National Day of Awareness and Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Gender Diverse Kin
2023-05-05
Today is May 5, National Day of Awareness and Action for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and gender diverse kin, also known as #RedDressDay.
Today we remember all of the lives and spirits of those who have been taken too soon, we lend our thoughts and prayers for the victims of colonialism, patriarchy and all of the oppressive forces, institutions and policies that have and continue to inflict a genocide on Indigenous peoples. Women, girls, Two-Spirit and gender diverse people have been most impacted and today, rather than reducing each sacred life that has gone missing or been murdered to a statistic, we do what we need to do to remember, to name the perpetrators of this ongoing gender-based violence, to honour their lives, to take care of ourselves, to march in solidarity, to organize, to be with loved ones, to keep striving for justice, equity and peace. We remember the families left searching for answers, closure and justice. We remember the strength of our ancestors, our families, and we uplift the young ones inheriting this ever-evolving world.

May Provincial Learning Event: Cautious Consumerism
2023-05-16 10:30 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver)
Credit is great, but it can also be dangerous. There are people out there who want to steal your identity and steal your credit. Learn how to protect yourself. Learn about the top scams in Canada, how to identify, report, and recover from those scams. Did you know that scammers can now “trap” your call and keep your line active even after you have hung up on them? Come and learn how to deal with these and other situations – learn how to be a Cautious Consumer.
This month, the BC CRN welcomes Mark Kalinowski, AFCC, Financial Educator at the Credit Counselling Society of BC. Mark is a personal finance nerd! His interest grew when working at a bank call center where he read the David Chilton book, “The Wealthy Barber.” He has taken courses on investing and insurance but selling was not for him. He prefers working at the Credit Counselling Society where he sells nothing but gets to help people solve money problems and talking personal finance
Register now.

Intergenerational Day
2023-06-01
June 1st is Intergenerational Day!
Intergenerational community building focuses on connecting children and youth with older adults to foster stronger social bonds and help build respect across age groups.
These connections help individuals of different generations cultivate friendships, understanding, and compassion while collectively strengthening ties to their community. Encouraging intergenerational relationships helps to prevent social isolation. Social isolation makes people of all ages vulnerable to loneliness, depression, and/or abuse, neglect, and self-neglect.
Learn more about how CRNs are building intergenerational bridges in their communities.

It’s Not Right! Workshop
2023-06-06 12:00 - 13:00
You are invited to join us for this dynamic workshop. The workshop teaches people how to recognize warning signs of abuse of older adults and to respond safely and supportively. True to life scenarios are explored to facilitate discussion and to build skills. The agenda will include:

Examples of the warning signs/risk factors of adult abuse and learning how to recognize them.
Discussions about ageism.
Video scenarios of situations of abuse and neglect.
Skill building opportunities (how to respond safely/supportively and how to have conversations about suspected abuse).

Come join us – everyone is welcome! Register now or email us for more information.

Spotlight on Ageism Presentation (Vancouver)
2023-06-09 10:30 - 11:30 | 1447 Barclay, Vancouver, BC, 1447 Barclay, Vancouver, BC, Canada
You are invited to attend BC CRN’s newest presentation offering, hosted by the West End Seniors Network (WE CRN) at 1447 Barclay, Vancouver, BC.
Ageism is highly prevalent and is the most socially accepted and tolerated form of discrimination in Canada. Like sexism or racism, ageism is discrimination – based on someone’s age. Ageism can occur at any point in our lifespan – regardless of how old we are – and may lead to others making judgements about our background, capability, mental or physical status, based only on their impression of our age.
Come join us – everyone is welcome! Register at info@wesn.ca or by calling 604-669-5051

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
2023-06-15
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15th, 2023.
1 senior abused is 1 too many.
Unfortunately, when it comes to showing just how urgent a problem elder abuse is, the numbers don’t lie:

