FLIPPING STIGMA ON ITS EAR:
Taking Action Against Stigma and Discrimination
Associated with Dementia
What Happened this month?
On Thursday October 6th, the Flipping Stigma team was involved in a special event at the Lynn Valley Public Library in North Vancouver.
Alison Phinney MC'd the event, and Action Group member Granville Johnson attended and shared with those in attendance his experiences of living with dementia, including experiencing and dealing with dementia-related stigma and discrimination.
At this event, two family members shared their experience of losing a loved one at care homes in the Lower Mainland during the pandemic, including the Lynn Valley Care Centre down the street from the library, where many residents became sick and lost their lives. The storytelling was powerful and emotional, and an important reminder of the work that needs to be done in the LTC setting when it comes to the way older people, and those living with dementia, are cared for and treated.
Mariko Sakamoto gave a short presentation about the Flipping Stigma on its Ear toolkit.
Learn how you can navigate the toolkit
After the presentations, attendees sat together in a circle and shared their thoughts and ideas about what needs to be changed in the LTC system, the possibilities for the future, and why it is so important to hear everyone’s perspective.
Several attendees approached the Flipping Stigma team and said they had learned a lot from Granville, and were interested in exploring the toolkit further. Altogether, it was a special afternoon of learning and reflecting, and a wonderful opportunity to share the toolkit with others.
News and Events
Currently, there is a special exhibit at the Lynn Valley Public Library in North Vancouver called
COVID in the House of Old.
This exhibit has been curated by Megan Davies, a historian and professor from York University.
The exhibit honours people who lived and worked in LTC homes across Canada during the pandemic, and who passed away after contracting the virus.
To learn more about the exhibit click here:
Learn more about the toolkit