Over 4000 Elders and support workers are expected to attend the 39th Annual Elders Gathering in Tsa'wout Territory next week. The First Nations Health Authority is the official health and wellness partner to the event.
"Elders health and well-being is at the heart of many of our strategies and wellness-based initiatives," states Harmony Johnson, Executive Director of Policy, Planning and Transformation. "The Elders Gathering is a key anchor annual event for our wellness agenda. We will have both FNHA staff and board members on site supporting a variety of events including health screening, workshops, a video booth and tradeshow. Looking forward to a successful event."
At last year's gathering in Penticton, the FNHA partnered with Interior Health Authority and provided wellness screening for 167 Elders. This year, Nursing hopes to double that number.
"We have gathered a great team of nurses, dieticians and others from Vancouver Island, Seabird Island Mobile Diabetes Unit and Northern Health. Elders will have the opportunity to discuss different ways to support their wellness. In addition, the Kidney Health foundation of Canada will perform "kidney health" screening on Wednesday, July 8. Kidney health is an important component of our overall well-being," notes Marlene Hoover, Director of Nursing.
An exciting development this year is the introduction of an Elder's wellness challenge. To participate in this first-of-its-kind wellness challenge, Elders will use a one-page passport and collect tobacco ties by fulfilling wellness activities for spiritual, emotional, physical and intellectual health.
Additionally, Elders will have the opportunity to share their perspectives and take home some new health information through five workshops including:
Are you ready for your Dr's Appointment?
Learn how to become your own health advocate! Join Dr. Evan Adams and Dr. Elizabeth Whynot as they give you tools and tips on how to approach your next doctor's visit. Learn how to have an effective appointment and know your rights as a client.
Safe and Healthy Elders
Engage in this skill-building workshop to learn about prevention and response for Elder abuse and neglect. Workshop outcomes include incorporating and grounding Elder care with a perspective on wellness. Participants will learn how to identify forms of abuse, as well as how to identify available community resources.
Planning for a Healthy Tomorrow (Co-hosted with the Ministry of Health)
What lifestyle changes can be planned for? What areas of life can you think about that may impact your health in the future? Participants will be introduced to five areas of life to consider for healthy aging: your housing, your transportation, your finances, your health and your social connection to help maintain an active, healthy and independent lifestyle.
Cancer Care Journey 'Plan with us'
Attend this session and contribute to the development of a holistic cancer strategy for BC First Nations. Participants will learn about the cancer journey where cancer prevention, screening and treatment are the focus. Experts in the field will be present to speak about how we learn and improve the cancer journey for BC First Nations from diagnosis to discharge.
Re-Imagining Care: Primary Care Discussion
Share your health care stories and any ideas of a "re-imagined" approach for your community. What is working and what can be improved in support, access and Elder care pathways for urban, rural and remote communities?
New Resource!
Also, be sure to download our new Elders' pocket guides to help your loved ones navigate their doctor appointments:
Finally…Back by popular demand, the FNHA will be providing "One Hot Elder" fans to all attendees. FNHA is also the official water bottle sponsor for the event—a move that will significantly reduce waste.