1 in 2 people are prejudiced against older people (Global Report on Ageism, World Health Organization)
In Canada, a 2015 study estimated that 7.5% of Canadians 55 and older experienced abuse (Into the Light National Survey on the Mistreatment of Older Canadians, National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly, 2015)
Women aged 55-64 years comprised the largest proportion of victims of femicide (19%) (Call it Femicide Report, Canadian Femicide Observatory for Justice and Accountability, 2020)
In Ontario, there was a 250% increase in calls to the Seniors Safety Line in 2020 (Assaulted Women’s Help Line, 2021)

The basic human rights of older Canadians are being challenged and undercut every day. It is estimated that 1 in 6 seniors globally experience elder abuse. We, as a country, cannot allow this to continue.
Join the BC Association of Community Response Networks (BC CRN) this June 15th for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) to help create a national conversation around elder abuse prevention, and help spread awareness around what can be done to uphold and protect the rights of older adults in your community. BC CRN’s 80+ community response networks (CRNs) are currently planning activities and events geared towards spreading awareness around the province in anticipation of WEAAD.
Learn more.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day National Webinar Event
2023-06-15 10:00 - 11:30
On June 15th, BC CRN in partnership with CanAge, Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario, and the Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse will be hosting a free national webinar event for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
This is the main event of WEAAD—a not-to-be-missed interactive experience that brings together a panel of experts, political figures, advocates and concerned people like you to engage in an inspiring discussion about how we, as a country, can end elder abuse and protect the rights of older people.
The event features an all-star lineup of speakers, including some very special guests. Learn more at WEAAD.ca.
Make sure you secure your seat quickly, as space is limited (and share widely with your networks!).
Register now.

National Indigenous Peoples Day
2023-06-21
From the Government of Canada website on National Indigenous Day June 21
“Indigenous peoples” is a collective name for the original peoples of North America and their descendants. More than 1.67 million people in Canada identify themselves as an Aboriginal person, according to the 2016 Census. Aboriginal peoples are:

The fastest growing population in Canada – grew by 42.5% between 2006 and 2016
The youngest population in Canada – about 44% were under the age of 25 in 2016

The Canadian Constitution recognizes 3 groups of Aboriginal peoples: referred to as First Nations, Inuit and Métis. These are 3 distinct peoples with unique histories, languages, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs. The links below provide more information on each group:

First Nations
There are more than 630 First Nation communities in Canada, which represent more than 50 Nations and 50 Indigenous languages.
Inuit
Learn about Inuit, the Indigenous peoples of the Arctic. The word Inuit means “the people” in the Inuit language of Inuktitut.
Métis
Find out more about Métis communities in Canada.

British Columbia
There are 198 distinct First Nations in BC. Each has its own traditions. There are 30 languages and 60 dialects spoken.

View the map of First Nations in BC.

CRNS in three communities in BC’s Northwest (Houston, Smithers and Hazelton Community Response Networks) have an ongoing project on wellness and the land relating to traditional practices and medicines. The project has been developed on the traditional territories of the Wet’su’we’ten and Gitxsan peoples who have been stewards of the land for time immemorial. We appreciate their sharing information and wise practices from knowledge holders.

View the Facebook page for Magical Backyard Medicines project

Further information from the Government of Canada can be found here:

Funding programs
National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
Benefits and rights
Publications

There is a large free database of information from the Federal Government on many topics and issues available free of charge – for instance, this document.
Publications on this site:

‘Stop Abuse’ – co-created document on Indigenous communities’ responses to issues of abuse (written with Indigenous communities)
‘Being Least Intrusive Paper’ – creating a culturally safe practice in relations with Indigenous communities.
‘Being Least Intrusive’ (Struthers and Neufeld) – tool with orientation to stepping into Indigenous communities; intervention section for community heath staff and mainstream health authority staff. (Written with the Kwakiutl District Health Council). Adopted by Vancouver Island Health Authority for their staff delivering services to Indigenous communities).
‘In A Good Way’ – a meaning centered practice for those working with Indigenous communities.

Learn more.

