BC CRN E-Connector Newsletter: October 2024

October 2024

Navigating Systems, Creating Understanding and Ensuring Human Rights

Safety, dignity and human rights are on our minds during the month of October. Of course, they always are, but we decided to take a deep dive this month to provide you with insight into the systems that can prevent or lay the foundation for adult abuse, neglect and self-neglect.

But first, meet Laura Stovel, Revelstoke’s CRN Coordinator. Laura is a multi talented individual who uses her energy and passion to create new communication systems. Speaking of communications, our Tech Tips will focus on AI for the next few months, launching with a peek into how it works.

This month’s feature articles dig into ageism, clutter and hoarding, and the latest news on the work for a UN Convention on the Human Rights of Older Persons. These stories all examine systemic abuse in one way or another and focus on building a better society for older people. We offer effective strategies to guide the work and protect our more vulnerable citizens.

Are you a newsletter subscriber? If not, sign up via the BC CRN website or download it from Facebook. Meanwhile, enjoy the crisp fall weather, and splurge on a pumpkin latté or chai tea. We hope to “see” you at a learning event!

TEAM MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Laura Stovel, Revelstoke CRN’s Coordinator

Meet Laura Stovel, Revelstoke CRN coordinator. Don’t let her quiet and unassuming veneer fool you – she is a passionate advocate for the senior residents, working with the local network to bring seniors’ needs to the forefront and create connections to combat isolation, abuse, neglect and self-neglect.

Meet Laura

CRNs IN THE COMMUNITY

Summer Celebrations and Fall Presentations

As the days begin to cool and shorten and summer gives way to fall, our CRNs are refreshed and busy with new events and workshops. But before we say a final goodbye to the warm weather, we want to share a few more memories from the summer.

TECHNOLOGY TIPS

What is AI and Should We Be Worried?

It seems every time we turn on the news, there’s a mention of artificial intelligence – or AI. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a computer program that answers questions and finds similarities or differences. AI systems are based on math, not human-like thinking, and are fed vast amounts of information that train them to recognize patterns.

Tech Tips will discuss AI in our next few articles to help you understand what AI is and how it’s used.

Get tips

FEATURED STORIES

Intergenerational Relationships: An Antidote to Ageism in Canada

Ageism refers to stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) directed toward people based on their age. It can be institutional, interpersonal or self-directed. It stigmatizes older people, resulting in poor health and economic well-being. Intergenerational programming is an effective antidote to the ageism epidemic.

Learn more

Is it Clutter, Collecting or a Hoarding Disorder: Causes and Helpful Resources

Many people have treasured collections, gathering items to display that reflect their interests. Others just have too much stuff and live in a disorganized mess. A smaller segment of folks have hoarding disorder, a mental health condition that drives them to save items in extreme numbers and conditions, often rendering them unable to leave their homes or live safely. There is help! Compassion, therapy and medication are helping people with hoarding disorder (HD) live happier lives.

Learn more

A UN International Convention on the Human Rights of Older Persons: Why It’s Imperative

All people are entitled to human rights. Meanwhile, older people experience poverty, inadequate housing and discrimination when seeking healthcare services in the community and in care homes. Ageism, abuse, neglect and self-neglect often run side-by-side with isolation, poor nutrition and violence. Progress is being made to establish an international convention on the human rights of older persons, but the work is slow and tedious. In August, a significant step was achieved.

Learn more

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

Provincial Learning Event: Navigating Home Care and Senior Housing

October 15, 2024 | 10:30 am - 12:00 pm PST

The legal framework governing home and residential care for older adults is complex and often confusing. As BC’s senior population grows, demands for home and residential care are increasing every year, and the needs of those in long-term care are becoming more complex. It is important for older adults and their advocates to be well informed about the rights of seniors receiving care, and strategies for resolving personal and health care problems that may arise.

Spotlight on Ageism

October 1, 2024 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm PST

You are invited to attend this online presentation. 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.

See Something, Say Something! Online Presentation

November 5, 2024 | 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.

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.