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DV News Top NEWS Ongoing CIRCA-CA: COMPUTER INTERACTIVE REMINISCING AND CONVERSATION AID IN CANADA Canadian Dementia & Learning Resources Network “This is a web-based conversation support tool that offers…multimedia content, including photographs, short videos, and audio to stimulate conversation, social engagement, and relationship building… for people living with dementia and their care partners to connect and engage, share memories, build relationships, and reminisce… This version of the project is specifically tailored for a Canadian audience…for use as a group or one-on-one activity.” Explore the resources here Ongoing FLIPPING STIGMA ON ITS EAR TOOLKIT Canadian Health Research Institute “The discrimination caused by stigma that accompanies a diagnosis of dementia needs to be ‘flipped on its ear’! The purpose of this toolkit is to r ecognize and respond to this stigma and discrimination . It has been designed by people with dementia to help others – including other people living with dementia, the people who support them, and those who do research – to address the challenges of stigma and discrimination.” Video clips demonstrate interactions and stimulate discussions. Sign up for the newsletter. . ​ Explore the website here Ongoing FAMILY CAREGIVING SUPPORT GROUPS Family Caregivers of BC “Support groups create a safe and confidential space. In a support group, Shared Understandings (also known as ‘ground rules’ or ‘group guidelines’) create this safe and confidential space for caregivers in group meetings.” There are several monthly virtual support groups at different times of day to accommodate busy schedules. Explore these and other caregiver resources here and sign up for FCBC’s newsletter. Information here Ongoing LEGAL RESOURCES FOR CAREGIVERS Family Caregivers of BC & 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) . Read more about RA and AD here and here Ongoing MEMORY CAFÉ: COMMUNITY CENTRE PROGRAMS AND SUPPORT NEEDS FOR SENIORS EXPERIENCING MEMORY LOSS AND THEIR CAREGIVERS Kitsilano Community Centre Association Board The Association Board oversees programs at the community centre. “A Community Needs Assessment Group is charged to become better informed by the community… One gap that has been identified is tailored programs and supports specifically for those struggling with memory loss and supports and services for those caring for seniors with memory loss .” Two Memory Cafés were held November-December 2022 to gain community members’ perspectives and formulate some potential next steps . Read about the community responses and various strategies in their repor t Ongoing DEMENTIA IN CANADA: CROSS-COUNTRY REPORT CanAge “We wanted to find out where Canada is on the path to making this country dementia-inclusive … This report, the first of its kind in Canada, benchmarks the progress made in each province and territory to prepare for the rapidly growing rate of dementia... It also looks at our National Dementia Strategy, and the role the federal government has to play in stewarding, and funding a collaborative approach to this important work. We need to do better. We can do better.” Report here March-April 2023 DEMENTIA VENTURES AT KITS HOUSE You are invited to become involved in the Kits House Dementia Initiative: "create awareness and build community capacity to include the voices of people living with dementia and their care partners in meaningful activities. Participate in focus group Become a volunteer buddy Train as a community member Contact thaisl@kitshouse.org or call 604-736-3588 ext. 127​ Poster here Ongoing FLIPPING STIGMA ON ITS EAR TOOLKIT Canadian Health Research Institute “The discrimination caused by stigma that accompanies a diagnosis of dementia needs to be ‘flipped on its ear’! The purpose of this toolkit is to r ecognize and respond to this stigma and discrimination . It has been designed by people with dementia to help others – including other people living with dementia, the people who support them, and those who do research – to address the challenges of stigma and discrimination.” Video clips demonstrate interactions and stimulate discussions. Sign up for the newsletter. . ​ Explore the website here Ongoing THE CASE FOR ENGAGING PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA IN COMMUNITY SUPPORT EFFORTS United Way BC,Building Capacity Project, Westside Seniors Hub “Building Capacity Project team members discuss their grassroots approach to community support with and for people with dementia. They look at both the logistical side and the bigger picture side of how engaging and collaborating with