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February 2024

Love is in the Air!

February is the month of love – and not just on St. Valentine’s Day! Many Asian folks are preparing for the Year of the Dragon celebrations, ushering in a year of growth, progress and abundance. In some parts of B.C., mild weather is already coaxing out spring bulbs while in the North, a return to cold weather will set the buds on the trees for abundant cones and ecological wealth. 

At BC CRN, we are showing our love for aging and vulnerable people through important articles and education. This month we write about healthy Aging in Place and Personal Planning for Aging Adults. As usual, we are featuring some of our committed team members and CRNs. 

Gratitude is an act of love. With love and gratitude, we aim to champion services and advocate for those who rely on their families and service providers to keep them safe. Not just on February 14, but every day.

CRNs IN THE COMMUNITY

New Year - New Learning Events & Projects

A new year means continuing on with regularly scheduled events and kicking off new projects and our CRNs are hard at work, so long as the weather doesn't hold them back. The winter has been milder this year, but for many of our interior and northern partners it has still presented challenges. 

January was also Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and many of our partner organizations shared many great workshops and resources through social media and newsletters. Among those resources that we passed on to our community members was a link promoting brain health through the safe use of medications from our Provincial Learning Event guest
organization last fall: the Canadian Medication Appropriateness and Deprescribing Network (CADeN).

Read more for highlights from around the province.
IN REMEMBRANCE

In Remembrance of Jill Hightower

In remembrance of Jill Hightower, MA, a remarkable individual who illuminated the world with her brilliance and accomplishments. 

Jill was elected to the BC CRN Board in 2013 and served as Co-Chair during our important developmental years. She was much loved and respected and will be sorely missed.

Read more about Jill’s career and life accomplishments at the time of her term on the BC CRN Board of Directors. 
TECHNOLOGY TIPS

How to Use Facebook: Creating a Business or Group Page

Do you post information or events on Facebook for a business or organization? It’s probably ok to just use your own profile to post the occasional information blast - isn’t it? Right after the funny animal reel you just saw or the yummy meal you recently had at a new restaurant? No, not really.. 

If you are part of an organization or business and communicate on their behalf on Facebook, the best way to do that is to create a separate business page or group page and not use your personal profile. 

Read this month’s article to learn how to create and use a business or group page.
FEATURED STORIES

Aging in Place: Planning Future Life Today

Aging in place is gaining popularity with older people staying in their own homes longer rather than moving into care facilities. In most cases, with a little planning and the right supports, older people can look forward to a future life in the comfort of their homes and communities. This article provides information to start the planning process, along with resources, tools and insights.


Warmth and Care Usher in Year of the Dragon

The Chinese, or Lunar, New Year is celebrated by many Asian communities worldwide. Based on the lunar calendar, each year is represented by one of 12 animals. Beginning February 10, Chinese New Year 2024 is the Year of the Dragon. The Year of the Dragon is believed to be one that fosters growth, progress and abundance. There will be Chinese New Year events in many B.C. communities during the 16-day festival.

The Chinese CRN started this new year working with community partners in coordinating 100 gift packages with traditional Chinese New Year items and resources for seniors with the highest needs.


UPCOMING EVENTS
Provincial Learning Event: What is Personal Planning for Older Adults?
February 20, 2024 | 10:30 am - 12:00 pm PST
Speaker: Audrey Jun, Lawyer and Executive Director at Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre

You are invited to join BC CRN’s February online Provincial Learning Event. This webinar will feature an online launch of two videos with personal stories from people across BC, highlighting the usefulness of personal planning – planning for incapacity, end-of-life and other support needs. What is personal planning? How is it different from estate planning? What if I have a Will and an Enduring Power of Attorney – am I covered? What if I can’t make any of these documents? What will happen to me in an emergency if I can’t speak for myself? Learn the answers to these questions and more. There will be a period for Q&A.

See Something, Say Something!
February 6, 2024 | 12 pm - 1 pm PST

You are invited to join us for this dynamic online workshop. The See Something, Say Something! Reducing Risk for Older Adults program is designed to help identify high-risk adults, particularly those who live alone and who may be isolated. Everyone can play an important role in the community in keeping others safe, secure, and independent.
It’s Not Right!
March 5, 2024 | 12 pm - 1 pm PST

You are invited to join us for this dynamic online workshop. Learn how to recognize the warning signs of abuse among older adults and determine how to respond safely and supportively. True to life scenarios are explored to facilitate discussions and to build skills.

Spotlight on Ageism
April 2, 2024 | 12 pm - 1 pm PDT

You are invited to attend BC CRN’s newest presentation offering: Spotlight on Ageism. Ageism is highly prevalent and is the most socially accepted and tolerated form of discrimination in Canada. Like sexism or racism, ageism is discrimination – based on someone’s age. Ageism can occur at any point in our lifespan – regardless of how old we are – and may lead to others making judgements about our background, capability, mental or physical status, based only on their impression of our age.

We're interested in hearing from you!

We welcome your feedback, story ideas, and photos for consideration in a future edition.
Email us at info@bccrns.ca.


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BC CRN acknowledges the generous financial support of the Province of British Columbia.
For more on the BC CRN and our free programs, visit us at | bccrns.ca.