Seniors STRAIGHT Talk: Recent Episodes
Phyllis Ayman, MS/SLP, CDP, CADDCT, CDCM, CMDCP
Seniors STRAIGHT Talk, formerly Voices For Eldercare Advocacy, is rebranding with expanded content and topics. The podcast will continue to highlight the all-important relevant issues for seniors, their families, loved ones and the population at large, who ultimately are our future selves. Through informative and engaging conversations with thought leaders, professionals, and individuals who share their experiences, listeners will gain insights and information that will be meaningful for their everyday lives. Phyllis’ expertise captures the essence of the topic of the day and translates it into relevant discussion that provides insight into everyday problems. As we transition into elderhood, which Phyllis calls the third act of life, seniors are entitled to have a quality and fulfilling life with dignity, respect and purpose no matter the age, condition or living environment. Seniors STRAIGHT Talk is available to listen and download on all your favorite podcast platforms.
Are you reluctant to ASK because you fear rejection? Have you asked and been rejected? That's happened to all of us at one time or another.
Mark Victor Hansen coauthor of The Chicken Soup for The Soul books series ultimately turned into huge worldwide success setting record book sales of over 500M and more than 100 licensed products.
But it wasn't an easy journey. The book was turned down by publishers 144 times until one publisher finally agreed to take it on.
Through all those failures, it was wisdom received from Ross Perot that became the backbone of their future success. That within each rejection lies an opportunity to learn, refine, and improve your story and the way you tell it. That could be a guiding mantra for any of us.
It takes practice, determination, grit and the willingness to ASK. Ask is the basis of the learning, refinement and opportunities to improve your story and way you tell it.
In his book ASK: The Bridge from Your Dreams to Your Destiny, cowritten with wife Crystal Dwyer Hansen he tells us that your dreams can become your destiny when you learn the secret art of asking!
Hansen says, “You were born with a destiny. Your job is to discover it. Know exactly how to ask for what you want and get it.” There is an art and science to asking. A language that you have to master in order for the Universe to deliver your desires.
Many older adults have untapped, buried, or undiscovered dreams or desires. They deserve to live a purposeful and fulfilled life in their Elderhood years.
Mark Victor Hansen in his book ASK can show you the way.
The Medicare Enrollment period began October15 and continues until December 7th. For many of us the choices seem complicated, especially as we are bombarded with information, robocalls, and television commercials featuring high profile figures, actors, etc. The situation is ripe for people with less than honest intentions. Scammers seek to take advantage of the confusion and successfully dupe older adults out of millions of dollars each year. Where do you turn to get reliable information? Ari Parker has an extremely simple way of explaining it all. He breaks down the supplemental Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans in such simple terms, you'll wonder why it needs to be so complicated. Almost half of the 65 million people who have Medicare coverage also carry private insurance through Medicare Advantage Plans as an alternative to depending on government insurance alone. These plans are supposed to cover at least what Medicare covers which is up to 100 days of skilled nursing home care each year. However, these private plans can make their own decisions on how much nursing home care they are willing to cover.. But is that really clear when you' purchase a Medicare Advantage Plan? And while it all seems rosy when you purchase a plan, there are difficulties people encounter once they have to use the plan benefits. Here's an example that may give you pause for thought when looking into a Medicare Advantage Plan. The plans have a practice of ending coverage for nursing home and rehabilitation services before the person is ready to return home.
When people are covered by traditional Medicare, the facility determines when the patient is ready to return home. With Medicare Advantage plans, the plan decides.
Therefore, when ending coverage for someone earlier than they are ready, the person and their family can be faced with serious decisions as to whether to take the chance to appeal the decision or remain in the setting possibly amassing thousands of dollars in medical bills. Whose interest does this serve? Certainly not the patient.
This situation can be very stressful for a family already stressed with their loved one’s condition.
The federal government pays Medicare Advantage a set amount on a monthly basis for each person enrolled in the plan, regardless of how much care the person needs or receives. One could not help but think that this model provides an incentive for insurance companies to deny access to services and payment in order to increase their profits. That most probably isn’t new news to anyone.
Listen in to hear Ari discuss this situation and others so that you are making an informed decision about medical care for you or your loved one.
Weigh In.... ...What Does the International Day of Older Persons Mean to You? ...What are your beliefs about aging....About older people? ...Do You think we value and respect older adults in the US? ...How do you feel about growing older in our society? ...Do you think it's time that older adults receive dignity, respect, quality of life and quality of care? On December 4 1990 the United Nations General Assembly designated Oct 1st to be the International Day of Older Persons.The overarching theme for the United Nations International Day of Older Persons in 2022 is “Resilience of Older Persons in a Changing World. In doing so, The United Nations is marking the International Day of Older Persons for encouraging countries to draw attention to and challenge negative stereotypes and misconceptions about older adults and aging, enabling older adults to continue their life's journey with purpose, quality of life, dignity and respect. According to the UN chief, Ending ageism and securing the rights of older persons is an ethical and practical imperative.. He urged the need to address this as a violation of human rights and called for greater legal guarantees of equality for older persons to prevent ageism from resulting in discriminatory policies, laws and treatment. The World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledging that there is worldwide and widespread negative attitudes towards older adults and has called out these ageist attitudes, as it's widely known that these attitudes are detrimental to the older person's self-esteem, self-worth, physical and mental health.
John Beard, the director of the World Health Organization, of Ageng and Life Course, stated in a news release that, “Most people are completely unaware of the subconscious stereotypes they hold about older people, He further states that when we can stop defining people by their age, we can have more prosperous, equitable and healthier societies.”
Jesse Fiedor's story is nothing short of miraculous an inspirational. Curing himself of an epilepsy so severe that he was given a prognosis of an early an untimely death, he went on to achieve his dream job, travelled the world, became a millionaire, wrote a book and is pursuing a feature film based on his life story.
Living without purpose, a job, friends, education, or meaning he became suicidal. Ultimately this is a story about finding a faith, purpose, and will to live so strong that he cured himself of a crippling epilepsy. Jesse Fiedor is considered a medical miracle.
I was proud to highlight his work on the NBC groundbreaking and iconic The Golden Girls particularly since I refer to it often. Golden Girls, a sitcom ahead of its time. NBC took a chance on a show celebrating single older women living together dealing with issues not often addressed on TV at that time. A topic that needs more attention to this day.
The conversation during the second segment turned to his life, his miraculous cure from crippling epilepsy, his grit, unwavering determination, relentless spirit, in order to pursue his life long goals and dreams.
Jesse's story inspired me as I hope it does you. I left the conversation feeling a renewed energy level and a mindset shift as I thought about the my own issues and challenges. It's a must listen for anyone who has disability or doubts, unfulfilled hopes or dreams.
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, self-esteem is a confidence and satisfaction in oneself. It's a realistic respect or a favorable impression of oneself, a view of ones' accomplishments, capabilities, values and perceived success in the ability to live up to them. A healthy self-esteem reflects positively on our wellbeing. But, when we have low self-esteem, it can be destructive to our lives, our relationships, our health and wellbeing; it can be a painful existence. Sociologist Morris Rosenberg developed a self-esteem measure, (known by the acronym RSES) that's used widely in social science research. It uses a 0-30 scale where any score below 15 is indicative of problems with self-esteem.
It's no secret that many of us suffer from low self-esteem. It's not only based on our own opinions and beliefs but can be an accumulation of our experiences and people who impact our lives, from our family to friends and professional relationships. Self-esteem can also suffer as we lose the roles we fulfilled throughout our lives, for example, when we leave our professions, our children leave our home, we lose a spouse, we lose a person we've been caring for, especially an older parent.
Clarissa Burt understands the destructive impact poor self-esteem can have on well being. She embarked on a journey to examine the roots and devise an action plan so that anyone can rebuild their self-esteem in order to become the confident person they were meant to be. You deserve to Look good and Feel Good, Right Now!!.
Whether or not you have a healthy self-esteem, I guarantee that merely listening to Clarissa Burt will have you experiencing an energy level that will have you feeling transformed.
What are resident’s rights? All nursing home residents have certain rights and protections under Federal and state law, the purpose of which is to ensure they provide necessary and needed care and services. The law requires that nursing homes “promote and protect the rights of each resident”, stressing individual dignity and self-determination. In addition, there are many states that also include residents’ rights in their state laws or regulations.
October is an important month for Nursing Home Residents….it is Resident Rights Month. So what are residents rights in a nursing home?
Prior to or upon the time of admission, the nursing home must tell you about these rights and explain them in writing in a language you understand. A resident or the resident's representative must acknowledge that these rights were explained, received and understood in writing.
Litigating and winning cases throughout Arizona, Martin J. Solomon is an expert in this area. He's worked with thousands of families and has seen the upside and downsides of care situations.
In this episode, Martin Solomon lays out what families and loved ones need to know from the time of hospitalization up to and including the nursing home stay.
From hospitalization to the nursing home stay, family advocacy is critical to ensuring adequate care. The truth is, even in the best of circumstances, this is not always successful.
If you have a loved one in a nursing home, is the nursing home acknowledge, celebrate or inform residents that October as Residents Rights Month? If not, feel free to contact the Administrator, social worker, or other important nursing home personnel and insist they inform residents and their families about nursing home resident rights month and inform them what those rights are.
Like so many advocates, Nancy came to this space after caring for her parents in their advanced years. However, a family history steeped in loss from an early age prepared her than most. She was already well advised about knowing the important information, where to find said information and how to proceed in the difficult medical situations that arise.
But what she was not necessarily prepared for was discovering systemic missteps that unintentionally occurred as her parents aged. In the process she was able to save her parents over $200,000/year, unraveling financial, legal, medical and homecare fraud and abuse.
Nancy's view of her role of family caregiver is one worth hearing. She was able to apply the lessons she learned from her entrepreneurial father with her own corporate experience to approach the caregiving role like a CEO of a small business.
No doubt the caregiving experience takes its emotional and psychological toll. Adopting a CEO mindset can be helpful in organizing all that needs to be done and remaining calm amidst the myriad of medical care and logistic decisions that need to be made.
Nancy is not only an advocate but a role model for caregivers.
It's likely that when we hear the expression living our best selves we think of it in terms of our physical, mental and even spiritual well-being. According to Lauren Solomon it has a broader meaning. Lauren essentially took everything her mother taught her about clothing and design and made it a life's work. But she's also taken it to another level. She helps people understand that is not only about your image but it has a lot to do with how you feel about yourself and the response you receive from others. Self-confidence is certainly an important part of well-being. But this episode's story about well-being extends beyond Lauren's profession. Her story of how and where she worked took a turn in 2020, as it did for many of us.. Lauren has a family and older parents who needed her during the pandemic. Fortunately, the nature of her business allowed her to pick up and move across the country when her family needed her most. It was during this time that her mother's medical condition became a serious concern. Several specialists later, a condition she lived with for many years finally received the attention it needed. But it also meant her mother had to change basic habits: what she ate and how she ate. Habits are difficult to change, a habit as basic of how we eat takes painstaking work and the help of others. The remarkable story of where Lauren's mother is now, as compared to where she was prior to discovering and understanding her condition, and making the needed changes, is a prime example of what's possible with the commitment to do the work in order to sustain Healthy Aging at any age.
The horrific bicycle accident that almost killed Ron gold 11 years ago changed the course of his life. The out of control car that hit Ron while riding his bicycle left him in a coma for a period of time and in intensive care for 2 months. Once out of the coma and stable enough to leave the hospital, he was transferred to a rehabilitation hospital where he remained until he completed the in-patient rehabilitation course of treatment. Of course, Ron had continuing physical and medical needs and challenges, many of which were extensive. What Ron and his wife discovered was that the guidelines in the traditional home health care system were limiting his ability to have his needs met in the most expeditious and financially expedient fashion. This prompted Ron and his wife to develop a system that bypasses some of the guidelines that traditional home health care agencies need to follow. Ron found a solution that changes how families hire home health aides. As someone who needs home care himself each day, Ron’s answer was to create LeanOnWe, a managed marketplace that allows families to find, employ, and manage experienced and highly recommended caregivers outside of the traditional home health care system.Ron and his wife, Betsy, conceived of the idea, and then brought on the team to execute it. He raised the initial funding and developed the marketing channels and industry partners. Today LeanOnWe successfully serves families in New York and New Jersey, and is broadening their reach by partnering with other companies who help provide care for people in need.
If you're anything like Jerry Strayve and have had a passion for telling stories, you have a book inside of you, likely more than one.
Jerry regaled in telling stories to his children from the time they were young. As much as his young children enjoyed their father's colorful stories, Jerry found a joy in letting his imagination wander in order to weave these tales. He found that the stories which captaivated his children's attention fueled his own imagination. The more his children soaked up these tales, Jerry's thirst for telling them grew.
In his adult years, Jerry came to the realization that his stories could be told in a way that could serve the common good. His characters could reflect his own journey but also provide a social commentary that could open up people's eyes to issues and points of view that they may have not previously considered.
The stories and characters in Jerry's novels are both complicated and compelling. He's developed an audience that craves his stories just as his children did when they were young.
Jerry's success as a novelist is a valauble lesson to us all. He encourages all of us to share our stories and experiences. It can enrich our own lives, serve as a legacy, but also enrich the lives of others.
When Dr. Mike Wasserman proposed a conversation with Martha Deaver on SeniorsSTRAIGHTTalk I jumped on the idea.
What a treat!!!! A lively conversation between Dr. Mike Wasserman and Martha Deaver, both of whom have been guests on SeniorsSTRAIGHTTalk in the past. They are two of the most outspoken and effective advocates for improving our nations nursing homes: an industry plagued with reports of substandard care for the over one million residents residing in the over 15,000 U.S. Nursing Homes. Having them together was a conversation you won't want to miss.
The story that led Martha Deaver to become an advocate for nursing home residents is, like many others, rooted in a terrible experience with 2 nursing homes in Little Rock Arkansas where her mother and mother-in=law were residents. The story is both tragic but, unfortunately, all too familiar.
Dr. Mike Wasserman has achieved a sort of celebrity status over the past two years. His passion for what he saw as the tragedy of how COVID 19 ravaged nursing homes gnawed at his insides and his Twitter finger. From then until now he hasn't stopped speaking out about the inequality and injustices in treatment and care of nursing home residents and healthcare workers. This has gained him national recognition.
He's taken his advocacy to the steps of the government, working with our nations legislators and is respected voice with selected individuals at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Mrs. Deaver talks about what she knows about the failure of the nursing home industry, and the many nursing home tragedies she hears about every day from the many families who seek out her wise counsel. These ills that have been known by Federal Government agencies for decades. As a matter of fact, she has been an adviser to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the Office of Inspector General (OIG). She explains how after her extensive investigative work with nursing home complaints, at her insistence they were added to the website of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services so that people seeking information about nursing homes would be able to see beyond the annual nursing home oversight survey to find more information about complaints lodged against them.
While investigative reporters continue to pursue and report on nursing home ills, and leaders and advocacy groups continue to push for the necessary legislative changes that lead to reform, change in how nursing homes deliver care is slow going.
Nevertheless, Martha Deaver and Mike Wasserman keep pushing. They remain vocal and committed to change. As we all know, even small changes can make a big difference. ` But they are not stopping with small changes. They relentlessly call out, fight for, knock on every door, and talk to every person in the position for effecting change in order to make nursing homes the living environment that should and can be!!!!! .
J.R. Strayve, Jr. was born to a nomadic military family, attending nine schools before entering college. Following service in the United States Marine Corps, he raised a family.