people with lived experience fosters a culture of inclusion and decreases stigma.” Webinar recording and handout here DEMENTIA DIALOGUE PODCASTS Centre for Education and Research on Aging and Health (CERAH) Lakehead University Listeners who have dementia, care partners, and others gain insight and strengthen their adaptive skills from podcasts that help the broader community understand what it means to live with dementia and how they can support people.” There are special series for spirituality, arts, women, early onset dementia and new podcasts being added all the time. French & English. Episodes 51 and 53 of Season 4 feature feature lively and insightful conversations with Action Group member, Granville Johnson and Building Capacity Project’s Co-Lead, Dr. Alison Phinney. Website here Season 4 #51 & 53 here CALL TO MIND PODCAST University of Victoria, BC Prof. Debra Sheets “In this four-part podcast series, people living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia record audio diaries and conversations about their lives during the pandemic…Intimate and surprising stories about the challenges and rewards of caregiving, the impacts of isolation, finding joy by living in the present, and staying in love when everything else is changing...inspires you to make your community a more friendly and supportive place for people with dementia.” ​ Podcasts here BUILDING CAPACITY PRO JECT: TAKEAWAYS UBC Nursing The Building Capacity Project Team led a discussion with Westside Seniors Hub Partners on May 25th about "engaging people living with dementia...to participate in community life as full social citizens...using the Action Group's Flipping Stigma Toolkit as an entry point...The online toolkit...gave Partners a chance to think through what stigma looks and feels like." The discussion included: Questions, Insights from Action Group members, Implementing the Toolkit, Engagement, and Resources 4-page Takeaways here STORIES FOR CAREGIVERS A series of 2-minute videos “‘Therapeutic Fibbing’ is a 4-part heart-opening dramatic comedy web series featuring an everyday Canadian family utilizing — with varying levels of success -- a form of compassionate lying to navigate communications with a loved one living with dementia. ” ​ YouTube here Facebook here BUILDING CAPACITY PROJECT WEBSITE University of British Columbia Nursing & Lakehead University “The Building Capacity Project aims to enable people living with dementia to participate in community life as full social citizens. The project develops and evaluates effective ways to create sustainable opportunities for people living with dementia and family/friend caregivers, to remain active and connected in their communities…support community initiatives.” Webinars, newsletter, reports, etc. Website here ​ CA REGIVERS OUT LOUD:A PODCAST SERIES Family Caregivers of BC Listen to “insightful, authentic and heart-centered conversations with caregivers that highlight the joys, trials, and self-discoveries that come along with this rewarding and taxing position.” 20-30 minute episodes accompanied by notes. ​ New addition Feb 2022: Creativity as a Form of Self- Care Listen here PROMOTING ENGAGEMENT OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA & FAMILY/FRIEND CAREGIVERS IN ADVANCE CARE PLANNING THROUGH COMMUNITY-LED PROGRAMS BC Centre for Palliative Care Research-based “learnings from, and resources developed...to promote the engagement of people living with dementia and family/friend caregivers in Advance Care Planning (ACP)…builds on the proven success of an existing, sustainable, community-led education model… to support community organizations facilitate ACP programs for the public. Report here FAMILY DYNAMICS AND HOLIDAYS Family Caregivers of BC Half-hour videos by Wendy Johnstone, Provincial Caregiving Consultant and Gerontologist, available free via Facebook that provide emotional support for those living with dementia and those caring for them. The December 2022 theme was Family Dynamics and the Holidays, but past episodes, webinars, and much more are available to explore here. COMMUNITY COUNSELING SERVICES IN BC Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, Community Action Initiative “An extension of government funding to 49 local community counselling agencies provides access to low- and no-cost counselling services. Community counselling provides flexibility for counsellors to meet clients through outreach, in-person counselling or through virtual supports . In some community agencies, counsellors connect people to other services and supports.” ​ Availability of counselling services within BC’s Health Authorities here Return to top DV News