See Something, Say Something! Workshop - VPL Online
2023-06-21 13:00 - 14:00
How to Support Older, Vulnerable, and At-Risk Adults: See Something, Say Something! Hosted in partnership with the BC CRN and the Vancouver Public Library.
This presentation is geared towards those who have regular contact with the general public and with older, at-risk and vulnerable adult populations as part of their daily routines or work activities. The program provides information on what abuse or neglect can look like and how to get these people the support they need to remain safe and healthy members of our communities. This program also explains the ethical and legal implications of responding to adult abuse and neglect in BC.
To join this Zoom event you will need a computer, tablet or phone with internet access. (It is ideal to have a webcam and microphone, though this is not essential).
Register now.

Spotlight on Ageism Presentation
2023-09-05 12:00 - 13:00, 2023-12-05 12:00 - 13:00
You are invited to attend BC CRN’s newest presentation offering. Ageism is highly prevalent and is the most socially accepted and tolerated form of discrimination in Canada. Like sexism or racism, ageism is discrimination – based on someone’s age. Ageism can occur at any point in our lifespan – regardless of how old we are – and may lead to others making judgements about our background, capability, mental or physical status, based only on their impression of our age.
Come join us – everyone is welcome! Register now or email us for more information.

Provincial Learning Event: Protect What’s Yours! Prevent Financial Abuse, Fraud & Scams
2023-09-19 10:30 - 12:00
You are invited to join the BC CRN, Seniors First BC, and the BC RCMP Federal Policing Prevention & Engagement for BC CRN’s September Provincial Learning Event, Protect What’s Yours! Prevent Financial Abuse, Fraud & Scams.
Speakers:
Cpl Vinh NGO works with the RCMP’s Federal Policing Prevention and Engagement (FPPE) in British Columbia to advance the RCMP’s objective of protecting vulnerable groups such as seniors. Cpl NGO will discuss the top fraud trends that are affecting seniors and will address how older adults can protect themselves from being victimized.
Sara Pon, a staff lawyer and researcher from Seniors First BC, will also be speaking at the Learning Event to discuss how financial abuse is one of the most common forms of elder abuse. Sara will also be discussing safety strategies and providing resources for the same.

Register now.

Celebrating a Week for Seniors (South Vancouver Island CRNs)
2023-09-29 - 2023-10-05
The International Day of the Older Person on October 1 is a perfect time to celebrate the contributions of the elders in our homes and in our community and recognize their value to society. The South Vancouver Island Community Response Networks (SVI CRN) are coming together to celebrate the older members of our community with a number of events September 29 – October 5 throughout Victoria, Saanich Peninsula, Westshore and Gulf Islands. All seniors are invited to attend any or all of the fun events described below. They are free of charge, with the exception of the Hermanns Jazz Matinee:

View a copy of the calendar of events here.
For any questions regarding these events, please feel free to contact:

Gabi – 250-896-8577 or gabitownsend@gmail.com
Gaylia – 778-214-2026 or westshorecrn@gmail.com

October 1 – International Day of the Older Person – Celebrate seniors with a week of special events!
Is there an older person in your life?
Then please join the entire world on October 1 to recognize the International Day of the Older Person, selected by the United Nations in 1990 to formally recognize the special values seniors bring to our society.
Population aging is one of humanity’s greatest triumphs. It is also one of our greatest challenges.
– World Health Organization
Populations around the world are getting older. By 2031, almost one in four people in B.C. (that’s more than 1.3 million people) will be over the age of 65.
B.C. communities need to change and adapt in a way that supports our aging population. Active, healthy aging helps reduce the pressure on health care and social services.
Seniors make important contributions to their families, their communities, the economy, and the province. Older people who stay healthy, active and independent can continue to contribute their skills, knowledge, and experience to society.
A common observation from many seniors is that they feel invisible – their opinions stop mattering, their needs are often ignored, their feelings discounted as others start telling them what to do and when to do it. It is sad to think that people with so much to give and to share don’t feel part of their community anymore. They helped to build that community, often sacrificing so much so that those younger than them wouldn’t have to.
There’s an interesting observation about ageism – treating people a certain way because of their age. One day, we will get there as well! It’s important to consider if there are ways to improve the dignity and quality of life for older persons in our society, as we could be a victim of those prejudices in the future.
Sadly, many older adults feel invisible and believe their thoughts don’t matter, and that no one has time to listen or care,” says Cari Taylor, Regional Mentor for the South Vancouver Island CRNs. “Combating discrimination based on age and promoting the dignity of older persons is fundamental to ensuring the respect that older persons deserve, and helps ensure they are not vulnerable to experiencing multiple forms of abuse.”
You may well ask, how can I make a difference? All change starts with small steps. Consider the seniors in your own circle of friends, family and acquaintances, as a starting point. Here are a few suggestions that are easy to try:

