Earlier this month, BC Care Providers Association announced the recipients of its “40 for 40” bursary program. As part of its 40th anniversary celebrations, BCCPA is providing all-expenses paid trips to its 2018 Annual Conference in Whistler to students enrolled in post-secondary programs in B.C.
Over the next few weeks, BCCPA will be profiling the six bursary recipients from the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University and University of Victoria.
Meet Laura Frisby
Laura Frisby is a full-time student at the University of British Columbia Master of Health Leadership and Policy in Seniors Care program.
Laura’s journey in seniors’ care began early. In high school she volunteered at a care home in her neighborhood, and has since been involved in seniors’ care in several ways—through gerontology coursework, working as a registered dietitian with seniors in acute and residential care, and running programs at the Seniors’ Activity Centre in West Vancouver.
Interacting with seniors, Laura says, is what drives her.
“I want seniors to know they are a valuable part of our society, that they are needed and respected, and that they deserve the highest quality of service and care available,” she says.
Laura’s experiences in seniors’ care, including the master’s program, have given her a strong understanding of the challenges facing the sector to meet the demands of a rapidly aging population. She says she wants to be at the forefront of the charge to strengthen the continuing care sector.
“We need to work smarter, find ways of incorporating practices that have been successful in other parts of the world, and critically evaluate our current system.”
“I only have four years of experience directly working in the continuing care sector as a health care professional, but I strongly believe the skills I will gain during my master’s program and the relationships I will develop with community partners will provide me with the tools required to meet the needs of seniors,” she adds.
As part of the bursary application, we asked students why they would like to attend BCCPA’s 2018 Annual Conference. Laura says the conference gives her the opportunity to discuss current and future initiatives in the sector with front-line workers, network with seniors’ care providers, and find collaboration opportunities.
“I feel incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to meet so many movers and shakers at the 2018 Annual Conference,” she says. “This event will allow me to see firsthand how the issues discussed in the UBC Master of Health Leadership and Policy in Seniors Care program are being addressed within B.C. and across Canada.”