HOUSING FOR SENIORS Affordable rentals are currently difficult to find in Vancouver. Ask anyone who is looking for studio or 1-to-3-bedroom apartments or condos, and they have stories to tell! Numerous development permit applications have been submitted for Westside locations, but new buildings, even those with a percentage of below-market rental units, are not yet ready for tenants. When their tenancy is threatened or ended, many elderly tenants on fixed incomes are unable to relocate anywhere near their former homes, even temporarily. What are Westside Seniors Hub members doing about housing for seniors? January 2024 A questionnaire circulated by WSH Council to its Partner Organizations produced: A Snapshot: What Partner Organizations are Seeing, Hearing and Doing February 2024 Council prepared some briefing materials to inform WSH Partners: Selected Housing Navigation Supports & Trainings and Selected Recommendations from UWBC’s Aging in Uncertainty: The Growing Housing Crisis for BC Seniors report (Nov 2023) & IRPP’s Affordability Action Council report (Feb 2024) Entire UWBC Healthy Aging report Aging in Uncertainty and City of Vancouver Seniors’ Housing Strategy: What We Heard report (July 2023) February 21, 2024 Representatives from a dozen WSH Partner organizations met at a Quarterly Partners’ meeting to discuss seniors’ housing affordability . They were joined by guests from the City of Vancouver, City’s Older Persons & Elders Advisory Committee, Healthy Aging United Way BC, Hey Neighbour Collective & SFU Housing Solutions Lab, Premier’s Legislative Office, Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House, and South Vancouver Seniors Network. Presentations at Quarterly meeting: Healthy Aging UWBC presentation by Dr. Laura Kadowaki and Dr. Beverley Pitman City of Vancouver Older Persons & Elders Advisory Committee (OPEAC) by Dr. Marc White SFU Housing Solutions Lab Exploring Housing Options for Older Adults concepts discussed by Michelle Hoar March 1, 2024 Council prepared a resource list: Housing Resources Referenced at Quarterly Housing meeting March 25, 2024 Council circulated: Seniors Housing Issues for Action: Follow-up to 2024 Q1 Partners’ Meeting April 18, 2024 The City of Vancouver’s draft Seniors’ Housing Strategy was released for public feedback. You are invited to comment at shapeyourcity.ca/seniors-housing here until May 16, 2024.

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

PROGRAM LEADERS YOU can help create a sense of belonging for people with dementia deliver diverse experiences facilitate expression of feelings stimulate the senses and emotions It is so important to remain socially, mentally and physically active when experiencing cognitive decline. Program leaders are essential partners in offering meaningful activities that are fun and inclusive, so community members living with dementia and their care partners look forward to participating. This website's Resources will help you understand how to engage and adapt your leadership skills so your language and approaches resonate and encourage everyone to remain active and involved in your programs. ​ 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

PAST PROJECTS DEMENTIA VENTURES September 2023 - March 2025 Additional PHAC funding allows Dementia Ventures projects to deepen their impact. Initiatives elsewhere in BC will involve people living with dementia and community members to create new engagement programs, and result in publication of an Action Guide that offers insights for communities building capacity for greater social citizenship by people experiencing dementia. DEMENTIA VENTURES - BUILDING CAPACITY PROJECT September 2019 - March 2023 Building Capacity for Meaningful Participation by People Living with Dementia , an initiative funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), aimed to enable people with dementia to participate in community life as full social citizens. The project was a partnership between researchers at the University of British Columbia and Lakehead University, and their community partners: members of the Westside Seniors Hub in Vancouver and the Northwest Dementia Working Group in Thunder Bay, a coalition of people with lived experience, care partners, and researchers. In Vancouver, where the initiative is known as Dementia Ventures, six Hub Partners implemented programs that created opportunities for active involvement of people with dementia, such as a virtual memory café, a buddy program, outdoor activities, and discussions among faith-based congregations. Read more about Dementia Ventures here and Hub Partners’ stories here . CYCLING WITHOUT AGE EVENT September 28, 201 9 Cycling Without Age Vancouver, in association with Kitsilano Neighbourhood House and the Westside Seniors Hub, are hosting safe and scenic trishaw rides along the Arbutus Greenway on September 28th from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Trishaws are three-wheeled cycles where you sit in the front and experienced pilots pedal you from behind. Our mission is to break the elderly free from social isolation. Make them smile. Make new memories. And let them be part of society again and thereby renew their appetite for life itself. We give them the right to wind in their hair. Cycling Without Age is based on generosity and kindness. Event HUbBYTES NEWSLETTERS July, September, November 2019 and re-launched December 2021 - present In 2019 Hub Council began compiling resources of potential value to Hub Partner Organizations that we encountered as we attended events and made community contacts. The MailChimp illustrated newsletters are now sent out quarterly to Hub Partners and community members who sign up. Read current and past editions and sign up here . DEMENTIA PROJECT - HUB FIRST STEPS TOGETHER October-November 2018 Hub Council convened a working group of representatives from Partner Organizations to discuss and decide upon actions to be taken after a presentation about Alzheimer cafés and other dementia-friendly initiatives. At two meetings, some Guiding Principles were drafted. First Steps Together 2017-2018 WALK AND BE SEEN CAMPAIGN The 2017-2018 Vancouver Walk and Be Seen (WBS) campaign was a great success! The finale held in March included presentations by Safety Ambassadors from 17 organizations from Metro Vancouver. Seniors were involved in organizing neighbourhood Walk and Be Seen projects. For those who attended the finale, there was no doubt that many were Proud to be Seniors and Proud to be Seen-iors! During the campaign, volunteer Ambassadors spoke to seniors in their communities about pedestrian safety and the benefits of increasing their visibility in low-light conditions by wearing reflective or light-emitting gear. The comments, stories and survey results collected in this campaign clearly showed grassroots support for increased pedestrian visibility. 2018 WBS Report FORUM ON SENIORS HOUSING ON THE WESTSIDE OF VANCOUVER July 2017 The Westside Seniors Hub, through the Jewish Family Services Agency, received a grant from Vancouver Coastal Health to research seniors housing on the Westside of Vancouver. A researcher interviewed more than forty stakeholders, from housing experts to seniors with housing issues. The report Seniors Housing on the Westside of Vancouver is based on these interviews. The Hub then organized a half-day Housing Forum on April 26, 2017 to further explore housing issues with those interviewed and important stakeholders. The Forum included panel presentations on housing innovation by leaders from Kitsilano Neighbourhood House, the United Way of the Lower Mainland, LaneFab and Calling Ministries, and 36 participants joined two consecutive groups to explore key issues and formulate recommendations. Forum Report 2016-2017 WALK AND BE SEEN PILOT PROJECT Walk and Be Seen (WBS) was a volunteer pilot project on the Westside of Vancouver involving senior pedestrians. It was designed to promote walking during low-light conditions while wearing reflective apparel in response to statistics that show senior pedestrians experiencing the highest number of fatalities from collisions in Vancouver. The project registered 132 participants who agreed to wear free reflective gear (cloth sash or LED slapband), tally walks of any length, and provide feedback. Upon completion, 79 registrants completed a survey and provided comments. An Action Mini-Grant (VGH Trauma Services, Vancouver Coastal Health) provided initial funding with Kitsilano Neighbourhood House, Mountain Equipment Coop, the Jewish Family Services Agency, and WalkMetroVan contributing additional funds and administrative support. 2017 WBS Report 10th AVENUE HEALTH PRECINCT PLANNING UPDATES May 2017 The City of Vancouver Transportation Department undertook a two-phase public consultation process in 2015-2016 regarding redesign proposals for the West 10th Avenue ‘Health Precinct’ (Cambie to Oak Streets). Seniors, persons with disabilities, and many stakeholders provided feedback on those proposals. The Hub noted a few significant design changes as a result of citizen input. NATIONAL SENIORS DAY FAIR October 2015 Event ELDER ABUSE INFORMATION WORKSHOP June 2015 Event DEMENTIA-FRIENDLY TRAINING SESSIONS April 2015 A series of three training sessions with presenters from the Alzheimer Society of BC were arranged and offered to staff and volunteers of Hub Partner organizations and the general public. Report