Jerry lived with a gnawing feeling inside that there was something different about him. Never knowing what that was, or why, he proceeded to pursue what was considered to be the American Dream.
He achieved all he desired, or so he thought, marriage to a college sweetheart, children, a house with a picket fence.
Along with the American Dream life, he describes caring for a daughter with disabilities who they were told would essentially be a vegetable and should be institutionalized. The family forged on together, their special needs daughter was special beyond her own personal limitations.
In their special needs daughter, the Strayve family found a commitment that bound them together for thirty years. But through the years, Jerry's difference' that laid dormant inside him, needed to be set free.
Jerry reveals the effect of denying who he was his entire life, the effect on him personally, psychologically and emotionally. When he finally acknowledged his identity the life he knew, and some of the people in it, and the relationships he cherished changed.
He describes the challenges he's faced In search of pursuing a place in his new life.
Jerry Strayve wears his heart on his sleeve, his openness and transparency is a testament to his bravery and courage to leave the life he always wanted to the life he desperately needed.
Mitzi Perdue is an extraordinarily engaging, remarkable woman and thought leader.
Her personal story is nothing short of inspirational. Perdue was inspired by an employee with an IQ of over 200, who she believes had a fear of failure that stopped him from achieving his life-long goal. After what was diagnosed as a life threatening heart ailment, Mitzi secured treatment which helped her employee get on the road to recovery. But as she tells the story, despite having a long life ahead, he never pursued or realized his life-long dream. Mitzi saw her tenant rice farmer's inability to pursue his goals as rooted in fear-of-failure.
Realizing that her debilitating lisp prevented her from pursuing her own lifelong dream, she was determined not to follow the same path of the tenant rice farmer. She embarked on a journey of rigorous speech therapy until she achieved her broadcasting career goal; from there she went on to become a motivational public speaker.
Mitzi is also a staunch and outspoken advocate to end human trafficking, an issue with far reaching implications for both society and the trafficked individual. Her latest blog in Psychology Today entitled: Nursing Homes: A Growing Target for Labor Traffickers, is an interview of SeniorsSTRAIGHTTalk host: Phyllis Ayman. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/end-human-trafficking/202207/nursing-homes-growing-target-labor-traffickers
Perdue's most recent written work, ‘Relentless’ is a biography of Mark Victor Hansen, co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul books. The book has been said by the Business Guru and Financier Somers White, “The GREATEST self-help book I have ever read. A BLUEPRINT for HOW TO MAKE ONE’S CAREER GO FASTER AND FARTHER.” It has been nominated for several awards, both in the United States and abroad and has also been translated into Ukrainian.
When you text: DONATE to 55312 you will receive a free copy of Relentless. Royalties will go to Razom, the Ukrainian relief organization with 125,000 volunteer members, mostly Ukrainian Americans.
After leaving military service, former Marine Corp Lt. Col. Ted Blickwedel became a social worker who worked with veterans living with PTSD. We met Blickwedel last week as he described stepping out of his role as a social worker into one he never expected: one of a whistleblower. In his book, Broken Promises, he described counselors being pressured for increased productivity resulting in their own stress and burnout, while the ramifications reduced quality of care received by veterans at the VA.
In this episode, Blickwedel's expertise as a counselor is on display. It's clear there's a range of evidenced based treatment interventions that can be effective for veterans experiencing symptoms associated with PTSD. Not only do these techniques go a long way in ameliorating the symptoms associated with PTSD, improvements could impact improved personal relationships, whether they be friend or familial, as well as improve overall functioning. Beyond veterans, it's brought to light that these techniques are universally accepted for improving symptoms associated with many of the emotional and psychological challenges in people's lives.
Jerry Strayve, co-author of 'Broken Promises' brings a perspective more aligned with those of us who do not have up close and personal experience with veterans who have experienced PTSD. Strayve was open, and indeed displayed his own vulnerability, when describing the impact of these interviews on him personally. His impressions of veterans who have successfully completed programs addressing their PTSD punctuates the point that quality of care for veterans, and especially those with PTSD, is a moral imperative.
Retired Marine Corps Lt. Col. Ted Blickwedel, became a licensed clinical social worker after retiring from the military where he provided mental health counseling to fellow veterans. He never expected to experience the callous approach to providing service to veterans at the hands of the Veterans Administration where quantity was prioritized over quality care, this by increasing counselor workloads at the expense of the quality of mental health service offered to veterans living with PTSD.
Lt. Col Blickwedel never intended to be a whistleblower. Once speaking truth to power, he was at the receiving end of retaliation, isolation, gaslighting, mobbing, false accusations, character assassination. His relentless and tireless pursuit of speaking truth to power has been successful and has led to the expectation that Congressional legislation will pass at the end of this fiscal year. This legislation will hold the VA leadership accountable to prevent this situation from continuing to occur.
When Former Marine Captain Jerome R. Strayve, Jr. Jerry was reunited with Lt. Col.Blickwedel 42 years after they were together at training camp, said upon the meeting: When Ted came to me with his story, I was aghast. Not in disbelief of the veracity of what had happened, but that it had happened again! Having experienced the military's medical community's callous lack of compassion for active-duty personnel and their families, I felt compelled, honored, and driven to help Ted write his shocking story.
The collaboration between Blickwedel and Strayve led to the June 15, 2022 release of their book, Broken Promises, written to create awareness and advocacy for veterans and the counselors. The desired outcome of the book is to work cooperatively with the Veterans Administration to enact policies and procedures that will ensure quality mental health services for veterans as well as to protect the mental and physical well-being of their counselors.
Broken Promises: www.vabreakingpromises.com
A conversation with David Corbin is truly like none other. His insights and analysis of every situation are truly unique; any opportunity to hear him is one not to be missed.
During this episode I benefitted from a real time assessment of my own frustrations as a consultant in the nursing home sector, I know his analysis, insight and feedback will be valuable for every listener no matter their background or area of business.
David is like a beacon of light for entrepreneurs. His fundamental concept about facing the issues in order to correct course are integral to his concept of illuminating the negative in order to reach entrepreneurial goals is the guiding principle in his book: Illuminate: Harnessing the Power of Negative Thinking. Otherwise, you may be embarking on what could be considered Brand Slaughter.
The prevailing thinking in business is not to go looking for problems where there aren't any that seem readily apparent. But it would be naive to think that there aren't always areas that can be improved upon. Without facing and illuminating the negative, it could be considered akin to an ostrich mentality, digging your head in the sand hoping that whatever is happening will soon pass.
Corbin is a consummate innovator and inventor who applies provocative thinking to his unique approach to the entrepreneurial experience. His ideas are outside the mainstream of traditional thinking having a positive attitude and having faith against all odds.
You may ask, why highlight this principle on SeniorsSTRAIGHTTalk? I think we can all benefit from applying the principle of Illumination to our complicated lives and relationships both personally and professionally.
Robert Peterson's journey with his mother's poor nursing home care is unfortunate one that is familiar to thousands of nursing home residents and their families. It's one I've not only heard countless times, but one that I've witnessed.
His mother, a frail, thin, woman with advancing dementia was at the receiving end of poor care, inadequate staff training, neglect and abuse at not only one, but two nursing homes. The second nursing home found the staff abandoning the patients altogether. Towards the end of this interview, you can the hear the sadness and the drain on Robert Peterson's heart strings as he fights back the tears.
The story of Robert Peterson's mother is unfortunately not unique. In December of 2021, the New York Times published an investigative piece 'How Nursing Homes Worst Offenders Are Hidden From the Public The article's subtitle was: Thousands of problems identified by state inspectors were never publicly disclosed because of a secretive appeals process, a New York Times investigation found.
This begs the question about the ability of the government oversight process to accurately inspect nursing homes and cite them for deficiencies. By not reporting bad actors and the situations that occur in these nursing homes, the government is essentially duping the public, Families and loved ones visit the government website to look up the information when trying to determine the appropriate place for their loved one to receive care. How can they make an informed decision if they don't have the entire picture. Who is to blame?
Whatever the reason, the only people suffering are residents and their families. There have been numerous investigative reports and Government Studies exposing the nursing ills that are harmful to residents. . Robert's mother's story is heart wrenching. No one should have to endure this level of pain, not a son, and not any older adult.
Do you have a story you'd like to share about nursing home care on SeniorsSTRAIGHTTalk?. Email: phyllis@seniorsstraighttalk.com
The story that led Martha Deaver to become an advocate for nursing home residents is, like many others, rooted in a terrible experience with 2 nursing homes in Little Rock Arkansas where her mother and mother-in=law were residents. The story is both tragic but, unfortunately, all too familiar.
She ultimately shared the horrific story with a journalist who published it in Ladies Home Journal. She went on to supply detailed information and data to the director of an organization that provides information on health care issues to Consumer Reports. This resulted in Consumer Reports publishing one of the most in-depth looks at America's nursing homes to date entitled: The Crisis in America's Nursing Homes.
Mrs. Deaver talks about what she knows about the failure of the nursing home industry, nursing home tragedies and ills that have been known by Federal Government agencies for decades. As a matter of fact, she has been an adviser to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the Office of Inspector General (OIG). She explains how after her extensive investigative work with nursing home complaints, at her insistence they were added to the website of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services so that people seeking information about nursing homes would be able to see beyond the annual nursing home oversight survey to find more information about complaints lodged against them.
In 2013 she worked with Jeff Lowenstein with the Centers for Public Integrity on a 2 year project where data from every nursing home in the country became the basis of the largest in-depth investigation into the importance of adequate staffing in our nations nursing homes.
She's been recognized by the Governor of Arkansas, who said,, “She is an advocate in the best sense of the word, tirelessly supporting and defending others.” and was honored by RBI director Robert Mueller III, with the 2010 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award for the state of Arkansas. Mrs. Deaver's passion is palpable. You can hear it as she speaks about the unspeakable tragedies experienced by U.S. Nursing Home Residents.
Mrs. Deaver is not only seeking to find out and call out the negative, but seeks to find the positive in the health care workers that provide the direct care to resident. She created the AANHR's first national Nursing Assistant Recognition Award to recognize nursing assistants from across the state of Arkansas. She also developed the first program acknowledging National Residents Rights Week and has chaired both events for the past five years.
Today, Mrs. Deaver is the president of the Arkansas Advocates for Nursing Home Residents (AANHR), an organization dedicated to protecting residents in nursing homes from abuse and seeking prosecution for those who victimize nursing home residents.
Matt Thornhill had a successful consulting business dedicated to researching and understanding the needs of the boomer generation.
He came to realize there was an essential unmet need for the middle-income sector of that demographic and upon leaving his consulting practice, he decided to pursue a solution. The result, Cozy Home Communities.
In this episode, Matt describes this innovative concept as one part of the living solution for older adults: These homes designed close to one another, with appropriate social distancing, allows neighbors to help neighbors and offers a new approach to living for a new stage of life:
Imagine living in your own house in a small neighborhood where your NEIGHBORS ARE YOUR FRIENDS. Friends with whom you share common interests, backgrounds or stories with the added bonus that your neighbors, or friends, have agreed to help each other when the need arises. Not only for their neighbors but also for the community.
Knowing your neighbors is not a trite expression, it's not about casually passing someone and saying, good morning or good afternoon. It's about really getting to know your neighbor, about finding people with whom you have an affinity at this stage of life.
Have you arrived at the time in your life when your relationships are more important to you than the accumulation of things? The importance of relationships and connection is not only documented in literature, but something we all experienced since the outbreak of COVID in 2020. Rather than living alone in your existing home surrounded by things, Cozy Home Communities ™ gives you the opportunity to live amongst people with common interests and stories, where you can form lasting relationships with peers you see daily.
Learn more about the design of each stand-alone individual home and how a group of homes is clustered into a “pocket” neighborhood. A group of neighborhoods in close proximity, with a central common area creates a colony. A Cozy Home Community™ consists of multiple Colonies.
This seems like a perfect solution for this level of the market. Learn when the first communities are breaking ground and when, or if, a Cozy Home Community ™ may be coming to an area where you live.
According to Matt Thornhill, When we as older adults change how we think, feel, and and act about getting older we can change the culture around aging. It's no secret that we live in an ageist society and whether we know it or not, contribute to perpetuating ageist attitudes. In doing so, we continue to perpetuate the last bastion of the isms...ageism. Central to the issue is that though we may feel lovingly about the older adults in our families or amongst our friends, as a society we don't feel the same way towards the older adults in our communities. They are not valued as they are in other cultures where elders are viewed with respect and sought out for their wisdom. How can we turn around these negative attitudes towards older adults? I agree with Matt Thornhill. We must embrace our elder hood years, embrace our longevity journey. This involves changing our mindset about how we see ourselves. I'm sure we can all identify words or phrases we have heard that reflect ageist attitudes. We see and hear them all around us but we probably don't realize the things we say or think about ourselves. Stigmatizing societal attitudes become internalized long before we reach the senior years of our lives. When we describe ourselves or refer to ourselves as old, we are merely reinforcing a stereotype. However, irrespective of a person's age, old can be thought of as a mind state or mindset. One way to counteract this mindset is by choosing to live an engaged life. This must be a purposeful and intentional choice, a choice to live every day to the highest potential or ability at any point in time. People who live in this way are not in denying the reality of the end of life, but rather realized that life is meant to be lived. We are the ship in our life’s journey. It is our attitude that is the driving force steering our ship. We have to remain intentional and mindful, caring for and tending to our attitude. If not, we allow ourselves to fall prey to the pitfalls of life, as with a ship that strays off course when encountering rough waters, we will drift into a kind of holding pattern letting the water and waves take us where they will. This is an act of surrendering.
Embrace your elder hood years. Join the movement at: openlygray.org.
For 40 years, Matt Thornhill has been studying consumer behavior and trends, first as an advertising executive on Madison Avenue, then as an interactive marketing pioneer and for the last 20 years as a futurist and the nation’s leading authority on Boomer consumers. He has advised companies and organizations across the globe, including Walmart, Google, AARP, Proctor & Gamble, Verizon, and the Social Security Administration, and he’s delivered memorable keynote addresses at national conferences and company events across dozens of industry sectors. Matt has provided commentary on NBC Nightly News, CBS Evening News, CNN, CNBC, and PBS. He’s appeared in articles in The New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and countless magazines. A serial entrepreneur, Matt has left his think tank and consulting to create and build a new type of community of smaller homes for middle-income Boomers at this stage of life called: Cozy Home Community, which addresses the largely unmet need of affordable housing and community living that encourages social connections with neighbors helping neighbors. You can find more information about these communities at cozyhomecommunity.com. Matt has also launched the Openly Gray movement, a nonprofit fighting age discrimination by encouraging older adults themselves to change how they think, feel, and act about growing older. Change our attitude, change the culture around aging. Join the movement at: openlygray.org
A chance meeting and brief conversation at an event on the other side of the country from where we both live found us in agreement on the importance of movement in ensuring our continued strength and agility, maintaining our bone density and preventing osteopenia and osteoporosis. Osteopenia is a condition that begins as you lose bone mass and your bones get weaker: total bone mass peaks approximately at age 35. This happens when the inside of your bones become brittle from a loss of calcium. It's very common as you age, with women being at greater risk and more common in people above 50 years of age. People who have osteopenia are at a higher risk of having osteoporosis. Typically there are no symptoms, unless the condition prowesses to osteoporosis. Symptoms of osteoporosis include back pain, loss of height, a stooped posture, and easily fractured bones.
