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NEWSLETTER HubBytes is t he Westside Seniors Hub's newsletter. It profiles key initiatives of the Hub's Partner Organizations and flags current issues, events and innovations that may be of interest to seniors. After a pandemic-induced hiatus of two years, we aim to publish HubBytes quarterly starting with Winter 2021-2022 . To view copies of HubBytes newsletters or subscribe, please click here

HUB COMMITTEES Hub Projects are taken on by Hub Committees, issue-based, action-oriented groups made up of representatives from the Council, Partner Organizations, and the community. They meet as needed to focus attention on particular issues or activities by sharing information, suggesting to the Council what approaches might work, and planning events. They act on behalf of seniors to bring attention to issues and gaps in services. Their work engages businesses, government agencies, non-profit agencies, and the public in moving towards a community where seniors can have their needs met and age well. ​ At this time, Hub Committee members are all collaborating as a Working Group on the multifaceted Building Capacity Dementia Ventures p roject so for action consider Getting Involved! ACCESS & MOBILITY COMMITTEE ​ Identifies seniors’ concerns and needs regarding access and mobility ​ Develops strategies to address those concerns ​ Engages Partner Organizations in coordinated action to keep seniors active and safe within their neighbourhoods ​ WHAT HAVE WE DONE? ​ We recently completed Walk and Be Seen – Neighbourhood Projects 2017 – 2018. This was a pedestrian visibility project that encourages seniors to walk and be more visible during low-light hours. It reached >600 participants with education and visibility gear wiith funding from the federal New Horizons for Seniors Program. The final report is here . ​ To stay informed about current issues, we send a representative to connect with the City of Vancouver Seniors Advisory Committee and to Seniors' Transportation is a Right meetings. ​ HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMITTEE ​ ​ Identifies key physical, social, and mental health issues of Westside Seniors ​ Prioritizes needs and find ways to address them through collaboration with Westside Seniors Hub Council, Hub Partners, other seniors serving organizations, and the community ​ Promotes awareness of seniors’ needs and advocate for change ​ WHAT HAVE WE DONE? ​ Through a partnership with the Alzheimer Society of BC, the Committee has offered two series of workshops to train more than 100 participants in how to create a more dementia-friendly community. Community members, volunteers & staff of the Hub's Westside Partners participated in the workshops. ​ In 2019, we initiated a collaboration with UBC and Lakehead University for active grassroots participation in the 4-year federally PHAC-funded umbrella project for Dementia Ventures . COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE ​ Provides resources for people who want to learn more about seniors’ serving organizations and their services on Vancouver’s Westside. ​ Creates online and print materials that are accessible to seniors, care partners, and the general public ​ Recruits volunteers withskills in website development & maintenance, photography, messaging, and publishing. WHAT HAVE WE DONE? ​ With a New Horizons for Seniors Program grant, we consulted with seniors for input on the Hub design of a logo, website, and print materials and conducted quality testing. We developed a Communications Plan for rolling out and maintaining the website. ​ The website is now being updated to showcase Dementia Ventures and the projects that Partners are initiating. Our communications invite more Partners, Council members and volunteers to join the Hub for collective action on issues affecting seniors! ​

PERSON LIVING WITH DEMENTIA You are invited to help: suggest & plan appealing activity options shape what ongoing social citizenship looks like build new attitudes within your community sustain your quality of life Hub Partners need to hear from you! Please: visit the Current Hub Partner Projects page to see which project is most attractive and contact the Partner sponsoring it.

CURRENT HUB PARTNERS' PROJECTS Dementia Ventures i s a commitment by the Westside Seniors Hub Partner Organizations to offer diverse activities for people living with dementia and their care partners. These activities are designed to: reduce stigma sustain quality of life ​ The projects listed below are partially funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada via the Building Capacity for Meaningful Participation by People Living with Dementia umbrella project. Current Hub Partner project planning began in early 2020 and is evolving all the time! ​ For more information, click on a category below to learn more, or click on a Partner's name for their contact information. ​ COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS Hub Partners want to foster more inclusive communities . They engage a wide range of community members in plans and conversations to build and change programs, and increase awareness. ​ These Partners are currently working on projects to achieve those objectives. If you can participate in their projects, please click on the Partner's name and contact them directly. ​ Translink Awareness-Building Placards Thanks to an Implementation Fund grant from the Building Capacity for Meaningful Participation by People Living with Dementia project, the Hub’s Council has placed 210 awareness-building placards inside TransLink buses in Metro Vancouver during the summer. The three different designs developed by Building Capacity project team members Samantha Pineda Sierra and Heather Neale Furneaux, quote Action Committee members with lived experience from a special initiative known as The Flipping Stigma Project . These members’ comments reflect on what it feels like to be discriminated against because of their dementia. The campaign aims to increase awareness and encourage open and respectful conversations about living with dementia. Even if you don’t travel on public buses, you will want to take a look HERE at these engaging placards. ​ Kitsilano Community Centre Association offers a variety of physical, social, and multicultural programming sponsored two Memory Cafés in October aimed at gathering programming needs and ideas from people experiencing dementia and care partners Community Needs Assessment Group sponsored two Memory Cafés to gather community members' perspectives. An insightful report summarizes responses and diverse strategies for next steps in programming. steps forward ​ ​ West Point Grey United Church TLC (The Lunch Club) A program for seniors and people with dementia in the west side of Vancouver. A Four Part Series with educational component and group discussions. ​ Pacific Spirit United Church Congregation members at Pacific Spirit United Church created an insightful four-part series looking at dementia from a community perspective. It's called