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Fostering Connections and Sharing Knowledge

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Compassionately Supporting Every Stage of Life

Copyright © 2026 Caregiver and Senior Expo

Speakers

Topics to be covered:
Join this talk to learn about the importance of brain wellness and do-able strategies to incorporate these practices into your daily life as a care partner.

Topics to be covered:
Explore various changes in behaviours caused by dementia and learn practical strategies for responding in supportive ways. For caregivers.

Topics to be covered:
Does this sound familiar to you? A healthcare provider has just shared some medical information with you about your loved one’s health and asks if you have any questions, but you’re just not sure what to ask. Dara Lewis and Umilla Stead from Vancouver Coastal Health will share some key questions you can use to better understand your loved one’s health situation and empower you to plan for what might be ahead. Whether the person you support is generally well or living with various health conditions, understanding what’s going on — and helping care providers know what matters most to your loved one — can make it easier to plan together and ensure care aligns with their values, wishes, and needs.

Bio:
Elaine Book is one of the original members of the BC Brain Wellness Program and has been a leader in its development from early days to present. She has worked in the field of Social Work for over 35 years in a variety of community and hospital settings with an interest in the geriatric population. Previously the Center Coordinator and Clinic Social Worker for the Pacific Parkinson’s Research Centre at the UBC and a member of the planning committees of the World Parkinson Congress 2016, 2019 and 2023, today she remains involved with the congress planning for 2026 as well as being the co-coordinator of the Parkinson's Foundation Team Training Program and Social Work faculty.

Bio:
Umilla Stead has been an occupational therapist for almost 30 years and is the team lead for the Goals of Care Support team at Vancouver Coastal Health.  The team promotes values-based conversations between health care providers and patients so that care can reflect what matters most to the person at the center.

Bio:
Dara Lewis is an educator and clinical support lead with the Goals of Care Support Team at Vancouver General Hospital, UBC Hospital, and GF Strong. She has been a registered nurse for the past 23 years and is an Adjunct Professor with the UBC School of Nursing. Dara is currently completing her Master of Science in Nursing with a special interest in health-related conversations and decision-making.

Bio:
Amelia Gillies is a Support and Education Coordinator with the Alzheimer Society of B.C and Yukon. She is an advocate for people affected by dementia, and people living with disabilities. Amelia brings her professional background in psychotherapy and in supporting people with cognitive and physical disabilities to her role, as well as her personal experience supporting family members with dementia.

Topics to be covered:
Understanding early cognitive changes—such as shortterm memory loss, difficulty with familiar tasks, trouble finding words, disorientation, or shifts in mood—helps families distinguish normal aging from early signs of decline and seek support sooner.
As care needs grow, navigating dementia at home can feel overwhelming. Tools like Sensi AI can support families at both stages: early on, by helping identify patterns or changes that may signal cognitive decline, and later, by offering realtime insights and guidance rooted in bestpractice dementia care. Sensi AI doesn’t replace human care—it enhances safety, reduces stress, and gives caregivers more confidence throughout the entire care journey.

Bio:
Rachelle Sunga is a healthcare leader with a strong foundation in nursing, clinical education, and care management. She currently serves as a Clinical Nurse Educator for Vancouver Coastal Health. In addition, Rachelle is the proud owner of Right at Home Canada – North Shore, Squamish, and Whistler Care Office.