services here
FLIPPING STIGMA ON ITS EAR TOOLKIT
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
“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 here and sign up for Newsletter here
MUSIC AS A CAREGIVING TOOL
Family Caregivers of BC
The latest in a series of 15 Caregiver Out Loud podcasts:
"Hear how music enhances the care experience...No matter what your musical background is, music used intentionally can be beneficial to improve health and well-being...not only for the care recipient, but for you as well, as a caregiver...hear how music enhances the care experience."
Listen here or subscribe to the series where you get your podcasts
COVID IN THE
HOUSE OF OLD
Curator Megan J. Davies collaborated with on an installation project telling stories of those in long-term care during the pandemic: “how we failed our vulnerable elders…the sheer numbers of people who were lost…petition to transform eldercare for quality of life.” The website has the installation’s stories, pictures, audio plus educational resources (artefacts, podcasts, exhibit texts) This is a traveling exhibit now in New Westminster, then Squamish, and bookable for other sites.
Website here
COURAGE:
ACTION FOR BETTER AGING
SE Health and the Covenant Family
“The pandemic has had a devastating impact on Canada’s older adults… shone a public light on many important issues at the heart of aging: safety, independence, quality of life, human connection, and well-being.COURAGE: Action for Better Aging invites Canada to get involved… look at where we are today and at models and practices that help older adults stay in their homes and communities.”
A discussion paper here
BC SENIORS:
FALLING FURTHER BEHIND
Office of the Seniors Advocate, British Columbia
“The report highlights the impact of rising costs on B.C. seniors who depend on government pensions and ranks B.C…The report includes the results of a province wide survey of low-income seniors and a provincewide consultation with over 80 community agencies who work with seniors.”
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.” Also videos and insights from representatives of eight global cultures.
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.”
Information here
BC BRAIN WELLNESS PROGRAMS
BC Brain Wellness Centre, University of British Columbia
"BC Brain Wellness Program...provides learning opportunities for medical professionals and the general public on brain wellness practices. Wide range of free programs…from interdisciplinary collaborations with UBC's Physiotherapy, Kinesiology, Occupational Therapy, Neurology, Psychiatry, Neurosciences, Sports Medicine, Nutrition, Psychology and the School of Music as well as several community partners."
Get started here.
CAREGIVER LEARNING CENTRE
Family Caregivers of BC
Caregiver resources in formats to read (articles, tips, tools, flip books), watch (webinars and videos), listen (podcasts) or take a class (free, online).
Browse here
GLOBAL CAMPAIGN TO COMBAT AGEISM
World Health Organization (WHO)
“This campaign aims to tackle ageism by changing how we all think, feel and act towards age and ageing…A toolkit to learn about ageism, initiate your own conversations about this important topic in your community, organize events to raise awareness, and spread the word through social media to create #AWorld4AllAges.
Tookit and related information here
IF NOT YOU, WHO?
Advance Care Planning Canada
“Planning for your future healthcare needs is important…Do you know what would happen if you couldn’t speak for yourself? Who would you trust to makd those healthcare decisions for you?... The best time to think about this is now when you can speak for yourself.” This website helps you put advance care planning into action with scenarios and resources.
Start thinking about it by clicking here
HOP ON BOARD!
Active Aging Society, TransLink, Choose to Move
Learn about multi-modal transportation options available to seniors and newcomers in an engaging webinar. Hop on Board! is an up-to-date review of various ways it can be easy to use public transit in Metro Vancouver. You might qualify for a HandyCard to get out and about. If so, care partners are free!
Webinar and transcript are available here
MOVE AND CONNECT WEBINAR SERIES
Active Aging Society
“Features wide-ranging health promotion and healthy lifestyle topics...series aims to connect older adults to information and services to support their physical, social, and mental health…learn strategies and set goals.”
Example: A Prescription for Nature: Connect to Better Health Through Nature in collaboration with BC Parks Foundation. Ask your healthcare provider for a ParX Prescription – hand them
this flyer
Series of recordings here