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Centre for Education and Research on Aging & Health

November 2023

November 11 - Remembrance Day


On November 11th, we pause to remember and honour the brave individuals who served our nation. Their sacrifices, both seen and unseen, have shaped our present and safeguarded our future. Let's come together to express our deep gratitude and ensure their legacy is never forgotten.

November 21 - National Grief & Bereavement Day


When someone we know is faced with grief, we can often find ourselves at a loss for words. We may be unsure of how to support our friends, family, or colleagues who are going through this difficult journey. But here’s the truth: You have the power to make sure they are not facing their grief alone. From close or far, your actions can provide solace and connection at a time in their life when they need it most.

Learn More Here

National Grief and Bereavement Day 2023, on November 21st, calls upon all of us to reach out and to walk alongside those around us on their grief journey. It’s a day to take action, to be present for someone who needs your support, even when words fail.


In honour of this day, CERAH will be holding an ECHO Lunch & Learn session with Certified Grief Counsellor, Claudia Otto. Learn more and register below.

Announcements

NWO Palliative Care Conference

Our first in-person conference event since 2019 was a resounding success, thanks to our participants, speakers, and volunteers.


The conference united a community of passionate professionals committed to improving palliative care. It was an invaluable platform for knowledge exchange, fostering collaboration and sharing innovative ideas. Participants left with enriched insights and strengthened connections, and we're excited to continue this journey together, making a positive impact in the field of palliative care.

2023 Living Well with Dementia Conference


It was a busy month for us here at CERAH! In addition to the Palliative Care Conference, we also organized the Living Well with Dementia Conference in partnership with the North West Dementia Working Group. This event was thoughtfully designed to cater to persons living with dementia, their care partners, and healthcare professionals. It was heartwarming to witness the strong turnout of community members who came together to support and learn from one another. The success of this event demonstrates the power of collaboration and community in enhancing the lives of those living with dementia.


Special Guest, Dr. Christian Ntizimira


We had the pleasure of hosting Rwandan Palliative Care physician and author, Dr. Christian Ntizimira for 2 informative events. The first event discussed decolonizing palliative care with our very own Holly Prince, while the second discussed his new book, The Safari Concept: An African Framework for End-of-Life Care.

Pictured from left to right: May Remenda, Stephanie Hendrickson, Dr. Kevin Bezanson, Jill Marcella, Dr. Christian Ntizimira and Holly Prince.

CERAH Research

Who: People (eligible for Track One or Track Two**) who are trying to access MAiD in Northwestern Ontario, but have been unsuccessful


OR


Family members/friends (essential caregivers) of someone who was eligible and attempted to access MAiD in Northwestern Ontario.

Participation will involve one interview (approximately 45 minutes)


Interested in sharing your experience? We would love to hear from you.


Please contact: Dr. Kathy Kortes-Miller at [email protected] or (807) 343-8010 ext. 7204.


REB#1469892

*Postal codes beginning in P7, P8, P0T, P0V, P0W, P0X & P0Y

**Track One (death is reasonably foreseeable) and Track Two (death is not reasonably foreseeable)

Upcoming Events...

November 21 - Palliative Care ECHO Lunch & Learn Series w/ Claudia Otto


Healing Through Storytelling: How Healthcare Providers Can Support Patients & Families with Grief & Bereavement


In this session, certified grief counsellor, Claudia Otto will share practical tips, tools, and examples of ways health and social care providers can help others heal through methods like storytelling and tapping into the senses. This session will describe various approaches to support patients and families at various stages of their grief journey. Scan the QR code or click below to register for this free event!

Register Here

December 13 - CERAH Speaker Series 12:00 - 12:45 pm EDT


Mark your calendars - you don't want to miss this free Speaker Series event!


Join Dr. Nisha Sutherland and Caroline Sabotig as they discuss Moral Distress During the Pandemic: Impacts on the Mental Health of Long-Term Care Home Staff.


Details on this session will be available soon so check back with our Events Calendar or Facebook.


Caring Connections Chronicle...

It's Fall Prevention Month!


Remember to #WalkLikeAPenguin this winter to prevent trips, slips, and falls!


Other tips include:

  • use railings when walking up or down steps
  • wear a good pair of boots
  • put salt or sand on walkways
  • check the weather before heading out and plan accordingly
Learn More

Other Resources...

For Informal Care Providers

Hospice Northwest Art Exhibit - November 10th - 28th at Goods & Co. Market Art Gallery


A Personal Lens on Grief: What does Grief Look Like to You? By sharing our grief experiences and feelings through pictures, we can encourage discussion, collaborate for change and build a community of support.

Learn more & register

Grief: Facing Illness, Death, and Other Losses


November 22, 2023 - Grief and loss can be a lonely and isolating experience. As a caregiver, you may encounter grief at different points on your caregiving journey. In recognition of National Grief and Bereavement Day, join Dr. Patrick McGrath to talk about:

  • Different kinds of grief and their accompanying emotions
  • What you can do to understand the grieving process
  • Tips on how to cope with grief and loss

Video: Dying for Beginners by Dr. Kathryn Mannix


What does the dying process actually look like? A short animation by Emily Downe, voiced by Dr. Kathryn Mannix guides you gently on a step by step journey through the process of dying.

For Health & Social Care Providers

ECHO Session: Advance Care Planning, Goals of Care & Health Care Consent in Palliative Care


November 13th, 12 pm - 1 pm EST: Join us for a thought-provoking webinar on advance care planning, goals of care and health care consent. Learn how to make informed decisions about patient health care journeys.

Register Here
Register Here

ECHO & NSMHPCN Series: Taking the Pain Out of Pain Management


Please join the NSMHPCN Palliative Pain and Symptom Management Consultants and Education Facilitators as they discuss non-pharmacological management of pain on November 30th via Zoom.

In the News...

  • NEW RESEARCH REPORT - What does aging and living well look like for LGBTQI older adults in Canada? Egale’s research report, Aging and Living Well Among LGBTQI Older Adults in Canada, explores these questions to deepen our understanding of the key issues facing LGBTQI older adults in Canada.

Digital Connection

Our podcast often features people living with dementia, their care/life partners, and supporters sharing experiences. Through the interviews, guests demonstrate their capacity to live fully. Other episodes include conversations with researchers and advocates.

Stay up to date with the latest episodes!

LISTEN NOW!
LISTEN NOW!

Disrupting Death: conversations about Medical Assistance in Dying in Canada. Hosts, Kathy Kortes-Miller and Keri-Lyn Durant lead with curiosity as they interview a wide range of guests who know M.A.i.D intimately.


Latest Episode: Gaye Hanson

Shamanism and Medical Assistance in Dying? In this episode of Disrupting Death, Kathy and Keri engage in an insightful conversation with Gaye Hanson, a shamanic practitioner who combines her expertise as a healthcare policy analyst, researcher, and grief expert with her shamanistic knowledge.

Connect with Us!

Contact us if you have any questions about our resources or upcoming events. We are also interested in aging and health news from your region, so please keep in touch!

CERAH - Lakehead University

955 Oliver Road, Balmoral Street Centre

Thunder Bay, ON P7B5E1

(807) 343-8010 ext. 7271

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