In this informativeseminar,senior livingadvisor Stephanie Chan will guide youthrough the practical considerations involved in preparing for an importantstage of your life –when someone elsehas to startmakingdecisions on your behalf.We’ll explorehow to thoughtfully choose the rightpersontoserve as your PowerofAttorney, HealthcareRepresentativeand Executor of yourwill. You’ll learn what factors to consider when selectingsomeone for each
of theseroles,how to preparethem and what to do if you don’t have an available family member to select We’ll alsocover what it means to be namedassomeone’s substitute decision makerorexecutor, and how to prepareyourself to carryout these duties with confidenceand care. Whether you’replanning for yourself or stepping into one of theseroles for someone else, you’ll leavethis session better prepared with practical knowledge and peaceofmind.
PRESENTER BIO: STEPHANIE CHAN
Stephanie is the founder and owner of twocompanies in the senior living industry.Her first company started in 2007, Home to Home,helps seniorsand families with healthcare navigation, care planning, downsizing/transitionsand care management.
Hernewer venture, myCareBase, offers an online platformthat matches families with pre-screened professional caregiverstohelp seniorsremain livingsafelyat home.She is currentlyonthe board of anon-profit calledFlavoursof Hope.Inthe past,she has been a boardmemberofMake-A-Wish Foundation of BC &Yukon,Museum of Vancouver,Make-A-Wish
Foundation of Canada,Goh Ballet VancouverSociety, and Caregivers’ Association of BC.
Q&AWITH STEPHANIE CHAN
Q: Without giving toomuchaway, what is oneintriguing insight you’ll be touching on in your presentation?
A: Many people assume that once they’ve namedsomeone as PowerofAttorneyorHealthCare Rep,their jobisdone.But one ofthe mostimportant—and often missed—steps is actually preparing that person for the role I’ll be sharingkey conversations and planningtools that help bridgethatgap and ensureyour substitutedecision-maker is confidentand readywhen the time comes.
Q: Canyou shareapreview of akey challengeyour presentationwill address?
A: Onemajor challenge is knowing who to choose for roles like PowerofAttorney, Health Care Representative, or Executor when youdon’t have an obviousor available family member. The other challenging scenario is when you have multiple people to choose from and don’t want to offend anyone.I’llwalk through the pros and cons of differentchoices, and what to do if the“default” option maynot be the best one
Q: What’s acommon myth or misunderstanding about yourtopic that you plan to set straight?
A: Many people believe that havingapower of attorneyis importantonlyfor seniors. In
realityhowever,itisagood idea for people of allagesasyou neverknowwhen something unexpectedmight happen. Having aplaninplace at anyage ensures that you andyourloved ones areprotected andyour wisheswill be carriedout.
Q: Howcould your presentation help someonefeelmore confidentorconnectedintheir dailylife?
A: By attendingthissession,people will feel moreempowered knowingthey’ve taken concrete steps to protectthemselves andtoensuretheir wishesare carriedout.Itcan also spark deeper conversations andclarity withinfamilies —reducing futureconflictand building trustaround some of life’s most sensitivedecisions. ■
Belowmarketrental suites in Northand West Vancouver for independentseniors age55+.
Rent startingat$1,200 forstudios and $1,400 for1 bdrmunits.
SECOND PRESENTATION: 1:15 – 2pm
PANEL DISCUSSION:
Blair Hackman
Lorna Harding
Cindy Bouvet
Building Resilience through Social Connection
SESSION SUMMARY:
This panel will explore how seniors’ health and resilience can be strengthened through meaningful relationships, accessible community programs, and everyday social connections
Drawing on expertise in elder abuse and ageism, community-led crisis response, and social prescribing, the discussion will highlight
barriers that isolate older adults and the practical supports that can break them down. Panelists will share free or low-cost strategies for fostering belonging and safety, while empowering seniors to meet them where they’re at and to start to access the resources that sustain their mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
PANELIST #1 BIO: BLAIR HACKMAN
Blair Hackman is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Manager of the Counselling Department at the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), North Shore. With over a decade of experience working and volunteering in the community, she is passionate about fostering connection and reducing social isolation.
Q&A WITH BLAIR HACKMAN
Q: Without giving too much away, what is one intriguing insight you’ll be touching on in your presentation?
A: That sometimes the smallest interactions—a quick phone
call, chatting with a neighbour, or even tending to a plant—can be just as powerful as formal services when it comes to protecting our health. Research shows that nature-based practices, like gardening or simply sitting outdoors, reduce stress, boost mood, and help people feel connected. These everyday connections—whether to people or to nature—play a key role in resilience for older adults.
Q: Can you share a preview of a key challenge your presentation will address?
