Networking Events
October 2019
ICCER hosted our fall networking events in both Calgary (October 7th) and Edmonton (October 15th). The topic was “To prescribe or Deprescribe, That is the Question”. Dr. Cheryl Sadowski (University of Alberta) presented in both cities and was joined by Dr. Jim Silvious (AHS) in Calgary and Dr. Kathleen Hunter (University of Alberta ) in Edmonton.
Additional resources:
- Deprescribing.org
- EMPOWER trial – reduce benzodiazepine use
- Canadian Deprescribing Network
- Medstopper tool
- Sleepwell
- American Geriatrics Society 2019 Updated AGS Beers Criteria® for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults
- Institute for Safe Medication Practices Canada – Older Persons Information Page
- How to measure frailty: Clinical Frailty Scale
June 2019
ICCER held Networking Events in Edmonton on June 4 and Calgary on June 10.
Dr. Megan Strickfaden (Dept. Human Ecology, University of Alberta) shared three of the five films she co-created with older adults, caregivers, staff, and students to communicate how designed things can support the aging process. The films are geared towards a variety of audiences, including formal and informal caregivers. You can watch the videos online.
April 2019
April 11th in Edmonton saw us at Shepherd’s Care Kensington talking with Eric Storey and Lara Pinchbeck about “Inclusivity in Continuing Care”.
LGBTQ2S+ Seniors: An Invisible and Vulnerable Population by Eric Storey - Throughout his professional career, Eric volunteered with non-profit and social development programs. Following his 2007 retirement from the manufacturing sector, he was able to increase his community involvement and obtained a Bachelor of Social Work degree as one of his retirement projects. Eric combines social work skills with his previous management, governance, and volunteer experience to be engaged in the community. He is focused on social justice issues, primarily around those experienced by seniors, at-risk and in-care youth, and sexual and gender minority populations.
LGBTQ2S+ seniors grew up in a very different era where personal and emotional safety were frequently at risk. This presentation will explain concerns arising from that lived experience and steps that can be taken to provide safe and inclusive accommodation, care and programming.
Universal Design: > Curb Cuts + Grab Bars - Explore the environmental elements that impact someone's invisible disabilities presented by Lara Pinchbeck - Ms. Pinchbeck uses her architectural training to provide human-centred design to marginalized communities: folks with sensory processing challenges, recent immigrants, aging adults, those with cognitive impairments, and multiple complexities. She is a member of the Advisory Group for the New Edmonton Hospital Project as well as a PhD student at the University of Alberta in Human Ecology where her research tracks the daily lived experiences of folks with a diversity of abilities - in her firm, Lara combines her design and research on the relationship between people with disabilities and their built environment to increase the quality of life of our neighbours.
On April 8th ICCER hosted “Inclusivity in Continuing Care” at Bow Valley College in Calgary. Our speakers were:
Creating Inclusive Housing Solutions for LGBT+ Seniors by Catherine Robertson, Rocky Wallbaum & Amanda Weightman - Housing and care concerns from the aging LGBT+ community have been increasingly more public over recent years, with an emergent body of research from cities across the country. The Calgary LGBT+ Seniors Housing Needs Assessment worked closely with an Advisory Committee and a team of Peer Researchers to (a) understand what is unique about the housing experiences and needs of local LGBT+ seniors, and to (b) identify existing and imagined promising approaches to meet the diverse needs of the LGBT+ community. This presentation will share preliminary findings from current research and facilitate discussion around actionable and innovative strategies for front-line staff, program planners, and directors to improve inclusion and integration of LGBT+ residents.
Universal Design: Curb Cuts + Grab Bars - Explore the environmental elements that impact someone's invisible disabilities presented by Lara Pinchbeck - Ms. Pinchbeck uses her architectural training to provide human-centred design to marginalized communities: folks with sensory processing challenges, recent immigrants, aging adults, those with cognitive impairments, and multiple complexities. She is a member of the Advisory Group for the New Edmonton Hospital Project as well as a PhD student at the University of Alberta in Human Ecology where her research tracks the daily lived experiences of folks with a diversity of abilities - in her firm, Lara combines her design and research on the relationship between people with disabilities and their built environment to increase the quality of life of our neighbours.
Resources from Alberta Health Services: Seniors and Continuing Care – LGBTQ2S+ Resources for Providers
Hafford-Letchfield, Simpson P, Willis PB, Almack K. Developing inclusive residential care for older lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people: An evaluation of the Care Home Challenge action research project. Health Soc Care Community. 2018 Mar;26(2):e312-e320. doi: 10.1111/hsc.12521.
Katherine Kortes-Miller, Jessica Boulé, Kimberley Wilson & Arne Stinchcombe(2018) Dying in Long-Term Care: Perspectives from Sexual and Gender Minority Older Adults about Their Fears and Hopes for End of Life, Journal of Social Work in End-of-Life & PalliativeCare, 14:2-3, 209-224, DOI: 10.1080/15524256.2018.1487364
October 2018
On October 9th in Calgary and October 15th in Edmonton, we hosted Ethical Issues in Continuing Care.
