The BC Care Awards honour individuals whose contributions make significant impact to the quality of life of older adults across the province. Among these awards, the Family Champion Award particularly recognizes the important role of family members in strengthening seniors’ care, recognizing their advocacy, leadership, and dedication to improving quality of care and life.
Below are four individuals nominated for the 2024 Family Champion Award.
***
Eric Li – Broadway Lodge
As Chair of the Broadway Lodge Family Circle, Eric is not only a voice for his mother and other residents, but the voice for families of Broadway Lodge. Through his involvement at Broadway Lodge, Eric is always looking for new ways to bring as much education and information to the families, through guest speakers and educations for families. His voice for the advocacy of residents and families in long-term care knows no limit, attending many charity events and raising funds for continued educational supports. Both Eric and his mother were featured on the Vancouver Sun, Richmond News and Alzheimer’s Society of Canada’s YouTube channel.
Esther DiLello – Chartwell Crescent Gardens
Even with both of her parents living in long-term care at Crescent Gardens, Esther is deeply involved in their daily care. Not only does she commit to the care of her parents, but she spends time with staff and other residents. An integral part of Crescent Garden’s resident councils, care conferences and captain lunches, Esther never hesitates to bring questions, ideas and suggestions to improve services at Crescent Gardens.
Jody Vance – Point Grey Private Hospital
After her father was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer and Alzheimer’s, Jody made a promise to him to share his journey so others might learn from him. As a prominent media personality, Jody amplified her voice even further to advocate for the quality of life of seniors. Within Point Grey Private Hospital, Jody always goes out of her way to include seniors in conversations with her mother, who lives at the home, and always thinks of ways to make everyone’s day is more special, such as creating entertainment beyond what is provided in the home.
Lisa Dawson – Louis Brier Home and Hospital
Lisa Dawson has demonstrated exceptional dedication to improving the quality of life for older adults in long-term care through her advocacy and leadership locally, regionally, and provincially – on all levels. Her work focuses on empowering residents and families, ensuring that high-quality care remains a top priority in long-term care settings.
Since becoming co-chair of the Louis Brier Home and Hospital Family Council in 2017, Lisa Dawson has been a vital advocate for both her father and the families of the 215-bed long-term care home. Her commitment to improving the quality of life and care for seniors is evident in her efforts to unite families and foster an environment of shared experiences and education.
Notably, Lisa serves as Vice-President and Secretary of the Independent Long-Term Care Councils Association of BC (ILTCCABC), where she represents the collective interests of long-term care residents and their families. In this role, she works closely with the Ministry of Health to advocate for systemic changes that improve the quality of care across the province.
Through her advocacy, leadership, and dedication to improving life for residents and families, Lisa is a prominent key figure in long-term care in B.C.
Thank you to our award sponsor for their generous support:
