Caring Conversations: Safe use of medications for seniors and caregivers
Caring Conversations is an online forum for care partners of people living with dementia to learn from experts, share concerns and ask questions.
Join a conversation with social worker Lucy Barylak and professional coach and educator Joanne Besner about topics that are important to care partners. After an educational presentation by the hosts, there will be an opportunity to share your own concerns and ask questions.
The Caring Conversations platform permits people to participate online and by telephone. When you register, you will be provided with a link to join online, and a phone number if you prefer to call in. You will need to register online to receive the link and call-in number.
The next episode of Caring Conversations is on December 19, 2023 at 10 a.m. on the topic of Safe use of medications for seniors and caregivers.
Lucy and Joanne will explore possible side effects of medications, the risks of falls when taking medications, as well as common mistakes when taking medications.
The first hour of Caring Conversations is recorded and will be posted on the Caring Conversations webpage. There will be up to 30 minutes after we stop recording for those who prefer their questions and comments are confined to the group that is present.
Please click here to register for Caring Conversations on December 19, 2023.
Caring Conversations is supported by Petro-Canada CareMakers Foundation.
Lucy Barylak, MSW, is a social gerontology consultant for the CIUSSS-West-Central Montreal and a graduate of the McGill University School of Social Work, where she is also a liaison supervisor. Ms. Barylak has developed evidence-based training for seniors and caregivers, and she lectures in the field of social gerontology and knowledge transfer. She facilitates “Dear Lucy,” an online caregiver support show funded by the WellMed Foundation in the U.S. She was the founder and long-standing manager of the Caregiver Support Centre at the CLSC Rene-Cassin, a multi-service respite centre for family and informal caregivers. Ms. Barylak received the Queen’s Jubilee Award for her role in developing a national coalition to support caregivers across Canada.
Joanne Besner, BSW, MBA, PPCC, and caregiver, received her Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Business Administration from McGill University, and a Professional Coaching designation from the John Molson Executive Centre at Concordia University. Ms. Besner coaches and facilitates workshops for health care professionals and community organizations, including the McGill University School of Social Work, where she is also an internship liaison supervisor. Her 35-year career in Quebec community health care spans many roles including frontline social work, clinical supervisor, manager, researcher and trainer.