Dr. Donna Wilson Caregiver Award - Nominations are Open!
Nominations are now open for the Dr. Donna Wilson Caregiver Award to recognize unpaid, informal palliative caregivers. Take a moment to nominate that person who goes the extra mile while taking care of somebody with a life-limiting illness – they could be awarded $500!
We all know this person: the daughter who stops in to check on her palliative ill dad every day with a meal in hand and stays until he is tucked into bed, the nephew who takes the time to make sure his sick Grandma’s Christmas lights get put up and taken down, and her summer flowers get planted, the neighbour who is always available to drive your mom to her palliative chemotherapy appointments because you live on the other side of the province. Take a moment to read about the 2018 recipient of the Dr. Donna Wilson Caregiver Award.
Informal caregivers are the backbone of palliative care. We depend on them to fill the gaps in care and keep all the balls in the air, but the vital role they play in palliative care is rarely recognized. This is your chance to shine a light on the unpaid, informal palliative caregiver in your life.
Don’t delay! Nominations close on Tuesday October 1, 2019 at 5 p.m.
AHPCA Fall Death Cafe
Back by popular demand, AHPCA will host its second Death Cafe on Saturday September 28, 2019 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the new Calgary Central Library, BMO Community Room 0-04, 800 3 Street SE, Calgary, AB. FREE.
A Death Cafe is a space to chat about death with no agenda or objective. It is not a grief support or counselling session. The name and concept is part of an international movement; Death Cafes happen around the world. There is no charge and refreshments will be served. Curious but not sure if this is for you? Take a moment to read about what happened at our February Death Cafe.
Feeling comfortable talking about mortality and death is important. Does your family know what type of medical care you want (or don’t want) if you can’t decide for yourself? Have you thought about it? If death isn’t a taboo topic, it’s easier to to have these conversations. AHPCA wants all Albertans to have access to quality and comprehensive palliative care. The first step is being able to talk about it!
Meet the 2019 Jean Stone Scholars!
AHPCA is proud to introduce the 2019 Jean Stone Scholars: Shelley Blair, Morganne Gammel, Holly Martin and Amina Sadiq. Each scholar is a hospice palliative care volunteer and will use the scholarship funds to broaden their knowledge in the field.
AHPCA is proud to facilitate the Jean Stone Scholarship, generously supported by the Stone Family. The scholarship is in memory of their beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Jean Stone, who was a nurse, caring for others throughout her career.
If you are a volunteer working in palliative care and want to apply, applications will be accepted again in Spring 2020.
AHPCA Relocation Announcement
On August 1, 2019, the Alberta Hospice Palliative Care Association office moved to:
Kahanoff Centre for Charitable Activities
#110, 105 12 Ave SE
Calgary, AB T2G 1A1
If you are in the area, please drop in to say hello! Our new office is on the main floor, across from the elevators. There are two large, surface parking lots on both the north and south side of the Kahanoff Centre. We are in the office Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
AHPCA Self-Care Video Series
AHPCA invites you to share these videos with your clients, friends, colleagues or family who might benefit.
These short videos are a resource for people who need answers but do not have easy access to help.
Topics:
Vicarious Trauma – What is it?
Vicarious Trauma – Dealing with it
Vicarious Trauma – Seek support
Compassion Fatigue – What is it?
Rituals & Grief – No rules
Personal Rituals
Self Care Moment – Colouring
Self Care Moment – Grounding
Using relaxation and stress reduction exercises are an excellent way to feel better in the moment. Many of us have anxiety and that feeling intensifies when we are in distress. Relaxing changes that response. The body and mind are closely linked; relaxing the body relaxes the mind.
Take a few minutes to escape on a mental vacation. Breathe deeply and choose a Relaxation Moment (length of video is in brackets).
Topics:
Introduction to Relaxation Moments
Relaxation Moment Morning at Hauula, Oahu (1:33)
Relaxation Moment: A Stroll Along Waikiki Beach (3:45)
Relaxation Moment: Fountains of Waikiki (2:52)
Relaxation Moment: North Shore Waves on Oahu (2:26)
Relaxation Moment: Streams at Waimea Park (2:57)
Relaxation Moment: Waikiki Waves (2:50)
Relaxation Moment: Sunset at Ala Moana (10:43)
Online Resource Directory
Services vary across the province and we have found that many Albertans feel isolated and uninformed during this very vulnerable time of their lives. Albertans have told us that they want an accessible user friendly online Resource Directory specializing in palliative and end of life care services throughout Alberta.
AHPCA has received a grant from the Eldon and Anne Foote Fund at Edmonton Community Foundation to research, develop and host this online palliative directory data base. It incorporates a province wide data base with an easy to use interactive map.
Membership
The Alberta Hospice Palliative Care Association (AHPCA) endeavours to represent the voice of the palliative care consumers, professionals and volunteers in Alberta. We believe that all Albertans have the right to equitable access to end of life care, and we promote participation through the building of partnerships, collaboration and innovation.
Your membership in the AHPCA automatically entitles you to membership with the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA).
As a joint member you will receive: palliative care news, AHPCA updates, CHPCA newsletters, reduced conference and workshop rates, and an opportunity to add your voice to our advocacy efforts on behalf of all Albertans.
