Aging Out: Moving towards queer and trans competent care for seniors

Qmunity, Vancouver’s queer resource centre, in association with the Vancouver Foundation and local health authorities, funded the Aging Out Project, a two-year research and education project aimed at determining the needs of queer and trans seniors when transitioning from independent to assisted living or residential care, and developing a set of recommendations on how long-term care facilities and staff can become more queer and trans competent. During their research many LGBTQ seniors in focus groups around British Columbia expressed concern and fear that they might feel the need to hide their sexual orientation or gender identity in long-term care facilities where staff might not be queer and trans competent. One of the primary recommendations made in this resource is to ensure that the elderly have the opportunity to self-identify in during intake assessment.

This resource can be accessed here : http://bit.ly/16nt1gk

Seniors Hub Hosts Community Dialogue with the new Seniors Advocate

The South Vancouver Seniors Hub Council will be hosting a community dialogue with the new Seniors Advocate, Isobel Mackenzie on Wed. February 18th from 9:30am-12noon.   Please consider joining us so your thoughts, concerns and ideas for how to make improvements to fractured and inadequate services for seniors are included in this important dialogue.  Registration is limited to 60 so if you are interested in attending please call 604-324-6212 ASAP  to reserve a space.   If you know of others who would be interested in attending please encourage them to register.   

What follows are the event details - we hope to see you on Feb. 18th!

When:     February 18, 2015

Where:    South Vancouver House (Front Room)
                6470 Victoria Drive
                Vancouver, BC
                Phone:  604 324-6212  

Program Overview:
  9:30-10am         Registration, coffee/snacks
10:00am              Welcome
10:15 -10:45am   Keynote by Isobel Mackenzie
10:45 - 12:00pm  Q & A 

Proposed Topics for discussion include:

• social isolation of seniors
• accessibility and affordability of social housing - independent, assisted or home living
• inadequate and infrequent public transportation services in South Vancouver
• the lack of or inadequate support services and programs to caregivers
• the unaffordable cost of health care coverage to low income seniors, especially prescriptions, hearing aids, and dental care

Who should attend:
* seniors and people of all ages who want a voice in their future
* service providers, caregivers, community organizations or others who work directly with seniors
* advocates

Closure Reminder

Beulah and South Vancouver ADPs will be closed Monday, February 9, 2015 to observe Family Day. Both sites will also be closed on Thursday, February 12, 2015 for a staff training day.

February Calendars for Beulah ADP

Click on images to see larger calendars.

New Dementia Program at Killarney

In partnership with the Alzheimer Society, Killarney Community Centre is offering a new session called Minds in Motion, which combines a fitness class with social programs for people experiencing early stages of memory loss. 

Participants are welcome to attend on their own or with a friend, family member or caregiver. 

A certified fitness instructor conducts the exercise section of the program while a facilitator ensures participants are welcomed and assists with social interaction and involvement in activities, guided by the needs and interests of the participants. 

The sessions take place Thursdays from 10:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. now through March 26 in room 203 at the community centre, 

6260 Killarney St. 

The cost is $58.50 per couple. 

While the Killarney location is new, the program is ongoing at Kitsilano, West End, Marpole-Oakridge and Hillcrest community centres.

See more at: Vancouver Community Calendar

Chronic Pain Management Workshop - The Arthritis Society

	Chronic Pain Management Workshop - Vancouver Program Details: The main objective of this workshop is to improve your understanding of the principles of pain management and its treatments, introduce different methods to cope with chronic pain and show how to take an active role in your own pain management. Remember: “No Pain, No Gain” doesn’t apply when you have arthritis! Date: Monday, February 2, 2015 Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm Venue: Trout Lake Community Centre, 3360 Victoria Drive, Vancouver Cost: FREE Register: To register, please call 604-257-6955, onlinewww.Troutlakecc.com or in person at the Centre. We acknowledge the financial assistance of the Province of British Columbia  For more information about arthritis or to find other education programs and services available to you, please contact Joanna Li at jli@arthritis.ca or click here to view our calendar.
	www.Arthritis.ca | www.JointsInMotion.ca | www.WalkToFightArthritis.ca

Dementia Dialogue - Alzheimer Society of B.C.

Below are two upcoming Dementia Dialogue sessions we want to highlight for you.  Dementia Dialogues are interactive learning opportunities for family caregivers to connect with one another and increase their knowledge about dementia and caregiving skills. These sessions are facilitated to allow caregivers to share their experiences and take home practical information.

Building Resilience
The caregiving journey is an exhausting one.  How do you cope? How do you look after yourself? Join us as we explore ways to build resiliency by sharing ideas and strategies for coping with this immense role.
Thursday, January 29, 1 – 3p.m. Kitsilano Community Centre, 2690 Larch Street.
Link to website: http://www.alzheimerbc.org/News-and-Events/Events/2015/DD-Lewy-Body-Vancouver.aspx


Lewy Body Dementia
An opportunity  to discuss issues around caring for a person with Lewy Body Dementia or Parkinson Disease Dementia.  Discuss common symptoms, resources and experiences with other caregivers.  Leave with strategies and support from caregivers who understand.
Wednesday, February 18, 1 – 3p.m. Kensington Community Centre, 1575 Dumfries Street
Link to website: http://www.alzheimerbc.org/News-and-Events/Events/2015/DD-Resilience-Vancouver.aspx

Registration required.  To register or for more information contact: 604-675-5150 orinfo.vancouver@alzheimerbc.org

Living Life to the Full - Canadian Mental Health Association

	Arthritis Public Forums: Vancouver and Richmond
	1. Oh My Aching Hands! Many types of arthritis affect our hands, sometimes leaving them painful, weaker and making daily tasks really difficult. FeaturingMorag Crocker, Occupational Therapist, OASIS, join us for a lively and informative two hour free public health forum. Learn how to reduce hand pain, use tools and gadgets to make daily activities easier, and practice effective hand exercises. Date: Monday, January 26, 2015 Time: 6:30 – 8:30pm Venue: West Richmond Community Centre, 9180 No 1 Road, Richmond Cost: Admission is free, but donations gratefully accepted Register: 604-714-5550, at the Community Centre or click here 2. Gout: The Latest in Lifestyle and Treatments The Artus Health Centre invites you to this free patient information forum to learn more about Gout. A Rheumatologist and a Nurse will be presenting and available to answer all your questions. Free snacks, tea and coffee! Date:Tuesday, January 27, 2015 Time:5:30 – 7:00 pm Venue: Artus Health Centre, 839 West Broadway, Vancouver Cost:FREE Register: 604-714-5550 or click here For more information about arthritis or to find other education programs and services available to you, please contact Joanna Li at jli@arthritis.ca or click here to view our calendar.

www.Arthritis.ca | www.JointsInMotion.ca | www.WalkToFightArthritis.ca

January Calendars for South Vancouver ADP

January Calendars for South Vancouver ADP

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January Calendars for Beulah ADP

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Alzheimer Society - First Link Bulletin

The January 2015 edition of the First Link Bulletin is now available, which outlines the programs and workshops that the Alzheimer Society of B.C. is offering in January and February.

Beulah Christmas Luncheon Invitation