Write them a card or letter of gratitude on October 1. Tell them why they’re important to you. Share what you’ve learned from them.
Take a senior out for coffee, or for a walk, especially in nature.
Join them on a park or street bench and strike up a conversation.
Become aware of the challenges in their environment and give a hand – help them down the stairs, or walk with them across the street. Reach up to get them an item that’s on a high shelf in the store.
Hand some change to the homeless senior you pass on the street.
Volunteer at your local seniors’ residence.
If you have a calm pet, take them to visit a seniors’ residence.
Drop off a box of Timbits, or a pan of your best brownies, to a seniors activity centre.
When you think you can’t stand to hear that same story one more time, try listening “in between the lines” and ask them about their feelings and thoughts surrounding that event.

SVI CRN is part of the provincial association BC CRN, whose mandate is to raise awareness of senior abuse, neglect and self neglect. CRNs work with local community organizations across BC all year long to improve the quality of life for seniors. Presentations and activities create opportunities for seniors to connect, be social, reducing the loneliness and isolation that is often associated with abuse and self neglect. They also receive vital information about topics such as fraud and scams, ageism, and hoarding as well as learning more about how elder abuse happens, what it looks like and what to watch for.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
2023-09-30
“Our future, and the well-being of all our children rests with the kind of relationships we build today.”
– Chief Dr. Robert Joseph
‘The goal of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is to begin the process of righting the wrongs committed against Indigenous Peoples across Canada – something in which all Canadians are called upon to participate.’ This day is meant to also encourage deeper reflection, learning, and public dialogue on the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. There are lots of opportunities to engage in reconciliation activities and to learn from them, ranging from exploring what you don’t know today, to taking a deep, respectful dive into understanding (which takes a ‘lifetime’).
September 30 is also Orange Shirt Day. ‘On September 30, we encourage all Canadians to wear orange to honour the thousands of Survivors of residential schools. Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the individual, family and community inter-generational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters”. The orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations’ (source: Government of Canada).
Learn more.

National Seniors Day
2023-10-01
October 1 is National Seniors Day, an occasion for all Canadians to appreciate and celebrate older adults. The intent of National Seniors Day is to showcase the contribution seniors make to Canadian society and the Canadian economy. The federal government acknowledges, “seniors contribute in many ways, including by sharing their experiences, expertise, and knowledge with other generations… The contribution of seniors is invaluable and ongoing.”
Sadly, many older adults are vulnerable to experiencing multiple forms of abuse. BC CRN’s intent in connecting to National Seniors Day is to bring awareness to abuse, neglect, and self-neglect among vulnerable seniors.
Showing your respect and gratitude to the older adults in your life is simple – here are a few ways to show them they are valued and appreciated:

Say “thank you”
Take a walk together
Cook a meal together
Treat them to a day out
Send a card to a senior you care about
Smile and just say “hi”
Post a message on the Seniors in Canada Facebook page

Show you care. Your local CRN can provide information and support to seniors.

