Home Sharing Support Society of BC

What’s Happening in March

https://mailchi.mp/5a34ef93ad99/whats-happening-in-march?e=deb78ebb6b

a living room with a couch and a green wallImportant Days March 1:  International Wheelchair DayMarch 3:  World Hearing DayMarch 8:  International Women’s DayMarch 21: World Down Syndrome DayMarch 26: Purple Day for Epilepsy
NewsThe 2025 budget for British Columbia was delivered on March 4, 2025.The legislative session will run from February 18 to May 29, 2025.Disability Tax Credit Starting in June 2025, residents between 18 and 64 years old can qualify for the benefit if they have been approved for the Disability Tax Credit and meet the benefit’s other eligibility requirements.Quotes From People With Disabilities
One big misconception is that I am not able to follow directions, learn or be employable. I want to work so I Can be independent and get my own apartment.Marcus Stewart
Professional DevelopmentA Guide to Aging with Down SyndromeHelps individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and caregivers understand the aging process, manage age-related health issues, and promote independence. It also emphasizes social inclusion, long-term planning, and the importance of maintaining relationships and community involvement. The guide provides valuable resources for improving quality of life through tailored support and care.Healthy Aging for Adults with Down Syndrome | CDSS
On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:Respond to the reality of the person with dementia with a calming and reassuring approach.Understand the benefits of and know how to best support the development of the individual’s life story.Describe how to most effectively communicate with someone who has dementia.Apply a wide range of practical strategies that will support the environment of a person with dementia.Recognize and manage pain.

 
Open Future Learning (OFL) ModuleDid you know you can access high quality professional development training from your home for free?  
Want to learn more ?  Email us at: info@homesharingbc.ca  Link: https://www.openfuturelearning.org 
OFL: Dementia Strategies  Module Length: 95 Minutes
Dementia causes people to lose skills and abilities they once had. What people are not losing, however, are their feelings and emotions. So let’s think about how we can make this part of people’s life enjoyable and stress free. This module is packed full of easy to use and practical strategies that will help you be able to better support people with dementia. This module features presentations from Diana Kerr and scenario-based excerpts provided by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. 



Open Board Positions

Want to contribute to the future of inclusive housing options for people with disabilities?The Home Sharing Support Society BC (HSSSBC) is seeking passionate and dedicated individuals to join our volunteer Board of Directors. If you are interested in making an impact in the disability sector, and the desire to contribute your expertise, we invite you to apply.We are particularly looking for individuals outside the Lower Mainland with experience as Self-Advocates, Home Sharing Providers, Service Providers, or with a background in Finance/Accounting.Help shape the future of home sharing and improve inclusive housing options for adults with developmental disabilities across British Columbia. Meetings are held online, with opportunities for in-person connections.Apply now: Board@homesharingbc.ca
Learn more: www.homesharingbc.ca
Financial AbuseCanadians living with a disability are more likely to be victims of abuse, this includes financial abuse. It can be from a stranger, but many times abuse comes from someone the victim is familiar with. Sometimes it is a close friend, family member, or even someone whose role was to protect and care for the victim.
What is Financial Abuse? Financial abuse is the illegal or unauthorized use of someone else’s money or property. Some types of financial abuse are very  clear, for example; theft or  fraud. Other  times financial abuse can be harder to put a name to and can include pressuring, forcing or tricking the victim into doing things they do not want to do.ResourcesFind Support BC
Find Support BC connects families of persons with disabilities with resources available to them.


Respite Care for the Fraser Valley CommunityPersonalized respite care services in the Chilliwack area, catering specifically to home share providers. Services offer respite and rest for those supporting adults with disabilities, and we work directly with providers to ensure tailored care.  Designed with accessibility in mind, featuring main-level access with no stairs, ensuring easy navigation for those using walkers or wheelchairs. The private room includes a washroom equipped with a built-in shower seat, enhancing comfort and convenience. 