A: One of the biggest challenges we see is that many seniors know they should reach out, but the barriers feel overwhelming: transportation, cost, not knowing where to start, or the fear of being a burden. At the same time, many are simply seeking connection—whether through a friendly call, a walking companion, or a supportive group. My presentation will highlight how low-barrier programs like CRCL, social support groups, and counselling
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2025, 12pm – 4pm
SPONSORED CONTENT
The North Shore’s Original Home Care Company
Shylo Home Healthcare is a North Shore success story.
The founder, Betty Brown, a nurse from West Vancouver, recognised the need for inhome care back in the 1970s when there was no government home support program or private Home Care agencies, so she formed Shylo Nursing Services Her original group of about a dozen RNs started serving clients on The North Shore but quickly grew to serve clients all over the Lower Mainland
Margot Ware initially contacted Shylo to help support her mother who was battling terminal cancer, and later her aged grandfather Margot was fortunate to grow up in a
multigenerational family in West Vancouver with her mother and grandmother both being RNs, and her grandfather a renown Canadian surgeon Dr W. G. Cosbie MD, OBGYN, FRCPC, RCP, LLD who was integral in the formation of the Canadian Cancer Society. Margot grew up
seeing her grandparents age gracefully and pass peacefully in their own beds—this obviously influenced Margot’s vocational aspirations.
Margot was pleased to join the company that had supported her family for many years
and work her way from a Companion in 1985 to buying the company as a Geriatric Specialist RN in 1998, where she proudly continues offering quality care to the citizens in our community.
“If you’re going to be in the nursing care business, we believe you really should be a nurse.”
As we often say at Shylo,“If you’re going to be in the nursing care business, we believe you really should be a nurse”.
Shylo continues to be the only Home Care agency that is owned and managed by a local RN and offers clients a complementary
intake assessment with one of our Geriatric Nurse Specialists Our RNs visit our clients regularly to assess their evolving healthcare needs and are available 24-7 for support by phone for both our clients and caregivers—all a complementary part of Shylo’s service It is our honour and privilege to be trusted to care for you and your loved ones. With Shylo it’s Your Home—Your Health—Your Choice TM
Shylo Home Healthcare is right in your neighbourhood. We are the local professionals that know how hard it can be on afamily when aloved oneisill. Life does notstop. Youstill have afulltime job, kids that need you, and aloved one that is struggling to manageontheir own. Let us help! We can be there with home care up to 24/7, medication assistance, meals, even rides to doctor’s appointments. This is the caringsolution for your loved oneand your family.
SENIORS EXPO •
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2025, 12pm – 4pm
can make that first step less daunting and open the door to meaningful connection and resilience.
Q: What’s a common myth or misunderstanding about your topic that you plan to set straight?
A: A common misunderstanding is that anxiety and depression are just a “normal” part of aging, or that it’s too late to make meaningful changes Another is that counselling for seniors is only about end-oflife planning. In reality, older adults benefit greatly from counselling and community connection at every stage whether it’s building resilience, reducing isolation, or finding new purpose and joy.
Q: How could your presentation help someone feel more confident or connected in their daily life?
A: My hope is that people leave feeling empowered to know that support is available and that they don’t have to face challenges alone Connection can start small, but it can grow into something meaningful when people know where to turn. At CMHA, we offer free and low-barrier resources such as the CRCL, individual counselling, outreach services, and social support groups Knowing that these low-barrier services exist can help seniors, and those who care about them, feel more confident that connection is possible and that they don’t have to face challenges on their own.
PANELIST #2 BIO: LORNA HARDING
Lorna is the Seniors Peer Support Program Coordinator at North Shore Neighbourhood House, which strives to build a safe, healthy and strong community, welcoming all ages, abilities and cultures – one where everyone has access to support, everyone is included, and where everyone matters. Lorna volunteers as a mentor with the BC Community
Response Networks (BC CRN), which is a provincial nonprofit organization, to create awareness and prevention of adult abuse, neglect, and self-neglect.
Topic/lens
Let’s Talk Ageism: Recognize it when you see it; and “It’s Not Right!”: Recognizing Warning Signs of Elder Abuse
Q&A WITH LORNA HARDING
Q: Without giving too much away, what is one intriguing insight you’ll be touching on in your presentation?
A: Ageism affects people of all ages – whether young or old, many experience unfair judgments about their capabilities or status. It remains one of the most
SENIORS EXPO
Continued from page B8
tolerated forms of discrimination in Canada, but we have the power to change that!
Q: Can you share a preview of a key challenge your presentation will address?
A: Ageism is highly prevalent and is the most socially accepted and tolerated form of discrimination in Canada
Q: What’s a common myth or misunderstanding about your topic that you plan to set straight?
A: Ageism can occur at any point in our lifespan – regardless of how old we are – and may lead to others making judgements about our background, capability, mental or physical status, based only on their impression of our age
Q: How could your presentation help someone feel more confident or connected in their daily life?