See Something, Say Something! Workshop
2023-10-03 12:00 - 13:00
You are invited to join us for this dynamic workshop. The See Something, Say Something! Reducing Risk for Older Adults program (formerly known as the Gatekeeper program) is designed to help identify high-risk adults, particularly those who live alone and who may be isolated. Everyone can play an important role in the community in keeping others safe, secure, and independent.
Who is this program for? Anyone who has contact with older or vulnerable adults:
• Bank personnel
• Meter readers
• Volunteers, caregivers, drivers
• Pharmacy personnel
• Post office workers, letter carriers
• Restaurant personnel, grocery store clerks
• Churches, social clubs
• INCLUDING YOU!
Register now or email programs@bccrns.ca.

Provincial Learning Event: Do I Still Need This Medication?
2023-10-17 10:30 - 12:00
You are invited to join BC CRN’s online October Provincial Learning Event: Do I Still Need This Medication? Many older adults rely on medications to help improve the quality of their lives when they live with conditions such as chronic pain, high blood pressure, and diabetes. However, it is important to consider the potential risks of taking too many medications and be aware of how overprescribing and overmedicating may be related to elder abuse.
Register now.
Speaker:
Camille Gagnon is a pharmacist and assistant director of the Canadian Medication Appropriateness and Deprescribing Network. The objective of this organization is to promote the safe use of medications for all Canadians. Camille holds a master’s degree in public health from the School of Public Health at the University of Montreal. Before joining the Network, Camille worked for several years as a pharmacist in family medicine groups in Ottawa and Montreal. It was there that her strong interest in geriatric care developed. She has also worked in community pharmacy as well as in clinical program management in the private insurance field. Finally, she worked as a pharmacology teacher to future pharmacy technicians.

It’s Not Right! Workshop
2023-11-07 12:00 - 13:00
You are invited to join us for this dynamic online workshop. Learn how to recognize the warning signs of abuse among older adults and determine how to respond safely and supportively. True to life scenarios are explored to facilitate discussions and to build skills. The agenda will include:

Examples of the warning signs/risk factors of adult abuse and learning how to recognize them.
Discussions about ageism.
Video scenarios of situations of abuse and neglect.
Skill building opportunities (how to respond safely/supportively and how to have conversations about suspected abuse).

Come join us – everyone is welcome! Register now or email us for more information.

Provincial Learning Event: End Loneliness, Spread Happiness
2023-11-21 10:30 - 12:00
You are invited to join BC CRN’s online November Provincial Learning Event: End Loneliness, Spread Happiness.
Register now.
Loneliness and social isolation are epidemic, affecting so many older adults. Research tells us that enhancing emotional connections is key to solving the problem. While that sounds easy—just go and talk to your neighbour—it isn’t. Typical social programming addresses loneliness with entertainment and distraction. Java Group Programs bring people together with an innovative approach that ends loneliness and spreads happiness. Through structured peer support and peer mentoring, Java participants uplift others and are uplifted themselves.
Presented by:
Dr. Kristine Theurer pioneered the use of standardized peer support and mentoring to address loneliness and social isolation among older adults. She is author of ‘It Makes Life Worthwhile!’ Peer Mentoring in Long-Term Care in Aging & Mental Health and The Need for a Social Revolution in Residential Care, one of the most downloaded articles in the Journal of Aging Studies. Dr. Theurer has received numerous research awards including Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. She serves on the planning committee for the Canadian national conference on culture change.
The Java Group Programs is a company with a vision of ending loneliness. They pioneered a series of unique research-based peer support and mentoring programs for older adults to end loneliness and associated depression.
These programs have been implemented in over 900 organizations to date in both Canada and the US in long term care homes, assisted and retirement living, supportive housing, hospitals and in the community.
Their mission is to build a sense of belonging and purpose within senior living communities.
Register now.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities
2023-12-03
International Day of Persons with Disabilities is on December 3rd. Proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1992, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) has been annually observed on December 3 around the world. Disabled adults must also be acknowledged for their strengths, and not just for their vulnerabilities.
An estimated 14% of the Canadian population lives with some form of disability. Disabilities become increasingly common with age, ranging from a low of 6.3% of those between the ages of 15 and 29 to a high of 45.7% among those aged 65 and over. Adults with disabilities may be vulnerable to abuse and neglect. Many disabled adults are lonely and isolated.
Past themes associated with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities include:

Dignity and Justice for all of us
Decent Work for Persons with Disabilities
E-Accessibility
The Future is Accessible
Empowering Persons with Disabilities and Ensuring Inclusiveness and Equality

While Government support plays an important role, community members who care and reach out with assistance can make a big difference in the lives of persons living with disabilities.