Respite Care Services Rates 24H $150 Contact (604) 791.3074, andreeabata@gmail.com Services We offer personalized respite care services directly to caregivers in our home. Whether you need short-term or long-term support, our services are privately arranged and customized based on the needs of the person you are looking after. Contact me for further information and details. Grab my contact info & give me a call! Respite Service (604) 791-3074 andreeabata @gmail.com Respite Service (604) 791-3074 andreeabata @gmail.com Respite Service (604) 791-3074 andreeabata @gmail.com Respite Service (604) 791-3074 andreeabata @gmail.com Respite Service (604) 791-3074 andreeabata @gmail.com Respite Service (604) 791-3074 andreeabata @gmail.com Respite Service (604) 791-3074 andreeabata @gmail.com Respite Service (604) 791-3074 andreeabata @gmail.com  Disability Equality In The Media: Representation, Accessibility, Management; Practical manualThe Practical Manual and Master Class provide hands-on advice to editorial teams on how to ensure fair and unbiased coverage of disability. For content producers, it details how to make media content and services accessible. To managers and decision makers, the material inspires change, demonstrating how disability equality can contribute to media industry growth and create new revenue streams. This work contributes to the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006) and promotes freedom of expression, media development, and access to information for the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in public debate.
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Let’s Grow Together 

Home Sharing Support Society of BC

Dear Home Sharing Community Member,We hope you’re doing well. We wanted to remind you about our upcoming Connect & Collaborate session. This session is all about Empowering Your Vote: Resources and Tools for Every Citizen – BC Elections.If you haven’t signed up yet, now’s your chance! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to hear our amazing speaker!
Presenter:Melanie Callas is the Outreach Advisor at Elections BC. She creates and shares resources about provincial elections, so voters have the information they need to vote. 
Session Details: 
Date: September 19, 2024 Time: 10:00AM – 11:30 AM (PST) Location: Virtual session via Zoom *Once registered the link to the session will be sent out the day prior to the event.  Registration closes two days before the event at 4:00 PM. To ensure your participation, please register before this deadline.
To Register:
Visit our website at www.homesharingbc.ca, under the “Events” tab from the main menu, and click on the session link to sign up.
Can’t Attend Live? We’ve Got You Covered! 
We understand that some of you may have work commitments and might not be able to attend the session live. Don’t worry; The session will be recorded, and if you’ve registered for the session, you’ll receive access to the recording.  
Pre-Submit Your Questions 
For those attending in-person or may not be able to attend, we invite you to pre-submit your questions via this LINK. This will help us prepare information and/or resources in advance.  We answer pre-submitted questions first and time permitting live questions.
Connect with us on social media! Facebook Group Instagram  If you have any questions or need accommodations, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly. We are here to assist you.
We hope you can join us for this important session. Thank you for being an integral part of our community, and we look forward to seeing you!
Best regards,
Trina Plamondon Executive Director Home Sharing Support Society BC trina@homesharingbc.ca  Ph. 604.243.2430 Web: www.homesharingbc.ca  Home Sharing is Living Better Together   We acknowledge that HSSSBC office operates on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples-Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh & Musqueam First Nations. We respect the land and honour this tradition of land acknowledgment that dates back centuries for Indigenous people.   CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This message and any accompanying documents contain confidential information intended for a specific individual purpose.  This message is private and protected by law.  If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying or distribution, or the taking of any action based on the contents of this information, is strictly prohibited. 
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Mental Health and Behaviour Interface – Dr. Palanisamy

Please save the date! Feel free to share with anyone who may be interested.

Have you been confused by hearing ‘they don’t have severe mental illness, they don’t have an Axis 1 diagnosis, they are not psychotic, and they are not certifiable?’

Have you ever wondered why psychiatrists ask so many questions?

Do you find it hard to tell the differences between Functional Behavioural Assessment and Functional Analysis and would like to understand what the terms ‘positive behavioural support plan’, ‘safety plan’, ‘behavioural support plan’ mean?

Would you be interested in learning how behavioural consultants can work together with psychiatrists in managing people with IDD and mental illness?

Join Us for the 2nd Session on ‘Mental Health and Behaviour Interface’ as we would be covering these issues in the presentation. 

You will be receiving a registration link in the next few days 

Date & Time: 7th March 2024 | 12:00 noon to 1:15 pm

Platform: Zoom

Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DqIz8DKTRMChPy20dQZ1Lw

Presenters

Aubrey Mosher (BCBA), Michelle Upshaw (BCBA), Vikram Palanisamy (Psychiatrist)

Facilitator: Anne Halas – Facilitator

Topics Covered:

  • Terminology

·       Psychiatric Terms: Severe mental illness, Psychosis, not certifiable, Axis 1 Diagnosis

·       Clarification on terms like FBA, PBS, BSP, Safety Plan, Crisis / De-escalation Plans, Skill building plans

  • Psychiatric and Behavioral Assessment insights
  • Collaboration between BCBA and Psychiatrists with case example

Who Will Benefit: Behavioral therapists, social workers, occupational therapists, nurses, CLBC facilitators, family doctors and other staff working with individuals with Intellectual Disabilities.