A: Ageism affects how we view others and how we view ourselves, and can erode solidarity between generations, can devalue or limit our ability to benefit from what younger and older populations can contribute, and can impact our health, longevity and well-being while also having far-reaching economic consequences. The presentation will help in understanding ageism, so that we might respond with thoughtfulness and insight.
PANELIST #3 BIO: CINDY BOUVET
Cindy Bouvet has been working with seniors for over 40 years in the areas of recreation, health care, education and social services As a Seniors’ Community Connector with North Shore Community Resources she is passionate about helping seniors connect in a meaningful way to themselves, others and their community.
Q&A WITH CINDY BOUVET
Q: Can you share a preview of a key challenge your presentation will address?
A: Do you know someone who is socially isolated and needs help? You don’t know where to start! Are you hesitant to get involved because you are too afraid to be that seniors’ only point person? In this presentation you will learn where to access resources and learn tips to get people engaged.
Q: Without giving too much away, what is one intriguing insight you’ll be touching on in your presentation?
A: t takes a village to support each other. We are all inter-dependent. Many seniors are ALREADY engaged in supporting other seniors. You don’t
have to do a lot to be helpful to others to reduce a persons social isolation.
Q: What’s a common myth or misunderstanding about your topic that you plan to set straight?
IA: t is a common belief that social isolation is a normal part of aging. Many seniors are very engaged! In reality social isolation is often a result of poor physical and mental health, poor mobility, lack of transportation, lack of knowledge of resources and not having outside support.
Q: How could your presentation help the senior community feel more confident about being connected in their daily life?
A: Know you are not alone and that there are services you can reach out to for support for others and/ or yourself Helping someone to be socially connected can be a very meaningful experience. If you are feeling somewhat alone yourself know there are steps you can take to make connections and feel less lonely, one step at a time. Being more socially connected in a meaningful way will improve your quality of life. ■
THIRD PRESENTATION: 2:15 – 3:00pm
PRESENTER: BRENDA MAH
Maximizing Your Benefits: A Guide to Seniors’ Income Supports
SESSION SUMMARY:
Understanding and accessing government benefits can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. This session provides a straightforward overview of the key federal and provincial income supports available to seniors— including Old Age Security, the Guaranteed Income Supplement, pension income splitting, the BC Seniors’ Supplement, home renovation credits, and GST rebates. Participants will learn about eligibility requirements, application
steps, and the importance of filing taxes on time to avoid interruptions With practical tips and guidance, this talk will help seniors ensure they are receiving the full range of benefits they deserve.
PRESENTER BIO: BRENDA MAH
With 25 years in the credit union sector, Brenda Mah brings deep expertise and a passion for financial empowerment. Starting on the frontlines and spending 18 years in branch management, she now leads
financial education initiatives that support our members, employees, and communities in building financial confidence and resilience Brenda is currently the Financial Education Manager at Coast Capital.
Q&A WITH BRENDA MAH
Q: Without giving too much away, what is one intriguing insight you’ll be touching on in your presentation?
A: Did you know there are benefits that could put money back in your pocket each year? I’ll be sharing how to access it, along with other valuable supports many seniors don’t realize they qualify for.
Q: Can you share a preview of a key challenge your presentation will address?
A: Many seniors miss out on various government benefits simply because the application process feels overwhelming or confusing. Let’s break down the biggest barriers—and show you how to navigate them with confidence and ease.
SENIORS EXPO • SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2025, 12pm – 4pm
Q: What’s a common myth or misunderstanding about your topic that you plan to set straight?
A: One of the biggest myths is that it is difficult and not worthwhile to access government benefits. Let’s talk about who qualifies and how even small benefits can make a big difference.
Q: How could your presentation help someone feel more confident or connected in their daily life?
A: Understanding what you’re entitled to and how to access it can be incredibly empowering This presentation will give seniors the knowledge they need to confidently access benefits that support their health, finances, and independence. ■
FOURTH AND FINAL PRESENTATION: 3:15 – 4:00pm
PRESENTER: SANDY HOSHIZAKI
Wellness on a Budget: Tasty, Affordable Meals as we Age
SESSION SUMMARY:
Healthy eating can be enjoyable, accessible, and affordable. This engaging talk will highlight creative
changes in diet can make a big difference for lifelong health and vitality.
PRESENTER BIO: SANDY HOSHIZAKI
Sandy is a Home and Community Health Dietitian with Vancouver Coastal Health. She has been a dietitian for 30 years and has worked in home and community health for the last 10 years, supporting adults and older adults with complex medical and nutritional needs. Sandy loves staying active outdoors and is passionate about healthy food and the difference it can make in our lives to feel our best! ■
ways to prepare nutrient-rich meals without stretching your budget. From quick recipe ideas to savvy grocery shopping tips, participants will discover how small, practical
