Interested in touring an Optima Living community?
Book a TourFor Immediate Release
September 18th, 2020
Vancouver, BC -- The power of building community, maintaining social connection and engaging residents during the evolving COVID-19 pandemic were key themes during this year’s very successful BC Seniors Living Association (BSCLA) first ever virtual conference on September 14 and 15.
More than 200 delegates representing 165 seniors communities and associates from across the province gathered online to share their experiences of implementing measures to protect the health of seniors communities, while adopting creative and extraordinary approaches to help keep valued residents engaged and connected as the COVID-19 pandemic amplified the challenge of social isolation felt by Canadians of all ages.
“We heard many amazing stories of communities challenging age-old stereotypes of seniors and technology by using new approaches to stay socially connected and engaged,” says Adena Waffle, President, BCSLA. “From enabling Zoom conference calls to creating virtual workouts and setting-up family portals to facilitate communication, our members innovated under extremely challenging circumstances and continue to identify opportunities for communication and engagement as we navigate the ongoing pandemic.”
In addition to sharing their experiences during an unprecedented time of operation, participants were inspired by a variety of renowned speakers over the two-day agenda who shared insights on a range of topics, including leadership, innovation, diversity, grief management and advocacy. Each speaker and panel member mastered the challenge of the virtual platform to engage with conference delegates in both presentation style formats and small group discussions.
“While moving our annual conference to a virtual platform was a significant challenge, we knew it was important to continue to provide our members with a unique opportunity for dialogue and idea sharing,” says Karim Kassam, Vice President, BCSLA. “We’re thrilled by the positive response to our speakers and content.”
As part of its annual conference, BCSLA also held a virtual tradeshow with more than 25 exhibitors showcasing their products and services. Using the online platform, attendees could easily navigate through various booths and interact with company representatives.
BCSLA acknowledges all conference sponsors. Event sponsors for the General Sessions: Concert Properties/Tapestry, Sienna Senior Living, Chartwell Retirement Residences, PARC Retirement Living, Bria Communities, Berwick Retirement, Optima Living, Maxwell Management Group and Westbridge Group Valuation Partner; Event Associate Sponsors: Extendicare and SGP Purchasing Partner Network, Rexall Health Solutions, Complete Purchasing Services Inc., Medical Pharmacies, Comfort Life, FortisBC, CareRx, Yardi, Pharmacy at Safeway, Haddon Equipment and Telus Business. In addition, AGE-WELL collaborated with BCSLA to host the Tuesday afternoon session.
“We would like to thank our members, partners and participants for engaging with so much passion at the conference! This was the most attended conference we’ve ever held with every session at maximum capacity. In addition, we are pleased to recognize the Seal of Approval 10 year inductees. We thank you for your commitment to a higher standard of service, care and accommodation. Thank you again for all of your generous support, we could not have done it without you! We look forward to your participation again next year.” Adena Waffle, President BCSLA
About BC Seniors Living Association:
BC Seniors Living Association is a voluntary, membership-driven organization dedicated to being a valuable source for member development, education and growth. The organization works to promote and protect the best interests of its members in BC. The four cornerstones of BCSLA is actively advocating, educating, mediating and celebrating retirement communities and their residents. For more information, please visit our website.
The BCSLA Seal of Approval is the standard of excellence for retirement communities, shaping the future of senior living in British Columbia. Communities with the Seal of Approval meet the highest standards of safety, security, and services to the families of the seniors that live there. Over 100 communities in British Columbia have been awarded the designation! For more information, please visit our website.
Social Media:
Twitter: @BCSeniorsLiving, Facebook: BC Seniors Living Association, LinkedIn: BC Seniors Living Association
Media Contact: Sana Santosh, 604-689-5949 ext. 2, [email protected]