ComForConnections: Aging and Home Care Podcast

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...

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 th...

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...

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...

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, especia...

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-prepa...

Infection prevention in all care settings is important; however, in a home care setting, it can be especially important for safeguarding the health and well-being of vulnerable individuals living with compromised immune systems, chronic illnesses, or other health conditions that make them more susceptible to infections. Preventing infections at home helps minimize the need for hospitalizations, em...

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 res...

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 contin...

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...

Professional caregivers wear numerous hats, and that’s because they do so much more than only look after their patients. In fact, professional caregivers provide support in a number of ways, including monitoring their patients’ health, creating a safer environment, providing friendship and companionship, allowing respite for the families of their patients, and so much more.  In today’s episode, yo...

Parkinson's disease (PD) affects nearly 1 million people in the U.S. and is projected to rise to 1.2 million by 2030. It is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease, following Alzheimer's disease, and sees nearly 90,000 new diagnoses in the U.S. each year. Today’s episode follows a recent panel where a veteran caregiving executive and Parkinson’s Care expert shares her insights on the late...

Did you know that in-home care providers play an important role in supporting patients receiving hospice care? In fact, professional caregivers, who are both highly trained and compassionate, offer a range of non-medical services.  These services include assistance with ADLs and support for the family during this time, enabling them to dedicate time and attention to their loved one during their en...

When it comes to Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), the Homemaker and Home Health Aide Care Benefit, offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), plays a crucial role in supporting the well-being and independence of eligible Veterans.  Through this benefit, individuals receive essential assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and light...

Technology is playing an increasing role in the care management of older adults. When it comes to medication self-management, there are several challenges, especially when managing polypharmacy for chronic conditions.  Research shows that polypharmacy not only increases the risk of harmful drug interactions but also leads to adverse drug effects, which may include falls, cognitive impairment, and...

In the journey of aging, having the right support system can make a significant difference in the quality of life an individual will experience. While many might consider the aging journey only for the older adult, caregivers embark on a journey of their own as they constantly learn ways to better support their loved one’s care needs. However, situations can quickly become stressful during an emer...

A successful transition of care process that starts with good planning and communication is essential for quality care and the prevention of unnecessary hospital readmissions.  Join us for a dynamic discussion that covers multi-setting hospital readmission measures, the importance of identification of change of condition and best practice approaches that can lead to successful outcomes! Listen to...

Falls affect the quality of life of all individuals, especially older adults. As we get older, age-related changes increase the risk of injury from falls, limiting activities and social engagements, and resulting in physical decline and more complex conditions. As the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among adults 65 and older, falls carry a heavy impact in how older adults approach the...

Research has shown that food holds cultural and emotional significance for older adults, contributing to their overall well-being in old age. Meals are not solely about fulfilling physical hunger; they encompass social, emotional, and cultural dimensions that play a crucial role in promoting the holistic well-being of older adults.  Proactive efforts to promote healthy and enjoyable meal experienc...

As the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among adults aged 65 and older, falls result in more than 3 million injuries treated in emergency departments annually, including over 800,000 hospitalizations. According to the National Council on Aging, 60% of falls happen in the home, 30% in a public setting, and 10% in a health care center. With or without injury, falls highly influence an in...

It is estimated that more than 50 million people worldwide are living with dementia, and this number is expected to increase rapidly to 131 million by 2050. As aging services professionals, it is important to implement evidence-based strategies to enhance the quality of life of individuals under our care and provide training and resources to provide the best care possible.  One of these strategies...

Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) is the most common form of dementia for individuals under 60, impacting roughly 50,000 people in the U.S. However, experts consider that number to be a vast undercount because of how challenging it can be to diagnose.  FTD is a progressive disease, and the progression length varies from 2 to over 20 years. In the early stages, people may have just one symptom. As the...

Did you know there are differences between the services provided by in-home care and medical home health providers? A study by Johns Hopkins shows that about 25 million older Americans rely on home-based services as they age in place.  From assistance with activities of daily living to wound care and therapy to regain one’s functional status, each plays an essential role in the care continuum. Esp...

Millions of Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or other dementias. As the size of the U.S. population aged 65 and older continues to grow, so too will the number and proportion of Americans with AD or other dementias.   Listen to this educational podcast for aging services professionals to learn more about the following: The Alzheimer's Association's - Alzheimer's Disease: Facts an...

Listen to our new educational podcast for aging services professionals, ComForConnections. As an aging services professional, staying up-to-date can be daunting, especially in the dynamic care continuum. That is why we have designed our episodes for busy professionals, like you, who are deeply passionate about providing the best care possible to older adults. In our upcoming episodes, you will hea...