COVID-19 Statement, March 17, 2020
In keeping with recommendations from Alberta Health, the AHPCA Board and staff have made the decision to close the office until further notice. Our staff is working from home and AHPCA office hours will continue to be Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Staff will be checking the office voicemail (403 206 9938) and can be reached at our usual email addresses.
AHPCA Roadshow 2020 Postponed to Spring 2021
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, AHPCA Board and staff have made the decision to postpone the 2020 AHPCA Roadshow until Spring 2021. The Roadshow was scheduled to run from April 29, 2020 to May 13, 2020 in five locations around Alberta.
In consultation with our five community hosts, in 2021 the AHPCA Roadshow will visit the same locations: High River, Rocky Mountain House, Cochrane, Cold Lake and Westlock. Thank you to our hosts, High River District Health Care Foundation, High River General Hospital, Compassionate Care Society, Cochrane & Area Hospice Society, Cold Lake Palliative Care Society and Westlock & District Palliative Care Society, for their understanding and flexibility during these unusual circumstances.
AHPCA is very grateful to our Roadshow presenters, Blair Collins and Darrin Parkin, for working with us to create a solution to this situation.
We hope that you will consider joining us next spring for the “Scared to Death of Death” AHPCA Roadshow. New dates for all locations will be announced soon and registration will open again in early 2021. Refunds for Roadshow 2020 registration fees will be made within the coming weeks.
Adversity calls for creative measures. Right now, our team is working on bringing you some timely content in our upcoming Virtual Roadshows this spring. Stay tuned for details!
We will get through this difficult season. Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay connected.
Jean Stone Scholarship Application Deadline Extended to May 31, 2020
AHPCA is accepting applications for the Jean Stone Scholarship, generously supported by the Stone Family for the fourth year. The scholarship is in memory of their beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Jean Stone, who was a nurse, caring for others throughout her career. This scholarship of up to $500 is intended to support volunteers working in palliative care by helping to broaden their knowledge. AHPCA will award a minimum of two scholarships each year.
The scholarship must be put towards the cost of a conference our course on palliative care. This could be an upcoming educational opportunity in 2020, or one that took place within the past six months (June 1 – December 31, 2019).
The deadline for submitting applications has been extended to May 31, 2020.
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.