There are many causes for osteopenia including calcium and vitamin D deficiency, smoking, age-related hormone changes, and certain diseases and medications. However, inactivity is also an important contributing factor. As a physical education teacher and trainer, David Segro has worked with many older adults and has seen the beneficial effects on bone density and agility as a result of movement and exercise. If you've ever questioned the benefit of developing an exercise habit on your well being as you age, listen to David Segro describe his experience.
Tiger Performance Institute is a transformational experience that gives you the answer to the root causes of your aches, pains, fatigue, and brewing conditions. It is a precision DNA-based approach for high achievers, elite professionals and entrepreneurs who are working themselves sick. It will help you understand the stressors impacting your body and help develop management strategies to reduce the impact on your health and wellbeing, explain the need for sleep optimization and strategies to achieve same, and develop an individualized by hyper-personalized health plan. How do they develop this personalized health blueprint? The company partner's with Tiger Medical Institute which specializes in precision, preventative medicine. Their combination of advanced lab testing and genetic interpretation enables their doctors and clinicians to create a unique roadmap for your health and well-being. Every change involves examining our habits and what and how we can, and should, do differently in order to change our course. As a participant there will be a coach to guide you on this road in order to achieve your best results. Learn more about how you can achieve peak performance and the important place it has in your life so that you can continue our life's journey in the healthiest way possible.
After the early passing of her husband, Ruth Aborjaily realized that she held the key to her health and well-being in her own hands. She embarked on a journey of wellness through various forms of exercise, including Tabata, a protocol developed in Tokyo in 1996, a 4-minute interval workout 5 days/week for 6 weeks. The program first utilized with athletes, found that those who performed the program were able to consume more oxygen during exercise and experienced greater boosts in metabolism. Therefore, the question for each of us is can we make a conscious decision to find 4 minutes in a day for a program that will improve our oxygen intake during exercise and boost metabolism? Ruth Aborjaily believes it is our responsibility to do so so that we ensure we can live as healthfully as possible into our advanced years. Scientific achievements has the number of people living to advanced ages continuing to increase, Is it not then our responsibility to embrace that longevity journey in the fitest and healthiest way possible? She also believes that embracing a well-being journey allowed her to have the emotional, psychological and physical strength and fortitude to care for her mother who lived into her 90's. Mindful Longevity begins with self-awareness and making conscious choices. Harness your power to live mindfully. The place to begin is within. The time to begin is Now.
Can you reverse the aging process? What does that mean to you? Some would argue we should not be talking about reversing the aging process but rather find ways to protect and restore specific processes in the body that will allow us to live a full and healthful life with vitality and exuberance. Simone Kvalheim is steeped in information and knowledge about our body's building blocks and how they affect the aging process. She also can speak intelligently about how we can address those processes in order for the body to heal itself intelligently. She proclaims this in her upcoming book Your DNA Is Not Your Destiny. which comes from her knowledge as a neuro regenerative coach. Her passion and knowledge are captivating. She recounts her mother who lived a full and active life until her very last moment and credits that full, active life to lifestyle, attitude, and specific regimens.
Some even argue that the entire concept of reversing the aging process is not possible. But Simone contends that with the right information and signals, the body has the ability to heal itself. If indeed that is the case, that would be consistent with healing the processes that affect aging. Whatever the body manifests, it has the capacity to heal. says Kvalheim. We all should be taking personal responsibility for our health. If there is a system that can contradict or dispute traditional methodologies about wellness and alternative systems of healthhcare, or as some would refer to it - sick care, I for one am in favor of shoring up my well being to the highest degree possible in order to continue aging healthfully and gracefully.
The DAWN method, or Dementia and Alzheimer's Well-Being, is a true person centered approach to how we view, interact with, and care for people living with dementia. As the level of cognitive impairment increases, the person living with dementia experiences emotional distress that is often translated into the behavior we see and associate with dementia. In reality, there is no such thing as dementia related behaviors. The root cause is a response to a particular situation, a feeling of distress or increased confusion. Rather than looking at what is lost The DAWN Method looks at what is retained. The approach helps families and caregivers look at a person's strengths, understand how to communicate and interact based on those strengths, thereby creating a better interactive experience for both parties. Judy explains the unique strength based-approach of looking at a person with dementia which involves Intuitive Thought, Experiential Self and the Mindlessness Tools. Through her courses and certified trainings she works with families and caregivers to become dementia partners. This helps the person living with dementia live with dignity at their own pace and to find comfort in any positive memories they may retain. The tools learned in the DAWN Method ultimately restore the well-being of the person living with dementia. She believes the hope in dementia is how we provide care. Judy's calm, passion, and commitment to person's living with dementia, their families and caregivers is palpable.
Music plays an important role in the lives of people from all walks of life and from cultures around the globe. It connects us to memories, places, people, and situations. It's also a source of enjoyment and recreation: a distraction from trials ad tribulation, boosts mood and can help soothe feelings of loneliness.. Many of us, but especially older adults, experienced the feelings of isolation and loneliness during COVID. This was a particular tragedy for nursing home residents but also for those older adults living in assisted living residences or alone at home in the community. There is ample evidentiary research supporting the contention of the importance that music represents in counteracting these lonely feelings.
Dan Cohen is unwavering in his commitment to personalized music. He believes strongly that, like any other prescribed treatment, it's essential for addressing the symptoms that result from loneliness, including depression, falls, cognitive decline and high blood pressure. There's no need to wait, it's integral to Planning by Choice, Not By Crisis.
Beyond individuals, families, and policy makers, Dan Cohen advocates for healthcare educational programs teaching the importance that personalized music represents in a person's life, in their relationship to others, their responses to situations and especially for persons with dementia, which was the basis of his Sundance Film Festival Audience Choice Award winning documentary 'Alive Inside'.
Each and every one of us has dreams, Many of us let our dreams die or think we don't have what it takes to pursue them. Many others think that since they've completed their traditional work roles, whether by their own choice or because of ageist attitudes, that they've somehow lost their value and with them, the possibility of pursuing their dreams. Society contributes to those beliefs as the prevailing point of view is that if one is no longer an active member of the traditional workforce, they have somehow lost their value.
Robert Peterson is dedicated, insightful and passionately believes that if you'd lived on this planet for more than fifty years, you have wisdom to share that can not only benefit others, but there are entrepreneurial opportunities for you to share that wisdom. Peterson, a former pastor, encourages people to tap into their expertise, knowledge and passions and helps them develop the confidence and shift their mindset to believe they can make their dreams become reality. In doing so they can live a happier, more fulfilled, and purposeful and society will be enriched by the wisdom they have shared.
Happier and Healthier relationships with your kids, your grandkids, and your older parents is possible!!! We all want the best for our children. But, raising children can be challenging, especially against the backdrop of work responsibilities, life stressors, and even influence of friends and other family members. Most of us learned about how to rear children fro our own experiences being raised by our parents who did the best they could with the knowledge they had. The nature of our parent-child relationships become ingrained from our experiences and the relationships from our earliest years. This affects our relationships with our adult children and as adult children, our relationships with our older parents. In addition, there is an entire generation of children being raised by or being cared for by their grandparents many hours/day. Our parenting style may no longer be suitable for the changing times. It's about the importance of communicating in a loving supportive way in order to manage unavoidable misunderstandings and build stronger relationships. This helps eliminates the 3 R's: retaliation, rebellion and resistance. Katherine Sellery's Guidance Approach to Parenting is Applicable for parent-child relationships at any age across the generations. When you understand your needs as a parent and the needs of the child, parenting success is possible. It's not about being a perfect parent: it's about being a conscious one.
A dynamic, eye-opening conversation with Dr. Lydie. What may seem like boring law became fascinating!!!! Intellectual Property Law is deeply rooted in the history of our country. It dates back to the time the colonies secured independence from England, The founders wanted to ensure that their skill, innovation or creativity were free from English control. As a result, initially each colony, with the exception of Delaware, passed its own copyright law; each also had its own patent law. The discrepancies among the states rendered enforcement almost impossible. Therefore, the drafters of the Constitution wrote intellectual property into the document in order to have it fall under federal jurisdiction. It is so stated: To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries. - U.S. Const. Art. I, Sec. 8. What is the importance to Seniors, and especially to women? The reasons behind older adults starting their own businesses are many. Among them are: they've from their traditional job, are dissatisfied with the corporate world, they don't want to think of themselves as retiring, they lost their jobs due to society's misguided attitudes that older adults have outlived their usefulness in the youth driven workforce. it's worth noting that older entrepreneurs stay in business longer than younger ones. Within five years, 70 percent of businesses created by older entrepreneurs were still operating compared to 28 percent of their younger counterparts. This supports the fact that with age comes the experience, wisdom, personal and professional networks, and willingness to ask for help, all important factors in entrepreneurial success. Furthermore, as women we are prone to underestimating the value of our ideas and all too often, we share them or give them away without a thought. This has happened to me, has it happened to you? Find out how to take advantage of the protection creations that is afforded to you!!!
Dr. Thomas never ceases to be the consummate innovator. He combined the idyllic place Kallimos from his book Arms of Elders and his book Tribes of Eden with the small living homes he created called Minka homes, With Minka homes he's created Kallimos communities, where people can live in small pocket neighborhoods in a concept that promotes neighborliness. Kallimos communities are multi-ability and multigenerational, inclusive where people of all ages, traditional and single household families, live alongside each other in easily livable spaces where they support and help each other. Technological support is also available. Kallimos probably hearkens back to the communities that many of us recall. It binds us together, counteracts isolation and loneliness, and promotes community caring and sharing. The first community to break ground in August 2022 is called Magic, an apt name for the living experience that can be not only transformative, but also magical. Every conversation with Dr. Bill Thomas is an opportunity to hear innovative ideas about how we can continue to live our lives in the healthiest and most meaning possible way. Thought Leaders have said that when Dr. Thomas talks, they just listen. Ayman is proud to have the listeners of SeniorsSTRAIGHTTalk hear from Dr. Thomas
Smiling is known as the Universal Language. Smiles create connections between cultures and individuals. It is recognized and understood as a positive expression without a word ever spoken. Said best by the lyrics of the song When You're Smiling: When You're Smiling When you're Smiling The Whole World Smiles with You.
Ken Rochon, President of The Umbrella Syndicate and Social Proof Celebrity Photographer, has made it his personal mission to capture smiles all over the world. Rochon photographed hundreds of people with “Keep Smiling” cards as an advocate for “The Keep Smiling Movement.” This nonprofit organization's primary mission a 501(c) (3), is to find the best smiles, the ones that radiate genuine love and acceptance.
Rochon considers Barry Shore the founder of the “The Keep Smiling Movement,”. Shore became a quadriplegic after suffering from Guillain-Barré Syndrome. He credits a positive mindset for the ability to overcome his illness. He essentially used a smile as a means for overcome challenges.
Ken Rochon had the opportunity to meet Barry Shore and at once recognized it was for a higher purpose and deeper meaning. From the moment Shore put a “Keep Smiling” card in Rochon’s hand, an established photographer and world traveler, it sparked the idea to distribute this heartfelt message globally by capturing photos, publishing books, and a global search for the World’s Most Beautiful Smiles!
Rochon credits the caregiving journey with his mother who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease as the inspiration in his quest for life's deeper meaning. He believes he found it with The Keep Smiling Movement.
What does it mean to be a SHERO? is it something any women can achieve? What does it take and how can you get there
Today's busy women often comes in last when taking care of themselves. Pearl Chiarenza created Women Empowerment Living to help them prioritize themselves so that they find balance, peace and worthiness in their lives, essentially become the SHERO in their own life's story.
Women who are caregivers at home or at work, CEOs of their households, the very foundation of their families, those desperately seeking to find work-life balance so they can stop the feeling they are drowning, deserve to find support and self-care strategies so they can become strong, resident, and fulfilled. Strategies for self-care can start simply with a smile and may end in a weekend retreat. But there are many other opportunities each and every day to find what we need to support ourselves and each other.
Whatever stage of life or whatever your position, Pearl Chiarenza wants women to find the beauty they have in their heart and believes that they deserve the best of everything. She creates retreats and unique experiences where women can support each other because she believes when they do, incredible things happen.
Important words to live by, quoting Dr. Greg S. Reid: The greatest success we'll know, is helping others succeed and grow.
Contact Pearl Chiarenza at: www.WSLiving.com FB: https://m.facebook.com/womenssuccessfulliving/ Phone:813-448-3308
Simone Kvalheim is the Co- Founder of X-Cellerated Health, She champions the fight for Personal Health, Self-Care, and Longevity. Simone and her husband, Rick, have created protocols using cutting edge technology that empower the body to heal itself at a cellular level. I know that the body is a phenomenal piece of organic architecture comprised of sound and light waves, a bundle of frequencies tuned into the universe. Whatever the body manifests, the body has the capacity to heal, given the right information and signals. Her advocacy and work in Alzheimer's Disease is based on her experience with her father-in-law who received a diagnosis after an abrupt change in condition. Simone and her husband set out to find a solution. They developed X-Cellerated Health protocols which they claim combine with technology and bio hacks to help the body heal itself on a cellular level and thus, they believe can reverse aspects of Alzheimer's Disease. Thus, they strongly oppose the common pharmaceutical approaches to the disease. Simone and her husband, Rick Kvalheim, have a movement entitled Alzheimer’s Recovery is Real and a Facebook group by the name name.
Inspired by his mother who has Alzheimer's Disease, Dr. Altheim found music to be the key to improving her relatedness and engagement. He combined that experience with an existing program known as Excel Growth and Development Services to create Youth Engaging Seniors (YES) an intergenerational program teaching you the path to connect with older adults through music, art, empathy, and general caring.
Growth and Development Services (GDS) was created in 1996 to empower individuals and transform their lives by providing them with the motivation and means to discover and sustain purpose, pride and hope in themselves, their families and the community. GDS builds resilience by helping teens, adults, families and elders reach their potential. Their programs are designed to give each participant the attention, support and practical guidance needed to Excel.
There are many videos at senior centers where youth engage with seniors living with dementia; bringing them music, joy and love. Dr Gary as he is affectionately called by the youth program participants, has developed a training program to teach youth empathy, social and career skills.
Meet or talk with Dr. Gary and his passion and dedication is palpable. We need more like Gary who create innovative programs to bridge the generational divide in ways that not only engage but teach. BRAVO!!!!!
Vollara Active Pure Technology treats the air and surfaces in your home or business 24 hours/day with Hall of Fame Certified Space Technology. In 2017, ActivePure Technology was inducted into the Space Technology Hall of Fame, a Space Foundation program aiming to increase public awareness of the benefits of space exploration and encouraging further innovation of NASA-adapted technologies to improve the quality of life for humanity. The Space Foundation honors outstanding individuals and organizations for achievements in space exploration, advocacy, education, innovation and accomplishment. Past inductees have included pacemaker, lasik, global position system, temper foam and cochlear implies.ant. The award winning Active Pure Technology is proven nearly 100% effective in safely eliminating many common airborne and surface bacteria, viruses, mold, fungi, and volatile organic compounds. Active Pure Technology is the perfect solution for your peace of mind.
