AGE is a not-for-profit social enterprise in dementia care education. We are being recognized for our work engaging students in co-op and summer placements; in particular, helping them better understand dementia and its responsive behaviours through meaningful, collaborative work.
Engagement is critically important to our work with these students. Over 747,000 Canadians live with dementia. By 2030, that number will reach 912,000 and that is only the number of diagnosed cases. Not all persons living with dementia or their families come forward because of the stigma that remains stubbornly attached to this disease. Young people are the future. They can change this narrative.
Our involvement with students includes past and current engagements through the Canada Summer Jobs program, the Mohawk College Administrative Office Program and various co-op programs.
Our main product is Gentle Persuasive Approaches (GPA) in Dementia Care. At the outset, every student who works with us participates in GPA eLearning — person-centred dementia care education which hundreds of post-secondary students across Canada participate in every term. It is made up of key content from the full-day GPA Basics Dementia Care Curriculum designed for those who work at the point of care. During their time with us, students are involved in many aspects of our business. We are grateful to provide them with valuable work experience, including learning how a company’s mission, values and principles are realized through its day-to-day work. We support students in developing new hard and soft skills; learning and practising the art of collaboration; and becoming more confident and creative in sharing their own unique talents in the work they do with AGE and its partners and stakeholders. We work hard to provide them with as many unique opportunities as possible to contribute to innovative projects in dementia-care communities across the country. In return, we are the lucky recipients of their contagious enthusiasm, innovation and fresh new ideas. Over the years, we have been privileged to work with many talented young Canadians and we’re happy to report that a great many remain in touch with us!
By creating awareness in young people about careers in the field of gerontology, though specific education that fosters skilled, confident, compassionate health care teams, we are doing our part to ensure healthcare for older adults is a vibrant, innovative, respectful person-centred space that ensures all Canadians have an opportunity to age well.
There were over 500+ submissions for these awards and finalists represent some of the very best across the non-profit sector in Canada. We are honoured to be among those finalists and we sincerely thank Charity Village for this recognition. Our congratulations go out to all finalists.
We look forward to attending the Charity Village Virtual Conference & Awards Night on Wednesday, November 3rd, 2021 from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
View the list of Finalists by clicking here.
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ABOUT AGE INC.
Advanced Gerontological Education (AGE) Inc.
AGE is a national not-for-profit social enterprise that develops and delivers dementia care education. Our practical, evidence-informed Gentle Persuasive Approaches (GPA) curriculum has given more than 500,000 Canadian care providers the knowledge, skills and confidence they need for working with older Canadians living with dementia and responsive behaviours. www.ageinc.ca