Provincial Learning Event: Hearing Health for Life
2024-01-16 10:30 - 12:00
You are invited to join BC CRN’s January online Provincial Learning Event: Hearing Health for Life. (Please be advised that the previous topic for the January Provincial Learning Event “Working with the Designated Agencies” has been deferred to later in the new year due to scheduling challenges with the speaker.)
Hearing loss is a common complaint among older adults. According to the National Institute on Aging, hearing loss can negatively impact a person’s cognitive health (leading to issues related to concentration and memory), mental health (increasing the likelihood of someone experiencing depression and loneliness), and physical health (leading to an increased risk of falls and other personal safety issues).
Join us for this dynamic webinar and learn about the signs of age-related hearing loss and how to best support those who are experiencing the impacts of hearing loss. Let’s connect and discuss hearing health for life!
Register now.
Speaker:
Grace Shyng, MSc Aud(C) RAUD RHIP
Co-founder and Director of Audiology of Network Hearing
I obtained my Master of Science in Audiology from the University of British Columbia in 1995. Upon graduation, I was hired as a staff audiologist for a Vancouver-based nonprofit hearing clinic where I had completed one of my externships. Over the subsequent 27 years, I worked as a staff Audiologist, then Head of Audiology and then as Interim Executive Director (ED) from 2018 to 2020. During this period as ED, I successfully led a capital project where we built the most accessible building in Canada, as awarded by the Rick Hansen Foundation. From 2021 onwards, I have been working for a private practice in Surrey, as well as for UBC, where I developed and coordinated a very successful pilot student-led hearing clinic.
My professional areas of interest include hearing health and aging, tinnitus management, auditory processing, amplification and communication accessibility in work and public spaces. Over the past couple of years, I have served on several committees for Speech Audiology Canada, UBC School of Audiology and Speech Sciences, and the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals.
Qualifications:

Registered Audiologist and Hearing Instrument Practitioner with the College of Speech and Hearing Health
Professionals of BC (CSHBC)
Certified practice in Cerumen Management (CSHBC)
Certified member of Speech-Audiology Canada
Registered member with Speech and Hearing BC
Clinical Assistant Professor with UBC School of Audiology and Speech Sciences (SASS)
Inaugural recipient of the Noelle Lamb Excellence in Clinical Education Award from UBC SASS
Certified in Tinnitus Retraining Therapy
Certified IHS (International Hearing Society) Tinnitus Care Provider

On a personal note, I was born and raised in East Vancouver, so I’m a true native Vancouverite. (As a kid, I would sit on my back porch on hot summer nights watching the lit cabin of the PNE Spiro Tower go up and down!). I’m now a longtime resident of the Tricities, where I live with my husband, two grown-up kids and our dog. I enjoy creative writing, hiking, and travelling. I’m ecstatic to be starting this new clinic with Sandra, my longtime friend and colleague, and look forward to welcoming everyone into our wonderful new modern space. After several decades commuting to Vancouver, I’m over the moon that I get to live and work in beautiful PoCo and provide quality hearing health services to our clients from the Tricities and beyond!
Fun fact: In the summers of 1998 and 1999, I travelled to Zimbabwe with a Rotary International Hearing Health Care team. We provided audiology services across the country, and trained local professionals on hearing health service delivery.
Register now.

See Something, Say Something! Online Workshop
2024-02-06 12:00 - 13:00
You are invited to join us for this dynamic online workshop. The See Something, Say Something! Reducing Risk for Older Adults program is designed to help identify high-risk adults, particularly those who live alone and who may be isolated. Everyone can play an important role in the community in keeping others safe, secure, and independent.
Who is this program for? Anyone who has contact with older or vulnerable adults:
• Bank personnel
• Meter readers
• Volunteers, caregivers, drivers
• Pharmacy personnel
• Post office workers, letter carriers
• Restaurant personnel, grocery store clerks
• Churches, social clubs
• INCLUDING YOU!
Register now or email programs@bccrns.ca.

