George Brown College alumna Joy Cardinal Flores was honoured this fall for her work to change the way we talk with and about people living with dementia. The Recreation Management in Gerontology grad received the inaugural Person-Centred Language Award from the Ontario Centre for Learning Research and Innovation in Long-Term Care (Ontario CLRI) at the Research Institute for Aging and Behavioural Supports Ontario.
Ontario CLRI says that by 2031 there are expected to be one million Canadians living with dementia. The organization created the Person-Centred Language Initiative to address the stigma around the condition. The initiative aims to ensure positive, respectful and life-affirming language is used when talking with and referring to people with dementia, complex mental health, substance use and/or other neurological conditions.
Flores' positive and person-centred care continues to impact her work as a programs therapist at O'Neill Centre, a long-term care centre in Toronto, where she completed her first GBC program placement.
"We would like to congratulate Joy Flores on receiving the Inaugural Person-Centred Language Award. Her dedication and passion for improving the lives of older adults makes us so proud! You are making a difference and transforming lives," said Recreation Management in Gerontology Program Co-ordinator and Professor Pamela Gauci. "We look forward to watching you continue to apply what you have learned in your program throughout your career. We wish you continued success."
Flores studied nursing in the Philippines before attending GBC. Inspired by caring for her grandmother, she decided to pursue a career working with older adults, providing person-centered care in language and approaches and creating a warm environment. Flores graduated from the Recreation Management in Gerontology program in 2021.
"In my first year, I was able to do a placement in my current workplace and was able to see how gerontology and patient management worked in long-term care settings," Flores said.
"Follow your heart and always be kind to people. Simple greetings go a long way."
