Healthy Aging Regional Gatherings Resources

During May and June 2022, Community-Based Senior-Serving (CBSS) professionals and allied systems partners are coming together at Healthy Aging Alberta's in-person Regional Gatherings!

The Regional Gatherings are an excellent opportunity for organizations to showcase their work and learn from one another while strengthening regional and provincial networks. These day-long events offered facilitated capacity-building sessions, presentations from CBSS organizations on their innovations in programming and collaboration, and opportunities to network and build supportive and strategic relationships.

The following community speakers shared during our Regional Gatherings and we thank each person for sharing of their time and expertise:

Edmonton Region Conversation Café

• “Connecting Chinese Seniors to Mainstream Services” presented by Fion Lee, ASSIST Community Services Centre Executive Director
• “Edmonton Seniors Home Supports Program” presented by Sheila Hallett, Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council Executive Director
• “The Role of Neighbours in Supporting Healthy Aging” presented by Wendy Keiller, City of Edmonton FCSS Liaison

Central Alberta Region Conversation Café

• "Innisfail Dementia Friendly Initiative" presented by Rebecca Aspden, Innisfail Medical Clinic Lead, and Sandy Wacker, Town of Innisfail Community Support Worker Facilitator
• "Community Development with an Equity Lens" presented by Shelley Dallas-Smith, Alberta Health Services Health Promotion Facilitator
• "Rural Response to Older Adults Impacted by Abuse" presented by Kari Cameron, Changing Ways Older Adult Support Worker and Advocate

Calgary Region Conversation Café

• “Aging in Place and Accessible Renovations in Your Home” presented by Darren Boomhower and Michele Madaire, Accessible Housing Residential Accessible Design (RAD) Renovations
• “Disaster and Emergency Preparedness for Vulnerable Older Adults” by Kim Savard, carya and Kim Brundit, Dementia Network Calgary
• “The Way In Network” by Jocelyn Cuthbert Mora, carya Network Coordinator
• “Food Security Programs for Seniors” by Lauren Riley and Kari Stone, Kerby Centre Manager of Volunteers and Community Outreach and Senior Manager of Programs

CORE Online Conversation Café

• “Disaster and Emergency Preparedness for Vulnerable Older Adults and their Caregivers” presented by Kim Savard, carya and Kim Brundit, Dementia Network Calgary (please note that this is a repeat of the Calgary session if you have previously attended it)
• “Continuing Care Services 101” presented by Michelle Taylor, Alberta Health Services Supportive Housing and Residential Living Lead
• “Be Positive: Find the Silver Lining” presented by Vineeta Kapoor, Kerby Centre Manager of Information Resources
• “Nutrition Risk Screening in the Community” presented by Jennifer Sundberg, Alberta Health Services Registered Dietician
• “Building Compassionate Communities: Raising Awareness of Palliative Care and Advance Care Planning in Alberta” presented by Tyler Hamil, Covenant Health Palliative Institute Project Coordinator
• “Community Development with an Equity Lens” presented by Stephanie Catudal, Alberta Health Services Health Promotion

Northern Alberta Region Conversation Café

• “Elder Abuse: Neglect, the Silent Epidemic” presented by Irene Fitzsimmons, Healthy Families, Healthy Futures Elder Abuse Navigator
• “Creating Caregiver Friendly Communities” presented by Johnna Lowther, Caregivers Alberta Director of Programs and Services
• “Snow Angels” presented by Heidi Major, Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo Social Program, Community Partnerships and Initiatives Advisor

Southern Alberta Region Conversation Café

• "Addressing Ageism and Other Prevention Strategies" presented by Shantel Ottenbreit, City of Medicine Hat and the Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Council
• "Seniors Community Services Partnership" presented by Rob Miyashiro, Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization Executive Director
• Open Floor for Community-Based Senior Serving Organizations

Interested in the virtual Regional Gathering? You can view the recording and resources HERE.