LGBTQ2SA+ Elder Abuse Awareness Town Hall & Book Launch (Surrey)
2024-02-12 14:00 - 16:00 | Newton Seniors’ Centre, 13775 70 Ave, Surrey, BC
Come learn about the findings of recent research on LGBTQ2SA+ elder abuse conducted at SFU. Learn the experience of LGBTQ2SA+ seniors who have told their stories in a new book Elder Abuse in the LGBTQ2SA+ Community (Robson, Marchbank, Cutman, Prentice, 2023). Presentations, Q&A, refreshments.
Registration is required: Eventbrite
Preview book: Elder Abuse in the LGBTQ2SA+ Community, The Impact of Homophobia and Transphobia

Provincial Learning Event: What is Personal Planning for Older Adults?
2024-02-20 10:30 - 12:00
You are invited to join BC CRN’s February online Provincial Learning Event: What is Personal Planning for Older Adults?
This webinar will feature an online launch of two videos with personal stories from people across BC, highlighting the usefulness of personal planning – planning for incapacity, end-of-life and other support needs. What is personal planning? How is it different from estate planning? What if I have a Will and an Enduring Power of Attorney – am I covered? What if I can’t make any of these documents? What will happen to me in an emergency if I can’t speak for myself? Learn the answers to these questions and more. There will be a period for Q&A. All are welcome to attend. To watch the trailer and learn more, visit: https://nidus.ca/accessibility
Register now.
Speaker:
Audrey Jun
Lawyer and Executive Director at Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre
Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre is a non-profit charitable organization that was founded by groups involved in the community-based reform of B.C.’s adult guardianship legislation, and most notably, development of the BC Representation Agreement Act (“RA Act”). The RA Act is world-renowned and recognized as innovative and significant, especially to the senior and disability communities. Nidus is the only community-based resource in Canada devoted to personal planning – planning for incapacity, end-of-life and other support needs. Its existence sets British Columbia apart as a leader in addressing the critical needs of an aging population. The Resource Centre also operates a centralized Registry, called the Nidus Registry for personal planning documents and other important information and documents in case of a health crisis or other emergency.
Register now.

March is Fraud Prevention Month
2024-03-01 - 2024-03-31
March is Fraud Prevention Month, a month of activities and events that aims to help Canadians recognize, reject and report fraud. Did you know that the fight against fraud starts with you? The old saying is true: knowledge is power. Avoiding fraud is all about knowing how to recognize the signs, reject the claims that seem too good to be true and reporting them to the authorities. Seniors and vulnerable adults are frequently the targets of scams. Fraudsters continue to target Canadians, stealing their hard-earned money and leaving them devastated. The latest data shows Canadians lost approximately $97 million to fraud.
Tips to Protect Yourself Against Fraud

Never give out your personal, confidential information over the phone
Protect your banking information, never reveal your PIN or passwords to anyone
Never pay money to claim your money or a prize, there should be no processing fee
Keep your personal information safe, an identity thief will go through garbage and recycling bins
Be skeptical, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is

Help keep yourself and other vulnerable adults safe by sharing information about scams with them. At times, vulnerable adults can feel confused or pressured, you must be informed that it’s okay to hang up the phone or delete an email. Fraud prevention is a responsibility we all share.
For more information, please review our financial abuse resources or contact your local CRN.

It’s Not Right! Online Workshop
2024-03-05 12:00 - 13:00
You are invited to join us for this dynamic online workshop. Learn how to recognize the warning signs of abuse among older adults and determine how to respond safely and supportively. True to life scenarios are explored to facilitate discussions and to build skills. The agenda will include:

Examples of the warning signs/risk factors of adult abuse and learning how to recognize them.
Discussions about ageism.
Video scenarios of situations of abuse and neglect.
Skill building opportunities (how to respond safely/supportively and how to have conversations about suspected abuse).

