If you have not already watched this video, you may wish to take a few minutes to do so. Among other things, it will provide you with some insight into what can happen when nursing home residents are transferred to the emergency department and how these transfers and negative effects can be decreased.
Category Archives: Seniors
Alzheimer Walk & Run
Before sitting down to a nice Thanksgiving dinner, why not burn off some calories so you can have that extra piece of pumpkin pie? Join the many Calgarians who will be wearing red and taking part in the 2016 Alzheimer Walk & Run on Sunday, October 9th, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Click here to find out more about this event.
“We Are Detectives” – Appropriate Use of Antipsychotics in LTC
In 2013, Alberta Health Services (AHS) funded a pilot project that focused on the use of antipsychotics in long-term care facilities. Starting with 11 early-adopter sites, the Appropriate Use of Antipsychotics in Long-Term Care Project has now been implemented in all of the 170 long-term sites across the province. The results have been very positive for all involved – residents, families, and staff. Click here to explore the AUA Toolkit, where you can find news and resources relating to the AUA project.
“This is the saddest photo I have ever taken.”
According to Ashley Bartyik, she had recently taken her saddest picture. This picture shows her grandparents, Wolfram and Anita Gottschalk, sitting together crying. The reason for their sadness is because after living together for 62 years, they are being forced to live apart.
Whenever they get a chance to visit one another, both burst into tears.
“I just want to see them together…They’re a pillar of strength in our family.”
Wolf, 83, and Anita, 81, are in separate care facilities in Surrey, B.C., and even though the regional health authority says it’s working to reunite the couple, their families fear time is running out.
Click here to read the full article.
As a Senior, Do You Want to Live Alone?
For many individuals, living alone is their preference. However, while such a living arrangement can be easy to do when one is young, this may not be the case as one ages. As Jacki Andre points out in her recent article, there are many factors that must be taken into consideration if one wants to live alone as a senior. These include such things as undertaking home renovations and adaptations to accommodate mobility issues and establishing living arrangements that meet one’s desire to be independent but at the same time ensure personal safety and security. Just as Andre asks herself the following questions: “What kind of options would allow me to live alone as a senior? What sort of things should I be thinking about now, to transition from middle-aged employee to retirement living to senior citizen?” we may wish to do the same. Click here to read Andre’s article.
Seeking Your Input on the Nursing Home Legislation
Alberta Health is seeking your input on Nursing Home Legislation. Discussion topics will focus on care providers, eligibility, social and leisure activities and meal requirements. Click on the above image for more details.
Who is more likely to be overprescribed drugs?
If you are a woman and a senior, there is a potential that you have been, will be or are taking pills that are not required. According to a new study out of University of British Columbia, “nearly one in three women in this province over age 65 received inappropriate prescription medicines in 2013, compared to one in four men, who received similar prescriptions.” Why are more women being overprescribed medicine than men? What is the reason for this discrepancy? Why are senior woman, or indeed anyone, being overprescribed medication? These and other related questions are addressed here
Dementia Care Conference
If you will be in the Lethbridge area on May 27th, here is an event you may be interested in attending.
May 27, 2016, 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
University of Lethbridge,
Student Union Ballroom A & B
Registration is $10.00
(Deadline to register is May 13, 2016.)
The sessions include:
Searching for Closeness – Why Feelings Matter Most in Dementia Care
Presenter: Dr. David Sheard, CEO / Founder Dementia Care Matters
Interventions to Change Practice in Long Term Care Facilities
Presenter: Dr. Sienna Caspar, Assistant Professor, Therapeutic Recreation Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, U of L
Moral Distress
Presenter: Dr. Shannon Spenceley, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences, U of L
Understanding the Role of the Male Caregiver
Presenter: Mr. Ryan Waldorf, MHSc (Nursing), RN; Instructor, Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, U of L
Learning How to be a Butterfly – The Butterfly Household Model of Care
Presenter: Dr. David Sheard
Click here for the Conference Registration Form.
Continuing Care & Community Living Expo 2016
On Thursday, April 21st, the Continuing Care & Community Living – Expo 2016 was held in Calgary. This event, sponsored by Alberta Health Services and Covenant Heath, focused on introducing individuals and their families to new initiatives, opportunities and technologies relating to independence and aging.
Below are some tweets that @aircalgary sent while attending Expo 2016.
My dad's favourites: the recliner chair and super duper fm amplifier for hearing aids @Pts4Chg pic.twitter.com/FaTvDlMZFn
— AirCalgary (@aircalgary) April 22, 2016
Loved seeing wonderful #FamilyPresence focus from FCRC friends @Pts4Chg pic.twitter.com/kP1lkeSKFJ
— AirCalgary (@aircalgary) April 22, 2016
Appreciate that #FamilyPresence language Slowly making its way to continuing care @Pts4Chg pic.twitter.com/uUgtrTbh5O
— AirCalgary (@aircalgary) April 22, 2016
If you were unable to attend the Continuing Care & Community Living – Expo 2016 in Calgary, you have a chance to do so on Friday, May 6th in Edmonton, Alberta. As was the case in Calgary, admission and parking are FREE. To learn more about the event, including the topics that will be addressed, click on the image below.
Call For Participants
If you are or know of someone who is:
- Over the age of 65;
- Live in Alberta;
- Have an annual household income of less than $50,000;
- Have a high risk of a cardiovascular event based on having ONE of the following:Previous heart attack or stroke, chronic kidney disease, heart failure OR Any TWO of the following:Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, current cigarette smoking (greater than half a pack a day)
this may be of interest to you.
Researchers at the University of Calgary are looking for 5000 low-income seniors to participate in a study that will focus on managing chronic disease. To find out more and how you can get involved, click here.