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! PAVING THE WAY FOR OTHERS WITH DEMENTIA ... BC-based Lynn Jackson is a retired nurse and highly active advocate for people living with dementia. She's a member of several action groups and continues to blaze a trail for others to live well and feel empowered living with dementia. Watch Full Event HERE A PERSON-CENTERED APPROACH TO DEMENTIA ... In a recent Dementia Dialogue podcast interview, BC artist and advocate Granville Johnson reminds us how crucial it is that people with dementia be involved in planning and decision making for initiatives that affect their lives. "Inclusion creates understanding, facilitates empathy, and shares love." For more on the importance of including and respecting people with dementia, please visit buildingcapacityproject.com and flippingstigma.com Watch Full Event HERE STRENGTH IN NUMBERS ... This excerpt from a new episode of Dementia Dialogue features UBC's Dr. Alison Phinney on overcoming barriers to community engagement for people living with dementia. Dr. Phinney discusses what she's learned through her extensive research, and how important it is to have a team. Joining her in discussion on the episode is Community Research Coordinator Dr. Andrea Monteiro and BC-based Lynn Jackson, a dementia advocate and retired nurse living with dementia who explains what's been most effective for her. Watch Full Event HERE THE BEAUTY OF INCLUSION ... Veteran dementia advocate and Thunder Bay resident Bill Heibein expresses his deep appreciation for the inclusive and warm nature of his local Dementia Cafe and its refreshing lack of labels. "No one asks who's who; they just welcome you in the door." Sounds pretty lovely to us! Watch Full Event HERE THE POWER IN THE WORDS WE USE ... When John's doctor made a joke out of his dementia, he was deeply hurt. It's these kinds of microaggressions that create the biggest barriers for people with dementia to live well. Words like these that silence people who really need to speak and share. Help us empower people with lived experience to know they're entitled to live their best life too. Watch Full Event HERE PERSPECTIVE IS EVERYTHING ... 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 WHAT HOLDS US BACK The biggest challenge to community support for people living with dementia. 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. Watch Full Event HERE TURNING TOWARDS THE PERSON WITH DEMENTIA A care partners perspective on what helps. 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. Watch Full Event HERE ANDRÉ PICARD ON THE MEDIA'S ROLE IN STAMPING OUT STIGMA ... 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. Watch Full Event HERE SUZUKI ELDERS On the value of art in supporting the dementia journey... 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. Watch Full Event HERE POETRY On the value of art in supporting the dementia journey... 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. Watch Full Event HERE BEACON *Shining Light on Dementia An Initiative to build an inclusive congregation at Pacific Spirit United Church. 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." Watch Full Event HERE 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. 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 Watch Full Event HERE 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. 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. Watch Full Event HERE REPRESENTATION MATTERS The power of seeing our experiences in the stories of others. 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 Watch Full Event HERE THE POWER OF SUPPORT FROM OUR FAITH & CULTURE GROUPS Shared values and perspectives 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. Watch Full Event HERE RESPONDING TO DEMENTIA THROUGH A CROSS-CULTURAL LENS Shared values and perspectives 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 TRUSTING OUR SENSE OF SELF ABOVE ALL ELSE Shared values and perspectives 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 ON BRAVERY AND THE POWER OF SHARING OUR STORY Shared values and perspectives 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 HOW FOCUSING ON A PURPOSE BUILDS RESILIENCE Bill Heibein's journey with dementia. 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. Watch Full Event HERE MAPPING DEMENTIA-FRIENDLY CULTURE A community works together to be more inclusive. 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. Watch Full Event HERE ON THE VALUE OF INTERGENERATIONAL CONNECTION ... 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 THE NEED FOR PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA IN ADVOCACY ROLES ... 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. . CARE PARTNERS EMPOWERING PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA ... 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 AMPLIFYING DIVERSE VOICES: THE VALUE OF LIVED EXPERIENCE ... 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. . ART AS A VEHICLE FOR CHANGE ... 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. .

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 .

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

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

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

​ 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.

CARE PARTNERS YOU can help reveal challenges that need to be addressed create activities that fit with your needs as well as those you care for offer ideas for innovative initiatives participate in community conversations To partners, relatives, friends or professionals regularly involved in providing care for a person living with dementia: ​ Your voice is needed in planning and implementing activities that are feasible and engaging. 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

DEMENTIA VENTURES ​ TOOLS FOR ENGAGEMENT ​ ​ Stakeholders everywhere in our society can foster resilience in loved ones who are experiencing cognitive difficulties. Everyone strives for social inclusion and recognition of their personhood, and people living with dementia and their caregivers are no exceptions. WHAT IS THE RECIPE FOR SUCCESS IN FOSTERING RESILIENCE? ​ Dementia Ventures aims to reach a broad range of stakeholders and provide community organizations with tools to engage effectively with people experiencing cognitive challenges. Let’s give them more opportunities! And how? Let the voices and experience of loved ones living with dementia inform the planning of meaningful activities that bring joy to everyone involved! You will find some amazing tools below to help you engage and make a difference. Powerful Words & Approaches Concise Rationales for Change Meaningful Engagement Top of Tools for Engagement Concise rationales POWERFUL WORDS & APPROACHES CONCISE RATIONALES FOR CHANGE Practice Tools & Factsheets (I-CAARE) A Quick Guide To: Approaches ; PIECES of My Relationships (Guidelines, Questions, Family Supplement); Medicine Wheel: Preventing Dementia in Indigenous People by Aging Well ; The Pathway of Dementia Person-centered Language Guidelines Alzheimer Society of Canada “By being more conscious of the language we use, we can avoid reducing individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias to a series of labels, symptoms or medical terms.” Dementia & Language Dementia Alliance International Organizational philosophy:”Nothing about us, without us.” Approach conversations with and about people living with dementia using respectful language that does not stigmatize and demean. Media should reflect DAI's Core Beliefs. Why Arts-based Activities? Westside Seniors Hub, Vancouver, BC Rationale for social engagement through the arts, credible evidence, and links to model programs that demonstrate how arts-based creative activities can have profound impacts on people at every stage of the dementia trajectory. Flipping Stigma on Its Ear Toolkit Taking Action Against Stigma and Discrimination Associated With Dementia University of British Columbia, CIHR Action Research Project “The purpose of this toolkit is to recognize and respond to this stigma and discrimination…designed by people with dementia to help others – including other people living with dementia, service providers, physicians, family members and friends – to address the challenges of stigma and discrimination.” Hear from the experts who live with dementia – what they experience, how they respond to stigma and discrimination as advocates for themselves and others, how they build skills and competence. Powerful tools from people living with dementia with more being developed for support persons and researchers. What is the Building Capacity Project all about? Westside Seniors Hub, Vancouver, BC Meaningful Engagement MEANINGFUL ENGAGEMENT Tipsheet for accessibility & equity in online engagement MJ Wosk Centre for Dialogue, SFU, Burnaby, BC “It is important to consider how community members’ identities and experiences may impact their ability to learn about, access or participate safely in an engagement—and tailor plans to suit diverse needs.” Beyond Inclusion: Equity in Public Engagement MJ Wosk Centre for Dialogue, SFU, Burnaby, BC “Hearing from people with diverse lived experiences leads to more innovative ideas, better decisions, greater public support of outcomes…This guide is designed for individuals sponsoring or planning public engagement initiatives that will inform decision-making...outlines some factors practitioners can reflect on when scoping and designing engagement processes.” Healthy Community Engagement Action Guide PlanH, BC Healthy Communities Featuring community examples, resources, strategies and other useful information, this guide helps local governments plan their community input process to ensure…equity-centred, inclusive community engagement…to create healthier, more accessible communities. Making Your Workplace Dementia Friendly Alzheimer Society of BC Specific resources for professionals who are in legal, financial, housing, and recreation professions … ”to understand and recognize the signs of dementia…communicate in an effective, respectful way…think about specific ways they can support a person with dementia in their work and how their workplace may become more dementia friendly.…know what resources are available to them and their customers or clients.” Busting Dementia Stigma: One Children's Book at a Time WA Dementia Action Collaborative “Are you a parent, teacher or librarian who wants to help build dementia awareness and challenge stigma? Children’s books can be a great tool! The criteria below can help you evaluate children’s books and select ones that carry a respectful, stigma-busting message.” Back to Resources - Dementia Ventures

JOB OPPORTUNITIES Westside Seniors Hub Council Join the Council's Volunteer Team Council members: We are recruiting volunteers to join us and ensure that Westside neighbourhoods are places where seniors can thrive. To find out more about the role of Council in Hub affairs, click he re . For more details about a Council member's role, please click here Digital Communications Assistant: One or two people to assist with publishing the Hub's quarterly newsletter, Hub Bytes, and/or with maintaining the Hub's website up to date. More details here D Di Westside Seniors Hub Coordinator Join us to assist WSH leadership in the coordination and outreach to Westside stakeholders on seniors’ issues. Council is seeking a The Council Coordinator for a new 14 hours per week position to assist WSH leadership in coordination and outreach to Westside stakeholders on seniors’ issues. We are looking for a self-motivated individual with an interest in seniors’ issues. Details in the job description here . Please apply by May 13, 2024. Family Caregivers of BC J oin FCBC's Volunteer Team Support Group Facilitators: Seeking volunteers to create a safe and open space for caregivers to share their concerns and challenges. Facilitators are people with strong listening skills, discretion, empathy and ability to empower individuals to be involved in making decisions about their own care. Host and Virtual Assistant: For our Virtual Journal Workshop for Caregivers...an ongoing program offered to to caregivers who are interested in engaging in structured writing that is private and self-reflective...You would provide technical online support to the facilitator and participants . Caregiver Support Assistant: L ooking for two Caregiver Support Assistants to provide administration support to our caregiver support team at FCBC...use your technical skills to assist with general office duties, filing, emails, help with communication and outreach. More details and application forms here ASK Friendship Society CALLS for VOLUNTEERS Board Members: ASK is growing! Help lead and manage that process, we are looking to fill 2-4 Board positions with committed individuals who have experience in human resources, administration, fundraising, etc. Youth & student opportunities too, More details and application forms here

CURRENT PROJECTS Together with Hub Partner Organizations, Council identifies where there are gaps in services and resources for seniors. Click on a button to explore current priorities for Hub collaborative actions. Food Security Housing for Seniors Dementia Ventures