Problem awareness is the root of a problem's solution. So it is with Badger by Satellite Displays. Badger is the the world's first closed caption smart badge that converts speech-to-text in real-time with a translation capability in more than 50 languages. When Mike Williston's hearing impaired father was hospitalized medical professionals wearing masks restricted his ability to lip read and therefore he was unable to understand what was being communicated. This inspired the search for a solution. Mike Williston and Peter Sprague diligently worked together until Badger by Satellite Displays was born. The use and application of the real time transcription extends well beyond persons with limited hearing or total hearing loss. The translation capability can serve to ensure adequate communication between health care professionals, hospital patients and/or long term care residents who may have limited or no English capability. Furthermore, many professionals serving these populations originate from non English speaking countries. This oftentimes creates situations where each party is not fully understanding the other, especially problematic when it comes to a person's health and well-being. This scratches the surface of the situations where Badger by Satellite Displays can be the much needed solution to improve communication. Listen in to hear the variety of ways that Badger by Satellite Displays can help you, your friends and family. If you'd like to contribute to support this innovative technology please visit: https://www.startengine.com/satellite-displays
According to The Kauffman Index of Startup Activity.the highest rate of entrepreneurial activity in the U.S. is among those 55 to 64 years. . Furthermore, statistics indicate that older adult entrepreneurs remain in business longer than their younger counterparts: i.e.,: within five years of beginning a business, 70% of those started by older adults remain operational, this as compared to 28% of those started by younger adults. Despite these statistics, many people have the misconception that older adults are incapable of learning technology, and specifically mastering the online marketing technology space.
Austin Walsh has experience with people of all ages and can attest to the fact that age is not a predictor of a person's ability to learn or become proficient in the online space. These conceptions are steeped in ageism.
Conversely, one might have the conception that a person of Austin's young age could not be as astute, well-spoken and insightful as he presents. This would be a gross misconception and reflects ageism at the other end of the spectrum. In fact, the result of a 2020 study conducted at the University of Toronto and Furman University reported that almost 50% of younger adults reported feeling the the effects of ageism in the workplace characterized by lack of respect and assumptions about their ability predicated on lack of life or professional experience.
Austin Walsh defies those misconceptions. He is not only insightful but speaks with an ease and direct style that is compelling. This, along with his knowledge and expertise, translates into a winning combination for helping people easily understand what some might think is the daunting language of online technology.
This is a talent and ability that cannot necessarily be taught, no matter anyone's age.
Do you have a dream or passion that you'd like to pursue, a dream or passion that can become a business but don't know how to make it happen?
There are 10,000 people turning 65 each day in the US. Many of these adults have passions, hobbies and dreams that were never fulfilled. It's not too late, in fact it's never too late. Of businesses that are started, after 5 yeas, 70% of those started by adults 50 and above, remain operational as opposed to 28% started by younger adults.
Bill Walsh is known as America’s Small Business Expert. He is a Business Coach, Venture Capitalist, world renowned speaker, successful entrepreneur and marketing expert. He is the CEO and Founder of the Venture Capital and Success Education Firm Power Team International. Bill has his own syndicated Radio Show - The Rainmaker Show and speaks at events all over the world.
Bill is passionate about empowering entrepreneurs and business owners to create to create massive success, regardless of age or persuasion. . He has spent over 2 decades working with start-ups to major global brands increasing sales, productivity and overall success.
He is an innovator with a remarkable ability to determine and dictate success strategy to seize global market opportunities. Bill is the perfect go to person for anyone who owns a business or would like to capitalize their entrepreneurial dream.
Listen in to hear Bill Walsh - he may inspire you to follow your dream so that you can make it become an entrepreneurial reality.
We all know the value of helping others and giving back. James Dentley has achieved enormous success, but always remembers that basic tenet, the importance in stretching out your hand to help others in need. From the most humble beginnings in Chicago, his life is an inspirational story, but his message is equally inspirational. One could describe James Dentley as a gentle giant, a large man with a powerful message delivered with an easy going demeanor and a soothing voice.
During the heart of COVID James recognized that seniors in his community were not only isolated and lonely, but hungry. Thus, he stretched out his hand and for an entire year provided food for those in need, doing so in the safest way possible. By taking away their food worries he helped alleviate the stress and worry that comes along with not knowing how you're going to maintain your nutritional well-being, a worry that can eat away at your insides. Thus, he not only fed their stomachs, but also their souls and their hearts.
That is the heart of James Dentley's message. He carries that into his work with veterans, and Chicago's inner city youth. Bringing those in need and generations together. An example that we all need each other, bridging the generational divide, and showing us what is possible. James not only has the financial means but he understands that a simple smile can lift a person up in a way that can touch their heart and make a difference in their life. People can be starving in ways that go beyond food and we all have the tools inside of us to make a difference.
Ryan Frederick's journey in senior living began began when his middle school teacher encouraged students to get to know and develop relationships with adults living in senior communities. The relationship that Ryan forged with his senior elder lasted throughout his middle school years and seemingly continued to inform his path for years to come. As an MBA intern he followed that experience by choosing to spend a summer living in a senior community. to live in a senior living communities and also spent a winter break living with his grandparents in their retirement community.
Ryan Frederick translated those experiences into an expertise that led him to become a renowned Longevity specialist and founder of SmartLiving 360. His insights from helps us understand why we need to think carefully about, and take into consideration, the many aspects that determine the right place for us to be living at any point in time.
SeniorsSTRAIGHTTalk is proud to have Ryan Frederick talk about his Debut Book: Right Place, Right Time, The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Home for the Second Half of Life. He will explain the importance of understanding the considerations that one should take into account for choosing a home in the right place for optimal well-being, whether now or in the future.
Right Place, Right Time, The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Home for the Second Half of Life is a thoughtful and insightful read for anyone who is thinking about the later stages of life, is transitioning into a later stage or who has older parents in their later years.
Celebrating Grandparents on Grandparents Day has become a tradition for Olive Community Services. The initial celebration 3 years ago was a wonderful experience for all who attended. Events dictated that last year's celebration were conducted virtually. This year, the staff at Olive Community Services designed a hybrid event that is worth hearing about.
Grandparents Day is a national holiday, signed by proclamation in 1978 by President Jimmy Carter. It falls each year on the Sunday following Labor Day coming about through the unrelenting 8 year campaign from one woman, Marian Lucille Herndon McQuade, who hailed roots from West Virginia. He and her husband Joseph L. McQuade had 15 children, 43 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.
For most of her life Marion Lucille Herridon McQuade advocated for older adults and people who were isolated in their homes, known at that time as shut ins. Her advocacy and relentless efforts were recognized and 1971 she was elected Vice-Chair of the West Virginia Committee on Aging. This was followed by her appointment as a delegate to the White House Conference on Aging. In 1972, Her efforts on behalf of shut-ins was successful and in President Richard Nixon proclaimed a National Shut-in Day. Mrs. McQuade continued with her service in other capacities, among them; President of the Vocational Rehabilitation Foundation, Vice-President of the West Virginia Health Systems Agency, and was appointed to the Nursing Home Licensing Board.
Mrs. McQuade envisioned Grandparents Day as one in which there were family get togethers, community events, and family reunions if need be. An interesting fact is that Grandparents Day does not have an apostrophe, as Mrs. McQuade did not want the day to belong to any one person but rather a day of community celebration. She also envisioned a day of intergenerational programming, which Generations United in Washington DC encourages for the entire week following the celebration of National Grandparents Day.
Grandparents Day is integral to the philosophy of Olive Community Services; Respecting and honoring the older adults and their families and their community. The celebratory event was designed to bring to life everything that Mrs. Quade envisioned it to be.
Listen in to learn about the Olive Community Services Grandparents Day event and learn what you can do for the Grandparents in your family and in our community.
What is the cost to us as individuals, and to society as a whole, of eating foods that have been depleted of their nutritional value? Peter Greenlaw, the researcher of researchers explains the R2M system that provides nutritionally dense support which only serves to benefit our health and well-being and especially as we age. Born from his personal story which motivated him to change his eating habits to save his life, Peter has spent the past 18 years studying and researching the innovations and discoveries of the greatest scientists in the field of nutrition and with great ease demystifies the scientific research into language we can all understand. Peter's explanations will disrupt your thinking about what you knew or understood about the dreaded word diet, the foods you consume, how they serve or don't serve your body, and what your body needs to thrive nutritionally. He discovered and holds a registered trademark for-the TDOS Syndrome® environmental toxins, nutritional deficiency, overweight, and stress from which we all suffer. Whether we think of the concept of aging in reference to others, or experience the changes in our own bodies, we may not be aware that there are specific biological processes of aging known as senescence, that occur at the deepest cell levels in our bodies. Peter Greenlaw's research of the researchers may have found a way to address those processes.
Traditionally an economy encompasses all activity related to production, consumption, and trade of goods and services in an area, and is generally thought of as referring to a country, More specifically, it is also a result of a set of processes that are impacted by culture, values, education, social organization, political structure as well as laws, history, and geography, among other factors, and it evolves due to the choices and actions of the participants. It is traditionally not thought of as applicable to a segment of a population.
It is a social domain that emphasizes interrelated human practices, transactions, discourses, and material expressions associated with the production, use and management of resources and does not stand alone.
The totality of these factors provide the backdrop and framework upon which the economy functions. It represents the environment where goods and services are produced and exchanged according to supply and demand between participants, has a an accepted credit or debit value contributing to a gross natural product. This is the prevailing thinking that led to the formation of the term The Longevity Economy.
Jody Holtzman, a thought leader and strategist, carefully explains the meaning of The Longevity Economy and its relevance, not only to the growing senior population, but also to our society as a whole. His lively and thought-provoking conversation around its meaning will hopefully challenge our notions about what is perceived as society’s economic burden in caring for people as they continue to live to advanced ages.
I’m proud to give the listeners the opportunity to hear a discussion that may change perceptions about older people and the value they present to our society, both socioeconomically and culturally.
It is widely known that music boosts mood. It helps us connect to a happier time, recollect memories and create a sense of calm. A Feel Good index has determined that this occurs for songs with the most positive lyrics and uplifting melodies and have a certain number of beats/minute. In terms of music and person's with dementia, depression, Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease and people with intellectual disabilities the research continues to support that music boosts mood, promotes calm, helps with transitions as well as promoting personal connections and language.
Memory Tracks, an ingenious app was developed to provide music aimed at particular times during the day when persons with dementia oftentimes experience the most anxiety, frustration, and fear. The beneficial effects on well being and quality of life for the person with living with the impairment, their loved ones and caregivers cannot be underestimated.
Gordon Anderson hearkens from the U.K where the research regarding the prevalence and incidence of dementia and Alzheimer's Disease are not dissimilar to those in the U.S where as of 2020, there are 6 million persons living with dementia and in 2021 it is estimated that 6.2 million Americans over the age of 65 will be living with Alzheimer's dementia. Today, every 65 seconds a person is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in the U.S. Globally, estimates are that over 75 million people will be affected by 2030 and more than 135 million by 2035.
Anyone caring for a person living with dementia knows the gripping difficulties especially around routine care known as activities of daily living.The agitation can cause a person to resist, act out or withdraw. The strength of the evidence regarding the ability of music to help a person connect with words but also with memories and events, led Gordon Anderson to the development of the Memory Tracks platform.
Dr. Mike Wasserman has achieved a sort of celebrity status over the past year and a half. His passion for what he saw as the tragedy of how COVID 19 ravaged nursing homes gnawed at his insides and his Twitter finger. From then until now he has not stopped speaking out about the inequality and injustices in treatment and care of nursing home residents and healthcare workers. This has gained him national recognition. One of the biggest concerns is that major TV news outlets for the most part have moved on from covering nursing homes. Articles continue to appear in print media from time to time and thought leaders and advocacy groups continue to push for legislative changes that lead to reform. Nevertheless it is slow going and certainly not getting the national spotlight and attention it did in the initial stages of the virus. Now we have moved from nursing homes as hotbeds of COVID19 to conversations about the vaccine and the Delta variant. Dr. Wasserman is equally passionate about the impact of vaccine hesitancy amongst healthcare workers and the Delta variant, both of which may contribute to a resurgence of the virus in the over 15,000 U.S. nursing homes, once again affecting our vulnerable older population. Dr. Wasserman can be an inspiration to us all. If we all take a stand, speak out in our own way, in places wherever people will listen, there may be hope of change in the care and treatment of our vulnerable older adults sooner than later.
Olive Community Services, born five years ago in North Orange County, California has grown to provide a range of services providing seniors opportunities to lead more active and engaging lives which effectively counteracts the isolation and loneliness that many seniors experience in our families and in our communities. As with many other businesses and organization, Olive Community Services was able to pivot during COVID thereby providing effective online programs. These programs now effectively engage seniors whether they are able to attend in-person events but also serve the seniors that do not have that capability. As Olive Community Services serves to help seniors with their signature Live, Learn and Thrive program, the organization also continues to grow and thrive. Their most recent successful endeavor was participation in the Give65 program, an online giving platform for charitable organizations who serve vulnerable seniors. The program is designed exclusively for charitable organizations that serve older vulnerable adults who rely on these nonprofit organizations to maintain their quality of life by providing basic needs like meals, transportation, housing, activities, etc. Olive Community Services is now planning to share the what's how's and why's of their program in an Online challenge event in order to help other communities around the country learn how to serve the needs of the seniors in their communities.
Inspired in the early days by Dr. Bill Thomas, the team at Miravida Living met the challenge to think differently about the way in which they were serving seniors. Today, their innovative programming reflects the possibilities that provides a meaningful and purposeful living environment to the seniors who live in their community. Many of the innovative programs arose during the pandemic, but they are rooted in a serving mindset not only for residents, but for the families of the residents. The team reached out to families, responded to and listened to their needs and were able to fill in the communication gaps i by understanding those needs with a variety of ways beyond the traditional face time visits. Miravida living was able to connect elders with children, grandchildren, friends and their friends inside the community. Everything was done to mitigate isolation and loneliness as much as possible which has led to robust programming beyond the pandemic. However, even prior to the pandemic, the programming offered by Miravida Living can be a model of the possibilities for creating a meaningful, dignified and respectful living environment. The conversation with Carrie prompted more ideas and highlights that conversation and creative mindset goes a long way in meeting the needs of our elders.
Peter Vekselman joins SeniorsSTRAIGHTTalk to help older adults and their families understand the possibilities that are available to them in the real estate market. Many families are considering selling their family homes to help fund or offset caregiving or medical costs, liquidate assets for an estate, or are in need of additional income as they take on caregiving responsibilities. In addition, many adults are seeking business opportunities following retirement or to enhance their own fixed incomes.
These can be emotional times. There are challenges that come into play at the point when it’s time to consider selling the family home. Sometimes it’s hard for adult children to start the conversation. At other times, it might be the older adult parent who wants to sell the home and the adult child who is reluctant because of the memories the home represents. The emotional issues probably are intertwined with not knowing where or how to start and so they don’t. Peter Vekselman's partner driven system takes the worry out of the process and can be a tremendous help to individuals and their families. It can be akin to the slogan, leave the driving to us
You won't want to miss hearing about Peter Vekselman's Heart-Centered Wealth Building Partner Drive Coaching System.
The pandemic highlighted the deficiencies in the ability of older adults, to connect with their families and loved one's, both in our communities and nursing homes. This has led advocacy groups like LeadingAge to pursue an agenda advancing the important role of technology in aging services. LeadingAge is an association of nonprofit providers of aging services, including nursing homes that has its headquarters in Washington, D.C. There are 38 LeadingAge State Partners throughout the U.S.
On Apr. 1, 2021 LeadingAge introduced a Blueprint for a Better Aging Infrastructure, which is a series of recommendations that address the economic, social and racial inequities older Americans face by expanding access to long-term care at home and in our communities; increasing affordable housing for older adults; investing in the physical and technological infrastructure of aging services—including high-speed broadband access; and addressing the fundamental need to better support and grow our aging services workforce. In addition, the present administration has put caregiving and the supporting infrastructure as an important part of their agenda.
