The Garth Homer Foundation
The Garth Homer Foundation provides funds to the Society to support people with developmental and other disabilities to make a life, a home, and a place in the world.
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According to the Alzheimer’s Society of BC ( Alzheimer Society of British Columbi a ), it’s estimated there are 85,000people living with the disease in the province. For people with intellectual disabilities, the diagnosis often comes earlier in life than for the general population. And for those with Down Syndrome, the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease , one of the most common forms of dementia, is about three to five times greater than in the general population. Caring for those with dementia is a large part of what staff at the Garth Homer Society’s Pathways program do each and everyday. “Dementia is unfortunately a big part of our program,” says certified dementia caregiver Roslyn Wagstaff. She recently completed three months of specialized training and is now sharing her learnings with fellow caregivers. “It’s a progressive brain disease and not something [our clients] can help or will get better,” explains Wagstaff. “For some people it will progress quickly; for others …more slowly.” Wagstaff has been with Pathways since 2011 and was attracted to the program by her love of working with the elderly. Designed for older age clients with higher communication, behavioural or complex needs, Pathways adopts a “go with the flow” approach to programming. On average, Wagstaff and her colleagues care for six to eight clients with dementia attending the program. “Every day is a new day,” she says. “Actually, every hour is a new hour – you have to be flexible.” One of the greatest takeaways from her training was delving into the seven As of dementia: Anosognosia (loss of insight), Amnesia (loss of memory), Aphasia (loss of language), Agnosia (loss of recognition), Apraxia (loss of purposeful movement), Altered Perception and Apathy. “Everyone’s journey with dementia is different,” adds Wagstaff, noting one of her clients has recently started “sundowning” which refers to a state of confusion that occurs in the late afternoon and lasts into the night. “She gets picked up at 1pm but continues coming in the morning as getting into the care to come to the centre means she’s not sitting at home.” “She still has friends here. The feelings are there, even if she doesn’t remember people’s names.” The goal of Pathways is keeping clients coming to the centre for as long as possible. Maintaining cognitive skills is key. For many, that means playing games or listening to music on an iPad. One Pathways participant copies numbers off the stock exchange onto paper which encourages the fine motor movements necessary to write. Other activities like Gameshow Tuesday are designed to reach down into memories that are still there for clients. Patience, kindness and a good sense of humour are all qualities Wagstaff say are needed in large doses, not only for a certified dementia caregiver like herself but for those who care for her clients when they’re away from Pathways. She also stresses self-care, perspective and gratitude as tools caregivers should use for themselves. For Wagstaff, that means taking her dog for a walk after work. It’s time to herself that’s precious as when away from Pathways. Wagstaff helps support her mother-in-law who has dementia. “I get through by remembering the person she used to be and being thankful for the time we have together.”
“If these walls could talk” is the perfect idiomatic expression* to describe Garth Homer Society’s (GHS) new, temporary location that the Society is set to move into Mid-2025. Built in 1950, SJ Willis School at 923 Topaz Avenue has served as a junior high, high school, and continuing education centre for new Canadians and mature students. Its most recent large group of tenants were 800 students from Victoria High School who temporarily relocated to the space while their school (the oldest in the city) was seismically upgraded. Garth Homer’s need to relocate is similar to Vic High’s as plans to open a new Centre for Belonging at its current Nigel Valley location are Underway. “We have been searching for a relocation space for a long time,” says Geoffrey Ewert, Garth Homer’s CEO. “Many people told us it would be impossible to find a suitable space and we’re so grateful for a strong relationship with School District 61.” Recognizing that moving is one of the top stressors in life (preceded only by divorce and the death of a loved one) as anxiety can sometimes be triggered by having to adapt to a new environment**, Ewert says the move will be gradual and well planned for the 97 clients who are relocating. “An email communication has gone out to our community,” explains Ewert, adding that affected team coordinators have started planning, while all staff were notified in December 2024. In February, GHS management and team coordinators started taking trips to SJ Willis for on-site discussions related to logistics and required renovations. Ewert notes that care is being taken to ensure transition plans are customized for each program that will make the move. GHS clients will benefit from having extra program space at SJ Willis (31,800 sq. ft) compared to 24,000 sq. ft at the current GHS Centre site, plus access to a full-size gymnasium and commercial kitchen to accommodate programming and activities that currently run in the kitchen and auditorium at the current Darwin Street Location. “SJ Willis is a great fit for our needs because it is not situated on a busy road and the location is close to the current GHS Centre which mitigates any potential negative impact on transportation for clients,” adds Ewert. The former school also has ample parking with space for the GHS fleet and is large enough to accommodate the size of GHS’ operations. * an expression whose meanings cannot be inferred from the meanings of the words that make it up ** Cohen, S., Murphy, M. L. M., & Prather, A. A. (2019). Ten Surprising Facts About Stressful Life Events and Disease Risk. Annual review of psychology, 70, 577–597.