Preparation: Watch our first presentation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TeDI2wOi8M

Dr Vikram Palanisamy

Psychiatrist

Home Sharing Support Society BC

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What’s On at the HSSSBCFebruary 2024 Edition
NTG 2024 Family Webinar SeriesRegisterMental Health: Home Sharing Community RegisterCo-Design LabsRespiteJoin


Happy February to everyone in the Home Sharing community! We have been very busy at the HSSSBC planning events, speakers & opportunities for you to provide your input to make a difference in home sharing.
This month CLBC announced the new NTG 2024 Family Webinar Series which includes 5 free webinars discussing again and dementia with an intellectual disability. Registration is required.

Learn more about this program visit NTG’s Website or by clicking here.
February 27th, 2023: 1pm-2pm ESTTopic: Process of Aging
March 12th, 2024: 1pm-2pm ESTTopic: Early Screening for Cognitive Changes
March 26th, 2024: 1pm-2pm ESTTopic: Life Planning for Different Phases of the Life Journey
April 9th, 2024: 1pm-2pm ESTTopic: Behavioral Changes that Occur with Aging & Dementia
April 23rd, 2024: 1pm-2:30pm ESTTopic: Family Panel – Sharing Personal Experiences
Our Connect & Collaborate Session this month is a webinar discussing Mental Health in the Home Sharing Community!
Overview of SessionEmotional Well-being, Stress Management, and Self-Care in Home Sharing ArrangementsSupporting people with mental health diagnosisSupporting people with complex support needs (substance abuse, challenging behaviours)Resources, Supports & Information
February 15, 2024 – Time: 10:00 – 11:30 AM
Link for registration
Want to see what is coming up in future Connect & Collaborate sessions? Check out our events HERE. We heard your feedback & this year there will be more opportunities for networking & connections at each session.
Are you part of the home sharing community? Do you want to access free Harm Reduction Training?
This course is designed to empower you with practical knowledge and strategies that can be applied both personally and within the scope of home sharing. As we continue our commitment to the well-being of our members, we believe that investing in harm reduction education is a meaningful step towards creating a safer and more supportive homes and communities.
Key Course Details:Duration: 30 days (self-paced) Prerequisites: Basic computer skills and access to MS Office 2010 or later Language: English (reading and writing at a grade 8 level) Enrollment: Register at any time during the month or year
Link for registration
Co-Design Labs
Our Co-Design Labs are based on the philosophy community-led lived-experience. This means that we invite people to engage as members of the home sharing community, to share their direct personal experiences. These experiences are important as they hold the nuances and elements of lived-experience from community stories, events, and happenings that are critical to the framing and shaping of experience.
Our co-design labs  aim to always work closely with how the communities we are collaborating with shape and define lived-experience from the perspectives of people within co-design.
Our current topic of focus is respite.  The home sharing communities expertise and experience will be important as we continue to plan for the future of home sharing.
Join our co-design lab to provide your input. 
Register HERE

Mental Health Education Bundle

The Be Mental Health READY education bundle is an array of on-demand/self-paced mental health education sessions consisting of 14 topics with a total of 24 hours of video content that can be accessed anywhere, anytime. The information and resources included in the sessions are beneficial when supporting a client/student/patient/resident/family member/self

In honor of the upcoming Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 1-October 7), we are pleased to offer this bundle for only $75.00 for a limited time.

What is included for $75?
•    Lifetime Access to Be Mental Health READY On-Demand Education Bundle (12 different mental health topics with 20 hours of video
        content including the topics of suicide awareness, self injury and compassion fatigue). Each session includes signs/symptoms, tips and
        strategies and valuable downloadable resources
•    BONUS: Lifetime access to Be Mental Health READY On-Demand education sessions of Mental Illness in the Workplace and Substance
        Use in the Workplace with a total of 4 hours of video content to help in maintaining a psychological healthy work environment. Each
        session includes information on recognizing changes, engaging in conversation, aiding in crisis, discussing possible supports and your
        next steps. Also included are downloadable resources
•    BONUS: 31 Mindfulness Worksheets including a 12-page Mindfulness Guide and Journal
•    BONUS: 17 audio Guided Meditations for sleep and stress/anxiety

To purchase your bundle for this limited time, please visit
https://mentalhealthready.thinkific.com/bundles/be-mental-health-ready

If your organization is interested in purchasing the bundle for your entire staff to access, it is being offered for a limited time for $499. Please email: loriveltkamp@mentalhealthready.com for more information on this option.

