On March 30th BC Care Providers Association held a forum to support long-term care and assisted living staff to better understand the range of support services which they can draw on to support family caregivers. The session was moderated by BCCPA’s VP of Public Affairs, Mike Klassen, and included guests from the Alzheimer Society of B.C., the Family Caregivers of B.C., and the Vancouver Island Association of Family Councils. Event participants included providers of seniors’ care and independent living services, members of the public and representatives from seniors’ advocacy groups.
The forum came on the heels of an announcement from Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister Dix regarding the relaxing of restrictions in long-term care and assisted living homes.
“While this news is nothing but positive, there are many things to consider as our members look towards welcoming family caregivers back into long-term care and assisted living homes,” said Klassen in his introductory remarks.
“Preparing to support family members – many of whom will experience feelings of grief and loss triggered by the physical and cognitive changes they notice after being apart from their family members for such a long period of time – is a proactive step that the sector can take to ease the burden on care partners,” he continued.
Discussion highlights included a conversation about the role of family councils, information about the tools available to families – such as the First Link® program and caregiver support groups – and a dialogue about why grief can sometimes look like anger, and how to respond.
Kim Slater from Vancouver Island Association of Family Councils @FamilyCouncils notes that one of the main challenges has been lack of family input in developing policies that affect #seniors during COVID-19 and highlights need for provincial association of family councils.
— BC Care Providers (@BCCareProviders) March 30, 2021
Sarah Eveneshen from @AlzheimerBC at @BCCareProviders webinar on families and visitations highlights how First Link can assist family caregivers and persons living with #dementia. See video: https://t.co/KzXniY7DMu
— BC Care Providers (@BCCareProviders) March 30, 2021
Barb Maclean @caringbc at @BCCareProviders webinar on families and visitations highlights importance of family #caregiver support groups https://t.co/ZhTQiJcPDg
— BC Care Providers (@BCCareProviders) March 30, 2021
A resource sheet has been prepared to help staff of long-term care and assisted living homes support family members through the grief and loss they may experience when they see their loved one again. We encourage you to share the document found here with staff at your organization.
Watch the forum
If you missed the event, or want to share with colleagues, you can access the recording for the webinar here.
Upcoming events
BCCPA’s virtual conference will take place on May 31st – June 2nd, 2021. Early Bird registration is now open. The conference theme is The Three Rs: Reflection, Resilience and Reinvention and will incorporate high profile keynote speakers, panel discussions, concurrent sessions, Q&A sessions, and virtual networking breaks. You can find out more here.
