The Vancouver Coastal Association of Family Councils (VCAFC) represents member Family Councils from long term care homes throughout the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority (VCH). • We are one of 5 Associations of Family Councils, representing resident advocacy in long term care homes (LTC) across all health authorities (HA). • VCAFC is comprised of families and friends of residents. All of us have had lived experience with someone we care about in LTC. We care about resident quality of life. We seek to be educated on the many issues of aging, as well as what advances allow us to consider improving quality of life in LTC. • VCAFC provides a forum for networking Family Councils of LTC in the Vancouver Coastal region to discuss common issues, and work to find solutions, and ultimately, share our concerns and ideas with our VCH Health Authority LTC representatives. • VCAFC meets at the provincial level, bringing systemic issues to the attention of the Ministry of Health and other organizations who support quality of life for residents in LTC. • Our provincial assocation of family councils is ILTCCABC: Independent Long Term Care Councils Association of BC
Vancouver , BC, CA
Quality of life in long-term care now includes resident and family councils!
ILTCCABC was proud to contribute their insight and experience to the quality of care matrix which includes dimensions of quality in long term care. Safety remains a critical issue within long-term care. https://iltccabc.ca #longtermcare #familycouncils #iltccabc #healthcare #seniors #seniorsincare #CPSW2024 #PatientSafety
CPSW Promote Safety for our most vulnerable: Residents in long-term care. Conditions making life unsafe (below) can be met with ways to improve safety: The care resident has a complex health history with multiple care teams. There is no care partner/advocate present. The care resident has limited ability to participate in care. They have not been invited to collaborate in their care. They have language barriers. They have low health literacy and limited supports in place. They are unable to follow treatment plans. Defences: Their care partner(s) is present. The resident is invited to co-create their health and safety plan with their healthcare team. Their psychological safety is supported so they feel comfortable to speak up and ask questions. Their care is delivered in their preferred language. Health literacy resources are available and accessible. Their healthcare team members invite them to participate in safety conversations in a way that recognizes cultural, religious and individual needs. Start and take part in your resident or family council in your long-term care home. We meet for the sake of resident quality of life. We celebrate Canadian Patient Safety Week Oct 28-Nov 1 #longtermcare #familycouncils #CPSW2024 #PatientSafety #UnderstandHarm #iltccabc #vcafc https://lnkd.in/g4WbW9xn
Vancouver Coastal Association of Family Councils reposted this
Yesterday, CALTC members were on Parliament Hill to advocate for the nearly 200,000 Canadians living in #LongTermCare. We had the opportunity to engage with several MPs and Senators in meaningful discussions about strengthening the long-term care sector. Our conversations focused on advancing key priorities, including increased investments to enhance operations, expanding human resources capacity and improving data collection. We also discussed the need to broaden immigration programs to welcome more qualified health professionals and to continue supporting infrastructure and development in long-term care. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to advancing care to meet the growing demand for #LongTermCare services across Canada.
A great summary for families to know. Great tips for our family caregivers. Great topic for a family council meeting!
This CBS news segment on #sundowning was both needed but also not fully informed. As the days get shorter and the sun sets earlier with winter approaching this is an important issue to address, but we have to understand the underlying cause, not just try to fix the symptom with medication. While people living with #dementia, especially toward the later stages of the disease do have other behaviours like wandering, or agitation particularly toward the evening (hence the term sundowning) - there are a lot of studies that indicate this is a way of expressing unmet need. Some of the triggers include: 1) a lack of exposure to natural light interrupting the natural circadian rhythm 2) a lack of physical activity and mental engagement 3) wearing off of medication given earlier in the day 4) other environmental triggers Some of the best approaches to supporting this has been going for 30 min a walk outside with the person living with dementia during the morning or afternoon. Here's a systematic review supporting this: https://lnkd.in/gztrifWx https://lnkd.in/gbEtzNMe #brainhealth #sunlight #walk
Vancouver Coastal Association of Family Councils reposted this
October 20-26: National Healthcare Quality Week Power of Q, Power of You. As part of Healthcare Quality Week ILTCCABC celebrates the support our volunteers give to residents and families of long-term care to help improve their care quality experience. https://lnkd.in/gYgFXm_R #longtermcare #familycouncils #iltccabc #healthcare #seniors #seniorsincare
Family Councils in long-term care are representing residents voice in a movement for improvement!
If you tuned in to the Leaders Debate last night, you would have heard each party leader discuss senior care in BC. BC Green Party Leader, Sonia Furstenau, shared frustration with the lack of long-term planning and management of public money and wants more investment in in-home care to support seniors age in place. Conservative Party of BC Leader, John Rustad, spoke about building 5,000 new long-term care beds, offering senior tax credits, and increasing the availability of home care services. BC New Democratic Party Leader, David Eby, focused on the expansion of home care and the Hospital at Home program which offers "hospital-like" care for seniors in their home. Miss it? Watch the full debate 👇 #seniors #bcpoli
Great example of support for our current and emerging councils! In B.C. check out UBC Research Council Effectiveness tool - https://lnkd.in/g69qxmn6
We’re excited to introduce a valuable new resource from Family Councils Ontario: the Long-Term Care Navigation Guide. This comprehensive, free guide is designed to help families and caregivers confidently navigate the complexities of Ontario’s long-term care system. Whether you’re preparing for a move into long-term care, seeking financial support information, or looking for tips on staying connected with your loved one, this guide has you covered with practical advice, step-by-step instructions, and expert insights. What you’ll find inside: Detailed guidance on the LTC application process Tips for making the move-in day smoother Information on financial assistance and programs Ideas for meaningful visits and activities And much more! We understand how challenging the long-term care journey can be. With this guide, you can feel supported every step of the way. Download your free copy today and share it with others who might benefit from this resource: https://lnkd.in/gUzUswfR Thank you for your ongoing support of Family Councils Ontario. Together, we’re making a difference for families and caregivers across the province.
Proud to be a regional association of ILTCCABC 😌
ILTCCABC recognizes infection prevention and control (IPC) week which serves as a reminder of the critical importance of in safeguarding residents and staff in long-term care. https://iltccabc.ca #infectionprevention #infectioncontrol #iltccabc #longtermcare #familycouncils #healthcare #seniors #seniorsincare
Vancouver Coastal Association of Family Councils reposted this
This Saturday's election is an opportunity for the Alzheimer Society of B.C. and advocates to raise awareness for dementia and vote for improved supports. Our election town hall, hosted earlier this fall, offered candidates the opportunity to discuss what their party will do to better support people living with dementia. Watch the full town hall by visiting https://lnkd.in/gQpAfYgX and remember to vote on October 19!
Canadian Patient Safety Week 2024 October 28 – November 1 Follow Healthcare Excellence Canada (HEC). Register for free webinars and check out their diagnostic flowchart of how harm happens in healthcare: https://lnkd.in/gcpZ-ppz