Vancouver Coastal Health delivers quality health services to the people and communities we serve. Read more...
Q: How did GPEP begin?
A: GPEP began in 1995 in response to the downsizing of Riverview Hospital, the province's largest psychiatric institution. As many elderly patients were relocated back into the community or into residential care facilities, funds were also transferred into the community to provide psychogeriatric health care, education and support. GPEP was developed as a means of meeting the psychogeriatric educational needs of community health care providers. In 1998 the Caring and Learning Together Program was developed to address the learning needs of both home support workers and family members caring for those with psychogeriatric illnesses.
Q: Who can attend the programs and services of GPEP?
A: The Geropsychiatric Education Program (GPEP) provides education for community care providers who are employees of, or work for agencies contracted to Vancouver Coastal Health. This includes staff of residential care facilities, adult day centres, home support agencies, and community health services. The program also provides specific educational programs for community-based family caregivers. If space is available, those outside the Health Region may also attend educational events (a fee may apply). Based on educator availability, GPEP will also consider out of region requests to teach and present programs.
Q: What are the costs of GPEP programs?
A: The majority of programs are free of charge for community care staff
and families in the Vancouver Coastal Heatlh Authority, except for major
1 - 2 day education events, when a small fee may be charged to cover the
cost of materials or catering costs. Presently, only community health
support services receive back-fill funding for staff education.
Q: Where are programs offered?
A: GPEP does its best to offer programs throughout the region in locations that are easily accessible to the largest number of people possible. They are held at community centres, community health centres, residential care facilities, adult day centres, and educational institutions.
Q: How can GPEP help family caregivers?
A: Through education, GPEP strives to move towards implementation of person-centred care. This change in philosophy and practice will in turn benefit residents, families, care staff and communities. The following GPEP services welcome family involvement:
GPEP also refers family caregivers to other community services.
Q: How do I learn more and register for GPEP progams?
A: We have detailed programs and registration information here on the site and if you have more questions please contact Kyle Welton at (604) 708-5224 or gpep@vch.ca.
Q: Who can I contact for more information?
A: Our program assistant Kyle Welton is available to answer general inquiries. Kyle can be contacted at (604) 708-5224 or gpep@vch.ca. GPEP educators are also designated contacts for Vancouver, Richmond, North Shore and Coast Garibaldi Community Health Areas.
Q: What is the Caring and Learning Together Program?
A: Caring and Learning Together is a geriatric mental health education program designed to help care providers increase their understanding of normal aging, dementia, depression, delirium and other mental health diseases affecting older adults.
Q: Who can attend the Caring and Learning Together Program?
A: This program is for community health workers and family caregivers who are employed by home support agencies contracted through Vancouver Coastal Health. Family Members and community health workers learn together and share insights, experiences and knowledge.
Q: Is there a fee to take the program?
A: The program is free for community health workers and family caregivers who are employees of VCH. There is a $50 charge for private community health workers
Q: I need someone to help look after my relative while I attend the program. Can the health board help?
A: Family caregivers who are currently receiving home support, and who live in Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, may receive extra respite in order to attend the classes. If they are not currently receiving help, an assessment for eligibility for respite can be requested.