Patrick Falkiner, RPh

Pharmacy Manager, Cridge Pharmacy

Patrick is a registered phamacist. He has been working at Cridge Pharmacy as as the Pharmacy Manager for 8+ years. Patrick's focus is to help fill haps in the heathcare system to improve independence for members of the community.

Thea Cherry

LPN and Asst Nurse Manager, Cridge Pharmacy

Thea is an LPN and Assistant Nurse Manager for the Medication Administration Program for Cridge Pharmacy. The program's mission is to support community members in maintaining their independence and quality of life for as long as possible.

Presented by

Hana Felix, Lawyer at Island Law Office

Hana is a Partner at Island Law Office and has been practicing law in Victoria since 2019. Their areas of focus include Estate Planning, along with Real Estate, Estate Administration, Tenancy Law, and Civil Litigation. Island Law Office provides a broad range of legal services with a commitment to practical, client-focused solutions.



Presentation

This presentation will provide a clear overview of Representation Agreements in BC, including what they are, why they matter, who you can appoint, and best practices to consider when deciding if one is right for you or your clients. 

Empowering people across generations: how integrated services, care and programming transform lives and create a lasting impact.

Susan was born and raised in Victoria, British Columbia. She attended the University of Victoria and worked as an elementary school teacher in Esquimalt and Oak Bay. She served as an elected trustee to the Greater Victoria School Board from 1975 to 1980, including as chair of the board from 1978 to 1979. She was elected councillor to the Municipality of Oak Bay in 1980, then served as mayor from 1985 to 1990. She represented Oak Bay as a director on the Capital Regional District board during that time and chaired the board from 1988 to 1989.

Susan has held several Saanich Council appointments, and is currently Chair, Finance and Strategic Priorities Committee. Her volunteer service includes the BC Transplant Society, the Cridge Centre for the Family, the Eldercare Foundation, and Vice- President, ALS Society Victoria.
Susan will be speaking about her interest in providing supports for seniors in our communities and will start a general discussion on the many challenges facing seniors today with a Q&A from members.

Amanda has 40 years of experience in health care, with 36 of them working for Island Health in a variety of acute care and community settings. Her current focus with the MAiD program is on program quality and safety and to ensure both the public and health care professionals can navigate MAiD services on Vancouver Island.

On March 17, 2021, the federal government enacted Bill C-7, amending the Criminal Code regarding medical assistance in dying (MAiD). The legislation introduced significant changes, including revised eligibility criteria for individuals with a “grievous and irremediable condition.” There are now two distinct eligibility pathways: one for individuals whose natural death is reasonably foreseeable (RFND) and another for those whose natural death is not.

Amanda will present the following to EFCN members:
• Legislative overview
• Island Health MAiD Program overview
• Q & A

Carol has over a decade of experience as a non-profit E.D., and she is dedicated to making a positive impact in the non-profit sector.

She holds a degree in Social Work from the University of Victoria and is currently adding to her skill set with a certification in gerontology from Toronto Metropolitan University.

But beyond her qualifications, what truly stands out is her genuine passion for community service. She doesn’t want to just lead. She wants to collaborate closely with our amazing volunteers, dedicated board members, and hardworking staff to create and provide programming and services to support and uplift residents in the community.

Carol will talk about her organization’s services and the impact that they can have on our community.

In this informative presentation, Colin will discuss the evolution of earth-friendly burial and cremation options, including green burials. This is an important topic, especially for people who are mindful of the cyclical nature of life. This form of burial has been practiced since the dawn of human civilization.

Green burial and bio cremation emphasizes simplicity and ecological sustainability by avoiding embalming chemicals, using biodegradable materials, and allowing the body to decompose naturally.

Colin’s father Chris tirelessly championed bio-cremation and worked to include this earth-friendly burial options to regulations dictating traditional burial practices in Canada. Colin inherits this family legacy, bringing attention to environmental burial practices with renewed vigor and enthusiasm.

Colin will also discuss the importance of pre-planning and how to ensure your wishes are respected. Q&A will follow.

Sandy Rossignol is the founder of Ads For Targeting, a digital marketing agency specializing in brand building, lead generation, and ad strategy. With over 10 years of experience in commercial video production and marketing, Sandy has worked with brands such as Tourism Australia, Bombardier, and The Royal Canadian Mint. Sandy is passionate about helping businesses harness the power of modern marketing tools to create stronger client relationships and grow their businesses.

