January 2025

Happy New Year!

As we launch the new year full of promise for fresh beginnings, we also celebrate all the work of our CRNs across BC. Our Executive Director Heather Treleaven opens our newsletter with inspiring words about the year ahead and sets our course for another successful year. As well as our usual feature stories and community updates, we’re excited to tell you that Dan Levitt, BC’s Seniors Advocate, will present for this month’s Provincial Learning Event. We’re off to a roaring start!

SPECIAL ANNOUCEMENT

New Year Brings New Opportunities for BC CRN

In the Chinese calendar, 2025 is the Year of the Snake beginning on January 29. The snake is associated with wisdom, charm, elegance and transformation. These are all good attributes to help set our vision for the coming year as we continue to shake off the post-pandemic challenges, take in what we have learned and move forward together in a good way.

CRNs IN THE COMMUNITY

Finishing the Year and Spreading Holiday Cheer

As winter settles over the province, our CRNs are busy delivering educational workshops and hosting seasonal events to keep isolated and vulnerable community members informed, connected and engaged. Read about a few CRN highlights from around the province from the last month.

TECHNOLOGY TIPS

How to Use AI for Research on the Internet

In the third part of our series on artificial intelligence (AI), we look at ways to use AI to help you research subjects. It has tremendous capability to quickly scan the internet and return results to you within minutes.

Get tips

FEATURED STORIES

Whistler CRN’s Dementia Project a Success

Engaging people living with dementia in stimulating and meaningful activities provides opportunities for independence and a sense of self. After a successful pilot project by a community-based group, the Whistler CRN hosts “Making Connections,” a program that brings together people living with dementia and their caregivers.

Overcoming Ageism in Canada Takes Another Step Forward

Fighting ageism in Canada and beyond has been a long, drawn-out campaign. In August 2024, the draft of an international convention on the human rights of older persons was submitted to the UN for consideration. Most recently, four priorities have been identified to help inform Canadian agencies’ work on healthy ageing.

Emergency Preparedness for Winter: Assess, Plan and Prepare

According to the Canadian Red Cross, older adults are most at risk during emergencies. They recommend three considerations: knowing the risks, making a plan and assembling an emergency kit. Read our article to learn how to prepare before a winter emergency strikes.

SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS, STORIES & IDEAS

We would love to hear from you! Use our new form to submit your event photos, stories, and ideas so we can share them with our BC CRN community.

SUBMIT HERE

UPCOMING EVENTS

January Provincial Learning Event Webinar: BC Seniors Advocate Dan Levitt

January 21, 2025 | 10:30 am - 12:00 pm PST

BC CRN is excited to welcome BC Seniors Advocate Dan Levitt for January's Provincial Learning Event online webinar. Participants will learn about how BC is meeting the basic needs of its older residents and the areas in which the Office of the Seniors Advocate will focus on in the coming year.

See Something, Say Something! Online Presentation

February 4, 2025 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm PST

You are invited to join us for this dynamic online presentation. 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. This presentation will be helpful for anyone who has contact with older or vulnerable adults.

February Provincial Learning Event Webinar: Independent Long-Term Care Councils Association of BC

February 18, 2025 | 10:30 am - 12:00 pm PST

Save the date! BC CRN is excited to welcome Lisa Dawson, Vice President of Independent Long-Term Care Councils Association of BC (ILTCCABC) for February's Provincial Learning Event online webinar.

Participants will learn about how ILTCCABC represents the collective voice of residents, their families and representatives.. Belonging to a council enables residents and families to understand changes to regulations and to become involved in decisions that affect residents' care and quality of life at the local, regional and provincial levels.

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

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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.