Beacon *shining light on Dementia and is available online here . ​ PROGRAM PLANNING Hub Partners are adapting existing programs to be more inclusive and planning new programs. They appreciate having community members participate at every stage - planning, implementing and sustaining - to build community capacity. If you can participate at any stage of program planning or implementation, please click on the name of a Hub Partner below for their project description and contact them directly. ​ A.S.K. Friendship Centre develop programs & design space purchase art supplies to diversify programs ​ Dunbar Residents Association identify assets & gaps in services for seniors adapt Salmonberry Days for inclusive programming organize Fireweed Club for outdoor activities in Balaclava Park, including development of a pollinator garden ​ Kitsilano Neighbourhood House promote dementia awareness with staff and volunteer trainings convene a focus group to include the voices of people living with dementia and care partners in meaningful activities engage Business Improvement Areas (BIA) in a series of dialogues ​ South Granville Seniors Centre Two Happy Memories Cafés English-language Café brochure here Spanish-language Café brochure here ​ Collaborative Project - Fireweed Club helping provide transportation to bring participants to outdoor events. opportunities to connect with the larger community and build new connections with people living with dementia in the community. summer schedule of activities in Vancouver's westside parks and plazas here included outings in ASK Society's van DISCOVERING COMMUNITY ASSETS These projects focus on identifying community members and services that can help build capacity to offer meaningful opportunities and adapt existing services to be more inclusive. ​ If you can participate in building capacity, please click on the Hub Partner's name for their contact them directly. ​ The Building Capacity Project - Dementia Ventures Offers engaging programs in order to help organizations make existing offerings more inclusive. Informs future policies and priorities in community and health settings for dementia inclusive communities. ​ Westside Seniors Hub - Transportation Initiative Model Programs that explore van-sharing and public transit challenges and solutions for seniors. ​ Westside Seniors Hub Develop a website to showcase Partners' projects and opportunities to get involved Invite diverse community members to become involved Collaborate with UBC Centre for Community Engaged Learning students involved as Community Action Mobilizers to conduct asset-mapping of Vancouver's westside neighbourhoods and promote community resilience planning for shocks & stressors

FOOD SECURITY What IS food security? ​ Definition: Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. Complex and multifaceted concept that encompasses the availability, access, utilization, and stability of food within a population Related to poverty as food is the first expense to be cut out when one is struggling financially Disproportionally impacts vulnerable and marginalized individuals Food security? What IS the Westside Food Collaborative (WFC) ? WFC is a neighbourhood food network of organizations, groups and individuals working towards supporting community food security and hosted by Kitsilano Neighbourhood House. Mission: WFC will coordinate efforts, build collective capacity and form a unified voice of community service organizations providing food supports to the Westside residents. Through coordinated collective impact efforts, we will work to improve availability and access to adequate food resources for the most vulnerable community members. Together, we will work towards addressing the underlying factors leading to food insecurity, to advance the vision for a just and sustainable food system for all. The WFC Facebook website and Instagram webpage document its many community activities and contributions. They keep Westside neighbourhood residents up to date with events, resources and several significant reports that it has produced to further its Mission. WFC? What has WFC accomplished? The Kitsilano Neighbourhood House 5-year strategic planning process for 2021-2024 named its top three priorities to include “additional programs to meet the needs of underserved groups in the community” , and among other programs,”an action to develop a food security program for seniors.” 2021 Kitsilano Neighbourhood House became a fiscal sponsor of the WFC with a City of Vancouver Sustainable Food Systems Grant. That funding supported a part-time Community Food Developer, Ksenia Stepkina ( 7hrs/week), who was tasked with coordinating collaborative efforts and food security initiatives among existing members of the Westside Food Collaborative. Representatives of a dozen diverse organizations involved in growing, distributing, and/or preparing food for Westside residents since 2009 now meet monthly to share and coordinate their activities . 2021 Thinner and Thinner:Westside Food Asset Need and Scan r eport demonstrated the need for collaborative and comprehensive approaches to addressing food insecurity in the community. 2022 WFC Strategic Planning Case Study identified strengths and weaknesses to guide further planning. 2023 Food For All: Seniors' Food Security in Vancouver’s Westside Community Dialogue Report with details of community engagement sessions and partipants' recommendations. 2024 Free and Low-cost Community Food Resources-Westside updated periodically. WFC Reports How is the Westside Seniors Hub involved with the Westside Food Collaborative? ​ October 2023 WFC’s C ommunity Food Developer, Ksenia Stepkina , presented the Collaborative’s work and Food for All r eport findings at the Quarterly meeting of the Hub's Partner Organizations .Partners want to explore how their food-related activities can be integrated with the programs and services offered by WFC members.The Kitsilano Community Centre Association (KCCA) offered to support further integration of Hub Partners’ food-related activities with those of WFC and fund meeting facilitation. . November 2023-February 2024 Brainstorming session with members of WFC, WSH Council, KNH, and KCCA for next steps. Project scoping and contracting with Facilitator, Brad Beattie, POP The People Agency . ​ March 4, 2024 : Phase 1 strategic planning session, co-hosted by WFC and KCCA and facilitated by Brad Beattie to develop shared priorities and collaborative approaches around food security. March 26, 2024 : Monthly WFC meeting will be sharing details of the Phase 1 strategic planning themes and Phase 2 proposed next steps for WFC collective action with WSH Partners and other interested community organizations. We’re building community capacity to improve food security for Westside seniors and YOU can help! Visit this webpage and WFC’s Facebook website for upcoming opportunities to participate in programs, events and activities. ​ WSH-WFC