Dr. Majd Alwan. senior VP of technology and executive director of the LeadingAge Center for Aging Services Technologies (CAST) that develops and evaluates emerging technologies that can improve connectedness and engagement for older adults, joins SeniorsSTRAIGHTTalk to explain the organization's initiatives, the information that is available and how it can be accessed by both members and non-members.
There is no doubt that as technology and its supporting infrastructure is available to foster connections between older adults, their families and friends, there will be a significant decline in isolation, loneliness, depression and the negative impact they have on overall mental, psychological and physical health and well-being.
What is a Volun-CheerLeader Workforce and Why do we need it? The long-standing hallmark of nursing home life has been loneliness and isolation. It's a contradiction in terms that oftentimes people move into a nursing home environment because they not only need care, but also because they are alone and isolated. The contradiction is that in the traditional nursing home environment, surrounded by people residents are often alone and isolated and 50% of nursing home residents do not receive visitors. The pandemic only highlighted that issue even further. Insufficient staffing is also a long standing issue in nursing homes. Insufficient staffing contributes to less than adequate care, but also, with it comes the fact that there is insufficient time to engage with residents. Therefore, a trained, highly committed, compassionate, passionate volunteer workforce would fill that gap to become a valuable partner and resource in the nursing home environment. This would be person-centered caring at its finest. Volunteers getting to know residents, visiting, hearing and catering to their needs, providing emotional and psychological support. There is an ever increasing aging population in the U.S. Statistics indicate that at least 40% of adults over the age of 65 will spend at least some time in a nursing home and 29% will spend at least 90 days in the nursing home environment. We will need every possible resource to support this population in a way that provides quality of life and quality of care.
Mark Parkinson, stands stunningly at the helm of the American Health Care Association and American Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), the largest U.S. association for long term care. It represents14,000 for-profit and not-for-profit nursing homes and assisted living residences, sub-acute centers and homes for persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The organization's mission is to find and help deliver solutions so that frail, elderly and impaired citizens receive the quality of care they deserve regardless of the setting. Prior to serving as the 45th governor of Kansas, Parkinson owned and operated long-term care facilities in both Kansas and Missouri, bringing to his position an understanding of the landscape from an insider perspective.
The pandemic and its impact on nursing home residents, brought to light the issues that have long existed in our nation's nursing homes. Seizing on the need for change, Mark Parkinson embarked on a mission to find solutions that would improve the quality of care for our nation’s elder citizens. Thus, working in partnership with Leading Age, the Care for Seniors Act was created and released in March, 2021.
The Care for Seniors Act addresses four key areas with recommendations for policy changes in each area that can positively impact quality of care. The four areas are: Clinical, Workforce, Oversight and Structural.
Mark Parkinson adeptly describes each of the reform areas and how he envisions this can impact nursing home quality of care.
MyLiquitab, is the world’s first innovative product that uses ultrasonic technology converting solid dose medications to liquids. At its core It is revolutionary and can positively impact millions of people in the United States from the youngest child to the oldest adult.
The number of people who cannot swallow solid dose medications is growing annually and statistics indicate that 1 in 3 older adults has some difficulty swallowing solid dose medications.
For anyone who has every visited a nursing home or hospital, the disruptive and jarring metal clang, clang, clanging of the pill crushing device used to crush medications is inescapable. Crushing medication is a common occurrence in all care settings, as 30% of all people admitted to hospitals and those residing in nursing homes have difficulty swallowing solid dose medications. Manually grinding medication is time consuming, and healthcare workers can attest to the stress and resulting physical discomfort on their hands, wrists and shoulders. In addition, there is also a risk of inhaling aerosols from the medication being transformed. With the increasing number of older adults who choose to remain in their own homes as they age, so the number of people experiencing swallow difficulties with concomitant difficulty swallowing solid dose medication will also increase. Every ill-health category has a component that affects a person's ability to swallow from the common cold and sore throat to most serious conditions (throat and neck cancer, Neurologic Disorders, Strokes, Parkinson's Disease, dementia, Brain Injuries, as well as persons with with Intellectual Disabilities and psychiatric illnesses. Keith Dobson has invented a game changing device. The use of ultrasonic technology includes toothbrushes, measuring babies in utero, locating people's veins and now MyLiquitab uses ultrasonic technology for medication delivery.
Dr. Thomas has always challenged the negative stereotypes around aging in hopes of changing the narrative. It's the story that matters, he says. How people interpret their experience goes a long way to determining their wellbeing.”
The realization that older people clustered in one building was fundamental to the explosion of the Coronavirus in nursing homes inspired Dr. Thomas once again to pursue a new terrain in aging care. His visionary thinking led him to this latest project which embodies the concept of “neighborliness” a familiar and comfortable concept of small towns and local areas in big towns and cities around this country. In cooperation with Signature Health Care – currently called Canopy, Dr. Thomas is creating living environments in clusters of small geriatrician designed homes where seniors can live in place but receiving the support they may need from a traditional nursing home, while creating a tightknit group of neighbors.
“People of all ages and abilities deserve to live in the place and manner of their choosing. What we need is a radical reinterpretation of longevity that makes elders (and their needs) central to our collective pursuit of happiness and wellbeing” - Dr. Bill Thomas
Paragon Global Resources has provided relocation services for companies and executives around the world for decades. However, Joe Morabito's personal experiences with his parents helped become the impetus for expanding into providing valuable resources for older adults and their families as they transition from their own home to assisted living or nursing home environments. His company not only can hold your hand through the process, but understands what that journey is all about because Paragon Home Resources was founded on personal experience. Joe's account of his first hand experiences with the many stages of transitions for his father, and eventually his mother provide valuable information and insights for anyone who thinks they may be approaching that situation with their loved ones or for those at the beginning stages of that journey.
Joe Morabito returns in this follow up episode talking about the struggles and challenges families experience when their older parents need to transition out of their home. In the previous episode we discussed transitions from home to assisted living and nursing home. In this episode, we discuss the scenarios involved when older adults have to move in with their adult child. We'll address some of the considerations and challenges that arise, including the physical needs and limitations of the living space to which the older adult is supposed to move. Joe is a phenomenal story teller. The breath and wealth of his experiences, both personal as well as in this industry, can offer valuable insights for any person facing these issues.
Paragon Global Resources has provided relocation services for companies and executives around the world for decades. However, Joe Morabito's personal experiences with his parents helped become the impetus for expanding into providing valuable resources for older adults and their families as they transition from their own home to assisted living or nursing home environments. His company not only can hold your hand through the process, but understands what that journey is all about because Paragon Home Resources was founded on personal experience. Joe's account of his first hand experiences with the many stages of transitions for his father, and eventually his mother provide valuable information and insights for anyone who thinks they may be approaching that situation with their loved ones or for those at the beginning stages of that journey.
Do you have or have you had a loved one in a nursing home? Have you every been in a nursing home? Are you contemplating a move to a nursing home for a loved one or for yourself? Whether or not you live in California there is much to learn from Mike Dark about the state of nursing homes in every state in the country. The California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform (CANHR) is a a statewide nonprofit 501(c)(3) advocacy organization that, since 1983, has been dedicated to improving the quality of care and quality of life for residents in long term care environments - nursing homes and assisted living residences. The organization's initiatives include advocacy, community education, long term care reform, and working on legislation and justice so that consumers can understand their rights under the law. As the Attorney for the CANHR, Mike Dark speaks candidly about the well-documented long standing situations that have existed in nursing home predating COVID including: understaffing which seems at its root seems to be placing profit over care, inadequate government oversight and enforcement of care standards, and misleading consumer information, inadequate pay for health care workers, insufficient training and education, poor infection control standards, and the list goes on. What is the culprit and what are the remedies? There are no simple solutions. But accepting business-as-usual or that's just the way it is is not what we want for our own loved ones, for ourselves as emerging elders and is a commentary on our society if we cannot provide better care and quality of life for our eldest citizens. This is a lively and insightful conversation you won't want to miss.
The labyrinth of long-term care and long-term care insurance is a daunting one for most people. Unfortunately, many people haven't prepared for the unexpected or, in the case of older adults oftentimes the inevitable. Ben Rao's new book: Paying For Long Term Care, comes from his personal journey with his stepfather Tom and his years working in the senior year living industry. As Ben recounts his journey, it may sound like a familiar story, either your own or someone you know. While it may be a topic people prefer to avoid at all costs, or put off until they are in the throes of the situation, what they will find out is that the cost of doing so is too great. Ben lays out what people need to know in an organized and simple way that's easy to follow. Anyone who is over the age of 50, or has a family member or loved one who falls in that category, should definitely listen to what Ben shares in this episode.
From Ben's information and his work in the senior services industry, the natural flow is the conversation with Wendy Rinehart, co founder and owner of Family Solutions for Care. A company dedicated to helping families. Wendy will explain the important components that people need to address when seeking long-term care insurance as well as what to do when they are in need of filing a claim. She will explain what she calls the 4 C's Contract – what to look for in the contract that may be 30-40 pages in length, including elimination periods. Claimant – has to be asking for and receiving the kinds of care the policy will pay for. Care Providers – all levels. Carrier – 200 carriers to 10. Wendy's knowledge and explanation of the long-term care insurance process is a real eye opener you won't want to miss.
Do you know what role a Long Term Care Ombudsman plays? CT State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Mairead Painter explains the role of Long-Term Care Ombudsman who they are, how you can find them and the reasons you may need to contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman. Long-Term Care Ombudsman work to improve the quality of life and quality of care for nursing home residents, people residing in residential care homes and assisted living residences. The Ombudsman acts on behalf of, and at the direction of residents. Communication between residents, family members, legal guardians as applicable, and any other parties are strictly confidential They do this by responding to and investigating complaints brought to them by residents or any interested parties acting on their behalf. The Ombudsman also monitors state and federal laws and regulations, and makes recommendations for areas that need improvement. The program also recruits, trains, and supervises Volunteer Resident Advocates who assist residents in resolving concerns. All Ombudsman Services are free. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman operates according to these guiding principles: RECEIVE and looks into complaints, and assists residents in resolving problems. EDUCATE residents and families about their rights. EMPOWER and supports residents and families to discuss concerns with nursing home staff. PROVIDE information regarding long-term care programs and services. ADVOCATE improvements in state and federal laws and regulations. REPRESENT residents’ interests before governmental agencies. IDENTIFY and seeks to remedy gaps in facility, government, or community services. RESPECT the privacy and confidentiality of residents.
Robert Kramer has been on the forefront of thought leadership for decades; his thought leadership in the field of aging and aging services is unparalleled. In recognizing the importance of rethinking aging from every angle he knew the importance of having conversations across disciplines. Thus, he launched NEXUS Insights, an organization which engages a network of leading thinkers and thinking leaders to provide insights and develop actionable models to address the challenges faced by older adults and our society's caring for them. Mr. Kramer's theological background is apparent. His style and presentation is captivating; one can't help to be drawn in to his every word. Mr. Kramer traces his beginnings in the early 90's as co-founder of NIC. Under his leadership, the organization became the go-to resource for data and analytics for the rapidly expanding seniors housing and care industry and he was acknowledged as a thought leader for new ideas and trends impacting the provision of housing, services and care for older adults as well as addressing the ageism that often relegates older adults to lives of learned dependency, helplessness and loneliness. He'll share what he learned from then and the thread that runs through to his latest insights, concerns about how we move forward in caring for older adults and the burgeoning older population. He, as well as many others, know that nursing homes must be reimagined. Our system of caring for older adults is out of step with current needs and many of the nursing home buildings where people reside are relics of the past. Will society have the appetite to spend the amount of money that will be needed to care for older adults as they advance in years to the end of their life journey? Listen in to what Mr. Kramer has to say. I was hanging on every word.
Paul Irving was the first guest when Voices for Eldercare Advocacy was launched as a radio show in September 2019. Now, on the one year anniversary since the coronavirus made its way to the United States, Paul Irving returns to talk about what it has meant for older adults, our attitudes towards older adults, caring and treatment of older adults, and how we are going to move ahead to reimagine care and living environments for people as they age. The coronavirus spotlighted long-standing difficulties in the nursing home industry as a whole and the quality of care it provides for its residents. But, it also highlighted the need for treating essential workers, especially those healthcare workers who provide care for nursing home residents, with the respect and dignity they deserve; this includes a fair living wage. Is the lack of dignity, respect and a living wage related to the fact that many of these workers find their roots in minority communities? This reality extends to vaccine availability and access where older adults are often isolated and without internet access. The discussion turns to purposeful aging and longevity within the United States, taking into account cultural and societal differences, as well as aging around the globe. The Milken Institute works towards improving lives and believes that societies are stronger when its older citizens live healthy, productive and purposeful lives. Science has done its part in helping us live longer, but have societal attitudes business, academia, communities and governmental institutions kept up with advancements in medicine that are allowing us to live longer? What can people do to ensure productive, quality life in their advanced years when so much of our culture venerates youth and how can intergenerational communication and working relationships impact society’s attitudes towards our elder citizens? Paul Irving provides his insights and suggestions from his years of research and work with thought leaders around the country.
As a journalist, Alex Spanko sees the eldercare space from a different perspective. He contends rather than the usual discussions that involve looking at it from an either or, black or white perspective, there is nuance which warrants consideration. in his February 2021 article in Skilled Nursing News: Everyone is Right About What's Wrong With Nursing Homes squarely addresses this issue. It's not one segment pitted against the other that's going to create the needed change in how we care for nursing home residents: legislative/policy change, reimbursement structure, for-profit provider/lobbyists, advocacy groups. He contends this equates to heroes and villains, but this will not solve the long-standing issues that have existed in nursing homes from their inception. That is the real issue: how they were designed structurally and the mindset behind their purpose. Now, at the one year anniversary since the beginning of COVID and the disaster that occurred in nursing homes, we can acknowledge that mistakes were made. However, at the time politicians, CMS and hospital administration were making decisions in an unprecedented situation. Could there have been fewer fatalities? The answer is possibly yes. Is anyone specifically to blame The reality is probably no. It's a system that clearly needs reimagining. Alex' fresh journalist perspective lays it out clearly. You'll want to hear what he has to say.
The Pioneer Network has been a leader in the culture change movement for how we treat and care for residents of nursing homes and Penny Cook has been the leader in that movement for many years. This episode will focus on the meaning of culture change, Pioneer Network's latest initiatives, including the acronym CHANGE and what it stands for, what some leaders are doing to change the model of care in their nursing homes so they provide a more dignified and respectful living environment, and what providers of traditional models can do to make small changes that make a big difference. The discussion will continue with the importance of how we can go about educating families so that they understand the possibilities eventuating in them becoming advocates so their loved ones receive quality care in nursing homes. We will entertain the idea that ageism is a root cause for how we treat and care our aging parents and eldest citizens and what we can do change attitudes towards older people in society as a whole.
Dr. David Grabowski, a highly respected thought leader, researcher, and advisor to the federal government, provides valuable insights into a system on which over 1.4 million adults are dependent for care. As we approach the one-year anniversary of the coronavirus in nursing homes, Dr, Grabowski sheds light on the important issues that need attention in order for nursing homes to provide safe, quality care and quality life for residents and a safe workplace for healthcare workers who should be valued and respected for their work caring for our country’s older adults. He discusses the importances of developing strategies to facilitate vaccine acceptance amongst nursing home healthcare workers and the important role that leadership plays in building trust amongst staff. The discussion continues with societal considerations that would allow older adults to remain in their home for care as well as shedding light on the differences between long term nursing home care and assisted living.
