Joyce Gionet

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2023 AGE AGM

(check out our social platforms for lots of pics of the AGM)

Our hybrid 2023 AGE AGM was a big success. We welcomed Board Members, staff, GPA Certified Coaches and Certified Master Coaches, partners, friends and special guests. Ted Hudson, Director of Marketing for all Schlegel Villages, was our Guest Speaker. Ted spoke on the philosophy and history behind the popular podcast, Stories From the Green Bench, #ElderWisdom. This initiative honours the wisdom of elders and works to counter ageism and restore the elders of our society to a place of reverence. Thank you, Ted, for a most interesting and motivating talk.

Last night we also said goodbye to three AGE Board Members.

Henrietta Van hulle, Vice President, Client Outreach, Stakeholder & Government Relations at Public Services Health & Safety Association (PSHSA), has been a long-time volunteer AGE Board Member. Henri served eight years on the Board, including two terms as Chair of the AGE Board (2017 – 2020). Her expertise in health and safety, extensive knowledge of the sector and strong belief in dementia-care education for professional care staff have been invaluable to the growth of AGE and the spread of Gentle Persuasive Approaches (GPA) in Dementia Care. In honour of her long and dedicated service, AGE donated to the Alzheimer’s Society of Brant, Haldimand, Norfolk, Hamilton, Halton.

Knowing Henri as we do, she may have reached her term limit as a Board Member, but we are confident she will continue to promote the value of GPA education and the efforts of the AGE Board and the AGE Team as we work together to spread GPA’s person-centered approach to dementia care across Canada and beyond.

We presented a special thank you gift to Board Member Michael Dwyer — something to take with him on his travels in this next exciting stage of life – retirement. Michael joined the Board in 2019. As a CPA, his wide-ranging, cross-sector financial experience in both the private and public sectors, particularly his expertise in accounting and the fields of investments and data collection and distribution, were invaluable to AGE’s growth. We also thank Michael for his service as Treasurer on the Board and for his always thoughtful and insightful approach to guiding AGE in its financial journey as a not-for-profit social enterprise. Michael’s gentle sense of humour will be missed on the Board. We wish him a wonderful and well-deserved retirement.

Dr. Andria Bianchi, Bioethicist and Clinician-Scientist at the University Health Network (UHN) in Toronto, joined the Board in 2021 and quickly assumed the role of Chair of the Governance Committee. Her work ensured the Board continues to have sufficient professional expertise to fulfill its functional, ethical, and legal responsibilities. We thank Andria sincerely for her contributions to AGE and its mission, particularly as they relate to strengthening Board governance. We wish her well in the future. As a way of saying thank you for the time and energy she brought to this role, AGE has donated to the Alzheimer’s Society of Brant, Haldimand, Norfolk, Hamilton, Halton.

At the 2023 AGE AGM, we also welcomed four new Members to the AGE Board. We are pleased and excited to have the following Members with us on our journey to spread person-centred dementia-care education.

Please visit the Board page on our website to learn more about each new Board Member.

Dr. Lori Schindel Martin, Director, Research Chair | Professor Emeritus, Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, Toronto Metropolitan University. Lori is one of the three founding Board Members of AGE Inc.

Jane Joris, Director, Vice Chair | General Manager of Long-Term Care, County of Lambton, Ontario

Karimah Alidina, Director, Governance & Human Resource Chair | Chief Nursing Executive, Runnymede Health Centre, Toronto

Brendan Brooks, Director | Chartered Financial Analyst

AGE Presents at CGNA 2023 in Niagara Falls, Ontario

AGE presented at CGNA 2023 in Niagara Falls on April 20th, 21st, and 22nd. MIchele Bliss, AGE Clinical Education Specialist and Phyllis Fehr, International Dementia Advocate and Person Living with Dementia presented, “Focus on the Person. Exploring an Advocate’s Viewpoint about Education in the Context of Responsive Behaviour.”

Michele also presented“Beyond the Pivot. Processes for Certifying GPA Certified Coaches and Certified Master Coaches in a Virtual World.”

Dr. Victoria McLelland, AGE Research Coordinator, presented evaluation findings from a pilot of the new GPA Bathing Curriculum, “Introducing Units 1 – 4 of a GPA Bathing eLearning program to increase confidence among final-year nursing students caring for persons living with dementia.” This pilot was carried out with the assistance of Toronto Metropolitan University, Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, final-year students.