Presentation

In this engaging 30-minute presentation, Sandy will guide EFCN members through building an effective marketing funnel—from your website to social media and LinkedIn. Learn how to craft a seamless online experience that turns visitors into clients, how to use social media platforms effectively, and how to leverage LinkedIn for networking and referrals. With practical advice and actionable strategies, Sandy’s talk will provide valuable insights to help elder care professionals enhance their marketing efforts and grow their businesses.

Presenter Tzena Russell

Citizen Services Specialist, Citizen Services

Service Canada / Government of Canada

Biography

Tzena has worked for the Federal Government from August 2000 through to the present. She started her career in the OAS processing Centre in Edmonton AB where she worked 9 years before her interest in people and education inspired her to move into outreach for Service Canada.

Presentation

Tzena’s presentation will provide an overview of benefits, programs and services for seniors. She will discuss things we need to know about OAS/CPP along with a few other lesser know programs and services of interest to seniors, the new Canadian Dental Care Plan being one. Additionally, she provided tips for dealing with Service Canada and the Canada Revenue Agency, including consent to communicate with these agencies on behalf of another person and power of attorney. She will also review the Retirement Hub Planning Tool on the Services Canada website.

Bring your burning questions and get the answers straight from Service Canada’s Citizen Services Specialist!

Presenter Constable Andrea Toombs

How can we help the seniors we serve and vulnerable families avoid falling victim to frauds and scams?

Join us this month as Andrea Toombs from the Community Engagement Division of the Saanich Police Department gives a presentation to help us learn how to identify scams, how to protect elders you serve, and how to take preventative action.

COMMON TYPES OF FRAUD AND HOW TO PREVENT THEM

There are many types of fraud, with new ones invented regularly. Remaining cautious and aware is your best defense. It’s helpful to know that fraudsters use three powerful and effective things to get you to cooperate:

The hope of a benefit: “You’ve won a prize!” “This is a guaranteed investment!” “I love you!”

Fear: “You owe taxes.” “You will be arrested.” “Your loved one is in trouble.”

Your natural willingness to help: “Help us catch these crooked bank employees.” “Be our secret shopper.”

These are designed to manipulate your emotions, prevent you from thinking rationally, and make you take actions you normally would not.

Help us help you prevent fraud.

• Breathe and Slow things down.

• Does this make sense?

• If it’s too good to be true it’s probably a scam!

• Be rude – hang up, delete, don’t respond.

• Take all the time you need.

• Check in with two trusted other people ie. your bank, your family

Jay has 20+ years in business and 13 years selling, investing and developing residential real estate. As an award-winning Realtor, has been involved with more than $219 million worth of real estate transactions since 2008. He earned the Lifetime Achievement Award from Re/Max, placing him among the Top 6% of active Re/Max agents worldwide.

Jay is also a Volunteer for Government and Political Action Committee (GovPac) in response to the government changes the mortgage lending rules with the intent of advocating on behalf of homeowners.

Jay holds a Bachelor of Arts, University of Alberta, Major in Economics, and is a father of 2 busy kids.

About Bill 44

The purpose of Bill 44 is to take action to deliver the kinds of homes people in B.C. are looking for (“homes for people”).  Bill 44 requires action by local governments to amend their zoning bylaws by June 30, 2024.

Join us for a continental breakfast and learn about the ramifications of this Bill, and how it will impact you, your neighbourhood and the seniors you serve.

Jaydon Bao is a clinical nurse lead at Victoria Community Health Centre (VCHC). He has worked in various healthcare settings, including inpatient medical/surgical wards in hospitals, acute and forensic psychiatric facilities. He also taught nursing student at Camosun. Jaydon received his Bachelor of Science Nursing at University of Pittsburgh.

VCHC is a not-for-profit co-op. Their mission is “Working towards a vision of community well-being”.

Jaydon will share VCHC’s vision, community recourses and goals, along with how the organization can be of service to seniors in Greater Victoria.

Come out to enjoy a continental breakfast hosted by the Wellesley, discover resources and network with others who have a big heart for seniors!

With decades of lived experience with multiple disabilities, I personally know the barriers both in the built environment and with social stigmas and attitudes, which can prevent full participation in life.

