Last week I had the fortune to attend a staff development workshop at my work. Richard Adler, who is in the field of aging and technology at the Institute for the Future in Palo Alto, California was in town. He gave a wonderful presentation to a packed room of over 200 people the night before. This…
Month: October 2013
Book Review and Interview: Julie Saeger Nierenberg and her self-published book: ‘Daddy, this is it. Being-with My Dying Dad’
I always marvel at the connections one can make thru social media. I have had the benefit of making many positive connections on LinkedIn and because of my involvement there, connected with Julie Nierenberg. We both have similar interests re: death, dying and end-of-life issues and we both write. While I have not written a…
Death, Dying and Reflection
End-of-Life issues, care and the topic of death and dying in general need a ‘sexier’ image. I find that many do not want to delve into such conversation. There are no plans in place for ‘what if.’ Family does not know what other family members would want should such a situation arise. I keep reflecting…
Canada Health Transfer Payments
I came across an article on the Canadian Health Transfer payment system in The Record. The more I read, learn and work in and around the healthcare system, the more I want to see it change. Our current system is not working and as the population continues to ‘grey’ even more change will be needed….
End-of-Life Care
This is an article worth reading in The Windsor Star on End-of-Life Care. This area is only going to continue to grow as more and more enter the 65+demographic. What is holding health professionals and helping professionals back from bringing this issue to the forefront? According to Dr. Scott Wooder, President of the Ontario Medical Association,…
The Benefits to Participating in Webinars
Today, I participated in a webinar from Financial Social Work on 6 Steps to a Debt Free Holiday. The information was good and focused on the need to be proactive and eliminate stress and anxiety during the holiday season. The process is engagement, education, motivation, validation and support looking at a multi-disciplinary, psychosocial and strength-based approach….
Charter of Quebec Values: Part 2
The saga continues, but I can say as one trained as a social worker, I am happy to come across media that negates what the PQ Minority government is trying to do. I opened my local Suburban today, dated September 25, 2013 and read many Letters to the Editor that basically say, “Shame on you, PQ.” I smiled…
Volunteering with Dying with Dignity-Canada
The topic of death, dying and end-of-life is not one that many want to delve into, yet in reality it is needed. “To be born, one must die.” Culture, religion, morals and values will play a part along with one’s upbringing and personal beliefs. As a professional who works with older adults/seniors, this area is…
Patient-Centered Care Awareness Month: October
When I saw a link posted on LinkedIn re: Patient-Centered Care Awareness month, I thought this is great! I recently attended a 2 day conference in the Toronto area that focused on Patient Experience and the importance of healthcare making a transition or shift that involves the patient in every aspect of healthcare. I am currently…
National Forum on Patient Experience Conference-Day 2
The conference opened with Dr. Vaughan Glover, CEO, CAPCH with opening remarks. The opening address was by Mary Ferguson-Paré, Fmr. Vice President, Professional Affairs & Chief Nurse Executive, Recipient, Order of Canada, University Health Network on the topic of: The Moral Imperative for Patient-Centered Care: Transformational Values: Build a Responsive and Ethics Driven Culture to…
