Category: Aging and Gerontology (SWAG)

Join the Eastern Ontario Social Work in Aging and Gerontology, to plan a learning program

From the SWAG steering Committee, a survey on your learning interests in working with older adults.

 

We took a year hiatus and now Social Work in Aging and Gerontology Steering Committee would like to hear from you, our members.

Please complete the survey and tell us what you would like to see in future SWAG meetings at https://www.surveymonkey.ca/r/SWAGOttawa2023. The survey should take about 2 minutes to complete. We look forward to planning and coordinating a new program for the 2023-24 year to bring us together as social workers who work with older adults.

Sincerely,

Karen Anne Blakely. Bonnie Schroeder, Catherine Bennett, Terry Black

Social Work in Aging and Gerontology, Steering Committee 

SWAG – Established in 1987 in Ottawa, ON

Facebook: SWAGOttawa 

Promising approaches to long-term residential care social work

From Wendy Birkhan, on behalf of Social Work in Aging and Gerontology, Steering Committee SWAG

Susan Braedley presentation on: Long-term Residential Care and Social Workers: Opportunities and Conundrums — 

Description: Reporting on both a scoping review of the Canadian literature on long-term residential care social work and social services work and international comparative research conducted in Canada and 5 other countries, this presentation discusses the opportunities and conundrums facing social workers in Ontario about our role in long-term residential care. Given health human resources shortages, social workers and social services workers have skills and scope-of-practice that can contribute meaningfully in this sector. But social workers have not had a clear, coherent role in Ontario’s long-term residential care. What can we learn from other jurisdictions about promising approaches to long-term residential care social work that enhance quality of life and care?

swag bradewin

(image of Susan Braedley (she/her), MSW PhD, Associate Professor, School of Social Work, Carleton University)

Thursday April 21 at 15:30

Please Register to Participate:

 https://oasw.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUqdu-rqD8vHtTl8atC8-Wn2oKG75_7I1SE

 

Contact SWAG here:

Dates for 2021/2022 SWAG meetings — Thursdays, all start at 15:30, all on-line

September 23/21
October 21/21
November 18/21
December 16/21 NEW month
January 20/22
February 17/22
March 17/22
April 21/22
May 26/22

COVID and shifting program approaches: Lifestyle Enrichment for Senior Adults (LESA)

From Wendy Birkhan, on behalf of Social Work in Aging and Gerontology, Steering Committee SWAG

Speaker: Kim Greenwood will provide general information about the Lifestyle Enrichment for Senior Adults (LESA) and focus on:

  • changes made to the program due to Covid
  • general observations made by counsellors about the impact of Covid on substance use and problem gambling.

THURSDAY, 16 DECEMBER 2021 AT 15:30

Registration Link 

Background on LESA

Lifestyle Enrichment for Senior Adults (LESA) is a substance abuse and problem gambling counselling service for older adults offered across the City of Ottawa. Support is provided for adults aged 55 and older who are concerned about their alcohol or drug use or problem gambling. Services include: intake and assessment of goals and needs; individual counselling; group counselling; supports to address barriers to making change 

LESA is a specialized community- based treatment program supporting adults over the age of 55 in their efforts to stop or reduce:

  • Misuse or abuse of alcohol, drugs and medications
  • Problem gambling that negatively affects physical or mental health, finances, social, family or work life.

Our client-centered programs aim to improve physical, psychological, and environmental health.  Our unique approach incorporates knowledge about the normal aging process, substance and behaviour dependency, and holistic health

lesa@centretownchc.org

from: https://capsa.ca/lifestyle-enrichment-for-senior-adults-lesa/

 

Contact SWAG here:

 

Dates for 2021/2022 SWAG meetings — Thursdays, all start at 15:30, all on-line

 
December 16/21
January 20/22
February 17/22
March 17/22
April 21/22
May 26/22

SWAG interactive Q&A on Dementia and Alzheimer’s practices & research

From Wendy Birkhan, on behalf of Social Work in Aging and Gerontology, Steering Committee SWAG

Renowned cognitive and behavioural neurology expert and researcher, Dr. Andrew Frank from Bruyère Memory Program, will provide an interactive Q&A on the topic of Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.  The latest innovations in Alzheimer’s research being conducted at the Clinical Trials Unit (CTU) will be discussed.

