Freedom of INformation and Fraser Health

Once again, I have run into people at the Fraser Health Authority who basically do not wish to cooperate in the provision of care to our elderly. they hide behind a need for release of information: they tell me that the Freedom of Information Act prohibitis them from talking to me, even when a client has given permission. Today I called my client while their personnel were there. I told the Nurse that I wanted to speak to her , and to make sure they ask if that is all right, as she had already told me it was. Later they called and told me they could not speak to me. Meanwhile, the result of their visit was a potential gap in care because my client was feeling overwhelmed and confused. This is not the first time this has happened. The people at Fraser Health are just intellectually lazy and do not wish to figure out how to work with private practitioners. However, I bet if I were a physician they would talk to me, even though a physician is no more part of the health authority than a Geriatric Care Manager.

Caregiver Education--Free Seminar

>FREE Caregiver Education Series
with a Palliative Care focus


My loved one has a serious illness.
How do I cope?



Join with others who are caring for a family member or friend with a life-limiting diagnosis. Getting information, answers and support from professionals in the field will help combat the isolation you feel and give you a chance to network with people in a similar situation.

3 Thursday evening sessions
held at
Pacific Spirit Community Health Centre
2110 West 43rd Avenue Vancouver BC

Temporary caregiver relief may be available for caregivers wishing to attend the sessions but are unable to leave the person they are caring for home alone (or unattended).


1
Thursday November 25th, 2008
6:30 – 8:30 pm

Legal and Health Care Decisions


2
Thursday, December 9th ,2008
6:30 – 8:30 pm

Community Resources
A brief overview
The Medical Picture
Have all your questions answered
by a palliative care doctor and home care nurse.

3
Thursday, December 16th, 2008
6:30 – 8:30 pm
Loss and Grief
Managing your stress
Taking care of yourSELF


For Information and Registration: Call Will Tessier at (604) 688-5161
or email: willtessier@gmail.com


Note: These 3 sessions will focus specifically on palliative care issues.If you are interested in a more extensive 6-week caregiver series, call (604) 263-7377.

HOme Safety--A Great Resource

If you are looking for a great resource for reviewing safety in the home, there is a great list at the National Institue on Aging website:

http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/homesafety.htm

Actually, the whole site has incredible information, so just go to

http://www.nia.nih.gov/