Read what people said about seminars and training by Diamond Geriatrics
“With compassion, and in an engaging and practical way, Peter Silin shared his professional expertise related to taking on caregiving in today’s world in a September 2015 invited panel session at Financial Forum 5, a conference for practitioners and researchers in family finance. Peter addressed the issues associated with caregiving: the implications of taking on care, planning for both the caregiver and the person being cared for, and where to find resources in the community. Participants especially appreciated his presentation because it touched them on two levels – professionally and personally.”
Karen A. Duncan, PhD, PHEc
Associate Professor | Department of Community Health Sciences | Faculty of Health Sciences | University of Manitoba
“Your presentation on the implications of aging and elder care at our annual Symposium was one of the top – rated presentations…. I know our members would welcome the opportunity to hear your message again.”
JS
“I thought your seminar was wonderful! If anything, I think people would have liked your presentation to be longer… I will most definitely recommend you to my (Colleagues)”
(Name/Initials withheld due to company policy)
“Thank you very much for your informative session today. For me it was realizing the difference between dementia and delirium as my mom has UTI and thyroid issues.
I am going to be asking more questions of her other caregivers too… (Our employee benefits coordinator) said it was a good class and we can encourage staff to request another session…”
KM
“Your presentation was very well received and of terrific value to the packed room.”
CM, Organizer, Aging Revolution
“The Family members loved you and were so pleased you came.”
PK, Administrator
“The presentation was highly informative and captivating. You have a way of making complex concepts totally understandable to people who have not had the depth of your experience in navigating the health care and housing systems. I hope we can have you come back in the near future.”
Susan Borax
Good Riddance Professional Organizing Solutions
“I would like to thank you for the outstanding presentation on Monday Sept 29th . I have had an opportunity to speak with most of the people who attended… Everyone…. really thought your presentation was outstanding. The feedback was that you are a thoughtful, and very caring person who is in the right profession. The information was clearly laid out, and easy to apply to our situations. The staff found your stories varied and informative. They all felt this was a great session, time well spent and very appreciative of the training. Everyone said they came away with new and interesting ideas and ways of handling situations…. “
Joni Vajda, Outreach Co-ordinator, 2014
Personal Finance
Transitions of the elderly
Successful change depends on one’s freedom to choose
Winnipeg Free Press
Fri Nov 10 2006Do I go or do I stay?
Should I wait another day?
The house is so comfy, I love it quite clearly.
My things and my treasures I’m devoted to dearly.
My books and my paintings, my living room chairs,
my oversized bed and my tables in pairs.
So many memories spread over the years, so many laughs, a sprinkling of tears.
It takes courage to leave all that good stuff behind me…That’s a poem written by a woman named Ruth. She was quoted in a sensitive and informative book by Peter S. Silin, a geriatric social worker in Vancouver.
The book is called, Nursing Homes — The Family’s Journey. It is subtitled, A guide to making decisions as a family, choosing a facility, and getting the best possible care.Mr. Silin presented last month at the annual symposium of the Institute for Advanced Financial Planning. Although there were in-depth presentations on tax, estate planning, investment portfolio construction, collaborative divorce, mediation and domestic law, it was Mr. Silin’s talk on aging and eldercare that struck me as being the most profoundly important for financial planners and the general public.
Life expectancies are increasing annually. That’s the good news. A consequence is the strain this is putting on the healthcare system, on the services for older people and on the families, as we strive to improve the quality of life for the people in their later years.
Mr. Silin talked about successful transitions having the characteristics of choice, being based on the older person’s own timing, and clarity about the unknown. However, he also spoke of the need to push, sometimes, when change is clearly needed.
He talked about aging as often characterized by loss. These losses can include family, friends, social network, career, previous roles, sensory abilities, mobility, memory, balance and other bodily functions. He mentioned taste and smell, two senses I had not previously considered.
While these potential losses are not all common to all people as they age, any loss engenders a process of grief. This grieving process needs to be acknowledged, as if un addressed, grief can lead to depression and a host of other problems.
The challenge for families is that they, in many cases, have to become experts in this area while, at the same time, there are so many other demands on their time. There appear to be relatively few resources available. In Vancouver, Mr. Silin’s company, Diamond Geriatrics Inc., provides counselling, consulting and care management in the eldercare area….
Mr. Silin’s book is published by the Johns Hopkins University Press, www.press.jhu.edu. or www.nursinghomesbook.com.
David Christianson is a fee-only financial planner and investment counsel with Wellington West Total Wealth Management Inc. dchristianson@wellwest.ca.
“With respect to your topic in particular, the registrants singled it out as one of the most valuable aspects of the course. It was an excellent new perspective for us to hear…”
Continuing Legal Education Society of BC
“Your presentation (to the Continuing Legal Education Society of B.C. course) was excellent and your materials will no doubt be useful to others that read the package….”