Breaking through these barriers and creating inclusive and accessible, classrooms, workspaces and communities is my mission. Helping individuals live their best life is my passion. I am a wife, mother, educator, and adventurer.  For everything I knock off my bucket list, I add something new to try.  I believe in living my best life and inspiring others to do the same as we only have one to live.

Bren Moroz-Pettyjohn is the Legacy Giving and Community Engagement Manager at the Saanich Peninsula Hospital and Healthcare Foundation

Since it opened in 1974, the Saanich Peninsula Hospital (SPH) has played a vital role in the community. For Saanich Peninsula and Gulf Islands residents there is a strong sense of ownership and community buy-in for SPH. With an expansion of services, and to accommodate the growing population on the Peninsula and beyond, the hospital increasingly serves a wider greater-Victoria population, who have come to value the high-quality care they receive here.

With its three Operating Rooms, Emergency Room, Acute Care, Long-term Care and Palliative Care units, SPH is well respected in the medical community and a much sought after place for allied healthcare professionals to work.

In 1985, the Saanich Peninsula Hospital & Healthcare Foundation was formed by concerned citizens responding to the rising costs of delivering quality healthcare. With rapidly changing technology and treatment innovations, the support of donors is essential to ensure our hospital continues to have the latest equipment and facilities needed to provide the best care for patients and their families.

This presentation, Our Hospital at the Heart of Health Care, will outline the Foundation’s story, mission, values and goals as well as share a little about the hospital and the unique community it serves. You will learn about the ways in which the Foundation receives funding and the impact that support has on our hospital and community, now and for generations to come.

Tom Arnold is the Executive Director of Eldercare Foundation, a registered charity and hospital foundation dedicated to improving care and quality of life for local seniors.  He’s spent more than 25 years in the charitable sector across a variety of organizations but, inspired by the challenging experiences of several family members and friends, has focused his efforts on helping seniors age with dignity over the past decade.  When not at work, you’re most likely to find Tom on the water.  He’s an avid paddle sports enthusiast and is a coach with Dragon Boat Canada’s National Team.

ElderCare Foundation’s purpose is “to raise and steward donor funds dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for seniors in their communities.” Their Mandate: “We provide resources, education and support to promote healthy aging for seniors.”

Joan Wallace is a teacher and business owner and uniquely qualified to discuss how to interact with seniors who are in fear of losing their driver’s licence.

Before owning Joan Wallace Driving Schools across Vancouver Island, she was a home economics high school teacher for 25 years in Quesnel B.C., an owner/operator of Merle Norman Cosmetic Studios and a school trustee concurrently for 8 years.

While running the H/O here in Victoria, Joan manages the corporate and consulting enterprise which operates throughout the province of B.C. She is Vice President for Western Canada with the Driving School Association of Americas, and heavily involved with professional development and instruction.

Joan is a registered British Columbia Teacher, a member of the Victoria Chamber of Commerce and the Better Business Bureau. In her spare time, she enjoys sewing, cooking, golfing, swimming, and travelling.

Every one of our senior clients will eventually experience driving challenges. Join the conversation about how to help them navigate driving, and how to have the tough conversation when it’s time for them to hang up their keys.

Many of us get together because we enjoy the variety of topics and presentations. Others want to learn about what’s happening in and around Greater Victoria as it pertains to seniors. Others enjoy networking and feeling a part of a community.

Whatever your reasons, we want to know!

John Procopio (J.P.) will lead the discussion and discovery into what makes EFCN great for you, what you want more of, and how we can bring more resources into our organization to help each other, and our clients, thrive.

Learn more about JP and On The Move Seniors

Having our affairs in order is NOT just for those who are dying!

When we start talking about getting our affairs in order, we get this uneasy feeling in our gut. Am I am going to die soon? If I think it, therefore I am? In our society we have come to accept this expression as preparing for end of life, when in reality, we could all benefit from having orderly affairs in any season of life!

Join EFCN member and owner of Orderly Affairs Daralynn Wei as she presents her approach to this overwhelming subject matter and shares some important facts along the way.

“I have sat with many families in the immediate days following the death of a loved one. In some cases, I have witnessed the heartache that can result when family members had no idea about their loved one’s final wishes.”

Picture a world where your loved ones completely understand your end-of-life wishes and honour them.

