Empowering Professionals in Aging

Technology is affecting all areas of our lives and can benefit us in so many ways. More and more often we use technology in our homes for convenience, safety and entertainment. As individuals consider options for care and support as they age, it is important to understand how technology can play a role. Research shows that 90 percent of older adults prefer to age in place at home. Leveraging techn...

Interest in intimacy exists throughout the life span and should be supported in later life. This topic is often controversial and misunderstood in society and therefore, professionals and families are often reluctant to openly discuss. It is important to acknowledge that both emotional and physical intimacies are forms of how we all show love and caring, regardless of gender or sexual orientation....

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects more than 10 million people worldwide. With the progression of PD, care and support is likely needed, typically beginning at home. It is important for those providing care to have a solid understanding of PD symptoms and medication management, which plays a key role in managing symptoms. Also it is important to recognize th...

Technology plays an important role in supporting the needs of our aging population, but it does not replace the need for family support and professional care. There are many categories of technology that are quickly becoming a part of the care continuum, including virtual health and care-management platforms and wearables. The field of Gerontechnology is growing rapidly and it is a challenge for p...

Untreated mental health disorders can have a significant impact on older adults, such as social isolation, placement in long-term care facilities and high rates of suicide. Older adults who show signs of having a mental disorder are less likely than younger adults to receive mental health services, and when they do, they are less likely to receive care from a mental health specialist. Professional...

Knowing the warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease is important for early detection and diagnosis. Family members often are the first to notice the signs, but they may struggle with how to approach their loved one about scheduling a doctor’s appointment. Once they do broach the subject, they may be met with resistance or denial. When receiving an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, the individual and their famil...

In America today, the end of life is not something that is regularly discussed. Often, when faced with issues of mortality, people suffer needlessly for a variety of reasons, from cultural and clinical misunderstandings to matters of healthcare access. It is important for communities and healthcare systems to work together to improve end-of-life experiences and normalize end-of-life planning to en...

Many older adults take multiple medications for various chronic conditions and other health issues. Research conducted by Home Instead, Inc., indicates that as the number of prescription medications a person (ages 70 or older) takes increases, so do challenges with medication management and potential health risks.  In this episode we'll learn more from April Ibarra and Pharmacist Kyle Decker...

Today, helping families to create a personal road map for the future is more critical than ever. Most people understand the importance of planning for the future, but often avoid preparing a plan for aging until a crisis occurs. Mapping out the later stages of life provides older adults with more control and freedom. It also can help to ensure that their wishes are communicated, so when they need...