Help Lines Top HELP LINES Click on the buttons below. bc211 Information & Referral 311 City of Vancouver 811 BC Health Link BC Seniors' Advocate Dementia Ventures - FirstLink® SOTM: Seniors Transportation Options SAIL: Seniors Abuse & Information Line Greater Vancouver Seniors Distress Lines Ability 411 Assistive Technologies & Equipment AssistList: Home Health Equipment Exchange BC211 PROVINCE-WIDE INFORMATION & REFERRAL SERVICES 24/7 bc211 is a British Columbia, non-profit organization that provides a free, confidential, multilingual (160 languages) information about community, government and social services in BC. As a response to COVID-19, bc211 accepts applications for the Safe Seniors, Strong Communities program, both from seniors wanting help and from volunteers willing to step up and help with non-medical needs. ​ Multilingual : Yes (160 languages) Hours : 24/7 Contact: Dial: 211 Text: 211 Web: https://www.bc211.ca Twitter: @bc211Help Email: help@bc211.ca ​ Return to top bc211 311 City of Vancouver 311 CITY OF VANCOUVER Help line within the City for seeking information about operations and services or to report problems. ​ During COVID-19 only use 311 for urgent requests or language interpretation. Otherwise use online chat and email at City website. ​ Multilingual : Yes ​ Hours : 7am to 10pm daily Live chat 9am-4pm ​ Contact: Dial 311 within Metro Vancouver. Outside Vancouver: 604-873-7000 App: VanConnect Web: https://vancouver.ca/your-government/contact-the-city-of vancouver.aspx ​ Return to top DEMENTIA VENTURES FIRST LINK ® DEMENTIA HELPLINE If you have questions about Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, call the Alzheimer Society of B.C.'s First Link® Dementia Helpline for information and support (toll-free): ​ Dial: - English: 1-800-936-6033 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.) - Cantonese and Mandarin: 1-833-674-5007 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) - Punjabi: 1-833-674-5003 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) Web: https://alzheimer.ca/bc/en/help-support/find-support-bc/first-link-dementia-helpline ​ Return to top FirstLink Dementia Helpline 811 HealthLinkBC 811 HEALTHLINK BC 811 is a free-of-charge provincial health information and advice phone line available in British Columbia to speak to a health service navigator, who can help you find non-emergency health information and services; or connect you directly with a registered nurse, a registered dietitian, a qualified exercise professional, or a pharmacist. ​ Multilingual : Yes (130 languages) For translated resources in French, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Punjabi, Spanish and Vietnamesego to https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/services-and-resources/translated-resources Hours : 24/7 ​ Contact: Dial: 811 Web: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/ For nursing services: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/nursing-services For dietitian services : https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/dietitian-services For pharmacist services: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/pharmacist-services For qualified exercise professionals: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/physical-activity-services ​ Return to top SENIORS ON THE MOVE TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS Need help getting around British Columbia? This is an initiative of B.E.S.T. (Better Environmentally Sound Transportation). You can find various transportation options: public transit, HandyDart, as well as community shuttle services, taxis and private driver services,volunteer ride programs, and walking groups in various regions of the province.. ​ Web here : https://www.seniorsonthemove.org/transportation-options-for-seniors-metro-vancouver#/ ​ Return to top STAR BCC SENIORS ADVOCATE Speak with an Information & Referral analyst or consult website about health care, housing, income supports, personal supports, transportation. Seniors’ services research reports and Long-term Care Quick Facts Directory. Provide feedback on seniors’ services. Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday (except statutory holidays) Contact: Dial: toll-free 1-877-952-3181 or in Victoria 250-952-3181 Web: https://www.seniorsadvocatebc.ca/ ​ Return to top BC Seniors Advocate SENIORS ABUSE & INFORMATION LINE (SAIL) SAIL is a province-wide confidential service for older adults, and those who care about them, to talk to a trained intake worker about abuse or mistreatment. Seniors will receive information and support about issues that impact their health and wellbeing. Multilingual: Yes, upon request (180 languages) Hours: 8am-8pm 7 days/week (excluding holidays) ​ Contact: Dial: 604-437-1940 or toll-free 1-866-437-1940 TTY equipment: 604-428-3359 or toll-free 1-855-306-1443 Web: http://seniorsfirstbc.ca/programs/sail ​ Return to top Seniors Abuse & Information Line (SAIL) CRISIS CENTRE OF BC Immediate access to barrier-free, non-judgmental, confidential support and follow-up to youth, adults, and seniors throughout 24/7 phone lines and online services. The Distress Services program provides support to vulnerable individuals across British Columbia. Multilingual: Yes (140 languages) Hours: 24/7 distress phone line and online chat services between noon and 1:00am Contact: Dial: Vancouver Coastal Regional Distress Line: 604-872-3311 Anywhere in BC 1-800-SUICIDE: 1-800-784-2433 Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789 Web: https://crisiscentre.bc.ca/ Chat: Adults: www.CrisisCentreChat.ca (Noon to 1am) ​ Return to top Crisis Centre of BC Ability 411 ABILITY 411 Web-based service for answers to questions and practical information about technologies, tools and equipment that increase independence and wellbeing for BC seniors, and support their families and care teams. Multilingual: Use an online translation app Web: https://www.ability411.ca/find-answers Ask a question https://www.ability411.ca/ask-new-question ​ AssistList ASSIST LIST “Helping simplify the exchange of home health equipment for our community” with blog, resources and searchable database of equipment listings , …”facilitating safe exchanges across Metro Vancouver by creating a network of Community Exchange Zones to help us facilitate safe exchanges across Metro Vancouver. ” Non-profit operated by staff and volunteers; funded by partners and donors. Multilingual: Use an online translation app Hours: equipment list is available 24/7 here Contact: online here with questions

​ VOLUNTEERS YOU can help participate in community conversations assist with social, creative & physical activities provide technical expertise & logistical support interview & write stories Volunteers are essential partners in making Hub Partners' programs meaningful opportunities for participants. Your interactions with people living with dementia become important connections to community and diversify the kinds of activities that Hub Partners can offer. ​ Hub Partners would like to hear from you! Visit the Current Hub Partner Projects page to see which project is most attractive and contact the Partner sponsoring it.

