Nanaimo Seniors Services Network 

2025 Health Talks

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10:30 am​

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Intro to Grief & Nanaimo Community Hospice

Speaker: Amy Tan, Programs Coordinator, Nanaimo Community Hospice

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Grief and what to expect alongside Hospice programs and services. This presentation will share how we support individuals and families facing advanced illness, death, and grief in our community. Learn about our mission of providing compassionate, free services for people of all ages, including counselling, support groups, wellness programs, and our specialized child and youth grief support. We'll explain who can access our services, how to make a referral, and simple ways you can support someone who is grieving. Whether you're a caregiver, friend, or community member, this session offers valuable insight into navigating loss and finding hope through hospice care.

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About Amy: I am passionate about my part-time work at Hospice House, assisting with client intake, wellness

programs, and administrative support. My background includes roles as a 911 police dispatcher, admin support

in the Canadian Forces, and managing VIU's Behavioural Neuroscience Lab. I'm a volunteer with a local free

food market and NCHS on the PCU. I have an Honours BSc. in Psychology and a Certificate in Addiction studies

from VIU, a BA in Anthropology from McMaster University, End-of-Life Doula certification from Douglas College,

and am currently working towards my Master of Social Work with Wilfrid Laurier University. Married with four

children, I enjoy knitting, hiking, reading, and have a passion for hospice and community service.

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10:30 am

 

Turn Your Story Into a Book

Speaker: Mali Bain, Founder, NextGen Story: Custom Publishing

 

If you've done some writing but feel unsure how to take the next step, this talk is for you. We'll break down the self-publishing process in simple, clear term - no jargon, no overwhelm. You'll learn how to organize and cite images, how to strengthen your writing with editorial support, and how to shape your book so it truly reflects your intentions. Whether you're looking to print a book for family or share your story with the world, this session will help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Your story matters. Let's bring it to life!

 

About Mali: Mali is a former high school teacher with a background working in university, non-profit, and

philanthropic settings. She is a family historian, facilitator, and certified Guided Autobiography instructor,

with a B.A. (UBC), B.Ed. (SFU), and M.A. (UBC). She is also the author of Our Homes on Indigenous Lands:

Stories of My Ancestors Across Turtle Island. Mali worked with her grandmother to type, scan, organize,

edit, design, and eventually publish a family history book. Her company, NextGen Story: Custom

Publishing, helps people complete beautiful, lasting memoir and legacy books. Mali lives in Nanaimo and

works with clients across the country.

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​11:30 am

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Downsizing | Made Easy

Speaker: Ian Thompson, Ian Thompson Personal Real Estate Corporation

 

This presentation will include :  Reasons for downsizing. Realizing what's ahead of you. How this move is different. Plus 5 Pro Tips: 1) Getting your home ready for sale; 2) using the sale of your home to support your future living expenses; 3) finding a new home that's right for you; 4) thinning out your belongings; and 5)planning before the move.

 

About Ian: Ian is a Seniors Relocation Specialist licensed with Remax Professionals. He holds the Certified

Seniors Housing Professional designation. He has helped hundreds of seniors in the Central Island Area

transition to a smaller home, a seniors oriented rental or a retirement community. His step by step plan is

designed to minimize the overwhelming feeling many people experience. His unique website

www.howtogetstarted.ca has many helpful resources.

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11:30 am 

 

Social Isolation - Help for Men

Speaker: Kenn Hample, President, Nanaimo &  District Men's Shed Society

 

Social isolation is on the increase in contemporary society. The negative health effects are often unrecognized, and men (especially) can be reluctant to seek help. This is where Men's Sheds come in with a vital role in enhancing well-being through purposeful activity and transformative, social relationships for men. Some Shedders seek to create and learn in a workshop. Others focus on more communal activities such as hiking or gardening. Most do special projects that "give back to" their community. What all Sheds have in common is a welcoming space with a supportive community and environment for connection with others, feeling useful, and contributing.