Introduction: The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is a powerful financial tool designed to support individuals with disabilities in building a stable financial future. By contributing to an RDSP, individuals can benefit from long-term savings that grow with tax-deferred earnings, government grants, and bonds. This plan not only provides a safety net for future needs but also helps individuals achieve greater financial security and independence. Step-by-Step Guide Ensure Eligibility: To open an RDSP, you must first meet specific eligibility criteria: Disability Tax Credit (DTC): You need a valid DTC certificate to qualify for an RDSP. This ensures that the RDSP is used to support those with disabilities as defined by the Canada Revenue Agency. Residency and Age: You must be a Canadian resident and under 60 years old when you open the RDSP. The plan can remain active until age 59. Choose a Financial Institution: Selecting the right financial institution is crucial for managing your RDSP effectively. Look for banks or credit unions that offer comprehensive RDSP services. When choosing an institution, consider factors such as fees, investment options, and customer support. Discuss your RDSP options with a financial advisor to ensure you select a plan that aligns with your financial goals and needs. Open the RDSP Account: Once you’ve chosen a financial institution, you can open your RDSP account. Here’s what you’ll need: Identification: Provide personal identification such as a BC Services Card or driver’s license. DTC Certificate: Ensure you have a copy of your valid DTC certificate. Additional Documentation: Depending on the institution, you may need to provide proof of residency or other personal documents. Tips for Discussing RDSP Options with a Financial Advisor: Clearly outline your financial goals and expectations. Ask about different investment options available within the RDSP. Inquire about fees and charges associated with managing the RDSP. Contribute to the RDSP: Contributing to your RDSP is a vital part of building your savings. Here’s what you need to know: Contribution Limits: You can contribute up to $200,000 to an RDSP over its lifetime. Annual contributions are not capped but consider regular contributions to maximize growth. Government Grants and Bonds: Canada Disability Savings Grant (CDSG): The government will match your contributions up to a certain amount each year. The matching rate depends on your family income. Canada Disability Savings Bond (CDSB): If you have a low or modest income, you may receive a bond of up to $1,000 per year, regardless of contributions. The financial institution managing your RDSP will automatically apply for the CDSB on your behalf. The bond is deposited directly into your RDSP based on the income information provided in your tax return. Manage and Grow the RDSP: Effective management of your RDSP is key to maximizing its benefits: Investment Options: Explore different investment options available through your RDSP, such as mutual funds, GICs, or stocks. Regular Contributions: Make regular contributions to take full advantage of the government grants and bonds. Withdrawals: Be aware of the rules governing withdrawals, as they can affect the amount of government grants and bonds you receive. Typically, withdrawals should be planned to ensure the longevity of your savings. Conclusion: Opening a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is a proactive step toward securing your financial future. By taking advantage of the RDSP’s benefits, you can better create a stable financial foundation and access valuable government supports. We encourage you to consult with a financial planner to tailor your RDSP strategy to your personal needs and goals. The Garth Homer Society is committed to providing information and resources to support independence and long-term security. However, this blog series is intended for informational purposes only. The content is not to be considered legal or financial advice, as the Society does not provide financial advisory services.