In addition, Helen Niezgoda (Research Operations Manager at the Bruyère Research Institute) will be providing an overview of dementia research currently underway at the Bruyère Research Institute and the importance and benefits of recruitment and community involvement.

Social Workers will learn practical and helpful information that they can provide to their clients and their caregivers.

bruyereThumbNail

(3 images of active seniors- a woman reading, a man biking, a woman walking with support from another woman from https://www.bruyere.org/ )

Thursday, September 23rd, 2021 from 3:30 – 5 pm on Zoom.

You must register to attend.  Registration Link:

Contact SWAG here:

Dates for 2021/2022 SWAG meetings — Thursdays, all start at 15:30, all on-line

September 23/21
October 21/21
November 18/21
December 16/21 NEW month
January 20/22
February 17/22
March 17/22
April 21/22
May 26/22

Bringing a service provider lens to the development of the Ottawa Anti-Racism Secretariat initiatives via SWAG

From Wendy Birkhan, on behalf of Social Work in Aging and Gerontology, Steering Committee SWAG.
Yusra Osman, Anti-Racism Specialist will lead the presentation. The presentation will provide an overview of the Anti-Racism Secretariat and its initiatives and engagement plan.
osman-768x1024
—we will aim for a 15 minute presentation to allow for the opportunity for discussion with the members on feedback they have from their service provider lens that can help guide the creation of the Anti-Racism Strategy for the City.
ars banner

Thursday, 20 May 2021 from 15:30 EDT-17:00 EDT, via zoom

Please note, this  includes getting the zoom links to SWAG meetings via:

Understanding Our Cannabis Access System in Canada, SWAG Education Event

From Social Work in Aging and Gerontology (SWAG) Ottawa steering committee:

Phase 1 of the Cannabis Act came into effect on October 17, 2018. It regulates non-medicinal cannabis, hemp, and medicinal cannabis. Recreational cannabis use is now legal in Canada. With this said, it is important for everyone working in the health and/or gerontology field to understand the current access system we have in place in Canada.

caroline bond

(picture of caroline Bond)

On Thursday, April 22nd from 3:30pm – 5pm Caroline Bond, RPN and Regional Manager of Canadian Cannabis Clinics, will discuss the cannabis plant itself,  and help us to understand why the laws, distribution and prescribing practices are different from other conventional drugs in Canada.  The different types of products available and common therapeutic uses of cannabis will be highlighted. You will discover the resources available and will be able to guide your clients to safe and legal access points.  Please join us for an informative presentation!

 Please register to join us! – Contact: SWAG via SWAGOttawa@gmail.com

Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/SWAGOttawa/

 Upcoming TOPIC in May : Thursday May 20 – Police training for interventions with elderly victims or elderly offenders

SWAG talk by Ioanna Genovezoson: Emergency Management and Senior Care in Ottawa Hospitals

From Wendy Birkhan, on behalf of Social Work in Aging and Gerontology, Steering Committee SWAG
, “Lots happening but we will put it all in one email for your convenience. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.”
Please note, this  includes getting the zoom links to SWAG meetings via:

Topic: Geriatric Emergency Management and Senior Care in Ottawa Hospitals

Thursday January 21st – 3:30 to 5PM on Zoom

Speaker: Ioanna Genovezos, Program Manager of the Geriatric Emergency Management of The Ottawa Hospital

Ioanna Genovezos, Masters in Nursing, will provide an overview of the Geriatric Emergency Management program, discuss senior friendly initiatives within the Emergency department at the Ottawa Hospital and highlight new challenges when dealing with older adults presenting to the Emergency Department during the pandemic of COVID-19.

