Archive for John’s Books

Aging and Elder Care: Time for Transformation

Posted on September 17, 2024 by

Aging and Elder Care: Time for Transformation highlights and explores the various issues related to aging, elder care, and caregiving. It advocates for a transformative shift in how society views and supports its elderly citizens, challenging ageism in care systems. Weaving together personal experiences, research, and activism, this book addresses the challenges and opportunities in providing care for aging individuals and proposes alternatives to the current systems of care in Canada and around the world. It aims to tell a “new story” that values the dignity of elders, promotes inclusion and belonging, and reimagines later life with purpose, meaningful social connections, and personalized support.

Within its fifteen chapters, Lord covers a variety of topics, including his personal perspectives and experiences, alternatives to the current care system such as community-based care, challenging ageism, emphasizing social relationships, and calling for society to shift its views on aging and elderly care. For instance, the book discusses Canada’s aging population and the need to address ageism and the broken elder care system (Chapter 1). It emphasizes the importance of anticipating future needs and fostering a culture of caregiving that values interdependence and community support (Chapter 2). The book also highlights the significance of social connections and belonging for elders’ well-being (Chapter 3).

Moreover, Lord explores the role of caregivers and the importance of reflecting on personal experiences to enhance caregiving (Chapters 4 and 5). He advocates for the integration of natural supports and community connections to improve elder care (Chapter 6). The need for home care reform and the benefits of community-based care are discussed, along with examples of successful alternatives from around the world (Chapters 7 and 9).

Other chapters delve into the healing power of nature (Chapter 8), the inner life and resilience of elders and caregivers (Chapter 10), and the creation of age-friendly communities (Chapter 11). The book also examines hospice and palliative care (Chapter 12), the complexities of medical assistance in dying (Chapter 13), and the need for personal, cultural, and political transformation in elder care (Chapter 14). Finally, it outlines strategies for leadership and advocacy to drive systemic change (Chapter 15).

Through Aging and Elder Care: Time for Transformation, readers are encouraged to reflect critically on the current state of elder care, be inspired to advocate for a more compassionate, inclusive, and person-centered future, and use the book as a resource to guide policy decisions that positively impact the aging population and society as a whole.

Facilitating an Everyday Life

Posted on March 7, 2012 by

Independent Facilitation and what really matters in a New Story

Independent facilitation frees facilitators to be dedicated to citizens who experience vulnerability because of labels, disability, chronic illness, poverty, or aging. Facilitators are independent of biases from others such as service systems and funding bodies.

Order the book here – http://www.inclusion.com/bkfacilitating.html

Independent facilitation puts belief and hope in community because that is where relationships and safeguards play out for all of us.

Independent facilitation builds resilience and capacity in individuals, families, and communities.

Independent facilitation flourishes when it is embedded in community, in facilitator networks, and is supported by local action and government policy.

This book is for people like us, people who want to make a difference, who want to feel free to be dedicated to a person; to citizens who experience vulnerability. People who want to use an effective process that is a change maker. Independent facilitation is an emerging craft. Facilitators in the New Story believe that community is always the answer. We reject approaches that do not lead people to relationships in their community. And while independent facilitation may touch the service system to access supports for a person, it is independent of agendas, expectations, and accountabilities of service systems.
John, Barbara & Charlotte

Pathways to Inclusion, 2e

Posted on March 4, 2011 by

This book is an examination of various perspectives on disability that provide insightful discussion on the current need for social innovation to move vulnerable citizens from areas of exclusion to social inclusion. It offers a straightforward approach to addressing the organizational strategies that have been used in the past and highlighting areas for change.

2nd Edition can be purchased here.

To order: Click on “Add to Shopping Cart” then click on “View Cart” to continue placing your order

Friends & Inclusion: Five Approaches to Building Relationships

Posted on November 7, 2010 by

This book is all about relationships and their importance in building an inclusive life! It’s that simple and that complex. But that is true for all of us; it takes work to build and sustain friendships. If you happen to experience a disability, building relationships must be more intentional. We all need to Belong. Peggy, John & Karen describe their personal search and exploration of five approaches to building the good life that Karen enjoys. Let Karen be your mentor. She has it figured out for herself – with a little help from her friends.

For more information check out Peggy Hutchison’s website.

Impact: Changing the Way We View Disability

Posted on July 1, 2010 by

This is a story of resilience and possibilities, as people with disabilities take charge of their own lives and work with others to create positive change in their community. This book highlights 25 years of the Independent Living movement in Canada. It shows how the move to citizenship and consumer direction has had an enormous impact on the lives of Canadians with disabilities.

Order the book here – http://www.ilcanada.ca/upload/documents/bilingual-book-order-form—2011.pdf