Let's Chat About Aging In Your Community

In this episode of CHATS: Chat About Aging in Your Community, CEO Christina Bisanzsits down with Dr. Howard Abrams, Director of UHN’s OpenLab and Medical Lead forthe NORC Innovation Centre (NORC)- to explore how community agencies areshaping the future of aging in Ontario and across Canada. An Associate Professor ofMedicine at the University of Toronto and former Division Head of General InternalMedicine at UHN and Mount Sinai Hospitals, Dr. Abrams brings decades of clinical andsystem-level experience to a timely conversation about Naturally Occurring RetirementCommunities (NORCs) and the growing need to support older adults where theyalready live.Together, they unpack what sets NORCs apart from traditional seniors’ housing and whythey are becoming increasingly vital within Ontario’s aging-at-home strategy. Dr. Abramshighlights the pivotal role community agencies play in identifying emerging NORCs,building trust with residents, and partnering with property managers, municipalities,Ontario Health Teams, and primary care providers. The conversation is insightful andhopeful at how local leadership and cross-sector collaboration can strengthencommunities and transform the aging experience in Ontario.To learn more, visit:NORC Ambassador Program: Home | NORCNORC Innovation Centre: NORC Innovation Centre - Creating Possibilities for Aging inPlace Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CHATS CEO Christina Bisanz welcomes Constable Erin Brown, Senior Safety Officer and Detective Jeff (voice only) with the Financial Crimes Unit at York Regional Police, for an important and eye-opening conversation on protecting older adults and the broader community from fraud and abuse. The discussion explores common scams targeting older adults, including grandparent scams, bank scams, and other schemes designed to obtain personal information and money. Constable Brown also explains the work of the Senior Safety Unit, a specialized team made up of two senior safety officers and a social worker who support investigations involving elder abuse, domestic violence, neglect, and fraud. The episode highlights warning signs to watch for, including the misuse of power of attorney, and offers practical fraud-prevention tips. Listeners gain insight into how police assess complex situations holistically before laying charges, making this a valuable and informative episode for anyone looking to better understand and prevent elder abuse and frauds. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CHATS CEO Christina Bisanz welcomes an exceptional group of leaders to the podcast: Amy Coupal, CEO of the Ontario Caregiver Organization; Dr. Samir Sinha, a leading geriatrician at Sinai Health System and University Health Network, Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto, Director of Health Policy Research at Toronto Metropolitan University’s National Institute on Ageing, and Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences; and Laura Tamblyn Watts, CEO of CanAge and a nationally recognized advocate for seniors’ rights. Together, they explore a powerful and timely theme, “Aging Well Takes a Community: From Policy to People.” This wide-ranging and insightful conversation looks at what aging well truly means, the role of social prescribing, the impact of ageism, caregiver burnout, and the small, practical steps that can create meaningful change. Aging affects us all, and this episode highlights how strong systems, caring communities, and a willingness to listen can make a lasting difference. This is an informative and thought-provoking discussion you will not want to miss.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CHATS CEO Christina Bisanz recently welcomed Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) CEO Lori Holloway, whose organization serves as the provincial voice for home and community care in Ontario. Holloway emphasized the critical importance of advocacy at a time when the health-care system is under significant strain: one in five Ontarians is now over the age of 65, and 2.5 million people lack access to a primary care physician. “Advocacy is now about survival,” she noted. “We are bringing the voice to people who may not have a voice.” You won’t want to miss this enlightening episode. Learn more about OCSA at Home & Community Support Services | ON and more about what CHATS is advocating for at Invest In Home & Community Support Services” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chats welcomes Dr.Samir Sinha Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Laura Tamblyn Watts is the CEO of CanAge, Canada’s national seniors’ advocacy organization joins the CHATS Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chief Fire Prevention Officer Ryan Schell joins the CHATS podcast to discuss fire safety and prevention for seniors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sue is a trusted policy strategist, educator and advocate, within the field of healthy aging and caregiving. Sue's extensive healthcare, housing, and community care background includes policy planning and innovative change implementation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Patricia Spindel has worked with youth and engaged in systemic advocacy for people with developmental disabilities and their families and older adults for over forty years. She taught at both the University of Guelph-Humber and the Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, where she also coordinated the Social Services Worker Program and was an Associate Dean of Health Sciences. She is a former President of Concerned Friends of Ontario Citizens in Care Facilities, co-founder of the Advocacy Centre for the Elderly, organizer of the Ontario Coalition for Nursing Home Reform, and co-founder of Seniors For Social Action Ontario. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CHATS welcomes Richmond Hill South, Majid Jowhari. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the podcast, CEO Christina Bisanz speaks to Dr. Raza Mirza, Florene Shruber, Alexis Hart, and Jessica Hsieh, who are all key contributors to University of Toronto’s Aging and Health Course’s intergenerational classroom in partnership with Christie Gardens Retirement Residence. This innovative and experiential learning experience brings two generations together to study aging from different perspectives, bringing learning to a new level and redefining what makes a “classroom”. Described as a wonderful, energetic, and mind-blowing experience, this unique course is one of the few dedicated to aging at the University, offering growth opportunities for all ages. Dr. Mirza is the Director of National Partnerships at HelpAge Canada and an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto. Florene Shruber is an advocate and educator, formerly the principal of Montessori Teachers' College & Montessori Dementia Program. Alexis Hart holds an Honors BSc in Human Biology and Psychology and was part of the program’s first undergraduate cohort. Jessica Hsieh, a PhD candidate at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, specializes in gerontology, focusing her research on elder abuse in dementia caregiving. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the podcast, CHATS CEO Christina Bisanz talks to Michael Braithwaite from Blue Door. Over 80,000 people are facing homelessness across our province, and this number could amount to 300,000 within the next ten years if support and plans are not put into place to address the need for affordable community housing. Social interaction in the community is important for seniors as well as everyone. By organizations joining to work together, we can put the York Region Homeless Strategy to the top of the priority list.   Michael Braithwaite has over 32 years of experience creating innovative solutions to better support vulnerable people. Michael joined Blue Door in March of 2019 as CEO and previously worked at Raising the Roof and 360kids in York Region. Michael is a Board Member of the Canadian Housing and Renewal Association, as well as a Board Member of Waterfront Toronto.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, CEO Christina Bisanz and CEO Amy Coupal from the Ontario Caregiver Organization discuss the journey of caregiving, how to connect caregivers with support, the importance of caregivers having a voice in the health care system, a National Caregiving Strategy, and resources available for caregivers. Amy Coupal is a leader with over 20 years experience in the not-for-profit sector, Amy is passionate about mobilizing change through knowledge exchange and building collaborative initiatives that positively impact the lives of individuals and communities. The Ontario Caregiver Organization is a charitable organization that exists to support Ontario’s 4 million caregivers who provide physical and/or emotional support to family members, partners, friends, and neighbours.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, CHATS CEO Christina Bisanz and Alzheimer’s York Region Society CEO Kari Quinn-Humphrey discuss caregiving in dementia patients, the stigma behind dementia, the Alzheimer’s Society First Link Program, what a dementia friendly community is,” Bill 121, Improving Dementia Care in Ontario Act, 2024”, as well as aging in place and senior’s care. This is an episode you don’t want to miss! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CHATS CEO Christina Bisanz speaks to Lisa Gonsalves, who is the Acting Commissioner, Community and Health Services at the Municipality of York Region. Lisa has been with York Region for over 23 years in different roles. She served as the General Manager for the Paramedic and Senior Services, as well as Director of Strategies and Partnerships. Lisa Gonsalves currently serves as the Board Chair for the United Way of Greater Toronto and has a long list of accolades in her roles. Learn about the York Region Seniors Plan and Strategy, services within the York Region municipalities, seniors aging in place, and information for Access York. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CHATS CEO Christina Bisanz welcomes MP of Newmarket-Aurora Ton Van Bynen, he has been in the role since 2019. Tony Van Bynen was the Mayor of Newmarket for several years, and he sits on many committees such as the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities, and the Standing Committee on Industrial and Technology, Listen to the podcast to learn more about the NORCs model and innovations, housing for seniors aging in place, social support services, government funding, and intergeneralization volunteerism among other things. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mary Bayliss is the Chair of the Board of Directors for CHATS - Community & Home Assistance to Seniors, a non-profit organization providing a wide range of community support services to help seniors live at home safely, affordably, and with dignity.With a diverse background in healthcare governance and senior leadership roles, Mary brings extensive experience to her position at CHATS. She has served on numerous boards and advisory councils, including the Ontario Long Term Care Association, Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores, and Ryerson University's School of Nutrition and Food Science Advisory Council. She serves on various town committees, including the Audit Committee, Heritage Advisory Council, and the Anti-Black Racism Taskforce.Mary's passion for supporting seniors and promoting healthy aging aligns perfectly with CHATS' mission. Her insights and expertise will undoubtedly shed light on the challenges and opportunities surrounding healthcare and aging in our community. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the inaugural episode of "Aging Gracefully," the podcast that champions aging with dignity and choice right in your community. In this episode, we embark on a journey of exploration into the ever-changing landscape of aging.Join us as we delve into the topic of navigating transitions in aging, from retirement to shifting healthcare needs and beyond. Through heartfelt interviews with individuals who have traversed these transitions firsthand, we uncover valuable insights and practical advice for embracing change with resilience and optimism.Our expert guests lend their wisdom to the conversation, offering guidance on how to navigate the complexities of healthcare options, financial planning, and maintaining a sense of purpose and fulfillment as we age.Whether you're a senior embarking on a new chapter of life, a caregiver supporting a loved one through transitions, or simply curious about the dynamics of aging in today's society, this episode is packed with valuable resources and heartwarming stories that illuminate the beauty of growing older while maintaining independence and choice.Tune in as we embark on this transformative journey together, because at CHATS, aging isn't just a phase of life — it's an opportunity to thrive. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.