Our speakers provided information and facilitated thoughtful discussion on sexuality in Continuing Care and Cannabis Use in Continuing Care.
We were pleased to have Donna Devlin (Sexcessful Aging) and Gary Lapine (Cannabis Use) in Calgary.
Gary joined us again in Edmonton and we were joined by Shaniff Esmail for Healthy Sexual Experience Never Gets Old.
Resources on Cannabis:
Resources on Sexuality and Continuing Care:
June 2018
ICCER celebrated Seniors Week by hosting Networking Events in Calgary (June 4th) and Edmonton (June 6th) – Keeping Seniors Safe. In both cities we had presentations about the Age-Friendly initiatives, the Community Paramedic Program, and Elder Abuse Awareness. Our speakers shared how they work towards improving the safety of seniors in our communities, including those in care, and how we can use this knowledge in everyday practice. Participants had the opportunity to connect with our speakers, as well as collaborate with one another in small and large group discussion.
Calgary (June 4)
- ICCER Introductory slides
- Age Friendly Calgary
- Community Paramedic Program (Mobile Integrated Healthcare)
- Elder Abuse Awareness
Edmonton (June 6)
- ICCER introductory slides
- Age Friendly Edmonton
- Community Paramedic Program (Mobile Integrated Healthcare)
- Elder Abuse Awareness
- Elder Abuse Awareness handout
April 2018
Our April Networking Sessions - Living Spaces: Policy Supports and Barriers in Alberta – with Megan Strickfaden and Jaquie Eales (April 4th in Edmonton and April 16th in Calgary) were very successful. Here’s what some people said:
“Excellent discussion and helpful concrete takeaways to make a difference in our communities. thank you.” - Participant
“Fantastic session - very organized and thoughtful - I wish there was more time to talk about influencing policy discussions and further discussion on built/renovated environments and project management.” - Participant
“Excellent presentations and thought-provoking roundtable discussions.” - Participant
Megan and Jacquie are please to share their slides and the video – The Cigarette (temporarily unavailable). Feel free to use the video to start discussion amongst your staff or colleagues – how does design affect each and every one of us?
October 6, 2017 & October 11, 2017
On October 6th in Edmonton and October 11th in Calgary, ICCER hosted Networking Events featuring Dr. Susan Slaughter.
Susan spoke about the Making the Most of Mealtimes (M3) study. She drew upon the health care literature, findings and the knowledge and experience of participants to discuss how the mealtime experience, the meal quality and meal access all work together to support food and fluid intake of long-term care residents, and to enhance their quality of life.
Here are some resources provided by Susan:
- Mealtimes Matter Video
- CHOICE+ Checklists
- Resource list - selected articles related to mealtimes in LTC.
April 20, 2017
ICCER hosted our spring Speed Networking Event (Influences on Person-Centred Care: Teamwork and Policy) in Edmonton Clinic Health Academy. About 45 people joined us to listen to nurse researchers Sherry Dahlke and Sarah Stahlke talk about The influence of teamwork on healthcare providers' work satisfaction and desire to stay in their jobs working with old people, followed by Janet Nahirniak from the Dept. of Human Ecology speak on Albertan Policy and Person-Centred Dementia Care.
Everyone participated in three rounds of small group discussions, talking about:
- Round 1 – There are different levels of policy – provincial, organizational, facility – how does your organizations policy on PCC fit with provincial policy?
- Round 2 – Regardless of policy, the culture of an agency or unit guides the communication of the staff. How can changes in communication influence activities such as teamwork and its effect on PCC?
- Round 3 – We’ve talked about policy & teamwork - What other influences are there on PCC? Positive or negative?
April 4, 2017
On April 4th we welcomed over 70 people at the Calgary Networking event held at Bow Valley College. We listened to Donna Devlin, Educational Consultant, Geriatric Mental Health, Calgary Zone, AHS talk on "Curiosity" and Person Centered Care in Continuing Care. This was followed by Gail Thauberger, Coordinator, HCA, RTA and NM Programs, School of Health and Wellness, Bow Valley College speaking about the results of a research project Bow Valley conducted on Connecting with People with Dementia. Gail also gave out a sample copy of the card used by HCAs.
Participants joined in three rounds of small group discussions, talking about:
- Round 1 – How can we maintain meaningful interactions when providing care? How can ‘curiosity’ help?
- Round 2 – The culture of an agency or unit guides the communication of the staff. How can changes in communication guide the culture, particularly when dealing with behaviours?
- Round 3 – Toolkits provide an assembly of tools to make work easier. What could help with the continued implementation of this or any other toolkit?
October 6, 2016
On October 6th ICCER hosted a Speed Networking event in Edmonton with about 45 participants. Sherry Schafer and Tanya Hostyn presented on person-centred care.