AARP's 2021 legislative agenda includes reforms which will impact quality of life and quality of care for nursing home residents, they include: Improved infection control standards, minimum staffing requirements, adequate PPE supply, ensuring regular virtual visits and advocating for a living wage for healthcare workers who often have to work multiple jobs to make ends meet. One of AARP's recent successes was influencing the end of civil immunity for nursing homes. Governor Ned LaMont signed the legislation which would allow families to pursue legal recourse on behalf of loved ones in nursing homes in the most egregious cases. Nora also explains the money follows the person program which would allow people to remain in their home to receive care. Especially relevant in the present COVID19 climate which has resulted in people's increased reluctance to move into a nursing home environment. Finally, we discuss ageism as it impacts care and treatment of older adults.
Lori's never stops innovating, Her passion for providing resources related to dementia and Alzheimer's Disease is never ending and she has done it again; creating the Dementia Map Global Resource Directory a dream she's had for 30+ years. Lori will explain the ins and outs of this valuable tool for caregivers, families, professionals and persons with dementia and Alzheimer's Disease. The Dementia Map Global Resource Directory is easy to use. It asks nothing from the user, it's completely for the user. No need for log in information, remembering passwords, supplying email addresses. It's for anyone who wants to find any information related to dementia, straight forward and user friendly. What a gift!!!! Brava Lori. From the Dementia Map Global Resource we continue to discuss aging and ageism, the importance of embracing our elder years, our wisdom, and counteract ageist attitudes which can affect how we care for and treat older adults and especially persons with dementia.
Next Avenue, a public broadcasting service digital publication, states its mission tomeet the needs and unleash the potential of older Americans and to Inform, educate, enlighten and enrich the public and to help inform civil discourse essential to American Society. The informational and inspirational articles/videos offer valuable put-into-practice guidance in areas of health, money & policy, work & purpose, living and caregiving. This episode will discuss trends regarding retirement, educational pursuits, societal attitudes and misconceptions towards older adults, how this affects an older person's self image and their openness to pursue passions, interests and entrepreneurial pursuits in the elder years. Because people may think of older adults as not being tech savvy, they may have a misconception that they don't shop online. But, from shopping to checking the weather, seniors are using the internet more frequently and are a significant demographic using social media.
Jan Hively has been a lifelong advocate, and as an older adult, became an outspoken proponent and staunch advocate for ensuring older adults are able to achieve the life they desire with all of the dignity and respect they deserve. Her latest endeavor as Co-Founder of the Pass it On Network, along with Moira Allan), which is A Global Peer Learning Network for Positive Aging Advocates is also a member of the United Nations Open Ended Working Group on Aging. This passionate and lively conversation highlights the Vital Improvement Practice, which looks at strengths and needs considering individual and environmental considerations, the Universal Needs of Older adults, the Dimensions of Positive Aging, Advocacy and the importance of Self-Advocacy and Aging in Place possibilities, including Dr. Bill Thomas'Green House and Minka homes, shared housing and small residential care homes. Jan Hively not only lives her mission every day but she is the face of the mission. Tune in!!!!
Dr. Wasserman says the federal government and the nursing home industry hasn’t done enough to care for our older, most vulnerable adults
As the COVID-19 pandemic spread around the globe, there were 2.1 million Americans living in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. According to a December report from AARP, the COVID 19 virus has claimed the lives of at least 106,000 residents and nursing home staff, which accounts for 39% of all of the deaths from the virus in the U.S. and much of it could have been prevented.
Dr. Wasserman points the finger at poor government oversight, lack of accountability and an industry that places profit ahead of people as the culprits. This comes at a time when public health experts are predicting a surge in cases after holiday gatherings, increased time indoors during the winter weather, and a new strain which is spreading across the globe. He says the roll out for the vaccine was ill prepared, and whatever plan was in place was a bad one.
Medical Directors oversee physician services in nursing homes. AMDA, the Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine advocates for public policy and legislation initiatives in Congress representing interests that will ensure quality of life and quality of care for our elder citizens. Most recently, AMDA successfully spearheaded an initiative to thwart cuts in medicate reimbursement that would have negatively impacted physician and rehabilitation services in long-term care settings. Bardakh helps listeners understand the importance of asking pertinent questions about who will be caring for their loved ones and the importance of training and competency in geriatrics, a specialty focused on the specific health needs, care and disease prevention for all physicians serving in the long term care setting. Explanations are framed against a backdrop of ageism and the importance of advocacy in caring for vulnerable adults to the same degree we do for our children.
Lynn Biot-Gordon is always looking forward bringing new ideas and new initiatives to the National and International Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners. She brings her professional experience and empathy to her recent course on resilience, providing insights and much needed support for caregivers and professionals and professionals alike during these most challenging times. Moving forward in 2021, Lynn talks about the plans for a caregiver series, delving into areas such as practices to maintain and enhance personal well-being, strategies to enhance family visits, and nutritional changes in persons with dementia. The episode culminates in a discussion of the all-important subject of ageism, what is expected of us and for us, from society and our families, as opposed to the reality of what we are thinking and feeling. This lively discussion is sure to inspire thought and stimulate conversation amongst your friends and families.
Dr. Mike Wasserman was one of the first geriatricians in the country to recognize the dire situation COVID 19 presented to our nations nursing home residents. Since those early days to the present he has not stopped speaking out about the needs of our vulnerable older adults. Dr. Wasserman has been regularly quoted by various major news outlets and has appeared in interviews on CNN, MSNBC. This lively discussion with Dr. Wasserman is not to be missed!! His insights about nursing home care comes from one who has devoted his career to serving the needs of older adults and from the unique perspective of having been the CEO of the largest nursing home chain in California. Because he served at the helm of a nursing home chain, Dr. Wasserman's insights into the root causes of the problems in our nations nursing homes comes from a valuable inside perspective that one does not often hear. Anyone concerned with care of older parents, grandparents or their future selves should tune in!!!
Steve Gurney's journey to understand the elder experience is rooted in his family's caring for his grandfather. As an adult, he decided to embark on a journey to understand the elder experience that not many would undertake. When in his early 40's, Steve made the decision to live in 5 different senior living communities in order to get a first hand look at what elder's experience when they move from their home to a senior living residence. Steve came away with a deep appreciation and understanding for the experiences endured by our older adults. He realized that most people when in the position of having to seek care for older loved ones not only do not have the information they need but oftentimes do not know where to find that information. Thus, he created a comprehensive sourcebook providing families much needed information to help guide their decision and care choices. Listening to Steve you can feel his passion and know it comes from a perspective of one has walked the walk
Argentum is the leading national organization dedicated to supporting 75% of the companies operating professionally managed senior living communities in the U.S. The organization is dedicated to ensuring a quality person-centered approach to care, supports best care practices, and offers a wide array of resources to its members, including the most up-to-date educational training. Most recently, Argentum created a working group to help assisted living communities determine readiness to handle infectious diseases, uncover areas that needed attention and worked with organization industry leaders on COVID19 vaccine distribution. Balda will explain Argentum's dedication to attracting, identifying and developing a talented workforce, including leaders of tomorrow, working with federal regulatory agencies to ensure assisted living is understood for the important role it plays in caring for seniors and will allay common misconceptions about assisted living affordability.
Deeply embedded in all of us are attitudes about money that have roots in our childhood. Joel Salomon will guide us through the 7 money personality types and talk about how they shape our lives. Which ones do you, your spouse or significant other identity with? What about your parents? How does that affect not only your life, but your relationships with the significant people in your life? Joel left a prosperous career as a hedge fund manager to pursue working with people on these all-important issues. He realized that people's attitudes towards investing, and the overall financial success they achieved, was related to these specific personality types. He felt strongly that the most ethical way to help them achieve financial success was to help them understand their personality type and armed with healthier relationships towards investment and money, they could truly achieve financial freedom. It's not about amassing wealth but developing a healthy money mindset.
Jan Hively has been a lifelong advocate, and as an older adult, became an outspoken proponent and staunch advocate for ensuring older adults are able to achieve the life they desire with all of the dignity and respect they deserve. Her latest endeavor as Co-Founder of the Pass it On Network, along with Moira Allan), which is A Global Peer Learning Network for Positive Aging Advocates is also a member of the United Nations Open Ended Working Group on Aging. This passionate and lively conversation highlights the Vital Improvement Practice, which looks at strengths and needs considering individual and environmental considerations, the Universal Needs of Older adults, the Dimensions of Positive Aging, Advocacy and the importance of Self-Advocacy and Aging in Place possibilities, including Dr. Bill Thomas'Green House and Minka homes, shared housing and small residential care homes. Jan Hively not only lives her mission every day but she is the face of the mission. Tune in!!!!
The physical changes inherent to the effects of aging on the body can reduce autonomy and functional independence which may directly or indirectly lead to falls. Older adults have a high susceptibility to fall-related injuries and the root cause of many of these falls are reduced balance, muscle weakness and reduced mobility. In the United States this results in direct medical costs of 6 to 8 billion dollars per year. . More than 300,000 people are hospitalized each year from fall related injuries: broken hips, fractured shoulders or wrists which contribute to a reduced quality of life. Of those who are 70 years and older, approximately 32%-42% fall each year and many experience recurrent falls. Learn strategies you can use from an accomplished physical therapy professional who has dedicated her entire career to helping older adults in the home, community and long term care settings to improve their physical function in order to reduce and avoid falls.
Dr. Mike Wasserman was one of the first geriatricians in the country to recognize the dire situation COVID 19 presented to our nations nursing home residents. Since those early days to the present he has not stopped speaking out about the needs of our vulnerable older adults. Dr. Wasserman has been regularly quoted by various major news outlets and has appeared in interviews on CNN, MSNBC. This lively discussion with Dr. Wasserman is not to be missed!! His insights about nursing home care comes from one who has devoted his career to serving the needs of older adults and from the unique perspective of having been the CEO of the largest nursing home chain in California. Because he served at the helm of a nursing home chain, Dr. Wasserman's insights into the root causes of the problems in our nations nursing homes comes from a valuable inside perspective that one does not often hear. Anyone concerned with care of older parents, grandparents or their future selves should tune in!!!
Dan Blanchard's book The Storm: How Young Men Become Good Men allows us to hear the wisdom an elder has to offer, not only for the young man in this book, but provides us with reason for understanding the value older adults offer, not only for the younger generation but also for society as a whole. If heed the lessons of grandaddy's secrets it can offer a roadmap to help every reader understand the need for changing our attitudes towards older adults. Older adults should be embraced by our society so that their needs, wants and desires are respected. Dan Blanchard's life has been dedicated to helping younger people understand this concept. But his advocacy and books have value beyond the students with whom he works and beyond the younger generation. Dan Blanchard has lived his life according to the lessons he's learned and the success habits he's adopted which have paved the road to his success. Dan is surely a wisdom keeper with valuable lessons and insights to share.
This episode and those moving forward, begins with host Phyllis Ayman introducing News & Views. A short segment of news items of relevance to seniors, their families & the community at large. Watch for social media posts of News & Views. Host Phyllis Ayman will continue with latest initiates re the first online course she introduced entitled: Resilience How to Overcome Burnout, Stress & Overwhelm as well as plans for upcoming courses. In addition, Phyllis has authored her third book, Dignity & Respect, Are Our Aging Parents Getting What They Deserve? and is proud to announce that Dr. Bill Thomas has written the foreword for the book. Cohost Rubina Chaudhary will discuss latest initiatives for Olive Community Services. They have an upcoming month long walk-a-thon to promote movement, agility & overall well-being which will also be a fundraiser for Olive. In addition, Rubina will discuss latest technology initiatives and plans for the Olive's annual Vision Luncheon in early Dec
From a chance meeting in 2016 at a Global Aging Network Conference in Perth, Australia, Jack York and Francis Njuakom's have created something amazing halfway around the globe. it's a story that will surely bring smiles and possibly chills and tears to your eyes. A story of caring, connection and empathy. A story you won't want to miss!!!! This encounter has been the true magic in making a difference in transforming lives and creating a better future for girls, women, elders, their families and communities in Cameroon. From the amazing story of Jacky the goat, named after Jack York of IN2L who donated the first 9 goats to women and elders in Cameroon, to the Dorothy York Senior Center in Cameroon, named after Jack's mother, to the present, Francis Njuakom and CDVTA are changing how elders are cared for and respected in Cameroon. Jack, IN2L, their friends, Front Porch Foundation, WD International, Banko Design, etc have raised well over $100,000 for projects benefitting CDVTA.
Dr. Bill Thomas is a visionary who has totally transformed how we think about and design living spaces for older adults as they continue on life's journey into their advancing years. Studies have proven that how we perceive aging, to a very large degree, determines how we age, Dr. Thomas says. with the accepted narrative of aging as one of decline, disease, and disability, it's difficult to look upon advancing years in a positive light. Dr. Thomas challenges the negative stereotypes in hopes of changing the narrative. It's the story that matters, he says. How people interpret their experience goes a long way to determining their wellbeing. So I decided to go out into the world and start changing the story of aging. We believe in possibility, change, growth, optimism, spirit and soul. Dr. Thomas traces the origins of his revolutionary ideas and how they are applied to redesign and create a total shift in attitude and care in a nursing home environment.
A lively and fascinating discussion with Dr. Kiyota's about her initiatives in intergenerational sustainable communities which is spreading throughout the United States and around the globe. Dr. Kiyota cares deeply about elders and their needs. She believes strongly that one of society's failings is that we don't ask elders about their wants and needs. Towards that end, her contributions include national and international initiatives focused on quality improvement in the built environment for long-term care and aging services, Over the past several years, Emi has dedicated her energies to developing ageing valued community projects in Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and the Ivory Coast. Her nonprofit, Ibasho, which embodies the Japanese concept of “a place where one feels at home being one’s self” with a group of like-minded colleagues is intended to advance the concept by developing communities where every person can live safely, in comfort and with dignity as they age.
David Grabowski, a highly respected thought leader and health care policy researcher will discuss why and how COVID19 compounded the preexisting crisis conditions in our nations nursing homes, the federal government role in supplying needed Protective Personal Equipment for health care workers, and the importance of rapid results testing for healthcare worker Knowing what we know about the impact of COVID19 on both nursing home residents and the health care workers who serve them, Dr. Grabowski will share his thoughts on the future of large bed nursing home facilities. In addition, in the present climate, many people are opting to return home for therapy and care after hospitalization. If this trend continues beyond the COV19 crisis, this may not only affect the long term care industry, but impact our ability as a society to care for the every increasing number of older adults, especially those who have more skilled care needs. This will surely be an insightful discussion.
We tend to marginalize and disregard older adults, thinking they no longer can contribute to our lives or society in any purposeful or meaningful way, especially those older adults who no longer participate in the workforce as we know it. But in doing so, we are ignoring the valuable resource, legacies, stories, the witness to history that can only be captured through the personal experiences by those who lived them. Jeff Rubin has set out to capture those experiences, stories, and words of wisdom. In doing so, he's undertaken the important work of bridging the generation gap, finding out that at both the younger and upper range of the age spectrums, there is a clarity and wisdom to be shared and appreciated. His innovative approach to developing intergenerational wisdom circles could go a long way in creating an understanding of the value our older adults bring to our families and to our community at large. A lifelong advocate, Jeff brings his own wisdom to the conversation.