Hugh S. McLellan
“I’m writing to thank you for the excellent and inspiring workshop you presented on Saturday March 28 [2009]. I didn’t know about consulting companies such as yours but I’m very pleased to learn about this kind of help.”
“I am a professional financial planner who specializes in helping people prepare financially for retirement. Over the years I have come to realize that I need to address the social needs as well as the financial needs of my clients in their senior years.
I have heard Peter Silin speak on two occasions to professional groups of financial planners. He is an excellent speaker with an important message about eldercare. He delivers his message by telling stories of seniors who have to cope with the challenges of dealing with health issues and the need for assisted living. Peter has also written a book on this subject that I found to be very informative and thought provoking. I would recommend anyone in the eldercare profession to engage Peter’s services.”
Brian W. Goss B.Ed., CFP, R.F.P.
Financial Planner
February 5, 2007
“Peter’s material brought a true depth and practical value to employees. His presentations met their concerns and helped them to navigate the health care system for the elderly. I cannot overstate the range of Peter’s help for those who needed the best information quickly and succinctly. The information was so well received that it was distributed across the country.”
Paul Albert
Employee Assistance Programme Coordinator
Canada Border Services Agency , Vancouver
Thank you again for taking the time to speak to the Council last night. I thought it was very well received. Well done.
JMB
“Further to our post-dinner conversation last night, I’m writing to tell you how much I enjoyed Peter Silin’s talk on facility selection for elder care.
Too many times, I find, modern presentations are overly reliant on slides and visuals which become crutches rather than enhancements. Recently for example, I attended a two-hour presentation which comprised essentially of putting up a slide, reading the headline, reading the bullets, and putting up the next slide, etc. Ones whole being screams to be released from the torture, and simply have the handouts mailed out instead. Very interestingly, last night, while Peter had slides, I don’t recall looking at them more than a few seconds two or three times. His speaking was that engaging. What I think made his talk so effective was his obvious passion for the field and the very real care he clearly felt for the travails of older people. Being a practitioner in financial planning field, I especially appreciated the “war stories” from the field; they make any talk much more effective. I did NOT expect to enjoy that presentation, but was very pleasantly surprised to find that I didn’t look at my watch once!”
Anonymous feedback IAFP
“Hello Peter, Thank you for presenting to my clients today. The evaluation forms indicate that all attending were very impressed by your talk today.. Perhaps we can arrange to have you back in the months ahead to complete another luncheon presentation.”
Terry Fahr
Investment Advisor
RBC Dominion Securities
“I have been thoroughly impressed with the professionalism of Peter and, more importantly, his compassion in dealing with difficult and sensitive client issues. I have had the privilege of attending seminars where Peter has been a guest speaker and have found his discussions extremely interesting and thought provoking. Because of one of his presentations, I changed the way I have worked with my senior clients and found that I am able to deal with their challenges in a much more respectful and constructive manner. I believe that everyone dealing with aging parents or clients to seek out Mr. Silin’s services.”
Debra J.P. Thomas
Executive Trust Officer
TD Waterhouse Private Trust
“I was very impressed with your presentation and knowledge. I will keep you in mind when my clients require your services.”
Sonja Peacock
axionet.com
“Peter, thanks again for a great presentation today. (Your) presentation to Canadian Association of Pre retirement Planners-BC provided valuable, up-to-date information that greatly assists professionals and their clients in understanding the intricacies of home- and long-term care. It’s terrific knowing a resource…who is available to help deal with such a difficult situation.”
Erika Penner, CFP, FICB, PRP, FDS
Certified Financial Planner
Professional Retirement Planner
Financial Divorce Specialist
“As one of several presenters, Peter’s ability to deliver complex information was excellent. He was on time and in sync with his visual presentation. His relaxed style and at times jovial personality engaged his audience. Great value!”
Nigel Brown, Principal – Life Planning Matters
“Thanks very much for your presentation on mental health and aging to our …group last week!
The group commented that they found your presentation full of useful information and your presentation style kept them interested and engaged.
Thanks! I look forward to working with you again.”
MS
“Peter has most generously volunteered his services for the St.Vincent’s & Holy Family Health Care Foundation’s by speaking on health related topics important to seniors at the Healthy Aging Seminars. His presentations were truly professional and engaging.”
Ann Corrigan
Chief Executive Officer
St. Vincent’s & Holy Family Health Care Foundation
(now known as Tapestry Foundation for Health Care)
“The presentation was great for me, and the book will be great for our clients. We are ordering 10 more.
Cheers, “Dave Chistianson
Wellington West
Total Wealth Management