Westside Seniors Hub Nuestra Organización Dementia Ventures...Desarrollando Capacidad Involúcrate Fireweed symbolizes the resilience that Dementia Ventures envisions bringing to people living with dementia and their care partners. This feisty wildflower thrives in challenging conditions and brings vibrant colour to diverse landscapes year after year.We are grateful that Yukon photographer Ivan Sundby has donated this High Weed image to Dementia Ventures. Like so many, Ivan’s family has been affected by dementia. Fireweed (Epilobio) - ¿Por qué esta flor? Dementia Ventures... Desarrollando Capacidad Dementia Ventures crea oportunidades comunitarias para que las personas que viven con demencia permanezcan activas y comprometidas. Los objetivos centrales del Hub para las personas que viven con demencia son: crear una comunidad más inclusiva y aumentar la ciudadanía social . ¡Vivir con demencia debe incluir perseguir nuestras propias pasiones! Las comunidades que brindan diversas oportunidades demuestran que las personas pueden seguir contribuyendo de manera importante a la vida comunitaria mucho más allá de un diagnóstico de demencia. ¡Dementia Ventures significa desarrollar capacidad para la inclusión de personas con demencia en actividades significativas! Las organizaciones asociadas con Westside Seniors Hub están adaptando los programas actuales y creando nuevos programas que son inclusivos y motivan a las personas que viven con demencia a socializar de acuerdo con sus intereses. ¿Quieres involucrarte? Si es así, ¿eres? experimentando dificultades cognitivas / cuidador / líder de programa / profesional / voluntario motivado Tú puedes ayudar a las organizaciones asociadas al Hub a desarrollar actividades artísticas , sociales , de fitness y voluntarias atractivas y sostenibles. Los Hub Partners quieren que las personas que viven con demencia y sus cuidadores expresen sus necesidades y deseos. Los socios también necesitan líderes de programas, voluntarios motivados y profesionales que trabajen con personas mayores para ayudar. Porfavor ¡Participa ! Panorama general ... Generar acciones colectivas hechas por los ancianos y por sus cuidadores De 2019 a 2022, Westside Seniors Hub se enfoca en Dementia Ventures con la colaboración de la Universidad de Columbia Británica y la Universidad de Lakehead en Thunder Bay, Ontario. El proyecto general para ambos sitios consiste en Desarrollar capacidad para la participación significativa de las personas que viven con demencia, financiadas por la Agencia de Salud Pública de Canadá. ​ Involúcrate Proyectos actuales

Westside Seniors Hub Nuestra Organización Iniciar sesión HUB WESTSIDE SENIORS ACCIÓN COLECTIVA POR Y PARA MAYORES Fireweed symbolizes the resilience that Dementia Ventures envisions bringing to people living with dementia and their care partners. This feisty wildflower thrives in challenging conditions and brings vibrant colour to diverse landscapes year after year.We are grateful that Yukon photographer Ivan Sundby has donated this High Weed image to Dementia Ventures. Like so many, Ivan’s family has been affected by dementia. HUB WESTSIDE SENIORS ACCIÓN COLECTIVA POR Y PARA MAYORES El Westside Seniors Hub es una iniciativa que reúne a personas mayores locales y organizaciones que prestan servicios a personas mayores para garantizar que las comunidades de Westside sean lugares donde las personas mayores puedan prosperar. Sirve para proporcionar un "centro" informativo que mejora el conocimiento de los programas y servicios locales. Proporciona liderazgo en la identificación de brechas en la prestación de servicios y genera apoyo comunitario para los problemas de las personas mayores. More About Us Get Involved Current Hub Partner Projects

BUILDING CAPACITY Dementia Ventures is building community capacity to include people living with dementia and their care partners in meaningful activities! When communities provide diverse opportunities for these people to engage, they can remain vibrant contributors to community life well beyond a dementia diagnosis. Living with dementia shall include pursuing one’s passions! ​Dementia Ventures invites you to get involved in creating a more inclusive community and increasing social citizenship for people living with dementia. ​ Join us in adapting current programs or creating new ones that are inclusive and enable people living with dementia to socialize according to their interests. Westside Seniors Hub Partner Organizations have a variety of opportunities underway to be more inclusive. Join any of our current projects described here . There are opportunities for anyone to help make communities more dementia-friendly. ​ Get Involved Current Hub Partners Projects SoundBytes Series Fireweed Club News & Events Resources ​ WE NEED DIVERSE PARTNERS TO HELP BUILD CAPACITY FOR GREATER INCLUSION! Everyone's skills and experiences can make a difference. Perhaps you are experiencing cognitive difficulties a care partner a program leader a professional working with seniors a motivated volunteer YOU can assist Hub Partner Organizations develop appealing and sustainable arts , social , fitness and volunteer activities. ​ Hub Partners want people living with dementia and their care partners to express their needs and desires. Partners also need the assistance of program leaders, motivated volunteers, and professionals working with seniors. THE BIGGER PICTURE... COLLECTIVE ACTION BY ELDERS AND THEIR CARE PARTNERS From 2019-2023, the Westside Seniors Hub is focusing on Dementia Ventures in collaboration with the University of British Columbia and Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Find out more about the UBC and Lakehead University research team members here . The Public Health Agency of Canada is funding the umbrella project called Building Capacity for Meaningful Participation by People Living With Dementia . It is one of the first community-based research projects funded under a 2019 Agency comprehensive plan: A Dementia Strategy for Canada .