Dr. Faisal Qazi will discuss the meaning of brain health and offer advice for maintaining or maximizing brain health as we age. He will also offers explanations about the meaning of cognition, executive function, how it changes as we age as well as what those changes mean for persons with Alzheimer's Disease and dementia. Without delving too deeply into neuroanatomy, Dr. Qazi will describe the difference in the underlying causes for strokes: blood clots, aneurysm and hemorrhages and explain one of the most common causative factors: high blood pressure. Overall, healthy life style is key for maintaining a healthy brain. The importance of maintaining nutritional, physical and emotional/psychological balance are all factors which contribute to a healthy brain and a healthy life.
Dr. Power discusses the early signs of dementia and how symptoms associated with dementia shift the way in which the person sees the world but also how a diagnosis of dementia impacts how the world sees the person who has been given that diagnosis. This reality can affect a person's willingness to acknowledge symptoms as they become aware of them ultimately impacting their willingness to seek help. Dr. Power eschews referring to the stages often described when discussing dementia, believing that they influence how the person is viewed which is oftentimes through the prism of the diagnosis and what they can no longer do as opposed to the person's present level of function and their intact capabilities. We will discuss a core principle of Dr. Power's work which is non-pharmacological approaches to working with persons with dementia in a way that offers the highest possible level of dignity, respect, quality of life and life with purpose.
What are the trends in long-term care that you need to know when choosing care for mom, dad, grandparents or loved ones? Liza Berger, senior editor at McKnight's Long-Term Care News will discuss the trends being covered for and by industry professionals and help translate these trends for the average person having to make long-term care decisions for loved ones. Liza will explain Medicare Advantage and the fairly new Institutional Special Needs Plans (I-SNPs), which provide a unique approach to care in a long-term or skilled nursing facility. A list of institutions appropriate for providing I-SNP plans is available at the CMS website: https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Eligibility-and-Enrollment/MedicareMangCareEligEnrol. She will also discuss the issues related to COVID-19 spread and testing in nursing homes, along with the virus' impact on nursing homes as we know them to be, virtual family visits and reimbursement changes.
LeadingAGE Leadership Academy was founded and continues to seek out and identify healthcare workers with leadership qualities. According to Larry Minnix, there are many health care workers with tremendous qualities for leadership that go unidentified. The importance of recognizing leadership qualities and cultivating leaders in healthcare is imperative for creating effective team building and care environments. This applies to supervisors, managers, owners and operators. Larry contends that many line workers are drawn to this field because they have a heartfelt desire to help care for older adults. We will also discuss what it's going to take for the country to develop long term care plans that will instill confidence for the increasing number of our population's older adults and their families.
David Grabowski, a highly respected thought leader and health care policy researcher will discuss why and how COVID19 compounded the preexisting crisis conditions in our nations nursing homes, the federal government role in supplying needed Protective Personal Equipment for health care workers, and the importance of rapid results testing for healthcare worker Knowing what we know about the impact of COVID19 on both nursing home residents and the health care workers who serve them, Dr. Grabowski will share his thoughts on the future of large bed nursing home facilities. In addition, in the present climate, many people are opting to return home for therapy and care after hospitalization. If this trend continues beyond the COV19 crisis, this may not only affect the long term care industry, but impact our ability as a society to care for the every increasing number of older adults, especially those who have more skilled care needs. This will surely be an insightful discussion.
Dr. Bill Thomas is a visionary who has totally transformed how we think about and design living spaces for older adults as they continue on life's journey into their advancing years. Studies have proven that how we perceive aging, to a very large degree, determines how we age, Dr. Thomas says. with the accepted narrative of aging as one of decline, disease, and disability, it's difficult to look upon advancing years in a positive light. Dr. Thomas challenges the negative stereotypes in hopes of changing the narrative. It's the story that matters, he says. How people interpret their experience goes a long way to determining their wellbeing. So I decided to go out into the world and start changing the story of aging. We believe in possibility, change, growth, optimism, spirit and soul. Dr. Thomas traces the origins of his revolutionary ideas and how they are applied to redesign and create a total shift in attitude and care in a nursing home environment.
What inspires change? In the case of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a seven year old boy named Chris with a terminal illness touched one man's heart and inspired him in a way that changed the world. Frank Shankwitz, best known as founder of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, is that man. The Make A Wish Foundation is a global nonprofit organization that grants wishes to children with life threatening illnesses up to the age eighteen. It grants wishes to a child somewhere in the world approximately every 28 minutes. Hearing Frank's story in his own words is not only inspiring, but touches your heart in unimaginable ways. He recounts the story of a young girl from Ireland who cut her long locks of hair, sold them and donated the proceeds to Make-A-Wish to help fulfill the wish of an ill child. We are all challenged at this time. Any small act of kindness, even a smile, from an inner desire to do something for another even if we don’t get anything in return, can go a long way.
LeadingAge is known as a trusted voice for older adults and aging. The organization, comprised of 5,000 members and partners ranging from not-for-profit organizations businesses, consumer groups, foundations and research partners all of which represent the interests of older adults and aging. Leading Age is also part of the Global Ageing Network which spans 38 countries representing the issues related to dignity, respect and care for the ever increasing older global population, including the impact of attitudes that stem from the language we used. The important issues for seniors, their quality of life, treatment, care and respect will be discussed with LeadingAge CEO Katie Smith Sloan who represents the organization with passion and dedication. She will discuss the new “ACT for Older Adults” Campaign, urging congress not to turn their backs and forget about the impact of COVID19, and to provide real relief on older adults and health care workers. She encourages all Americans to stand up and speak up to ensure
Coronavirus cases are spiking in ten U.S. states; once again placing nursing home residents and health care workers at risk. Along with fatigue and stress, healthcare workers feel stretched as coworkers may be absent from work due to illness or family obligations. We have suggestions from resident families to providers who can utilize strategies that foster inclusion, team building and respect. Our Cohost, Rubina Chaudhary’s will share her ideas and experience based on her mother’s stay in a rehabilitation center, soon to be moving into long-term care. Our host, Phyllis Ayman, shares her observations and insights from years working in nursing homes and her recent experience in facilities during COVID19. She will provide suggestions to mitigate the effects of prolonged face mask wearing, staff engagement in the present, and the trainings she's developed for new leadership and staff management styles which can reflect positively on resident care, particularly for persons with dementia
People living with Alzheimer’s disease is growing rapidly in the U.S. and only about one in four people is properly diagnosed. Alzheimer's disease is one form of dementia which progresses from mild memory loss to severe limitations in all areas of functioning. In the U.S., approximately 5.5 million people of all ages have Alzheimer’s disease; an estimated 5.3 million are 65 and older; with two thirds being women. The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease doubles every five years beyond the age of 65. In the U.S., someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease almost every 66 seconds, by 2050, that number is expected to drop to every 33 seconds. Alzheimer's Disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the U.S., more than breast and prostate cancer combined. Since 2000, deaths from the disease have risen by 89%. In 2016, approximately 15.9 million family & friends provided 18.2 billion hours of unpaid assistance to people living with Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias.
Family Care Space and Family Care Space Home Care is the senior industry's first technology platform that combines resident, staff management and family engagement software which improves operational efficiencies, reduces resident risk, and gives families the opportunity to have real time access to their loved ones. The program can be utilized at all levels whether a person is living in the community, in assisted living or in a nursing home environment. Learn about the components that benefit residents, their families and friends, operators and administration. For families, It provides transparency in care and can facilitate family involvement regardless of how near or far they live from their loved one. For the provider, it can enhance profitability and staff utilization, engagement and retention by creating an environment that facilitates greater team building and collegial support. Family Care Space may be the game changer you're seeking for peace of mind for your loved one.
In this episode, our hosts will discuss their individual and organizational initiatives and how they support our older adults. Our host, Phyllis Ayman, has just completed her coursework as an administrator for small residential care homes and assisted living facilities in CA. She will share the insights she has gained and how they can benefit her clients and their families. She will also discuss her Go Fund Me initiative: Senior Connections Matter: Connecting Seniors Through Technology. Phyllis was finally able to bring her long held passion for this project to fruition. Rubina Chaudhary, President and Cofounder of Olive Community Services, will share the strides they have taken by offering their Live, Learn, Thrive Program as a virtual online program as well as other initiatives that serve the senior community in Southern California. Both Phyllis and Rubina are excited to pursue projects to ensure seniors can be connected to their communities, families and loved ones.
One of the most heartbreaking realities of the Covid-19 pandemic has been the disconnection between residents living in senior living communities and their families. We’ve all seen the stories and the pictures, they’re heartbreaking. Join us to discuss the realities of isolation in nursing homes and senior living communities throughout the country and hear how creative providers are utilizing various types of technology to mitigate the nightmare. Jack York, a 20 + year veteran of providing technology into senior living, and one of the founders of iN2L, will talk in detail about the crisis, and solutions that dedicated caregivers are utilizing every day. It’s heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time to hear the stories, you’ll walk away encouraged and inspired. There’s reason for hope.
No doubt the coronavirus situation has made us all more aware that situations with our health and well-being are fluid and can be impacted in ways that we never anticipated. How many people/families were legally or financially prepared for the emergency situation which they faced. Beyond the virus situation, we all have to address these issues, but especially families with older parents or loved ones. There are many considerations and information that is essential to understanding this landscape, the terminology, documents that need to be completed. Oftentimes, families are at odds with each other as well as the decisions needed to be made. Therefore, it is imperative that people PLAN BY CHOICE, NOT BY CRISIS. Our goal in today’s episode is to provide our listeners with the information they need in a plain easy to understand manner.
One of the most heartbreaking realities of the Covid-19 pandemic has been the disconnection between residents living in senior living communities and their families. We’ve all seen the stories and the pictures, they’re heartbreaking. Join us to discuss the realities of isolation in nursing homes and senior living communities throughout the country and hear how creative providers are utilizing various types of technology to mitigate the nightmare. Jack York, a 20 + year veteran of providing technology into senior living, and one of the founders of iN2L, will talk in detail about the crisis, and solutions that dedicated caregivers are utilizing every day. It’s heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time to hear the stories, you’ll walk away encouraged and inspired. There’s reason for hope.
While caring for a loved one can be a special opportunity to spend quality time, it can also present many challenges during challenging times such as the current pandemic, especially if the caregiver is trying to balance work, life, family, and other obligations. More often than not, the caregiver is going through their own set of life challenges. Bob Still will share his caregiving experiences for his own family as well as a long time family friend while simultaneously running his business. He will discuss the challenges he's facing and the toll the exhausting schedule is taking on his own physical health and well being, Being fatigued and run down leaves his immune system compromised which is of serious concern in the present pandemic environment.
You receive a sudden dreaded phone call: mom or dad has fallen and broken his/her hip and is now hospitalized, or has had a heart attack or stroke which thrusts some people into a situation for which they are not anywhere near prepared. The family Caregiver is vital in the lives of our older loved ones. Family caregivers are making tremendous personal sacrifice, and are truly unsung heroes. So much so that the 2020 Rose Bowl parade included a float dedicated to Caregivers. The 80+ population is increasing drastically. With increased age often there are increasing care needs. What impact will that have on both our older adults and especially their Caregivers? The stress of the caregiving situation while also squeezed between job and family is ripe for burnout and fatigue impacting emotional, psychological, physical health and well being. Today we're focusing on IMpathy ™ self-care, self-kindness, self-compassion, self-forgiveness; crucial to sustain your own health and well-being.
It is no secret that the elders in the over 15,000 nursing homes in the US are particularly vulnerable to the spread of the coronavirus. While initially beginning in a nursing home in Washington State, there are now countless stories of infection and death. While initially the virus was said to target those who are older, sick, and with critical underlying conditions, that is no longer the case. However, the nursing home environment itself is one that is ripe for spread of infection, and in the case of COVID-19, a deadly infection at that. It has only been during isolated natural disasters (Katrina, Hurricane Sandy, Hurricane Irma) that our frail, vulnerable nursing home residents have garnered this kind of attention. Today's guest is also one of our hosts, who has spent her career working in the nursing home environment. She is well versed with the challenges faced by healthcare workers, residents and families alike during this challenging times.
The challenges our vulnerable elder citizens face at the hands of those who are less than scrupulous has been an issue addressed by several organizations, including AARP. It is particularly concerning in these times when our seniors are isolated and more vulnerable. They may limited access to their usual support systems and thus, can become easier prey from people with ill conceived motives. It is also a fact that a large percentage of seniors have experienced fraud at the hands of family members and caregivers. In this episode, we will explain some of the more commonly known scams that target our elders, including the Sweetheart Scam, Phishing emails and Imposter scam and how and why they are effective. Most people think it will not happen to them, but those intending to defraud are highly sophisticated and are successful more often than not. According to a 2018 report released by AARP, the top 10 scams cost older Americans $2.9 billion.
Now that our elder seniors are confined to their homes with no-one able to keep a watchful eye, the risk of falling is a serious concern for families and loved ones, especially since 50% of falls occur in the home. Falls are the leading cause of injury amongst elder citizens with elder citizens experiencing one or more falls each year. Of injury related hospitalizations, 85% are the result of falls and 95% of hip fractures are related to falls. What can we do as a community to keep our seniors safe in their homes? We will explore the key causes and risk factors associated with falls, what are suggestions to mitigate incidence and risks of falls, what measures can be put in place to monitor if an elder loved one has fallen and and what should someone do if indeed they have fallen.
America is experiencing a sense of disconnect and loneliness. Our elder loved ones are experiencing this now more than ever. Our elder citizens in our nation's nursing homes are now unable to receive visits from family and loved ones. Our host Phyllis Ayman, a healthcare professional will share her experiences and perspectives about what is happening in some nursing homes. In our second segment we'll share technology solutions for families to connect with their loved ones and provide information on the fundraising efforts in this area, with novel approaches in at least 1 US facility using a novel approach. Families also understand the importance their presence represents in ensuring quality care for their loved ones; we'll provide suggestions so they can continue to champion their loved ones care by advocating from a distance. Our hosts, from opposite ends of the country, will share their own coping strategies and some experiences that have helped brighten their days.
With the recent coronavirus crisis, we are all experiencing fear, isolation and uncertainty. During this time, everyone’s safety and wellbeing is the highest priority; finding creative ways to stay connected with each other and support those in need is crucial .This is especially true for our seniors, many of whom are no longer able to attend their usual daily programs. Olive Community Services is committed to ensuring participants remain safe, healthy, and engaged physically, mentally, and socially. Towards that end, Olive has launched an online version of the Live Learn Thrive, (LLT), program through Zoom video conferencing. Voices for Eldercare Advocacy cohost Rubina Chaudhary, and one of the Olive's original founders, looks at this as a a wonderful opportunity to enable seniors who haven't been able to attend Olive’s physical programs, the opportunity to participate through the World Wide Web. Olive program facilitators join us on the show to describe the program.
The Coronavirus, has impacted people of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds around the world. Our elder citizens, and especially those who suffer from heart, lung, or immunodeficiency syndromes, smokers and persons with diabetes are at greater risk. As a result of the pandemic, and now an official US national health emergency, there is much confusion, some conflicting information, stress and fear not only in our country, but because of the global threat the virus presents Voices for Eldercare Advocacy wants to provide information and support our listeners in an effort to helping them understand how to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. We of course encourage our listeners to take care not only of themselves physically, and to be mindful of their movements and surroundings, but also to care for their emotional, psychological and social wellbeing. Most importantly, at this difficult time we will hopefully become more aware that we are part of a larger community.
