INSIGHT & PODCAST RESOURCES FOR LEADERS IN AGING

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.

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By placing a strong emphasis on infection prevention measures within the home, caregivers can effectively reduce the risk of hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and other healthcare interventions. This improves health outcomes and enhances the overall quality of life for those under their care. Tune into our ComForConnections recast episode, Best Practice Considerations for Infection Prevention in the Home Setting, where Susan LaGrange from Pathway Health, and Tiffany Robinson from ComForCare, will dive into the education, training, and robust protocols that professional caregivers should consider to support a healthy environment.

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Over the years, the healthcare and aging services sectors have witnessed a drop in retention rates across their teams. According to the Activated Insights 2024 Benchmarking Report, staff turnover rates have increased by over 12% in the past two years, reaching 79.2% industry-wide. Nearly four out of every five new employees leave within the first 100 days of employment.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Infection prevention is of the utmost importance in all health care settings, but it holds particular significance when it comes to 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.

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Did you know? One best practice approach for someone with dementia is person-centered dementia care, which prioritizes the individuals with dementia and their caregivers, placing them at the heart of care delivery. This method emphasizes a holistic perspective, aiming to maintain their overall well-being and enhance their quality of life.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Parkinson’s disease may paint a singular diagnosis, but its impacts are as diverse as the individuals themselves. Episode fourteen of the ComForConections podcast, “Strategies for Implementing Person-Centered Parkinson’s Care,” dives deep into approaches that tailor care to the unique needs, preferences, and aspirations of each person living with Parkinson's.

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Facing the reality of end-of-life care comes with a whirlwind of emotions. But within its twists and turns, there exists a source of comfort and support: home care’s vital role in hospice. Episode thirteen, “Best Practices Considerations: Home Care’s Supportive Role in Hospice Care,” opens a space for connection and empathy, providing guidance and compassionate insights for those working in the senior care industry.

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For those who’ve bravely served our nation, navigating post-service life can feel daunting. Episode twelve, “Understanding Home Care Benefits for Veterans,” shares the world of home care benefits specifically designed for veterans and their families.

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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.

Episode ten, “Aging Life Care Professionals & Impact on Care,” shines a spotlight on the invaluable allies in the senior care industry known as Aging Life Care Professionals (ALCP). Going beyond just senior care, we explore the multifaceted role ALCPs play in ensuring a smooth and fulfilling journey through aging.

Moving from one care setting to another, whether it’s assisted living or memory care, can be disruptive and even upsetting for seniors. Episode 9, “Strategies for Quality Transitions of Care,” allows you to understand the emotional and logistical challenges associated with care transitions, bridging the gap between old and new care settings to ensure seamless continuity of care.

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Fall prevention isn’t just about safety; it’s about maintaining independence and confidence. Episode eight, “Best Practices: Fall Prevention Strategies,” equips you with tips and proven methods to create a secure, supportive environment for your clients. Listen in and get ready to empower seniors to move through life with a newfound sense of assurance.

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“Nourishing Mind, Body, and Spirit in Aging,” episode seven, delves into holistic practices seniors can follow to care for their well-being. We go beyond the physical, nourishing the mind with intellectual pursuits, the body with gentle movement, and the spirit of meaningful connections. Tune in to learn how to nurture the whole person, mind, body, and spirit in aging.

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Discover how innovative tools can enhance safety and peace of mind in episode six, “Leveraging Technology for Fall Risk Detection.” We explore how cutting-edge advancements have paved the way for proactive care, ensuring your clients are safe from preventable falls that occur in the home.

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Episode five of our home care marketing podcast, “Strategies for Implementing Person-Centered Dementia Care,” unlocks the secrets to tailoring care to individual needs and fostering meaningful connections for those living with dementia. We go deeper than just medical management, giving you ways you can honor your clients’ individual preferences to create a truly personalized care experience.

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Episode four, “Frontotemporal Dementia: Best Practice Strategies,” tackles a lesser-known form of dementia, offering guidance and support for caregivers. We delve into misconceptions surrounding the disease, equipping you with practical tools and compassionate insight for optimal care.

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Unsure if in-home care or medical home health care is the right fit? Episode three, “Best Practice Considerations: In-Home Care vs. Medical Home Health,” breaks down the differences, empowering you to choose the perfect match for your career path.

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In episode two, “Alzheimer’s Facts, Figures, & Best Practices,” we explore the realities of Alzheimer’s care with empathy and equip you with practice strategies for support. We shed light on crucial information so you can care for your clients with confidence.

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