BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) is honoured to present the 2024 Family Champion Award to Lisa Dawson!
Throughout the years, Lisa has shown her exceptional dedication to improving the quality of life for older adults in long-term care (LTC) on all levels – locally, regionally and provincially. Her important work focuses on empowering residents and families, ensuring that high-quality care remains a top priority in LTC settings.
Inspired by her personal experience with her father in care at Louis Brier Home and Hospital (LBHH), Lisa was motivated to help improve the quality of life for all residents through promoting collective advocacy and community among families of residents. Since becoming co-chair of the LBHH Family Council in 2017, Lisa has been a vital advocate for both her father and the families of the 215-bed LTC home. Under her leadership, the LBHH Family Council has successfully advocated for many initiatives that addressed the quality of care for seniors. These included raising $40,000 for enhancing care and amenities for residents, garden revitalization, a food advisory committee, the development of a handbook and protocol development documents, and redesigning the admission process at LBHH to ensure families feel informed and supported.
Regionally, Lisa is the co-founder and chair of the Vancouver Coastal Association of Family Councils (VCAFC), an organization that educates LTC communities about the importance of family and resident councils in improving care quality. Under her leadership, VCAFC has established 28 self-directed family councils and currently supports 35 others in the Vancouver Coastal Health region. These councils amplify families’ voices in decision-making and advocate for residents’ needs. Lisa’s work through VCAFC reflects her belief in the power of collective advocacy and collaboration between families and care providers.
At the provincial level, 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 LTC residents and their families. Last year, Lisa and the ILTCCABC collaborated with the UBC School of Nursing on their “Raise Your Voice” Research Project which explored factors contributing to the effectiveness of family and resident councils. In this role, Lisa also works closely with the Ministry of Health to advocate for systemic changes that improve the quality of care across the province.
Through her work, Lisa has demonstrated that meaningful improvements in LTC require the active involvement of families, staff, and community leaders working together. Believing that LTC is a community, Lisa continues to help foster supportive environments for both families and staff in LTC homes across the province.
BCCPA commends Lisa for her unwavering commitment and dedication to seniors – both at LBHH and beyond – through her advocacy and leadership.
Watch
ILTCCABC Collaborates with UBC School of Nursing on their “Raise Your Voice” Research Project
Join us in celebrating Lisa and other 11th Annual BC Care Award winners in Victoria, B.C. on March 4th! Register here.
Thank you to our award sponsor for their generous support:
