Stroke Recovery Christmas Party

December 6, 2011, we have been invited to the Stroke Recovery Christmas Party. This group of people has had personal experience with stroke. The individual members have recovered from a stroke or have a loved one that recovered from a stroke. They share their knowledge and support with other stroke survivors in the community.
In February we will be sponsoring their Annual Stroke Recovery Fundraiser. They have provided us with information that we are using to develop a training manual for our staff. This will help staff understand how to provide better care for their stroke clients, from the client's perspective.

The Hamilton Brain Injury Association

November 30, 2011 The Hamilton Brain Injury Association held their annual Christmas Gala and Fundraiser at the Botanical Gardens. There was a 50/50 draw, fabulous silent auction with some exceptional donated items. There was a varied menu from Tai to Italian and a variety of salads and desserts. Scrumptious!

The goal of The Brain Injury Association of Hamilton is to build a new recreational centre for survivors of brain injury. A video of brain injury survivors was shown, expressing their need for a safe and comfortable place for them to socialize.

http://www.hbia.ca/

MS Society, Hamilton Chapter

The MS Society, Hamilton Chapter, held their annual Christmas gathering at 300 Winterberry Dr. in Stoney Creek on November 28, 2011. There were over 80 attendees this year. The Hamilton Police Choir, prize winners in the Canada Sings competition, sang for the group. We can understand why they won this competition, as they sang beautifully.

We will once again be sponsoring the MS Walk in support of MS Society of Hamilton, which will be held on April 22, 2012. Check out the website to find out how you can contribute to this worthwhile event.
http://mssociety.ca/chapters/hamilton/

BIAPH Brain Injury Assoc. of Peel Halton

BIAPH Brain Injury Assoc. of Peel Halton held their annual Christmas Party in Mississauga on November 25, 2011. This party is held annually for survivors of Brain Injury. A wonderful time was had by all. There were great door prizes, a 50/50 draw and Silent Auction. The deejay played upbeat music and the the meal was second to none. This event was a huge success.

"A Starry Night"

Once again Alert Best Nursing sponsored St. Joseph's Healthcare "A Starry Night" at their annual Christmas Gala. This year, because of demand, a larger venue was needed to accommodate over a thousand people. The event was held at The Hamilton Convention Centre. Thank you St. Joe's for your continued business relationship with us. This is our way of giving back.

In our ongoing effort to support our community, Alert Best made a contribution to St. Joseph's Hospital annual Christmas Gala "A Starry Night".

OLTCA's 3rd Annual Applied Research Education Day

OLTCA's 3rd Annual Applied Research Education Day was held at The AllStream Centre in Toronto on November 23, 2011. The SHRTN Network put on a great conference providing us with researched evidence-based best practices toimprove geriatric care in Long-Term Care. Topics included immunization of healthcare staff in facilities decreases morbidity in residents, maintaining continence and routine toiling, preventing skin breakdown in clients' with decreased mobility, Challenges of Caring for an Aging Ethnic Population and Innovating Aging Care & Service Delivery.

"Senior Health Research Transfer Network", www.http://beta.on.ca/ is a government of Ontario funded network doing research and providing information on best practices regarding Senior Health.

The Gerontological Nursing Assoc. of Ontario

The Gerontological Nursing Assoc. of Ontario, Hamilton Chapter Annual General Meeting and Education Event was held November 16th, 2011, at The Hamilton Waterfront Centre.

We are looking for new members in the Hamilton and surrounding areas with a keen interest in Geriatrics. There are some fun and educational educational events.

Greg Cressman, M.Sc.(Nursing) a researcher at St. Joseph's Healthcare in Hamilton spoke about research conducted, from a client's perspective "Alternate Level of Care: Stories of the Experience".

www.gerontario.ca -check out the Hamilton Chapter

Soroptimist International

Soroptimist International

We are proud sponsors of the Soroptimist International Annual Christmas Fundraiser.

Soroptimist is an organization of career and business women which raises funds for women around the world. Some of their money goes to scholarship funding for women who would otherwise not be able to improve their lives. Moneys are also donated to the YWCA in the Hamilton area to provide programs for women who are in need.

www.soroptimistdaf.ca/

2011 Provincial Brain Injury Conference

The 2011 Provincial Brain Injury Conference was held November 2 – 4, at The Sheraton on the Falls Hotel, Niagara Falls. The theme of this year's conference was "The Art of Living…Life After Brain Injury".

Keynote Speakers:

Dr. Robert Fraser: professor of Neurology, Neurological Surgery, and Rehab Medicine Director, Vocational Services, in Department of Neurology at the University of Washington.

Dr. Tina Trudel: is Presiden/COO of Lakeview Neurorehabilitation Centres and Speciality Hospital, a national leader inbrain injury rehab and neurobehavioral treatment for survivors of ABI. Dr. Trudel's presentation addresses the common changes in sexual function and satisfaction following TBI. These changes can result in decreased quality of life and negatively impact upon couple's relationships.

Dr. Gabor Mate: is a bestselling author of "In The Realm of Hungry Ghosts" (addictions), "When the Body Says No" and "Scattered Minds". He is presently a staff physician at a clinic in vancouver's eastside, where his patients are people with drug addictions, HIV and related problems.

Mr Tom Dow: was going to work as a grade 7 teacher when he was in an accident. He was diagnosed with a mild traumatic brain injury which altered his life. For the last nine years , Tom has struggled to rebuild familial relationships, the loss of his job and had to find new ways to define himself. Today, he finds great strength in sharing his story with

through writing and speaking. He currently teaches high school courses on-line , serves as Co-Vice President of The Board of Directors for the Ontario Brain Injury Assoc. and is involved in a new business aimed at helping students with ABI with education issues.

We were proud to be Corporate Conferences of this event. There were over 600 attendees at the ABI Conference . The energy at the conference was positively electric.

Thanks to Gluckstein and Associates, Neinstein and Associates and Howie Sacks and Henry, Personal Injury law firms for their support and generosity.

www.obia.ca/

Alzheimer Society

Alzheimer Society of Brant

Spiritual Care of Persons with Dementia

Best Western Brant Park Inn

Brantford, Ontario

October 13, 2011

Dr. Christopher Patterson

Professor and Chief Geriatric Services, Hamilton Health Sciences

"Dementia: The Fundamentals"

Dr. Ellen Ryan, PhD

Professor Emeritus, Health Aging & Society and Psychiatry & Behavioural
Neurosciences

Department of Health, Aging & Society, McMaster University

"Fostering Personhood in Dementia Through Communication"

Alert Best Nursing was an exhibitor.

People were able to share their experiences in caring for a loved one with Dementia.

Occupational Therapists Conference

Celebrating 90 years

Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists Conference 2011

September 23 and 24, 2011

Scotia Bank Conference Centre

Niagara Falls

Alert Best Nursing was an exhibitor.

The Occupational Therapists were in a party mode.

The food was great.

Useful career development and education seminars.

www.osot.on.ca