COLLABORATION VALUES SENIORS LED T he Hub is seniors'-led in order to best address the needs of seniors. It promotes a healthy aging process, recognizing that multiple generations and cohorts need different activities and supports. Seniors provide guidance on increasing the accessibility of seniors' programs and addressing the diversity of interests among seniors. COMMUNITY FOCUSED The overarching intention of the collaboration among Partner Organizations is to maximize benefits for the community and to leverage resources effectively, for example by seeking opportunities for funding support and innovative collaboration. The Hub relies on community engagement to address the needs and interests of diverse facets of the community. DIGNITY AND RESPECT The Hub operates on values of respect where everyone is treated with care and compassion. We aim to foster independence, self-esteem, dignity and empowerment for seniors and their families. BELONGING The Hub strives to create a sense of belonging and inclusion and provide opportunities to be connected and engaged in the community. OPENNESS The Hub Partner Organizations operate in a spirit of respect for each other and are clear and open about their intentions. They bring forward any issues that arise during the course of Hub work so that they can be addressed by the group. BECOME A PARTNER If you are a public, non-profit, or faith-based organization that serves seniors on Vancouver’s Westside, we would like to collaborate with you! ​ WHAT VALUES DOES THE WESTSIDE SENIORS HUB OFFER? ​ Help seniors know what programs and services Westside organizations offer to keep them socially engaged, active and well-served Enable the sharing of information and resources among Hub Partner Organizations and other community entities Better meet the needs of Westside seniors by sharing knowledge between seniors and Hub Partner Organizations Increase community awareness of seniors' issues and strengthen advocacy on behalf of seniors ​ HOW CAN PARTNERING IN THE WESTSIDE SENIORS HUB BENEFIT MY ORGANIZATION? ​ Enhance community awareness of your seniors’ programs and increase participation Learn from experiences and insights of other seniors' service providers Share ideas and solutions to improve seniors’ programs and services Amplify the voice of Westside seniors' service providers through the collective power of working together WHAT ARE THE ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A HUB PARTNER ORGANIZATION? ​ Actively support the goals and operation of the Westside Seniors Hub by attending quarterly meetings, sitting on committees where possible, and providing advice and expertise to Council and Committees when requested Submit program and event information for profiling in Hub communications (website, HubBytes newsletter) Share ideas, successes, and challenges at quarterly Partner meetings Share information from Partner meetings within your organization Promote the network of Partner Organizations and make referrals where appropriate Partners meet quarterly and communicate via email between meetings. Partners are encouraged to join committees relevant to their work and offer space, resources and guidance to help the Council and volunteers in their efforts. Contact us to become a partner Hub brochure here PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS A growing network of Partner Organizations that serve seniors on the Westside have an interest in collaborating to support seniors in their community. They meet quarterly to share information about resources and assets, identify emerging issues, and collaborate on building a range of integrated services for seniors. They work with the Hub Council, serve on committees to act on identified issues, and represent the Hub to the public and various constituencies. Become a partner Current Partners Collaboration values

Events - Return to top SOUND BYTES SERIES Return to top Hub Community Action That Builds Capacity The Dementia Ventures project empowers Hub Partners to build out inclusive community programming for all and adapt to include people living with dementia. They and their care partners want to remain socially engaged in meaningful activities. A collaboration with UBC’s Dr. Alison Phinney and her Building Capacity team offers financial, strategic and logistical resources so programs can welcome and support those with dementia and their care partners. We celebrated midway in this initiative with a series of vibrant online community dialogues. The theme was: “What it means to be an accepting and inclusive community.” SoundBytes wants to share wisdom from those dialogues. Here are our first nuggets. There will be many more! BC-based artist and advocate Granville Johnson spoke out about fear and the power of our perspective on Dementia Dialogue's most recent podcast episode, addressing the ways we can choose to gain some sense of control and joy back into our lives even in the face of new challenges. Watch Full Event HERE PERSPECTIVE IS EVERYTHING In the most recent podcast episode of Dementia Dialogue, Dr. Alison Phinney discusses the stigma attached to dementia diagnoses and how that impacts community support efforts. She speaks with host Lisa Loiselle and fellow podcast guest Granville Johnson, who lives with dementia himself, about the important balance to be struck between training and education on one hand, and engaging with people with lived experience on the other. The Biggest Challenge to Community Support for People Living with Dementia Watch Full Event HERE WHAT HOLDS US BACK Karen Rolston’s mother Louise started getting inklings something was a little “off” back in 2011. At the time, the Rolstons were already in the process of creating a laneway house on their property for her, so they could live close together. The timing worked out well. Louise lived there for seven years beside her daughter Karen, Karen’s husband, and their daughter. Those years were, “a beautiful opportunity for us to just wrap mom with more support and care while she was able to live in her own space,” Karen said. ​ When Karen thinks about the journey she has been on with her mom, and the reactions from people when it comes to dementia, the word that comes to mind is fear. “People find out someone has dementia, and they think, ‘Am I going to receive this diagnosis too?’ ‘Is someone I love going to get dementia?’” Rolston said. Fear seeps in and too often, people pull away. ​ “People often don’t know what to say or do, so they turn away from those with dementia instead of turning toward them with love,” Rolston said. Rolston is extremely grateful for community supports. Her mom really enjoyed the Alzheimer Society’s Minds in Motion program, the Alzheimer’s Café and the Helena choir she joined. “These community groups are where we felt really held,” she said. “It’s such a painful journey and there is still so much we can do.” ​ In this Soundbyte, Rolston offers her thoughts on how to really tune into a person’s needs and meet them where they are, rather than seeing their responses as resistance or defiance. Loving and showing up for someone with dementia is about cherishing the now, embracing their world, and accepting what is. ​ TURNING TOWARDS THE PERSON WITH DEMENTIA A care partners perspective on what helps. Watch Full Event HERE Esteemed Globe and Mail Columnist André Picard wrote Neglected No More: The Urgent Need to Improve the Lives of Canada’s Elders in the Wake of a Pandemic in 2021, a book that discusses what needs to change to shift the culture of long-term care across our country. “Picard reveals the full extent of the crisis in eldercare and offers an urgently needed prescription to fix a broken system and ensure long-term care homes are not warehouses of isolation and neglect” Penguin Random House states on their site. Care home COVID outbreaks seemed to be exploding in every region of the country at the time, drawing attention to the deplorable working conditions they had for employees, the resulting neglect residents experienced, and the total lack of support for the institutions in general. In this storyboard, Picard says media needs to highlight not just worst-case scenarios meant to shock and awe, but stories about people living quite well for a long time with dementia. Seeing more people with dementia in our day-to-day activities—including in the news— would normalize that experience as a way of reducing stigma. Lastly, he emphasized the importance of having people with dementia sit on boards and committees on which they get a real vote in the outcomes of important decisions. ANDRÉ PICARD ON THE MEDIA'S ROLE IN STAMPING OUT STIGMA Watch Full Event HERE Rob Dramer and Lilllian Ireland are self-identified elders who work with the Suzuki foundation mentoring and supporting other elders and younger generations in dialogue and action on environmental issues. They're also traveling performers who offer a multi-sensory show featuring songs they've written about biodiversity, interspersed with some familiar tunes to help audiences tap into earlier memories. Music elicits powerful connections, and they invite audience members to join in the fun alongside them and their collection of beautiful local animal puppets. On the value of art in supporting the dementia journey... Watch Full Event HERE SUZUKI ELDERS Myrna Norman is an author, artist, and dementia advocate based in Maple Ridge. In 2009, when Norman was diagnosed with Frontal Temporal Dementia and given eight years to live, she went home ready to die. But after grieving this news for a couple of weeks, Norman decided to do what she’s best at: advocating for change. She became heavily involved in initiatives that let others in her situation know they weren’t alone. Thirteen years later, Norman’s passion, generosity of spirit, and charisma have touched so many lives. Her book, “Dementia Strategies, Tips and Personal Stories,” has become an indispensable voice of validation and support. ​ Norman has participated in multi-year research studies, art-making groups and task forces including The Dementia Sisterhood, the Dementia Action Committee, Dementia Advocacy Canada, the Dementia Friendly Task Force, and now the Building Capacity Project to name just a few. She’s also collaborating with researchers and designers at Emily Carr University’s Health Design Lab to develop a series of workbooks geared at supporting researchers to engage in collaborative work with people with lived experience. And to all these roles, she brings her signature energy, compassion, and love for showing people their strength. On the value of art in supporting the dementia journey... Watch Full Event HERE POETRY A dedicated group of congregation members at Pacific Spirit United Church worked together over the course of a year to create an incredible and insightful four-part series on dementia that you can access online.​ ​ They had noticed church members struggling with cognitive decline and family members worried about finding extra care, so they dove in to offer support. Their commitment to fostering a dementia friendly culture at their church has since inspired many other groups to take action too. ​ For more details go to www.pacificspiritc.com and click on "ministries". The series is under "Beacon *shinning light on dementia." ​ BEACON *Shining Light on Dementia An Initiative to build an inclusive congregation at Pacific Spirit United Church. Summary HERE Watch Full Event HERE The Flipping Stigma Toolkit is a project where a group of people diagnosed with dementia partnered with a research team to develop an online toolkit. ​ This Action Group, funded by a research grant from the Canadian Institute of Health and Research, co-designed the toolkit to help people with dementia recognize and respond to stigma and discrimination -and to help others better understand ho to be supportive-. ​ The Goa? Flip that fear on its ear. ​ To learn more visit www.flippingstigma.com LET´S TALK ABOUT DEMENTIA THE FLIPPING STIGMA TOOLKIT An Action Group of people living with dementia came together and developed a toolkit to start a conversation about stigma and discrimination in dementia. Watch Full Event HERE Granville Johnson is an