CLBC’s Cultural Safety Principles

Learn about CLBC’s Cultural Safety Principles in new video
Dear Service Providers,

In the fall of 2022, Community Living BC created its first Cultural Safety Policy. The policy describes cultural safety principles and practices that will guide how CLBC staff and service providers engage, support, monitor, and plan with First Nations, Métis and Inuit individuals, as well as their families, support networks and communities. This policy is an important step towards ensuring CLBC’s and the community living sector’s actions align with the rights of Indigenous Peoples, which is a key goal of our current Strategic Plan.

CLBC has created a new video to raise awareness and understanding of the six principles that guide the Cultural Safety Policy:Culturally Responsive ProgrammingIndigenous Anti-RacismIndigenous Trauma Informed and Responsive ApproachPromoting, Maintaining and Sustaining ConnectionsPerson-Centred ApproachPromoting a Coordinated Service Approach
Click here to watch CLBC’s Cultural Safety Principles video

The video, along with the Cultural Safety Service Provider Practice Guide, is a tool to support service providers and CLBC staff to learn how to offer our services in ways that are as culturally safe as possible.

If you have any questions, please email CLBCIndigenousPracticeAdvisor@gov.bc.ca.

kinanâskomitin ᑭᓇᓈᐢᑯᒥᑎᐣ

Joanne Mills
VP, Quality Services and Indigenous Relations
Community Living BC

Mental Health First Aid

Virtual Training

Mental Health First Aid

The Mental Health Commission of Canada reports that one in every five Canadians experiences a mental health problem within a given year. While we often know a lot about physical illness, there tends to be less knowledge about mental health or substance use problems. This lack of understanding leads to fear and negative attitudes towards individuals living with these problems. It prevents people from seeking help for themselves and from providing appropriate support to people around them.

What is Mental Health First Aid? This virtual certified 9-hour training course is a program of the Mental Health Commission of Canada. Participants will learn how to:

  • Recognize signs that a person may be experiencing a decline in their mental well-being or a mental health or substance use crisis
  • Have conversations that encourage a person to:
    • talk about their mental well-being
    • discuss professional and other supports that could help with recovery to improved mental well-being
    • reach out to these supports
  • Assist in a mental health or substance use crisis situation
  • Check in with one’s own mental well -being and take action as needed

Course consists of 3 modules and will include discussion, videos, and scenarios

Module 1: Introduction to MHFA – Self Directed (approx. 2 hours)

  • Introduction to the course
  • Introduction to MHFA actions
  • After registration, participants will be given a unique, individual code that will allow access to this module and will receive the MHFA Participant Reference Guide that outlines MHFA actions for developing mental health and substance use problems and mental health and substance use crises. Please note that the self-directed Module 1 does not have to be completed in one sitting, but it must be completed before attending Modules 2 and 3

Module 2: MHFA for Declining Mental Well-Being – Virtual Classroom Model (3.5 hours)

  • Practice applying MHFA actions to situations of declining mental well-being
  • Guidelines for MHFA conversations with people from diverse cultures and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community

Module 3: MHFA for Crisis Situations – Virtual Classroom Model (3.5 hours)

  • Discussion on using MHFA actions for self-care
  • Practice using MHFA actions in crisis situations

Available dates and times:

Module 2 – Thursday, June 8 – 9:00-12:30 PST

Module 3 – Friday, June 9 – 9:00-12:30 PST

Requirements

Participants must complete the self directed 2-hour Module 1 before attending the virtual Modules 2 and 3. Attendance is required at both virtual modules in order to receive a certificate. Participants must have access to Zoom (zoom meeting ID and password will be given after registration) and a computer with microphone capabilities. A working camera is highly recommended.

Registration

Cost is $225.00 per person and includes a certificate of completion. Please note that each session is limited to 15 participants and spaces fill up quickly. To register or for more information, please call or email:

Lori Veltkamp 403-942-5250 Email: loriveltkamp@mentalhealthready.com

https://www.mentalhealthready.com

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