NIDUS PERSONAL PLANNING RESOURCE CENTRE AND REGISTRY
Nidus.ca
Nidus is a non-profit that offers a variety of online presentations (webinars), information and documents about legal planning under BC legislation. These cover documents for while you are alive and for after death – e.g.Advance Directives, Disability Trusts, Representation Agreements, Enduring Powers of Attorney, Wills. It explains how to use the Nidus Registry service as a document repository.There are a variety of services offered as funding allows.
2024 Monthly webinar series here
NEWS
AGING IN UNCERTAINTY
United Way BC & Coalition of BC Non-Profit Community-based Seniors Organizations
“Report…spotlights the critical issue of seniors struggling to secure affordable housing in the face of soaring living costs, stagnant government retirement incomes, and a shortage of affordable housing…BC's seniors experience an alarmingly high rate of financial hardship, with 15.2% of seniors considered low income. Shockingly, in 2020, one in four seniors in BC had after-tax incomes below $21,800—almost $10,000 below the minimum wage.”
Report here
GOOD NEIGHBOUR BLOCK CONNECTOR
Kitsilano Community Action Network (KitsCAN)
Good Neighbour Kitsilano is a grassroots, volunteer-run initiative aimed strengthening neighbourly connections and inspiring community action. In 2023, the focus was on emergency preparedness with Grab-and-Go-Bag workshops and participation in an Emergency Preparedness & Response pilot project. That’s because neighbours are your first responders in most emergency situations! Good Neighbour Block Connectors take action to identify gifts, assets, skills and knowledge among their neighbours. Fostering those social connections can make a difference in your life and the lives of residents living near you. KitsCAN is recruiting Block Connectors who will be supported in their outreach efforts. Join us and share creative ways to get started or build on what you already do.
Time: Wednesday, March 13, 2024 5:30 - 7:30pm
Location: Kitsilano Neighbourhood House, 2305 West 7th Ave. , Vancouver
For more information: goodneighbourkits@gmail.com
or
Facebook here
PATIENT VOICES NETWORK
Health Quality BC
“Health care organizations value patient partner input to improve quality of care… From committees to quality improvement projects, and everything in between, engagements are led by health care partners and promoted by PVN.” Opportunity postings come and go but can be filtered by Connection Method (virtual, in-person, hybrid), Length of Commitment (short- and/or long-term, one-time), Open to (affiliated with a BC Health Authority).
Listings here
HOUSING TOOLKIT
Jewish Family Services
“This toolkit is a guide to help you better understand subsidized housing system in Lower Mainland and familiarize you with other options that may be available through the community resources…a step-by-step guide to help you search for independent housing and navigate the housing system independently.
View and download the Toolkit here
BUS RENTALS
ASK Friendship Society
“9 or 18 passenger buses with experienced driver for 4 – 7 hour rental options. Senior-focused service that is wheelchair accessible, low-step entry, grab rails, 3-point seatbelts but accommodates all ages, children to adults. See website here for full details, pricing and photos.
Contact to book: 604-263-7333 or caring@askcentre.ca
EVERY VOICE COUNTS
Office of the Seniors Advocate BC
“Long-Term Care Resident and Visitor Survey Results 2023…that covered 297 publicly subsidized care facilities in B.C. and received responses from over 10,000 residents and almost 8,000 family members and close friends…Survey results show there has been little improvement in areas such as frequency of bathing, help at mealtimes, meaningful activities, engagement with staff and other residents, and the overall ratings of quality remain relatively unchanged. Despite these shortcomings, residents continue to give high marks to long-term care home staff for their skill, compassion and ability to treat residents with respect.”
Highlights and links to the full report, presentation slides, videos, and more 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
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." Some programs are in-person, others virtual.
Winter 2024 registration opens January 8th
Programs run from January 15th - April 12th
Explore class options 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 COMMUNITY FOOD RESOURCES ON WESTSIDE
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
Heading 2
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 resources here
SENIORS ON THE MOVE
Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST)
“BEST and other community partners assist seniors in finding alternative transportation options that are environmentally friendly, such as car pools and community shuttle buses…and with driving cessation…to increase transportation options for older adults in BC so they can continue to lead a full life after they stop driving.” Explore the website here.
Their video, R.O.V.I.N.G. (Raising Our Voices in Support of Non-Ageist Ways of Getting Around) is 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? Materials and support 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 &
GUIDE
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. Sign up for Newsletter here
The Action Group's Guide for moving forward 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
CULTURAL PROGRAMS
Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society
“Our Circle is Strong is a vital cultural pathway for individuals, families, and communities to keep spirits, hearts, and minds healthy and strong. The program aims to improve participants’ holistic wellness and develop positive individual and collective identities through a connection to Indigenous culture… The Elders and Knowledge Keepers in this program provide support and guidance.” Wellness means there is a broad range of one-on-one and group services here and a variety of cultural drop-in workshops here. and website 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 under 2022-2023
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
SHINE
Seniors Housing Information and Navigation Ease
The SHINE program, funded by the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions and led by the Seniors Services Society of BC, is a province-wide initiative designed to facilitate timely access to and navigation of appropriate housing services and support for seniors. Seniors Housing Navigators are located within each partner organization…Community Connectors reduce isolation and increase social and service connections for seniors through referrals to local, community-based programs and education… A Seniors Mental Health & Wellness Provincial Resource is an online directory and Provincial Seniors Housing Directory aimed to increase the accessibility of senior-specific housing ((e.g. Temporary Housing Program) and mental health information…Capacity Building contributing to research projects, developing new initiatives, building a network of service providers, advocating for positive change, and building capacity in the sector.”
See SHINE here for services from Partner organizations in your area
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 or join a support group (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