Empowering Professionals in Aging

Providing personal care for someone living with dementia—such as bathing, dressing, or grooming—can feel overwhelming at times. These hands-on tasks often bring unique challenges, from resistance and anxiety to communication barriers. Yet, with the right strategies, personal care can become a time of connection, dignity and comfort. In this podcast, explore practical approaches to delivering perso...

Belonging is a universal human need, yet many older adults face isolation, cultural disconnection, or barriers to fully participating in their communities. For professionals working with diverse older populations, creating a sense of belonging means recognizing unique cultural values, traditions and perspectives, and weaving them into the care experience. This podcast episode will explore how to f...

Our homes should be a place of comfort and security, especially as we age. Yet, many common household features can become safety hazards over time. In this podcast episode, we’ll take a virtual walk through the home, room by room, identifying risks and offering practical modifications that enhance safety, independence and peace of mind. From preventing falls in the bathroom to improving lighting i...

As individuals age, family relationships often shift—sometimes creating stress, misunderstandings, or conflict around care decisions. Older adults may find themselves at the center of complex family dynamics, especially when health or independence becomes a concern. This podcast episode explores how older adults and their families can work together to maintain respect, communication and mutual sup...

Winter weather can pose unique safety challenges for older adults, increasing the risk of falls and leaving individuals unprepared for emergencies. With proper planning, simple safety measures, and practical home modifications, many of these risks can be minimized. This podcast episode will provide professionals with tools and strategies to educate families and older adults about creating safer, m...

Caregiving can be deeply rewarding, but it often comes with physical and emotional challenges that may lead to burnout. This episode will explore how to assess caregiver needs, identify early signs of stress, and integrate self-care as a vital part of sustaining caregiving efforts. Listeners will gain practical strategies for managing stress, maintaining balance, and sharing these resources to bet...

Many people underestimate the costs associated with long-term care as they age, often assuming that Medicare will cover all their needs—a common misconception. This episode emphasizes the importance of planning to manage care expenses effectively. Listeners will explore various payment options, learn how to piece together multiple funding sources and gain insights into resources that can help ensu...

Enhancing the quality of life for individuals living with dementia begins with a person-centered approach to care. This podcast episode will explore strategies for tailoring care to meet the unique needs of people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, focusing on preserving dignity and enhancing quality of life. Listeners will gain insights into effectively managing dementia-related...

Today, scammers are more sophisticated than ever, and older adults are a common target of their deception. Consequently, older adults’ financial security and livelihood could be compromised. It also can take an emotional toll, causing distress, embarrassment and mistrust. Understanding the factors that put older adults at risk for fraud and scams can help loved ones to recognize vulnerabilities an...

As individuals age, they often face significant life changes and challenges, such as receiving health diagnoses, transitioning into retirement, relocating from their homes, losing a spouse, or accepting care and support. Adapting to these changes can be difficult, and many older adults struggle to embrace their new reality. This podcast episode will provide tools, resources and strategies to help...

There are a variety of areas where ethical issues can emerge when working with older adults: complex family dynamics, end-of-life wishes, preserving dignity and respect, promoting independence, and keeping the individual safe. When these issues arise, it can be challenging to navigate the best course of action. Learn about ethical principles that can guide professionals in the support of older adu...

Many families may not realize there is support available to older veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs. These Veterans Assistance (VA) benefits are not just helpful in easing the caregiving burden—they are well-earned by the men and women who have dedicated themselves to defending our country. Unfortunately, navigating the VA system and accessing these resources can be overwhelming....

The long-term memory of music is stored in one of the last parts of the brain to be affected by dementia. For that reason, music can be a powerful tool in caring for people living with dementia. Tune in to discover from board-certified music therapist Tara Jenkins how music can profoundly impact dementia care by fostering deep connections, reducing frustration, and enhancing the quality of life fo...

Most older adults want to age at home, in a place where they feel comfort and familiarity. But the reality is that to remain at home, they will need extra support. The options for care can be overwhelming and confusing, but with education, older adults and their families can find a solution that best fits them and their situation. Discover the options available to older adults needing help at home...

Providing care for a family member or loved one can be emotionally and logistically challenging, especially when family dynamics come into play. Even the most harmonious families can find themselves in challenging situations that can quickly escalate into disputes. As professionals, we can be called upon to help families navigate these challenges and provide an objective expert opinion. Join this...

While end-of-life discussions may be challenging, they are integral to honoring an individual's wishes and preserving their dignity. Listen to this podcast to unravel the often overlooked and misunderstood aspects of end-of-life, with a special focus on hospice care. Gain insights into crucial conversations and thoughtful planning essential for this stage of life. This episode aims to demysti...

November is National Family Caregiver Month, so it’s a great time to join our discussion about the evolving landscape of caregiving. We'll explore the latest trends, innovations and challenges faced by family caregivers today, providing valuable insights into the changing dynamics and support systems in caregiving. Whether you're a caregiver seeking information or a professional in the f...

Individuals are reimagining the concept of retirement, especially as people are living longer. Instead of traditional retirement activities, many go on to explore encore careers—distinctive career paths embarked upon in the second half of life. Listen to this podcast to learn more about the benefits of working after retirement and the opportunities that exist. Also discover how to navigate the exc...

The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, and we hear a lot about it. However, there are several types of dementia less likely to get the spotlight, but that still impact hundreds of thousands of individuals and their families. Join this webinar for an exploration of the lesser-known dementias. In this episode, we'll navigate the complexities of Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), Fronto...

Among the older adult population, there is a complex landscape of high-risk factors that can contribute to hospital readmissions. Listen to this podcast to explore strategies for securing support systems, particularly for individuals navigating five types of risk factors: memory issues, frequent falls, living alone, managing multiple chronic conditions, and multiple medications. Learn how to ident...

Recognizing the early signs of Alzheimer's disease is vital, especially for early detection and diagnosis. Frequently, family members are the first to notice these signs, but initiating a conversation about scheduling a doctor's appointment can be daunting. Overcoming resistance or denial can further complicate the situation post-diagnosis, leaving both the individual and their family un...

Access to proper nutrition can be a challenge for older adults due to a variety of factors. Compounding this issue is the fact that older adults are also at risk for isolation and loneliness. In this podcast episode, we tackle the pressing issues of loneliness and food insecurity in the older adult population. Learn how reaching out and fostering connections can have a significant impact on elders...

As dedicated professionals in the field working with older adults, it's crucial to discern and address ethical challenges as they surface, which can prove challenging. Various factors can make older adults vulnerable to abuse, neglect and ill intent, and ethical issues emerge in several areas: complex family dynamics, end-of-life wishes, preserving dignity and respect, promoting independence,...

Home is where many older adults wish to age. However, many homes are not set up as age-friendly environments. Aging in place at home can result in accidents and falls—more than one in four older adults falls each year. Listen to this podcast to learn more about key aspects of aging in place, emphasizing the significance of home safety and fall-prevention measures. Learn more about empowering older...

While our brain plays a crucial role as the command center of our body, it often doesn't receive the attention it deserves. As we age, the risk of cognitive impairment increases, but here's the good news—research indicates there is plenty we can do proactively to keep our brains sharp and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Listen to this episode to learn more about proactive strategie...