Karla Kerr’s upcoming presentation offers a way to bridge the space between life and death. She will equip us in empower our community of seniors to identify their own values and beliefs, and to have thoughtful, pragmatic discussions with their loved ones.

This will be an emotionally charged conversation and a very important one for EFCN members and the seniors we serve.

Vic Lindal is an energetic grandfather, pioneer, master motivator, adventurer, professional speaker, and internationally acclaimed coach. He will be just returned from his latest adventure – a week-long biking trip through northern Italy and Austria – and sharing how we and our clients can make sure we are fit for the adventure!

“What I have experienced in Vic Lindal is a down to earth individual who is able to speak a language that you can understand. His presentations are informative yet entertaining.”
Dorothy Miller – Author of “What’s Next with Your Life?”

“I’ve had many mentors and professional coaches throughout my career – but nobody quite like Vic. He has an amazing way of unlocking your potential from within.”
Philip Keen – Director, Corporate Development

Do you volunteer or sponsor an organization to help seniors or the community? What organizations are you involved with that you’re proud of?

Amica started a not for profit called Helping Hands in 2003. To date, it has raised over 4.5 million, and just awarded Victoria Hospital Foundation $100k for seniors that cannot afford healthcare. Bonnie Harris will give a short presentation on what Helping Hands has accomplished for low income & seniors living at risk, and how each Amica residence’s team members and residents raise money each year.

Our Summer Networking Meetings give us the opportunity to meet people and share our knowledge and resources.

Come out to meet senior-service oriented people from all kinds of organizations; non-profit, for profit, public, private, academic, and political.

If you have a short presentation which would help the group better serve elders, let the M.C. know so we can get you up front for a few minutes!

Otherwise, come out and enjoy the people, the stories, the ideas, and a Continental Breakfast courtesy of The Wellesley.

Cari Taylor is the South Vancouver Island & Southern Gulf Islands Mentor/Manager for the BCCRN – British Columbia Community Response Network. Their mandate is to educate the public on Elder Abuse, Neglect and Self Neglect, and to support the community to take a coordinated response to the problems of abuse faced by vulnerable adults.

Cari has been in the Non Profit world for the past decade and is well known for her energetic personality, public speaking skills & positive attitude. She is clearly a people person; Those that know her consider her “a morning person, all day long”. Join us in June for Cari’s half hour presentation followed by a Q&A.

Healthcare is at a tipping point.  Numerous rudimentary issues are present that need to be addressed to meet the needs of the future population.

Jim’s presentation will focus on three distinct areas that will determine the future of Healthcare; the Silver Economy (what it is and why it matters), the role that connected technology will play, and the arrival of new entrants that will disrupt the industry.

Jim Bryant is the Publisher and Co-Owner of the Wellnessnews, a publication focused on the Health & Wellness industry. The Wellnessnews is published monthly and offers five different editions across Vancouver Island. The company is releasing its newest edition, focused on Seniors’ Health & Wellness, in July 2023.

This Thursday’s Presenter is Wayne Fraser with CuePath Innovation. Wayne’s passion for people and innovation has been his compass throughout his professional career as he helped build and grow service, product and technology enterprises.

Many of us understand the challenges around complex medication schedules and chronic conditions which require daily medication. Wayne will lead a discussion to shine a light on the issues and potential solutions for people serving seniors.

Pam has over fifteen years of experience as a Financial Advisor. In addition to completing many courses through the Canadian Securities Institute, being IIROC (Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada) and insurance licensed in BC and Alberta, Pam has obtained the Divorce Financial Specialist Certificate, and is also a CPCA – Certified Professional Consultant on Aging. 

Pam’s passion for educating and hosting seminars on topics such as estate planning, effective charitable giving, downsizing and retirement planning, along with her life experience in marriage, motherhood, raising two children and dealing with aging parents, have coalesced into thoughtful, practical and impactful presentations on retirement. She knows the unique financial and emotional issues people face well into their retirement.

Rhonda Latreille, B.A., MBA, CPCA , is the founder and CEO of Age-Friendly Business®. She is responsible for introducing several new initiatives into the justice, financial, and health disciplines, and has taught licensing exam preparation courses in Life Insurance and Mutual Funds for Foran Financial Institute and Langara College.

Rhonda has 25 years experience in program development, training, and evaluation. She has authored manuals and studies and has provided editorial review for research projects and academic papers. She continues to develop new programs to enhance the quality of service to our aging population.