Angel Wang, AGE Interim Research Coordinator, presented a poster on the evaluations of GPA Bathing in the CGNA Exhibit Hall.

Learn more about GPA Bathing and our presentations on our Research Hub at www.ageinc.ca.

It’s National Volunteer Week and AGE Inc. is Happy to Celebrate Our Volunteers!

During #NationalVolunteerWeek we want to take a moment to express our deep appreciation for the invaluable contributions of our Volunteer Board Members, Members of the GPA National Advisory Committee, the GPA Bathing Curriculum Development Committee, the R&D Committee and AGE’s many friends and supporters. Your willingness to give freely of your time, energy, and expertise is inspiring and motivating. Your passion for our mission has a profound positive impact on our organization and those we reach, as we work together to enhance the care of older adults living with dementia and the lives of the staff who interact with them.

We know your volunteer work is a labour of love and so it is important for us to tell you just how much we appreciate everything you do! You are a vital, essential part of AGE Inc. and we are so grateful for your leadership, guidance, and vision.

On behalf of the entire organization, a heartfelt thankyou. You are truly making a difference in the world and we are honoured to have you with us on our journey.

Sincerely,

Don Seymour, AGE Executive Director and the AGE Team

Don Seymour appointed as Advanced Gerontological Education (AGE) Inc.’s new Executive Director

HAMILTON, ON, March 21st, 2023. Advanced Gerontological Education (AGE) Inc. is a national not-for-profit social enterprise providing dementia-care education to healthcare staff and students working at the point of care with older adults. The organization is pleased to announce Don Seymour as its new Executive Director.

Don brings almost 25 years of executive leadership in healthcare and social services to the role. Previously, he was Executive Director of Wesley (Wesley Urban Ministries), an established non-profit in Hamilton, Ontario. Don’s past leadership experience in the field of mental health will be invaluable to the AGE Team in their work in the dementia-care context. Don was founding Chief Executive Officer of Addiction & Mental Health Services for Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox, and Addington (South-Eastern Ontario) and the Canadian Mental Health Association of London and Middlesex (South-Western Ontario). He spent 11 years as Executive Director of Lambton County Developmental Services (Western Ontario). His knowledge and understanding of change management, organizational development, strategic planning and social enterprise will help ensure AGE is well prepared to meet what the Alzheimer Society of Canada refers to as the “impending dementia-care crisis.”

Don is excited to join AGE Inc. in the role of Executive Director. “I look forward to building on AGE Inc.’s already strong foundation of service excellence. As the son of a parent with advanced dementia, I have seen the benefits of Gentle Persuasive Approaches first-hand — how it helps persons living with the disease and the healthcare professionals who care for them. With a rapidly aging population, an organization such as AGE Inc. ensures those who work at the point of care with older adults have the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to provide excellent person-centred support. I look forward to working with AGE Inc. and its community of stakeholders and partners as we develop innovative ways to respond to the needs of the growing number of people living with dementia.”

“Don’s approachable, empathetic, consultative, and visionary leadership style will be a tremendous asset to support the work at AGE Inc.,” says Laurie Fox, Chair of the AGE Inc. Board. “His track record in building authentic, sustainable, and collaborative partnerships will help the social enterprise explore ways to retain the high quality of service AGE’s customers have come to expect, while discovering opportunities for broader product and program reach. Additionally, we will benefit from Don’s experience and understanding of governance, along with the perspective he brings through his experience as an Administrative Surveyor for the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Given the combination of Don’s experience, skill, leadership style and passion for the non-profit sector, the Board is excited for the future of AGE.”

The need for dementia-care education for those who work at the point of care is urgent. Although dementia mainly affects older people, not all older people get dementia. Dementia is a disease. More than 600,000 Canadians currently live with this disease. By 2030, that number will rise to 955,900.¹We must ensure Canada’s care providers are well prepared.

If you have ideas for partnership or collaboration with AGE Inc., contact Don at don@ageinc.ca

To learn more about Don, visit his LinkedIn profile.

Download official Press Release

About Advanced Gerontological Education (AGE) Inc.

