ComForConnections: Aging and Home Care Podcast

For more than 35 years, David Troxel has helped shape the way caregivers understand dementia and what it takes to build real connections. In this episode, he and host Tiffany Robinson explore why social history matters, what trust-building looks like in practice, and how caregivers can create therapeutic moments every day.

• How the Best Friends™ Approach strengthens...

Compassion is a central skill in dementia care. In this episode, host Tiffany Robinson speaks with Ellen Belk, founder of Keep In Mind, Inc., about how caregivers can build trust, why developing dementia-friendly communication skills is important, and how to connect with the heart and soul of every person living with cognitive decline.

• Why compassion is a foundatio...

When caregivers learn to move smarter, everyone benefits. In this episode of ComForConnections, occupational therapist Carol Chiang, founder of Evolving Homes, shares practical ways to protect caregiver health, prevent client falls, and build confidence for aging in place. Carol and host Tiffany Robinson discuss small shifts in technique, communication, and mindset that keep both caregivers and clients thriving.

As America's population ages, long-term care is becoming one of the most urgent challenges of our time. In this episode of ComForConnections, host Tiffany Robinson speaks with Nora Super, former Executive Director of the White House Conference on Aging and advisor to the Reframing Aging Initiative. Together, they explore the changing demographics of aging, the rising costs of care, and what it means for the families and professiona...

Technology can be a powerful ally for caregivers, from fall detection to daily check-ins. In this episode of ComForConnections, host Tiffany Robinson talks with Nancy Griffin, founder of Glowing Older, about how AgeTech is transforming caregiving. Learn how innovation is expanding independence and giving caregivers new tools to provide safer, smarter support.

• How A...

What does it mean to age alone, and how can professionals and caregivers provide meaningful support? In this episode, Tiffany Robinson is joined by Steve Gurney, founder of the Positive Aging Sourcebook, to explore solo aging, empathy in caregiving, and building strong support networks for older adults without family nearby.

• Why advance care planning is especially ...

When dementia enters a family's life, the path forward can feel uncertain, overwhelming, and lonely. But with the right information and a strong sense of empathy, families can build confidence and connection, even in the hardest moments.

In this episode of ComForConnections, host Tiffany Robinson sits down with dementia care advocate Lori La Bey, founder of Alzheimer's Speaks and DementiaMap.com. Drawing from decades of lived and p...

Parkinson's disease affects more than 10 million people worldwide, and the numbers are rising. But new research suggests the disease is not only treatable, it may be largely preventable. In this episode, Tiffany Robinson talks with Dr. Michael Okun, one of the world's leading authorities on Parkinson's, about environmental risk factors, practical prevention steps, and the vital role caregivers play in maintaining dignity and qualit...

When a paid caregiver steps in, family dynamics shift, and so can emotions. How can families and professionals work together as a unified team? In this episode, caregiving advocates Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster share lessons from their personal journeys and nonprofit work on how to build healthier, more collaborative caregiving relationships.

Whether you're a family member who's used to doing it all, or a professional stepping into ...

How do you care for a parent who doesn't want your care? This heartfelt and deeply practical conversation with Dr. Barry Jacobs, a clinical psychologist and national caregiving expert, dives into one of the most common and painful challenges families face: resistance. Whether you're already a caregiver or preparing for that role, this episode offers validation, expert advice, and hope.

Whether you’re preparing meals for an aging parent or supporting a senior client, this episode offers simple, science-backed advice you can start using today.

Host Tiffany Robinson welcomes Dr. Joan Salge Blake, a nationally recognized nutrition professor and podcast host, for a practical and insightful conversation about senior nutrition. Together, they explore how caregivers can better support older adults through thoughtful meal...

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, roughly 12% to 18% of people aged 60 or older are living with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). This condition represents an early stage of memory loss or decline in other cognitive abilities, such as language or visual/spatial perception, in individuals who still have the capability to carry out most activities of daily living independently. It is crucial for caregivers and aging services p...

Infection prevention is of the utmost importance in all health care settings, but it holds particular significance in home care. The home serves as a sanctuary for vulnerable individuals, where they can receive the care they need while minimizing their exposure to infectious agents. By placing a strong emphasis on infection prevention measures within the home, caregivers can effectively reduce the risk of hospitalizations, emergenc...

Over the years, the healthcare and aging services sectors have witnessed a drop in retention rates across their teams. The estimated cost of caregiver turnover for home care agencies averages $171,600 per year. The Society for Human Resource Management reports that replacing an employee can cost an employer six to nine months of the employee's annual salary. For specialized healthcare professionals, this cost can rise to as much as...

Approximately 6.5 million individuals in the U.S. are living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. As the population ages, the prevalence of these conditions continues to rise. For professional caregivers and aging services professionals, understanding Alzheimer’s and implementing best practices for person-centered care is crucial.

In today’s ComForConnections episode, we are joined by Dr. Heather McKay, Occupationa...

Providing a solid system of ongoing education and verification of competencies is essential for quality care, client satisfaction, and caregiver success. From determining the proper process to measure staff competency to identifying educational resources to support employee knowledge and expertise, this process needs to be user-friendly and mindful of everyone involved.

Tune into our latest ComForConnections Masterclass episode, wh...

Integrative palliative care is an approach to medicine that combines palliative medicine with integrative medicine to create a whole-person care approach for individuals suffering serious illness. This evidence-supported and comprehensive approach to care utilizes numerous tools and beliefs that enhance the work of Aging Services Professionals as they help families and patients navigate the intricacies of home care. 

This episode e...

End-of-life care is a critical aspect of the aging journey, as it focuses on providing comfort, dignity, and support to every individual. It involves complex emotional, physical, and spiritual approaches to care, depending on each individual's needs. For Aging Services Professionals, it is essential to be well-prepared to address any concerns clients may have as they navigate care options. 

This episode covers issues concerning med...

According to a 2021 AARP survey, 77% of adults aged 50 and older wish to remain in their homes for the long term. However, despite this desire to age in place, a 2018 survey by HomeAdvisor reported that only 40% of homeowners aged 55 and older had made home modifications to make their homes safer and more accessible.

Tune into our latest ComForConnections episode and delve into effective strategies and best practices for Aging Serv...