ComForConnections: Aging and Home Care Podcast

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...

Focusing on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being can lead to a healthy and fulfilling life as we age. To pursue a path of positive aging, it is important to have support and resources, such as access to health care, social connections, and opportunities for continued learning and engagement. Aging Services Professionals are key members in the positive aging journey of older adults, as they can help older adults stay activ...

Building and retaining a strong team is one of the most critical challenges in the aging services sector. As professionals committed to delivering high-quality care, we understand that our success is deeply rooted in the dedication and commitment of our staff. However, with turnover rates reaching an alarming 82% for home health aides and personal care aides, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the stakes have never b...

Transitioning into a new living situation for older adults can bring about a number of symptoms that can be complicated by chronic diseases, cognitive impairment, dementia, mobility, and sensory deficits. Understanding the causes of Relocation Stress Syndrome and strategies to better support individuals experiencing it will ensure a better quality of life and a successful transition.

Tune in to this masterclass; Colleen Toebe, Path...

For individuals living with dementia, everyday activities have a major impact on their brain function, behavioral responses, functional abilities and sense of well-being. When it comes to home care, having a person-centered approach to care can make a big difference in overall outcomes.

As a philosophy of care built around the needs of the individual, person-centered care calls for the caregivers to develop a respectful interperson...

Restorative care is part of an ongoing nursing model and often follows rehabilitation. Licensed staff and professional caregivers provide restorative care to preserve a person’s optimum level of functioning and independence, which makes living their day-to-day lives as comfortable as possible.

Implementing restorative care into daily routines is essential for maintaining and improving function as individuals age. Restorative care...

As the U.S. population ages, the prevalence of disability and functional limitations and the demand for long-term services and supports (LTSS) will increase. In fact, according to a report from the University of Michigan, 88% of older adults ages 50 to 80 feel it’s important to remain in their homes for as long as possible. Unfortunately, many homes are not designed to safely age in place, especially for those living with chronic c...

Did you know? Approximately 6.5 million individuals are living with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other forms of dementia in the U.S. With the aging population on the rise, so too is the prevalence of these conditions. Because of the increasing number of cases, it's more important than ever to be aware of the latest facts, figures, and best practices. The more information we learn, the better-prepared professionals in Aging Services...

Did you know that even though there are already currently over 50 million people on the planet living with dementia, that number is anticipated to surge to 131 million by 2050? Because of staggering health increases like this one, it's imperative to adopt evidence-based approaches aimed at improving the quality of life for those under our care. This involves offering comprehensive training and resources to ensure optimal care provi...

Are you aware of the distinctions between the services offered by in-home care and medical home health providers? According to a Johns Hopkins study, approximately 25 million older Americans depend on home-based services as they age in place.

Whether it's aiding with daily activities, providing wound care, or offering therapy for functional recovery, each service plays a crucial role in the continuum of care. This understanding is ...

Many older adults make significant life decisions in crisis moments — but many don’t realize that doing this could harm their well-being. That’s because making rash decisions typically involves a lack of resources, information, and tools needed to make the best choices.

In today’s episode, we’re shining some light on the subject of ‘Smart Aging’ education for older adults and caregiving teams. Get ready to delve into the impactful ...