On September 5-8, 2023, Holly Prince, the Lead for the Indigenous Peoples' Health and Aging Division at CERAH, and Elder Beatrice Twance-Hynes attended a knowledge translation event in Victoria on the traditional territory of the Lekwungen Peoples. Both are members of an international research team called "Pou kāpura: Reimagining palliative care for homeless people in Aotearoa New Zealand: A two nations approach" which includes researchers from the University of Auckland, University of Victoria, and Lakehead University, along with Elders and Kaumatua. In March 2024, Holly and Beatrice will travel to Aotearoa (New Zealand) to participate in a second knowledge translation event on the lands of the Māori.

Supporting Patients with Pre-Existing Mental Illness and Dementia

October 11, 2023, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. EST

Understand the importance of differentiating between dementia and mental illness and learn treatment strategies.

Presenter:

Dr. Suzanne Duchen, MB. BCh. FRCPC

CERAH Speaker Series: Journey to the Spirit World: Indigenous Approaches to Caregiving for those Who Are Seriously Ill 

October 19, 2023, 12:00-1:30 p.m. (EST) - This session will describe Indigenous teachings of health, wellness and balance, and situate them within the path of life continuum.

Presenter: Elton Beardy, Cultural Practitioner, Traditional Healing Program, N’doo’owe Binesi, St. Joseph’s Care Group.

World Alzheimer Report 2023: Reducing dementia risk: never too early, never too late

According to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, 600,000 Canadians are living with dementia – and that number is predicted to reach almost one million by the end of the decade. The World Alzheimer Report 2023, released at the end of September, paints a picture of hope - that we can, through our individual actions, affect change - even practicing prevention beyond a diagnosis. 

Things that matter:

• Keep learning and moving
• Maintain social connection 
• Your dental and heart health, hearing, sleep and general physical well-being 
• What you ingest (food, alcohol, smoking)

“While the incorrect belief that dementia is the inescapable fate of old age may be a deeply ingrained view for some, we now know that up to 40% of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by addressing 12 risk factors identified in the 2020 Lancet Report on dementia prevention. Given the current astronomical cost projections for dementia in coming decades, governments should seize this opportunity for risk reduction policies with real impact, both in terms of healthcare costs and wellbeing.” 

Share Your Story

The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) wants to build a future for Palliative Care Everywhere in Canada. To get there, we need policy-makers and healthcare leaders to understand why investing in accessible and high-quality hospice palliative care must be a priority.

We need your help to tell the real story of hospice palliative care in Canada. Your stories will help us to better illustrate the impact that hospice palliative care could have on every family in Canada if every person with a life-limiting illness could access this care.

Grieving a Medically Assisted Death *New Date*

Oct 12, 2023 6:00 - 8:00 pm (EST) - Join Sadie Mallon at Hospice Northwest for a workshop aimed at providing a safe space to reflect and discover ways to support the unique grieving experience following an assisted death.

To register, or for more information, please contact Sadie at: semallon@lakeheadu.ca

ECHO session: Palliative Care Approach to Pain and Shortness of Breath

Oct 11, 2023 12:00 PM (EST) - Join our 1-hour webinar designed as a place for Peer-to-Peer practice support, facilitated and coached by palliative care experts. Explore shared skill building in the Palliative Approach to Care, engage in topic-based discussions, and practice managing pain and shortness of breath for palliative care patients. We'll draw on foundational knowledge, share valuable resources, and discuss best-practice approaches for caring for individuals and families living with life-limiting illness. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your expertise in palliative care.

ECHO session: Improving Essential Conversations in Long-Term Care Introduction to the QUIC Toolkit

Nov 9, 2023 12:00 PM (EST) - Join this 1-hour webinar designed to introduce you to the Quality Improvement Condensed (QUIC) toolkit. This toolkit aims to support those working in long-term care facilities to improve essential conversations with residents and their caregivers. This toolkit is available free of cost to long-term care homes and provides a step-by-step approach to making small and scalable changes in your practice.