Come join us – everyone is welcome! Register now or email programs@bccrns.ca for more information.

Provincial Learning Event: Behind the Wheel - Navigating Road Safety as We Age
2024-03-19 10:30 - 12:00
You are invited to join BC CRN’s March online Provincial Learning Event: Behind the Wheel – Navigating Road Safety as We Age. BC CRN is pleased to welcome ICBC Road Safety Coordinator Kathleen Nadalin who will be providing tips to help aging drivers stay safe on the road. Learn how to support older adults with valuable driver safety information including:

Driving today
Self-assessment
Assessing driver fitness
The Enhanced Road Assessment (ERA)
Tips for seniors & refresher of rules of the road
Staying mobile!

Register now.

Speaker:
Kathleen Nadalin – ICBC Road Safety Coordinator
As an ICBC Road Safety Coordinator, Kathleen works closely with community stakeholders and partners such as police, community volunteers, school board and municipal representatives. She works collaboratively on developing, executing, and evaluating road safety programs and projects of varying size and complexity.
She is responsible for campaign and project budgets and allocating funds to effectively promote and support road safety initiatives. She is also a primary point of contact for media and community stakeholders on loss prevention and road safety programs and initiatives within the Tri-Cities.
Kathleen is competent at conducting large scale presentations to enhance awareness of road safety and loss prevention issues to various stakeholders and acts as a technical resource on loss prevention and road safety programs and products.
Kathleen started her career at ICBC in 1998 in the Driver Licencing Division and was quickly promoted to the Customer Contact Department. In 2000, she was promoted into her current role in Road Safety.
Kathleen has a degree in Business Administration with a focus on Entrepreneurial Leadership and a diploma in Marketing Management and a diploma in Business Management from Douglas College.
Kathleen resides in Port Coquitlam with her husband and two children.
Register now.

See Something, Say Something! Online Presentation
2024-04-02 12:00 - 13:00
You are invited to join us for this dynamic online presentation. The See Something, Say Something! Reducing Risk for Older Adults program is designed to help identify high-risk adults, particularly those who live alone and who may be isolated. Everyone can play an important role in the community in keeping others safe, secure, and independent.
Who is this program for? Anyone who has contact with older or vulnerable adults:
• Bank personnel
• Meter readers
• Volunteers, caregivers, drivers
• Pharmacy personnel
• Post office workers, letter carriers
• Restaurant personnel, grocery store clerks
• Churches, social clubs
• INCLUDING YOU!
Register now or email programs@bccrns.ca.

National Volunteer Recognition Week
2024-04-14 - 2024-04-20
Volunteers give their time in support of various causes and ask for nothing in return, in fact volunteers work tirelessly to help their community, city, and country.
Many older adults are in a position where they can give their time, skills, and energy to volunteering. Organizations must rethink and remove barriers that may result in enthusiastic volunteers with disabilities choosing not to volunteer.
Organizations can recognize volunteers by acknowledging their contributions with thank you events, dinners, teas, or BBQs.
Organizations should consider developing and implementing family volunteering opportunities as there is an increase in multi-generations living together and providing support for each other.
For more information, please contact your local CRN.

Advance Care Planning (ACP) Day
2024-04-16
Advance care planning (ACP) helps people prepare for the unexpected. Many of us will at some point in our lives be incapable of making health care, personal care, financial, or legal decisions. Being prepared allows your beliefs, values, and wishes to be represented and respected when you are incapable. Being prepared also reduces the stress on your family and friends who may be called on to make decisions on your behalf.
Advance Care Planning Day (ACP) is April 16, 2024. The BC Centre for Palliative Care encourages everyone to create ACP awareness in their communities by:

Harnessing the power of social media
Engaging local media
Sharing personal stories
Hosting public sessions/events
Promoting ACP online
Starting your own advance care planning

Visit the BC CRN’s ACP page for more information and resources.
