COVID-19: Long-term care restrictions another blow to islolated residents
January 3, 2022
Vancouver Sun
Research examining the impact of B.C.’s essential visitor policy by Jennifer Baumbusch, an associate professor in the school of nursing at UBC, found that “visitation restrictions arising from public health’s pandemic response have unintentionally compromised these familial bonds and access to specialized family care, potentially contributing to further physical and cognitive decline, and distress among residents.”
The long-term care crisis: How B.C. controlled COVID-19 while Ontario, Quebec face disaster
May 28, 2020
CBC News
“Jennifer Baumbusch, a nursing professor at the University of British Columbia, said the pandemic’s impact on long-term care facilities is a “great tragedy” and the consequence of decades of policy and funding neglect.
She said B.C. fared better than other provinces because government and health officials acted quickly to mobilize resources to control infection and support staff.
Instead of each home in B.C. being left to procure its own protective supplies, a centralized service run by the non-profit SafeCareBC has been collecting and distributing PPE. Baumbusch said that was “absolutely key” to stopping the spread of the virus; in other provinces, gaps in protective gear supplies led to higher rates of infection.”
Are for-profit long-term care facilities the problem?
April 15, 2020
CBC News
WATCH: Are for-profit long-term care facilities the problem? @GERONursing answering your questions on #AskCBCNews. ‘It’s a complex situation, I think we need to hold our governments to account for the choices that were made to put public dollars into private facilities.’ #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/GrBvOabVCk
— Carole MacNeil (@carolemacneil) April 15, 2020
Embracing the therapeutic relationship: The joy of seniors’ care
Now an associate professor at UBC’s School of Nursing, Baumbusch teaches seniors’ care in both the undergraduate program and the Master of Health Leadership and Policy in Seniors’ Care. She passes on the knowledge gained through 13 years of staff nursing, clinical care, and management in long-term care facilities.
Most of Baumbusch’s time, though, is spent in research. She investigates ways to improve care for older adults across the health care system.
Embracing the Sunset
July 28, 2019
Toronto Sun
“We need to reject the harmful stereotypes of aging, says the experts. “The majority of older adults are relatively healthy. Most of us only spend a short period of our lives – near the end of life – in advanced frailty and dependence,” says Dr. Jennifer Baumbusch, a seniors expert at the University of British Columbia. What is critical is that people approach aging with their eyes wide open, stresses Baumbusch. “What I mean by this is that proactive planning is the best approach, especially to aging in your own home.”
There is a life to live after a diagnosis: UBC study probes stigma of dementia
February 27, 2019
The Abbotsford News
Half a million Canadians are living with dementia, but many are hiding their illness from their friends and community out of fear. A new study is hoping to break through the stigma.
University of B.C. researchers Alison Phinney and Deborah O’Connor have teamed up with Jim Mann, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease 12 years ago, to spend the next four years speaking with British Columbians who are living with dementia and find out exactly what barriers exist.
The aim of the UBC-based study is to develop ways to support dementia patients in being social and active in their communities.
“There is a life to live after a diagnosis of dementia,” Mann said.
Loneliness, falls and over-medicating afflict seniors in B.C care homes
January 14, 2019
The Vancouver Sun
“While all facilities receive funding from health authorities, two-thirds are run by private companies and only four per cent of those get enough money to provide the full 3.36 hours of care. The rest of the homes are run by the health authorities and one third of those are able to reach that goal. Indeed, more than 60 facilities across B.C. are cutting their residents short by a half-hour or more every day — that’s 30 minutes less help for bathing, dressing or just having a conversation.
Baumbusch, the UBC expert, said it’s unfortunate this disparity exists in a system in which people waiting for residential care must go to the first facility with an available bed, and then remain on waiting lists for other places they may prefer.
“I don’t think it’s fair to people moving into a first-available-bed system: ‘You are going to go wherever we put you, but we can’t promise you a staffing level,’” she said.”
Dr. Jennifer Baumbusch – New MHLP Program Director
January 22, 2018
Beginning January 2018, Dr. Jennifer Baumbusch takes over the role of the Master of Health Leadership and Policy (MHLP) Program Director (formerly held by Dr. Judith Lynam). Dr. Baumbusch has a strong relationship with the UBC School of Nursing — having completed her bachelor’s, and doctoral degrees, been an adjunct professor for several years and holding a full-time faculty appointment with the School since 2009 — and is a long-time colleague of Dr. Lynam. She has been actively engaged in conceptualizing and delivering the MHLP in Seniors Care from its outset.
#Greek2Street: Jennifer Baumbusch on KT with Families in Long Term Residential Care
June 11, 2018
Arthritis Broadcast Network
Q&A: Jennifer Baumbusch on the Impact of Family Councils on Long-term Care
August 27, 2017
BC Care Providers Association
“Family councils are interesting because they’re one of only two formalized ways that family members can be involved in care; the other way is care conferences which is a very individualized approach. Family councils stand as the only collective way for families to get together to advocate and participate in decision-making.”
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Late Life Issues & Innovations: Panel 8: Quality End of Life Care in Long Term & Hospice Settings
May, 15 2017
This year’s conference, organized and hosted in cooperation with the AGE-WELL Network, BC Hospice Palliative Care Association and the SFU Continuing Studies Liberal Arts and Adults 55+ Program, focused on key late life issues including housing, coping with frailty and the need for care (who will provide it, where); how to stay connected to family, friends and community when physical and/or cognitive changes occur; expressing one’s wishes with respect to care at the end of life and dying with dignity; protection and transfer of assets and protection from abuse and neglect.
“Getting Old? Get Ready”
September 8, 2017
“…In the next 30 years, the number of elderly Canadians needing assistance is expected to double – there are now more seniors than there are kids in Canada. And Canadians 65 and older will continue to rise; by 2024 they will account for 20.1% of the population, reports Stats Canada.”
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Serious pain afflicts a third of nursing home residents in last six month of life
UBC news
June 29, 2017
“Sixty per cent of residents reported consistent low or mild pain, while around 34 per cent reported moderate or severe pain across different assessment periods. This tells us that once the pain was present it remained constant, and few residents saw any improvement as they approached death,”
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The Globe and Mail: Making Art for Making Place, Dr. Alison Phinney
December 15, 2015
Alison Phinney, left, Landon Mackenzie, centre, and Michael Wilson
The art, the study’s authors have found, did have an impact – but it wasn’t what they had expected. The work didn’t simply help orient the residents or liven up the space. It enlivened the residents.
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CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE STUDY
CBC The Current interview with Dr. Jennifer Baumbusch
October 6, 2015
Vancouver Sun interview with Dr. Jennifer Baumbusch
September 29, 2015
CLICK HERE for more information on the Masters in Health Leadership and Policy at UBC
Global National News interview with Dr. Baumbusch
September 29, 2015
Alzheimer Canada Researcher Profile on Dr. Alison Phinney
April 27, 2015