General Upcoming Events:

  • RIAF Webinar: Canadian Guidelines on Substance Use Disorders Among Older Adults – January 12, 2021 | 12pm
  • Regional Geriatric Rounds Webinar: Planning for Older Persons’ Care in Ontario – January 18, 2021 | 8am – FREE
  • Webinar: Ethical Telehealth in the Time of Covid-19 – Monday January 18, 2021 | 1-3pm
  • Education Day 2021: Wisdom & Innovation in Hospice Palliative Care – March 10, 2021 | 9-4pm
  • Canadian Geriatrics Society (CGS): Annual Scientific Meeting – May 13-15, 2021

Long Term Care Crisis: A Presentation on key steps forward

Social Work in Aging and Gerontology SWAG, brings Bernard Bouchard, recently appointed to the Task Force on Human Resources Emergency in LTC to present critical approaches to address the crisis.

Long Term Care in Crisis:  A Way Forward

DISCUSSION POINTS:

  • What are some of the rubbing points in fixing the LTC system that are not being addressed by the media?
  • How comprehensive are the proposed solutions the government is proposing to fix  LTC in Ontario?
  • How might we solve LTC staff burn-out as the second wave of Covid-19 increases over the coming fall and winter.
  • Are the rights of LTC residents and their families being discounted under the present regulations to prevent the spread of Covid-19?

bb

Bernard Bouchard, BA, MA, MSW

Recently retired  CEO of Maxville Manor. Thirty years’ experience in the Long Term Care sector as well as leadership in  organizations promoting the interests of seniors and indigenous advocacy groups.  Recently appointed to the Task Force on Human Resources Emergency in LTC.

The SWAG zoom meeting is open to all social workers, social service workers and students and membership in OASW is not required. This presentation will be recorded and posted on the provincial website  and can be viewed at a later time by OASW members.

 You must register to participate: https://www.gifttool.com/registrar/ShowEventDetails?ID=1125&EID=28789 

Thursday October 22, 2020, 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM Location: Zoom: Online

  Presented by SWAG – Social Work in Aging and Gerontology, OASW Eastern Branch   Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW) 

SWAGOttawa@gmail.com

Facebook @SWAGOttawa

“… hints of promising changes to long term care policies..” – the speech from the throne

Pat Armstrong’s analysis with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives explains how we can focus on cracks of opportunity to advance care.

(Image from report: Champlain LHIN report: Planning for Long-Term Care: When care at home is no longer possible)

If not now, when? The throne speech and long term care

… The throne speech also promised “further targeted measures for personal support workers” to “better value their work and their contribution to society.” That could simultaneously address some aspects of systemic discrimination, given that racialized and/or immigrant women disproportionately staff these jobs. It could also help address the shortage of people willing to do the work, as well as help prevent a further she-cession.

Similarly, the throne speech’s promise to implement “a Canada-wide early learning and childcare system” could also support these workers, given that women still bear the primary responsibility for this care. …

See the blog post here: https://behindthenumbers.ca/2020/09/24/if-not-now-when-the-throne-speech-and-long-term-care/

Learn more about Ottawa Local Resources from the Council on Aging of Ottawa : https://coaottawa.ca/committees/health/long-term-care-in-ottawa/

COVID 19 and “the long-standing deficiencies in Canada’s long-term care sector,” Report from the Royal Society

SWAG shared the Royal Society of Canada report.  “The attached document was compiled by some outstanding academics and health care professionals who have been monitoring LTC issues in Canada for decades.  Do take the time to read it and circulate to colleagues in Geriatric care and caregiver support.” 

Overview:  Restoring Trust: COVID-19 and The Future of Long-Term Care

….The report begins by reviewing the research context and policy environment in Canada’s long-term care sector before the arrival of COVID-19.
It summarizes the existing knowledge base for far-sighted and integrated solutions to challenges in the long-term care sector. The report then outlines profound, long-standing deficiencies in the long-term care sector that contributed to the magnitude of the COVID-19 crisis.
Equally important contributors to this crisis are the characteristics of the older adults living in nursing homes, their caregivers and the physical environment of nursing homes.

The long-standing deficiencies in Canada’s long-term care sector and the characteristics of the key players had direct impact on the immediate causes of the COVID-19 crisis in our nursing homes. This report enumerates those immediate causes.

The report then articulates principles for action and recommendations for urgent action.

See the report here: https://rsc-src.ca/en/restoring-trust-covid-19-and-future-long-term-care