You receive a sudden dreaded phone call: mom or dad has fallen and broken his/her hip and is now hospitalized, or has had a heart attack or stroke which thrusts some people into a situation for which they are not anywhere near prepared. The family Caregiver is vital in the lives of our older loved ones. Family caregivers are making tremendous personal sacrifice, and are truly unsung heroes. So much so that the 2020 Rose Bowl parade included a float dedicated to Caregivers. The 80+ population is increasing drastically. With increased age often there are increasing care needs. What impact will that have on both our older adults and especially their Caregivers? The stress of the caregiving situation while also squeezed between job and family is ripe for burnout and fatigue impacting emotional, psychological, physical health and well being. Today we're focusing on IMpathy ™ self-care, self-kindness, self-compassion, self-forgiveness; crucial to sustain your own health and well-being.
Elder Abuse is an unfortunate reality for many women.* Women often experience violence across their lifespan, and we know that being exposed to violence early in life, whether that is witnessing or being the victim of it, drastically increases the risk of experiencing violence, particularly domestic violence, later in life Join Phyllis Ayman, Rubina Chaudhary and guest Kalley Henderson, crisis team coordinator at the Surrey Women's Centre in Surrey, BC for the discussion on elder abuse. The Surrey Women's Centre serves all those experiencing gender based violence, and this includes older women. Women are expressing that they feel left out of the conversation around gender-based violence, they didn't think services for women experiencing violence or fleeing abuse applied to them. Social Isolation, often a hallmark of abusive relationships, creates other challenges. Thus, developing personalized safety plans & empowering women is a priority at Surrey Women's Centre.
As our lives change, our homes can support, or limit, our ability to live our lives the way we want. Remaining in our homes may begin to present unexpected challenges. Listening carefully and providing an empathetic approach in as an important part of the Next Step Home Design Process, Colin assists people clarify their ideas about what are the most prudent home improvement investments based on the lives they want to create while taking into account their present and changing needs. This helps them get the most enjoyment and functional use from their homes and the most value from their property. We will discuss the concept of Universal design which is devoted to helping people stay in their homes safely and comfortably for as long as they choose. It is a practice that strives to make our products easy to use and to make the built environment easy to navigate for people of all abilities, from the youngest to the oldest.
Twenty-five percent of Connecticut's workforce is at least 55 ears of age and the population 65 years of age is expected to outnumber those under the age of 18 by 2035. As a results, Senator Haskell, now age 23 has co-sponsored a bill on age discrimination which is strongly supported by AARP. The legislation prevents employers from asking job applications questions regarding their age, date of birth or graduation date unless it directly relates to a specific job qualification. Protections against age discrimination were first signed into law in 1967 but were whittled away by the Supreme Court in 2009 when they made it more difficult for workers to sue employers for being fired, laid off or forced out of job based on their age. AARP has found that 60 percent of older workers have seen or experienced age discrimination and 75 percent have found it an obstacle in finding new employment. Many people over 55 who lack sufficient savings or pensions will have to continue working.
According the the Center for Disease Control, approximately one if four adults 55 years of age or older are faced with some type of mental health issues.The most common conditions include anxiety, severe cognitive impairment, and mood disorders (such as depression or bipolar disorder) Many of today's older adults grew up at a time when not only was there a stigma associated with mental health problems but also they were not as well understood as they are today. Mental illness is underdiagnosed in older patients for many reasons, some of which are the attitudes associated with ageism. Depression, anxiety, addiction, and other mental health issues are not a normal part of aging. Left untreated, they can lead to suicide. It's just as important for an older person with symptoms of depression to seek treatment as it is for someone younger. If you are seeing signs of depression or anxiety In a loved one, encourage them to seek help.
Elder Abuse is an unfortunate reality for many women.* Women often experience violence across their lifespan, and we know that being exposed to violence early in life, whether that is witnessing or being the victim of it, drastically increases the risk of experiencing violence, particularly domestic violence, later in life Join Phyllis Ayman, Rubina Chaudhary and guest Kalley Henderson, crisis team coordinator at the Surrey Women's Centre in Surrey, BC for the discussion on elder abuse. The Surrey Women's Centre serves all those experiencing gender based violence, and this includes older women. Women are expressing that they feel left out of the conversation around gender-based violence, they didn't think services for women experiencing violence or fleeing abuse applied to them. Social Isolation, often a hallmark of abusive relationships, creates other challenges. Thus, developing personalized safety plans & empowering women is a priority at Surrey Women's Centre.
How can inner peace help us achieve wellness and health? Based on evidentiary research we will discuss and present information from the literature and thought leaders on the healing power of breathing and the overall benefits that achieving inner calm and peace can have on disease processes. A calmer mind can help you respond to stressful situations in a way less harmful to your body. However, our guest will present his first hand experience and belief that is can be of great value to others merely being around a person who has meditated and achieved inner peace.
What does it take to be an advocate? Does it take special training or skills? The answer is that everyone plays the role of advocate at some time in their lives. It happens when you call your phone company, internet or wireless provider, insurance company, or doctor's office. How does this translate into advocacy for care for your loved one? Here is some of what you will learn: How do you recognize your own advocacy skills? What's the difference between aggressiveness and assertiveness and how does that impact advocacy? Being aggressive doesn't always get you what you want. Tips on using your voice effectively. Being positive, proactive, tenacious both verbally and in writing
What is the formula or the ingredients for achieving optimal health and well-being? Is it ever too late to begin that journey? Shabbir Mansuri describes studying the American Society Construct over a period of 60 years. His research provides the framework and strategies that you can be apply whenever you decide to begin that journey. What better time than a new decade? Shabbir shares his interesting perspectives, philosophy and methodology to incorporating changes into life that will be most beneficial for achieving health and well-being. He and wife Rashida have successfully applied these practices to their lives and seem to have achieved a way of living that affords them a tremendous sense of health and well-being. Shabbir has always shared his information with family members, close friends and community members. He is now generously sharing his knowledge and insights with our listeners so they can apply the wisdom of his experience to their own lives.
Nutrition management and aging. What does that mean to you? Nutrition management is more than thinking about diet...it's developing a strategy for selecting the appropriate foods for your body and lifestyle. The body is like the recipe for a favorite food. Specific ingredients are required proportioned in their relationship to one another in order to produce a well rounded, fine tasting finished dish. If the proportions are incorrect, an ingredient is mistakenly omitted or added, the end product will not be as expected. So it is with our bodies. Food is our fuel and good nutrition is the key to managing our bodies for optimal functioning. Learn about varied approaches to nutrition management, diet types and food recommendations for specific conditions, how foods can boost brain health and decrease your risk of memory loss, vitamin deficiencies that may be impacted by season as well as cultures, understanding your body type when making food choices, and taste changes as we age.
How many of us think about devising a strategy to maintain or improve our health and wellness as we age? We may discuss or develop strategies to secure our financial future, we seek out medical plans to serve us in the event of failing health, but we rarely develop a health and wellness strategy, a true plan, to give us the best shot to live as healthy as we can for as long as we can and it is not usually included in any conversation on aging. A plan for your health and wellness journey encompasses more than food choices and exercise. It emphasizes mindfulness, a strong mind body connection and positivity. Today's episode on Voices for Eldercare Advocacy will provide information about what constitutes such a plan, how you can either devise a plan or seek out a plan for yourself and/or how to participate in a nutrition challenge.
Many people have experienced loss, or are in situations that make them feel less than joyful at the holiday season. Societal, family and professional pressures for them to feel and experience joy can be stressful. Some of these situations may include: people who have lost a loved one recently, or lost a loved one at this time of year; families or friends separated by distance; loss of independence, whether it be the result of physical limitation or because a person is living in a care facility, and people without family or friends, who may be isolated at home or have noone with whom to share the holiday. Another area effecting feelings of sadness are those whose loved who is experiencing significant cognitive impairment and therefore, cannot participate with family rituals or celebrations as they had in the past.
We want all of our listeners who may be sad and lonely, or know someone who may be less than happy at this time of year, to know they are to alone.
In this episode we will discuss and share perspectives from the 3rd Annual Olive Community Services Vision Luncheon held Sat., 12/14/19 in Buena Park, CA. A multigenerational five member panel shared insights and experiences as it related to eldercare for their parents, their feelings for their own care needs as they age and family expectations from a cultural perspective. Attendees ranged from young adults in their early 20's through elders in their 80's. A report on the aging readiness survey conducted by Olive Community Services was also presented along with the organization's plans for future programs and initiatives. This annual event is meant to raise awareness and the necessary funds for this nonprofit to continue expanding the organization's mission and purpose to provide culturally appropriate services to seniors, their families, and their community. The program is based on the concept that every older adult should live a vibrant, fulfilling and purposeful life.
Our ability to communicate is the bedrock of building and sustaining relationships. Yet many of us, and/or our loved ones experience difficulties speaking, expressing ourselves or understanding others, which may increase as we age. Causative factors may include muscle weakness, brain injuries, degenerative diseases, cancer, etc. Speech and language pathologists provide speech therapy which helps people experiencing difficulty regain and maximize speech and communication ability or develop strategies to compensate for persisting difficulties. They also help families, loved ones and friends learn how they can help to understand what is being said or help someone express themselves to their best ability. It's all about expressing our wants, needs, ideas and feelings. This is a fundamental human need. Don't let speech and/or communication deficits stop you, someone you care for, or someone you love.
In this episode we will discuss healthy lifestyle; how to remain active, vibrant and healthy as we age. Discover new passions and reignite those from the past. Our guests are John Nyemchek, a nationally recognized ballroom dance champion, judge and teacher and Dan Layne a teacher, balance/mobility specialist and black belt in karate. Each coming from their own passions and years of training, they introduce people to their areas of expertise in later years of life and discuss the value they see it provides from physical, emotional and psychological points of view.
Nursing Homes, also known as skilled nursing facilities, are associated with an institutional, medical model of care which does not always reflect individual choice, respect, dignity and life with purpose. However, it is possible for our elder citizens to reside in more dignified, life affirming, satisfying and meaningful living environments. For this to be accomplished we need to change the culture in long term care facilities. Pioneer Network is the national leader of the culture change movement.
Penny Cook, President and CEO of Pioneer Network will provide information about culture change...what it means, what it takes and what is being done to accomplish the goal so that or elders citizens receive more dignified, respectful living environments. Our elder citizens of today are ourselves of tomorrow.
As we age, many of us experience changes in our vision. It may begin with simply needing to use glasses for reading but may progress to more serious situations that represent greater challenges. (i.e., cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy) In today's episode, we will interview Anu Pala who experienced vision loss as an adult. She will share her experiences and challenges, adaptations, and what she has done to forge ahead in her own life as well as to motivate and inspire others.
There are almost 500,000 surviving men and women World War II Veterans who are now in their 80’s and 90’s. In addition, the average age of a Korean War Veteran is now 86, and the Vietnam War Veteran average age is 70. What are the benefits that these elder Veteran citizens are entitled to receive and are they receiving the benefits that they deserve? What about their spouses and families? Would benefit assistance for the veteran in their elder years help provide the care they need and alleviate the stresses faced by their families and loved ones? What other circumstances have our veterans faced for which they are entitled to compensation? A leading Veterans benefit consultant and advocate will provide much needed insight and knowledge about what our elder veterans should be receiving, but often are not.
Music plays an important role in the lives of people from all walks of life and cultures around the world. It connects us emotionally to times gone by, places and situations. It is also a source of enjoyment and recreation; a distraction from trials and tribulations, and is used to lift our mood. Has this ever happened to you? You hear the title of a familiar song but cannot remember the words. Yet, upon hearing the music, you are carried but the melody and find yourself singing every word almost automatically. The melody is an automatic trigger to a deep-seated part of the brain where memories are stored. . Music also inspires movement at the very least in the form of tapping your foot, snapping your fingers, clapping your hands or bopping your head to and fro. Hear today's guests discuss the important role that music and movement plays for persons with dementia.
Dementia is an overall term for symptoms and conditions characterized by a decline in memory, language, problem-solving, and other thinking skills and social symptoms that interfere with a person's ability to perform everyday activities. In the US, there are approximately 5 million people living with age related dementia and 7.7 million new cases are diagnosed every year. Worldwide, there are a staggering 47.5 people are living with dementia. Dementia is considered to be one of the leading causes of dependency and mental impairment among the elder population and with the increase in people living to advanced ages that number is expected to rise. Today's discussion will shed light on our understanding of dementia, provide insights on how to reduce the challenging behaviors, increase the level of functioning, quality of life and care for persons diagnosed with dementia.
Who are the caregivers?
More than 40 million family caregivers across the U.S. provide unpaid assistance to aging parents, spouses and other loved ones. A 2017 Caring.com survey showed that nearly 40 percent of these caregivers commit to a schedule greater than 30 hours per week. Most caregivers currently work; 48% full time and 11% part time. Juggling family, work, and their loved ones care needs, caregivers are truly sandwiched in between these responsibilities. They are truly unsung heroes leaving little time for them to think of themselves. It is essential for caregivers to find effective coping strategies i to avoid the common pitfalls of isolation, stress, burnout and deteriorating mental health. The majority of caregivers are women: 60% as opposed to 40% who are men.
The decision making process for when you or your loved needs to move from a current living situation into an assisted living community is often not an easy one to make. Families grapple with how and when to handle that conversation and when is the appropriate time for making that decision. Assisted Living communities provide strong social connections, but they also provide a range of care beyond a person's social needs. We will explore the range of care they can provide, and discuss the considerations for choosing the appropriate setting for you and/or your loved one.
In this episode we will continue the conversation on the Future of Aging by exploring the possibilities and opportunities available to people as they age. AARP refers to real possibilities and there are many in almost every community around the country. From Community Centers to Continuing and Adult Education Programs, Volunteer Opportunities, etc. there is a way for older people to remain engaged and play an important role in their community. We will provide examples from people who have developed interesting ways to participate in their post retirement or later years and may have surprise guests join us for conversation to shed light on how they used their expertise to develop new businesses and/or serve their community..
In this episode we will discuss healthy lifestyle; how to remain active, vibrant and healthy as we age. Discover new passions and reignite those from the past. Our guests are John Nyemchek, a nationally recognized ballroom dance champion, judge and teacher and Dan Layne a teacher, balance/mobility specialist and black belt in karate. Each coming from their own passions and years of training, they introduce people to their areas of expertise in later years of life and discuss the value they see it provides from physical, emotional and psychological points of view.
National Grandparents Day was September 8th and is celebrated each year the Sunday following Labor Day. It was established back in1979 for the purpose of ?honoring grandparents, giving grandparents an opportunity to show love for their grandchildren and to help children understand and become aware of the strength and wisdom of the elders in their family. What is the role of Grandparents in your family and society as a whole? In this episode, we will talk with grandparents who help care for their grandchildren on a daily basis. They will discuss the joys and challenges that they face.
In this episode we will present the various levels of care from communal living, assisted living and finally nursing homes. Our guest, Charlene Harrington, whose work inspired the 1987 Nursing Home Reform Law will discuss nursing homes from then to now. What are the prevailing issues and continued challenges for those who need to transition to a nursing home environment.
In this episode, Paul Irving will discuss purposeful aging and longevity within the United States, taking into account cultural and societal differences, as well as aging around the globe. The Milken Institute works towards improving lives and believes that societies are stronger when its older citizens live healthy, productive and purposeful lives. Science has done its part in helping us live longer, but have societal attitudes business, academia, communities and governmental institutions kept up with advancements in medicine that are allowing us to live longer? What can people do to ensure productive, quality life in their advanced years when so much of our culture venerates youth and how can intergenerational communication and working relationships impact society’s attitudes towards our elder citizens?
Paul Irving provides his insights and suggestions.