September 26, 2016
On September 26th ICCER hosted another Calgary Networking event. This session focused on "How do we make Person-Centred Care more than just a task?"
Presentations included:
- Sandra Woodhead Lyons - Calgary Networking Introductions
- Betty Wills, RN, MIcM, PhD, Nurse Consultant for Accreditation and Quality and Safety Management - Patient and Family-Centered Care: Current Application and Future Direction
- Mollie Cole, RN, MN, GNC (C), Manager, Seniors Health Strategic Clinical Network, AHS - Patient and Family Involvement – experience from the Appropriate use of antipsychotics (AUA) project in LTC. Mollie also included two handouts: Tips for being a partner in care and Tips for Patient, family, advisor and citizen conversations with healthcare partners.
- Darlene Manuel, RN, Resident Care Manager, Father Lacombe Care Centre - Overcoming Boundaries - Person Centred Care
- Karen Gayman, RN, BScN, MHA, Director, Operations, Carewest - Operationalizing Person Centred Care
April 11, 2016
ICCER, in collaboration with our Calgary-based member organizations (Bethany Care Society, Bow Valley College, Carewest, Extendicare, Wing Kei) hosted an afternoon of discussion focused on facilitating dialogue between research and practice.
Presentations included:
- Sandra Woodhead Lyons: Introducing ICCER and the event
- Steve Friesen (Bethany Care Society) and Hong Mao (Wing Kei): Facilitating Dialogue Between Research and Practice
- Dr. Sharla King (University of Alberta): Integrating Research into Curriculum
- Nora Maclachlan (Bow Valley College): Bow Valley College and ICCER
January 29, 2016
On January 29th, ICCER and the Department of Human Ecology, University of Alberta, hosted the 4th in a series of Speed Networking events. These events provide an opportunity for researchers, administrators, educators, and providers to meet and discuss topics of interest. The purpose is to develop working relationships to tackle issues related to aging, caregiving, and continuing care.
Speakers were:
- Jake Evans, Intercultural Communication Facilitator, Centre for Intercultural Education, NorQuest College. Jake spoke on Culturally Diverse HCAs in a Continuing Care Provider
- Lori Shortreed, Multicultural Health Brokers Co-operative Ltd., Edmonton Workforce Council, Alberta Council of Disability Services. Lori spoke on Nurturing Diversity and Building Inclusive Workplaces Initiative
October 1, 2015
On October 1st, ICCER celebrated its 7th anniversary, and National Seniors’ Day, with a Speed Networking Event co-hosted with the Department of Human Ecology, University of Alberta. The event focused on caregiving.
Speakers were:
- Anna Mann, Executive Director, Alberta Caregivers Association. Anna spoke about the ACA’s need for evidence to support both their advocacy and education work with caregivers
- Laura Forsyth, Manager, Seniors’ Policy Unit, Alberta Seniors. Laura presented on the current and future supports for caregivers in Alberta
- Janet Fast, Professor, Department of Human Ecology, University of Alberta. Janet shared her recent research on the impact of caregiving in the workplace
September 24, 2015
ICCER hosted the first Calgary networking event at Bow Valley College.
ICCER (in collaboration with Bow Valley College, Bethany Care Society, and Wing Kei Care Centre) hosted an afternoon of discussion on collaborative research in continuing care and about the benefits of ICCER membership from researchers and providers who had worked with ICCER over the past year. An opportunity to network followed.
June 5th, 2015
On June 5th, ICCER (in collaboration with the Department of Human Ecology, University of Alberta) hosted the second in a series of community provider/researcher networking event.
Participants listened to a panel of speakers discussing collaborative research funded by the 2014-2015 ICCER Special Projects grant:
- Dr. Sharla King, University of Alberta and Dr. Vincella Thompson, Keyano College:Developing an Educational Model to Support the Care of Aboriginal Populations in Continuing Care in Remote Northern Communities.
- Dr. Noush Mirhosseini, Alberta Health Services: Metasysnthesis study of Transitions Experienced by Family Caregivers of Persons at the End of Life.
- Steven Friesen, Bethany Care Society on behalf of Dr. Lorraine Venturato, University of Calgary: Talking the Talk and Walking the Walk: Scoping Cultural Awareness Training Options for Staff Working with Older Canadians in Continuing Care.
- Jennifer Lee, Wing Kei and Steven Friesen, Bethany Care Society: A Comparison of the Effectiveness of Electronic versus Paper-Based Documentation.
Participants then took part in table discussions regarding the advantages and challenges of collaborative research. A summary of the day will be posted soon.
January 30, 2015
On January 30th, ICCER (in collaboration with the Faculty of Nursing and Department of Human Ecology, University of Alberta) hosted a community provider/researcher networking event.
Speed Networking: Find your ‘research on aging’ match was an opportunity for researchers and community partners to get together and share interests in research related to aging and continuing care.
This poster is a summary of the table discussions at the event.