AGE Inc. is a national not-for-profit social enterprise in dementia-care education. Its main product is the Gentle Persuasive Approaches (GPA) in Dementia Care curriculum. GPA is now its 4^th edition. More than 550,000 Canadian healthcare providers across healthcare sectors and disciplines have taken GPA. AGE delivers its curriculum through the GPA Certified Coach (CC) Delivery Model, with more than 1,800 CCs active coast to coast. There is a GPA learning format to suit the needs of every organization, large or small — traditional classrooms, virtual classrooms, or hybrid options. GPA eLearning is 3-hour adapted version of the model, developed specifically for healthcare students and remote learning.

Learn more at www.ageinc.ca or email info@ageinc.ca

¹ https://alzheimer.ca/en/research/reports-dementia/landmark-study-report-1-path-forward

A Special Tribute in Memory of Our Dear Friend, David Jewell

David Jewell, former Director of the Regional Geriatric Program, in Hamilton, Ontario, passed away on January 25th, 2023.

We are saddened by the recent loss of David, a friend, colleague, mentor and leader. David was instrumental in the initial pilot of GPA through his participation on the GPA Steering Committee representing the Regional Geriatric Program Central and the Continuing Gerontological Education Cooperative (CGEC). After the CGEC transitioned into the not-for-profit AGE Inc, David joined the AGE Board of Directors for two terms, lending his expertise in his calm, cool and collected way that was legendary among Geriatric Clinicians and Advocates. He brought levity and humour to meetings and projects, modelling how to be a good leader and a good human. David remained supportive of the AGE Team even after his retirement from the RGPc, mentoring and recommending students who positively impact AGE and represent his legacy. He will be truly missed.

Read David’s obituary here.

AGE Board of Directors welcomes two new Board Members this Fall 2022

Avinesh Sundar, Director, CPA, CA, CFA

Avinesh is the Assistant Vice-President of Internal Audit at Mackenzie Investments in Toronto, ON. He began his career at Ernst & Young and has held positions within Bank of America Merrill Lynch and BMO Bank of Montreal. Avinesh hold a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. He is currently working on a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Toronto.

Angela Zehr, Director, CPA, CA

Angela is currently Chief Financial Officer at Mohawk College in Hamilton, ON, where she provides leadership, strategic planning, and senior management direction on all aspects of finance. Angela holds a Bachelor of Commerce, Honours degree from McMaster University. She has more than 20 years of experience in all areas of financial management and began her career in public accounting at KPMG LLP. Angela previously worked in financial reporting for a US public company.

We welcome the expertise that both will bring to the future direction and success of AGE Inc.

Advanced Gerontological Education (AGE) Inc. appoints John Currie as Interim Executive Director

For immediate release:

HAMILTON, ON, Oct. 19th, 2022. Advanced Gerontological Education (AGE) Inc. is a national not-for-profit social enterprise that provides dementia-care education to healthcare staff and students who work with older adults. The organization is pleased to announce the appointment of John Currie as Interim Executive Director. John assumes his new role immediately.

John is accredited for directing organizational transformation for non-profits/not-for-profits and social enterprises. His experience in strategic planning, team building, managing change, and implementing technology solutions for non-profits, makes this appointment particularly timely as AGE Inc. experiences rapid growth.

Laurie Fox, Chair of the AGE Board, says “John’s experience as a past Vice Chair of the AGE Board of Directors and more recently as the organization’s Chief Information Officer (CIO), provided him with strong foundational knowledge that will be invaluable in the new role. The Board extends him a warm welcome and views this leadership transition as the ideal moment to take time to review AGE Inc.’s progress and with John at the helm, equip the organization for continued success.”

The past few years have been challenging and exciting for AGE Inc. In particular, the pandemic accelerated the need for virtual GPA education formats. Launched in January 2021, these have generated significant interest, strong company growth and continue to be in high demand, even as COVID-19 slowly recedes.

John is excited to join AGE Inc. in the role of Interim Executive Director: “This is an incredible team. I have witnessed the organization’s rapid growth over the last few years and see the need for its products and services set to grow exponentially. Today, in Canada, more than 600,000 people live with dementia. By 2030, that number will rise to 955,900.¹ We must ensure AGE Inc. is well positioned to meet the growing need for dementia-care education. I look forward to working with the entire organization, helping to write the next chapter in its mission to enhance the care of older adults.”