About Kenn: With a technical background in municipal engineering and OHS policy development, Kenn

began advocating for improved health services for seniors. His concerns lead him to join: the Canadian

Association of Retired Persons, (Edmonton), a Seniors' Task Force under the auspices of Public Interest

Alberta (Edmonton), Age Friendly Nanaimo (Nanaimo) culminating in establishing, with family members,

the Nanaimo & District Men's Shed Society in 2023. Focusing, primarily, on senior men at risk of social

isolation, the Men's Shed combines purposeful activity with social interaction to positively enhance men's

well-being.
 

​12:30 pm

 

Estate Settlement & Final Arrangements

Speaker: Stuart Schoenburg, Family Service Director, Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens
 

Planning funeral and cemetery arrangements in advance is a thoughtful and practical decision that brings peace of mind to individuals and their families. This presentation explores the emotional, financial, and logistical benefits of pre-arranging final wishes. From easing the burden on loved ones during a difficult time to ensuring that personal preferences are honored, pre-arrangements provide clarity and reduce stress. We will discuss key steps in the process, available options, and how early planning can prevent emotional overspending. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of why making these decisions now is one of the most caring gifts one can offer their family.

 

About Stuart: Stuart is a dedicated Funeral and Cemetery Pre-Planning Advisor with experience helping families make informed, compassionate decisions about their final arrangements. Known for her empathetic approach and attention to detail, Stuart guides individuals through the planning process, ensuring their wishes are honoured and their loved ones are supported. She is passionate about educating communities on the emotional and financial benefits of pre-arrangement, and takes pride in providing peace of mind through thoughtful, personalized service.

 

12:30 pm

 

Reverse Mortgages: Learn the Facts

Speaker: Jake Posliff, Reverse Mortgage Professional, 460 Mortgage Professionals

 

Hear the pros and cons of Reverse Mortgages. Learn to look at investments and sources of income with a more critical eye. 
 

About Jake: Jake has been in the banking and financial industry since 1959, and shows no indication of

retiring. He has been on Vancouver Island since 1986, coming here as Manager of CIBC, Commercial Street

(now the art gallery) and subsequently District Manager, CIBC, Investment Advisor, Midland Walwyn,

District Manager Small Business, Canada Trust and TD Canada Trust. For the past 19 years, a mortgage

broker, now with 460 Mortgage Professionals. While he specializes in commercial lending, as well as

residential mortgages, he also focuses on Reverse Mortgages, a product who he suggests "Its time has

come". 

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1:30 pm

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Live Safely/Independently with Vision Loss

Speaker: Evaleen Baker, Certified Low Vision Specialists, Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada

 

Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada (VLRC) offers government-funded services at no cost to help people with vision loss live safely and independently. We provide support with everyday activities, mobility, home safety, and preventing falls. By the end of this presentation, you will understand what services are available in your community, who can use them, who from VLRC will be supporting you, and what your journey with us will look like. Our goal is to help you stay active, confident, and connected, while giving you the guidance and support you need every step of the way.

 

About Evaleen: Evaleen has worked in the vision loss rehabilitation industry for almost 20 years, and is

extremely passionate about providing high-quality care for her clients. “As a low vision specialist, my job is

to help our clients understand what they're doing with the ophthalmologist or their eye health care

practitioner...and work towards their personal rehabilitation goals,” says Evaleen. When they first meet a

new client, low vision specialists like Evaleen conduct a functional performance assessment to help identify

the client’s individual needs and establish clear rehabilitation goals. After that, a personalized treatment

plan is developed, and Evaleen is there to support them as they achieve their goals.

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1:30 pm

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Doing Your Taxes Has Its Benefits!​​​

Speaker: Lance Vaillancourt, Outreach Officer, Canada Revenue Agency

 

An overview of Income tax, Benefits and Credits for those 65+. The information may appeal to those younger than 65 as well. Participants will learn about a variety of topics, including but not limited to:

• Common income sources for seniors and how they are treated for tax purposes

• What benefits are available to seniors

• Tax credits, including Disability Tax Credit, Home Accesibility Tax Credit, and medical expenses.

• Canadian Dental Care Plan

• CRA services including My Account, CVITP and authorizing a representative.

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About Lance: Lance has over 20 years experience with the Canada Revenue Agency. Prior to being with Outreach, he spent time a significant amount of his career in the Collections and Verification Branch. He has worked in T1 
accounts, GST and payroll, as well as having personal experience with the Disability Tax Credit and other benefits available to Canadians.