artist and teacher whose advocacy work is always led by his passion for lifting people up. In this piece, he talks about the ways his art and his lived experience inform each other. ​ He sees dementia as an opportunity for insight. “Dementia gives you a chance to express your inner self, the good, the bad and the ugly. And in that expression, there are opportunities to grow.” ​ He focuses on what he can do, rather than what he can’t. He believes the more society can get behind the idea of championing strengths rather than focusing on deficits, the stronger our community will become. Johnson lives in a remote part of Northern British Columbia and thrives in its natural beauty. ​ NEW PERSPECTIVES Shifting the conversation on dementia involves recognizing its gifts. Watch Full Event HERE Researchers and designers at Emily Carr University’s Health Design Lab use participatory design methods to catalyze, support and amplify initiatives addressing complex health challenges like dementia. “We use design methods to help engage people with dementia in initiatives that directly impact their lives,” said Lab Director Caylee Raber. The team’s current project is called Collaborate, Gather, Share—a workbook series co-designed by people with lived experience to help drive reflection around how they can be brought into research projects and how best to support those collaborations, recognizing people with dementia as experts. ​ Their recent video, “Perspectives,” paired design students with long-term care residents. They co-designed and co-wrote mini publications featuring residents’ stories. Students developed creative games and activities to help draw out residents’ stories that they then captured in zines and mini-books, some even embroidered on quilts. ​ Lastly, the team worked with Vancouver Coastal Health for four years on a project focused on shifting the culture of care in long-term facilities. All the Lab’s work focuses on how researchers and designers can use their skills and expertise to build upon work already being done—facilitating creative expression and self advocacy for people with dementia and getting those messages out to the world. ​ EMILY CARR UNIVERSITY´S HEALTH DESIGN LAB Emily Carr University's Health Design Lab employs participatory methods to lift up the perspectives of people with lived experience. Watch Full Event HERE Author, artist, and dementia advocate Myrna Norman runs a peer support group for others with dementia in her lower mainland community called the Purple Angels Memory Café. The group meets four times a month, and sometimes outdoors in summer when the weather is beautiful. Every second week, it’s the Army and Navy Club for a beer and live music. Members take turns bringing refreshments and treats and have fundraised up to $300 to put towards games and activities they can play together. The group is a wonderful way to connect with others, share similar experiences, and gain support and a powerful sense of belonging. The best part? Membership is free. “The gift [members] give to me is so much more than could ever be paid,” said Norman. ​ One new member who joined a couple of weeks ago turned to Myrna as he was leaving the Army and Navy Club and said, “Myrna, I feel different now. The music touched something inside of me.” ​ “I still get the shivers thinking about it,” Norman said of the comment. It’s revelations like this one that drew her to this work. ​ For more information or to check out the Purple Angels sometime, email Myrna Norman at: the.normans@shaw.ca REPRESENTATION MATTERS The power of seeing our experiences in the stories of others. Watch Full Event HERE Reverend Deborah Liang has been a minister in the United Church of Canada for 37 years, the last four at Pacific Spirit Kerrisdale. She's seen how good communities gather around people in both their joys and troubles, contributing immensely to their quality of life. She also served as chaplain at a rural hospital and learned so much from nurses and program staff there about support, respect and care for people with dementia. Shared values and perspectives. Watch Full Event HERE THE POWER OF SUPPORT FROM OUR FAITH & CULTURE GROUPS One Vancouver man who has been advocating for the treatment and care of people with dementia ever since his dementia diagnosis over a decade ago, discusses how dementia is viewed through various cultural lenses. He explains how those lenses affect families' and individual's responses to diagnosis and decisions around treatment. Watch Full Event HERE RESPONDING TO DEMENTIA THROUGH A CROSS-CULTURAL LENS BC artist and dementia advocate Granville Johnson talks about the importance of trusting one's sense of self above all else when living with dementia. "The world might not know we're capable, but we can know it and live it and continue to pursue our dreams." Johnson lives in remote part of British Columbia where he's currently working on a novel. Watch Full Event HERE TRUSTING OUR SENSE OF SELF ABOVE ALL ELSE When Lester was first diagnosed with dementia, he and his wife and care partner Cindy found that some of their friends and family reacted with disbelief. Others weren't sure how to talk to him. Sharing the Flipping Stigma toolkit with their church and social communities gave the couple a chance to contextualize dementia for those who didn't know much about it. The toolkit allayed fears, provided reassurance, and ultimately resulted in Lester AND Cindy feeling they could open up more about his diagnosis, feel less shame, and share more of their journey with the people they cared about. The toolkit helped them feel much more deeply understood. Watch Full Event HERE ON BRAVERY AND THE POWER OF SHARING OUR STORY Bill Heibein continues to live on the farm he shared with his late wife Heather just outside Kakabeka Falls, Ontario. When he was diagnosed with dementia in 2000, doctors told him he'd have about five more years to live "usefully". Twenty-two years later, he has proven them wrong. In addition to caring for his horses, Bill volunteers as an advocate with the Northwest Dementia Working Group, helps run