Advanced Gerontological Education (AGE) Inc. and SafeCare BC are pleased to announce their partnership to make the Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA) curriculum available to continuing care workers across BC. Developed in Canada, the GPA curriculum combines hands-on teaching with leading practices in dementia care to provide frontline continuing care staff with practical, in-the-moment strategies to address challenging behaviours associated with dementia. The curriculum focuses on applying person-centred care principles in real-life care scenarios to support quality care and enable care staff to provide care safely.

“Our members continue to identify dementia care training as a high safety priority for their staff,” says Jennifer Lyle, Executive Director at SafeCare BC, “This partnership with AGE Inc., in addition to our continued relationship with the Alzheimer Society of BC, will enable us to meet the training demands of the continuing care sector and enhance staff safety at the point-of-care.”

The GPA curriculum has been successfully piloted in a number of continuing care settings across Canada, including British Columbia. Staff responses to the training have been positive. In addition, research into person-centred care strategies has identified a potential link between person-centred care approaches and lower rates of violence against staff.

“AGE is absolutely thrilled to announce this partnership with SafeCare BC. This clearly demonstrates SafeCare BC’s commitment to model their leadership in promoting person-centred, compassionate and gentle persuasive approaches in providing care to our seniors, equipping our care providers to respond respectfully, confidently, and skillfully to behaviours associated with dementia. Through such partnerships, we achieve quality client care and protect our caregivers and clients, creating a safe and healthy work environment for all!” says Patti Boucher, AGE Executive Director.