MP Cathy MacLeod and MLA Terry Lake may attend the Family and Caregivers of Seniors workshops scheduled this month in Barriere, B.C. The workshops run November 15 and 16, 2013, from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at 4936 Barriere Town Rd.
MP Cathy MacLeod has confirmed her attendance for the morning of November 15, 2013 at the “Help for Family and Caregivers of Seniors” workshop. The workshop is designed to help family members and caregivers of seniors understand their seniors better through a world renowned temperament program.
“This first day is a fun and lively time. It will be great to have MP Macleod here to share that with us. It will also be a great time for family members and caregivers to speak with directly with her about their concerns regarding federal services needed in the area” says Grace Baker who will be one of two instructors at the workshops.
“We’re so lucky to have her. When we invited her, she just happened to be scheduled for a one week break from parliament. Its great timing and kind of her to spend time with us that day” says Baker.
The workshop on November 15, 2013 will also include communication tips; motivating seniors; and a section on recognizing when you are getting burnt out and what to do about it.
MLA Terry Lake may be attending the second workshop on November 16, 2013 “Family, Caregivers and Seniors Getting Along” workshop.
“It’s great that MLA Lake may attend this second day as that’s the day we’ll be working through issues that arise for the family members, caregivers and professionals who are providing services to the seniors.
“This program is sponsored by the Province of BC’s AgeFriendly BC funding. As a representative of the province of BC it will be an opportunity for him to be aware of the challenges for families and caregivers in our community.”
The second workshop’s agenda includes communicating with seniors who have cognitive decline, problem solving and managing conflict with seniors. Also, there will be a section on building a nest of support around family members and caregivers and providing them with information on resources in the area that could help them.
The second day will be rounded out with awareness on Elder Abuse as well as helping people become aware of the risks of senior suicide. It will provide information on how to recognize the signs of both as well as what to do about it.
“Many of the community’s professionals have also kindly agreed to join us including the Care Nurse, Home Support, the Senior’s Lodge, social worker, counselor, Area “O” Representative Bill Kershaw, etc. Also the doctors, pharmacist, RCMP, Chamber of Commerce members, and other Interior Health Authority representatives have also been invited to join us.
“We are trying to build a team of support around the family members and caregivers. It would be great to have everyone there so we can all be on the same page at the same time regarding this. I am really touched by the support providers and the community response to this initiative.
“For instance, there will be people with questions that really only a Care Nurse can answer. It will be great to have the professionals who have the knowledge attend to provide accurate information and answers. We are really looking forward to it,” says Baker.
“It is free for everyone. All they have to do is register by calling 787-220-5930 and leave a message. We will be holding it in the Multi-Purpose room at the Ridge.”
“There will be a lunch break at noon and a coffee break at about 2:00 p.m.