John is Managing Director for JCS Inc. He serves as Executive Director for Honouring Indigenous Peoples (HIP) and was CIO for the Ontario Safety Association of Community and Healthcare. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from York University. He is also a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow and the recipient of Rotary’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award for exceptional leadership and commitment to race and gender equality. Recently, he was recognized by the City of Pickering, Ontario, with their Civic Award for exemplary humanitarian service.

Contact John Currie, email: johncurrie@ageinc.ca

www.ageinc.ca

……………………………………….

About Advanced Gerontological Education (AGE) Inc.

AGE Inc. is a national not-for-profit social enterprise in dementia-care education. It develops and distributes the evidence-informed Gentle Persuasive Approaches (GPA) in Dementia Care curriculum to healthcare staff and students across Canada. GPA is now its 4^th edition. More than 550,000 participants have taken this program. AGE delivers its curriculum through the GPA Certified Coach Delivery Model, with more than 1,500 Coaches trained by AGE Inc. active coast to coast.

There is a GPA learning format to suit the needs of every organization, large or small —traditional classrooms, virtual classrooms, and hybrid options, facilitated by GPA Certified Coaches — the preferred program delivery method. Independent GPA eLearning is an adapted version of the model, ideal for healthcare students and remote learning.

Learn more at www.ageinc.ca or email info@ageinc.ca

Media requests: info@ageinc.ca.

¹ https://alzheimer.ca/en/research/reports-dementia/landmark-study-report-1-path-forward

April Morganti, AGE Executive Director, leaves to pursue new opportunities.

A Message from Officers of the AGE Board.

We thank April for her significant contributions to the company over the past few years, where she led with passion. During her tenure, AGE experienced tremendous growth and expansion.

AGE has grown physically – in terms of its new bricks and mortar office location and the number of new staff onboarded during the pandemic to meet the company’s rapid growth.
AGE has also grown successfully virtually, as demonstrated by the launch of GPA eLearning 4th edition in 2021 and the introduction of popular new virtual formats for GPA Certified Coach Workshops, exciting online presentations at various virtual research conferences in the sector, as well as the team’s ability to accomplish all of this (and more!) efficiently and effectively, while working remotely for two and a half years.

We wish April well for the future. In the interim, longstanding Operations Manager Paula DiLoreto will be managing AGE while the Board conducts a search for the next Executive Director. The Board is grateful for and fully confident in the staff’s ability to continue to serve customers well, focusing on providing high-quality learning experiences that support healthcare providers’ and students’ daily interactions with older adults living with dementia, while also growing AGE product offerings grounded in evidence-informed research.

We look forward to the next chapter for AGE, and will support the AGE team through this time of change. We have complete faith in this dynamic not-for-profit social enterprise and anticipate strong future growth and productivity that continues to showcase the expertise AGE brings as a leader in the field of dementia-care education.

Julian Quinton,	Laurie Fox,
AGE Board Chair	AGE Board Vice Chair

New Study finds that GPA is one of the few interventions to improve nursing care in Canadian hospitals that had significant evaluation research on its effectiveness and sustainability.

Go directly to our website to read the Executive Summary and see the Poster (see the dark blue checkerboard on “AFFILIATED RESEARCH”)

QUICK OVERVIEW

Interventions to Improve the Nursing Care of People with Dementia in Canadian Hospitals: An Environmental Scan. Moody, E.¹, Jamieson, H.¹, Bradbury, K.¹, Rothfus, M.², Khanna, I.¹, Weeks, L.¹, Belliveau, A.³, Bilski, T.⁴1. School of Nursing, Dalhousie University. 2. W.K Kellogg Health Science Library, Dalhousie University. 3. Dementia Family Advisor, Halifax, NS, Canada. 4 Professional Practice Lead-Interprofessional Practice & Learning, Nova Scotia Health, Canada.

GPA Stories from the Point of Care. Read Coach Mariam’s Story from Trillium Health Partners, Ontario

Go directly to Coach Mariam’s Story.

Quick Overview:

For the 2020 | 2021 AGE Recognition Awards, we are celebrating resilience. We asked GPA Certified Coaches to send us their GPA stories from the point of care during the pandemic. Celebrating these stories is our way of paying tribute to the incredible resilience of GPA Certified Coaches and their teams across Canada over the past 2+ years.

Read Coach Mariam’s Story from Trillium Health Partners in Southern Ontario.