Geropsychiatric Education Program

About Us

Mission and Values Statements

As part of Vancouver Community Mental Health Services, GPEP provides evidence-based geropsychiatric education, consultation and support to healthcare providers in Vancouver Coastal Health.

• Our practice principles are based on an understanding of personhood and a commitment to person-centred care.  Person-centred care is care that addresses the uniqueness of each client/resident, builds on individual strengths and abilities, enhances personal control, and promotes reciprocal relationships between clients/residents and their caregivers. 
• Our education principles describe the incorporation of adult learning theory into our curriculum.
• Our program principles describe the values that identify our team, which include collaboration, consultation, team work, and sharing of resources.

Who are We?

Educators with various professional backgrounds who have a commitment towards enhancing care in the geriatric population.

GPEP History

The Geropsychiatric Education Program (GPEP) began in 1995 in response to the downsizing of Riverview Hospital, the province's largest psychiatric institution. Many of the elderly patients were relocated back into the community, but some moved to other residential care facilities.  Residential care leaders in Vancouver and Richmond advised the [then] Vancouver and Richmond Health Departments of the need for a responsive geropsychiatric education program with the provision for staff replacement. GPEP was developed as a means of addressing the educational needs of community health care providers who were asked to care for an increasing number of clients/residents with psychogeriatric needs and issues.

GPEP Customers

• Residential Care Facilities
• Adult Day Centres
• Community Home Support Services
• Family caregivers
• Acute Care and Community Care Professionals

 

GPEP Team Members

The GPEP team presently consists of the following educators and a program assistant:

• Kyle Welton, Assistant, Mental Health

• Joan Hibbard, BScN, Geropsychiatric Educator/Consultant

• Andrea Felzmann, BScN, Regional Advisor

• Umilla Stead, B.Sc.(OT), B.Sc.(Kin), Coordinator