Global conference on elder care has potential to be life-changing
OLTCA members invited to participate in 2011 event
Thursday July 22, 2010 -- Michelle Strutzenberger
Delegates who attend a global conference on elder care next year have the opportunity for a life-changing experience as they network and share best practices with their counterparts from around the world, says Virginia Nuessle.

Nuessle is executive director of the International Association of Homes and Services for the Ageing (IAHSA), which is hosting the conference along with the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA).

The event, themed Celebrate Age, takes place in October, 2011 in Washington, D.C.

The conference will highlight innovative programs from around the world that ensure the elderly are well-served. It is relevant to a wide range of delegates, including service providers, people providing care, researchers, those applying research into enhancing the long-term care work environment and those involved in design and eco-friendly housing.

“Our goal for the event is to enhance the ability of providers from around the world to connect and share best practices and to create a stronger global aging network,” says Nuessle, noting the close proximity of the event makes it a noteworthy opportunity for members of the Ontario Long-Term Care Association (OLTCA).

“I think having the (conference) in Washington is a wonderful opportunity for the OLTCA folks to get a taste of IAHSA," she says. "(They can) have that experience and get to know people from different countries and then they can build on that through our various connection programs.”

IAHSA co-ordinates a staff exchange connection program which provides an opportunity for staff to experience the long-term care work environment of another country. The organization also offers a country connection program which sees IAHSA chapters of one country providing resources for poor facilities in another.

“It’s those kind of connections that they could get a taste of at this meeting, and it might be a life-changing event,” says Nuessle, noting she herself is inspired when she observes these global connections made and best practices shared across national boundaries.

“It’s just so exciting to see what they learn and what they take back and the passion that they get.”

Three major plenary speakers have already committed to being part of the conference, including former president of Ireland and United Nations Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson. Robinson is also a member of The Elders, a group of global leaders who offer their collective influence and experience to support peace building, help address major causes of human suffering and promote the shared interests of humanity.

Writer, professor, Nobel laureate and holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel will also speak, as will American autobiographer, poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou.

Those interested in sharing their expertise, innovations and organizational successes at the conference can submit a proposal by August 31, 2010. Notification of decision for participation will be delivered April 1, 2011.

Accepted proposals will also be eligible for the IAHSA Excellence in Ageing Services Award.

For full details on the conference and to submit a proposal, visit this link.

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