Dementia Cafes in the community, and is passionate about encouraging others with lived experience to get involved, advocate for themselves, and find purpose. Bill says it's that deep sense of purpose that's fuelled his ability to thrive with dementia for so long, and he's confident others can do the same. Bill Heibein's Journey with Dementia Watch Full Event HERE HOW FOCUSING ON A PURPOSE BUILDS RESILIENCE When COVID-19 threatened to halt all their efforts in their tracks, Andrea Sara and her team found was to move online, gather virtually, solve problems, and dream big anyway. They worried for seniors who'd been hit particularly hard by increased isolation and wanted to ensure everyone in their community felt seen and supported. So, they went outside. They sought out "soothing spaces" where they could "feel safe socializing". That's how the Fireweed Club came to be. These days the DRA has its hand in so many wonderful initiatives, all which support inclusion, environmental awareness, and social engagement. A community works together to be more inclusive. Watch Full Event HERE MAPPING DEMENTIA-FRIENDLY CULTURE Dementia Educator and community advocate Helen Murphy has dedicated her career to making the North Shore and surrounding communities more dementia-friendly. She provides training for North Shore organizations, speaks to community groups, and volunteers in developing new programs and opportunities for people with dementia to live better lives in a community that is "wise, inclusive and socially integrated". Watch Full Event HERE ON THE VALUE OF INTERGENERATIONAL CONNECTION The Building Capacity Project team in Thunder Bay, Ontario partners with the Northwest Dementia Working Group on a number of fantastic community initiatives. The team is very grateful to the NWDWG members who have volunteered to help run some of their Dementia Cafes over the years, for instance, as these cafes are a great opportunity for people in the community to witness for themselves how important representation is, how much capacity there is among people with lived experience, and to be a apart of breaking down stigma. THE NEED FOR PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA IN ADVOCACY ROLES Lynn Jackson is an action group member with lived experience who played a key role in developing the Flipping Stigma Toolkit, a new online resource helping educate caregivers, people with lived experience, researchers, and the public at large about how to respond to stigma around dementia. Jackson talks about how important it is for care partners to empower people with dementia to stay engaged and active. Fostering autonomy while supporting someone with dementia works to maintain their sense of personhood. Treating them like they're sick makes them feel that way. Watch Full Event HERE CARE PARTNERS EMPOWERING PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA Dr. Elaine Wiersma of the Centre for Education and Research on Aging and Health at Lakehead University talks about the need to amplify a wider cross section of voices when it comes to the lived experience of people with dementia. If our exposure of these experiences stays too narrow, we run the risk of silencing important wisdoms, staying uninformed as to the broad range of experiences, and keeping devastating stigmas alive. AMPLIFYING DIVERSE VOICES: THE VALUE OF LIVED EXPERIENCE Art is a powerful vehicle for shifting perceptions and shaping culture. AND it's one way of letting your voice be heard when the words themselves might be too hard to say. Whether it's a poem, a collage, a painting, or a dance, the arts can be incredibly helpful and moving for people with dementia at all stages of their journey, and can help the public gain insight into their experience. ART AS A VEHICLE FOR CHANGE

JOIN THE HUB There are many ways to become involved in the Hub. We are always looking for new members. BECOME A PARTNER ​ If you are a public, non-profit, or faith-based organization that serves seniors on Vancouver’s Westside, we would like to collaborate with you! JOIN THE HUB COUNCIL ​ Learn more about our Westside Seniors Hub Council, composed of volunteer seniors or those who work with seniors. We are continuously recruiting for new members. JOIN COMMITTEES Hub Committees are issue-based, action-oriented groups made up of representatives from the Council, Partner Organizations, and community. From 2015-2019 we had 3 active committees working on various projects : health & wellness; access & mobility and communications. Given the holistic approach of our current project, Dementia Ventures, committee members are now working together to address issues collaboratively. Learn about our Hub Partners Contact us to become a Partner Learn about the Hub Council Contact us to join the Hub Learn about Hub Committees Opportunities to get involved

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 Aging Well Education - Ongoing Dementia Education & Opportunities 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. Recording here 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 c onnect 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 Frome Shed 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 Frome Shed 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 material Back to Top 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 BRAIN WELLNESS PROGRAMS (UBC Brain Wellness Centre) Wide range of topics and their effects on brain health: music, nutrition, sleep, mood, improv theatre, practical tips, mindfulness, role as care partner etc. Information here Subscribe to newsletter 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 ADDRESSING STIGMA: AGING AND OLDER ADULTS (UWLM CORE Healthy Aging) 55min. An overview of stigma as outlined in the Public Health Agency of Canada's (2019 report) 'Stigma Action Framework for Building an Inclusive Health System' Recording here 2019 Summary video (Voices for Inclusion 4min) 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 Back to Top 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 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