AGE-u-cate Training Institute Blog

A woman with dementia and her care partner interact with a robotic companion cat.

Topics: Senior Care Professionals, dementia, Pets

 

Topics: Senior Care Professionals, Training, compassionate touch, Loneliness, touch

The importance of computer access for people living in long term care facilities is on the rise.  As the number of seniors using technology increases, so will use of personal computers, smart phones, tablets and social media no matter where they live. One study found that among people 65 and older:

Topics: Senior Care Professionals, Family Caregiver, culture change, Senior Care, compassionate touch, Technology, touch

Frailty is used loosely to describe a range of conditions in older people, including general weakness, balance and cognitive impairment. It leads to inability to perform everyday self-care, home or community activities.

Topics: Senior Care Professionals, Elders, Community, old age, touch

Compassion Fatigue is physical, emotional and spiritual exhaustion from witnessing suffering in others. Taking care of others is one source, but also the constant bombardment of news. It develops slowly over time. As a result our resilience  takes a hit.  Our compassion cup is empty. We feel burned out. How can we fill our cup back up? Here's ten tips offered in A Guide to Understanding and Coping with Compassion Fatigue:

Topics: Senior Care Professionals, Compassion, Work, compassion fatigue, touch

Any senior care professional is vulnerable to Compassion Fatigue.  For example, nurses, doctors, counselors, veterinarians, therapists, social workers, chaplains, emergency response workers, and people caring for aging parents. So, what is Compassion Fatigue?

Topics: Senior Care Professionals, Family Caregiver, Hospital Professionals, Compassion, support, Work, compassion fatigue

I saw a postcard once that read, "The last good thing that may happen in a person's life is a hospice volunteer".  For National Volunteer Month help me recognize these special caregivers who are called to the bedside.

Topics: Senior Care Professionals, Training, Family, Volunteers, Hospice, support, volunteering, touch

April 22 is Earth Day. A perfect time to reflect on how nursing home residents may suffer nature deficit disorder. Our world has become increasingly high-tech, consequently our connection to nature has diminished. I’ve often heard this associated with our kids but I see it in senior care, too.

Topics: Senior Care Professionals, Family Caregiver, Training

Pet therapy is well-known for comforting people with dementia. Snuggling a four-legged friend brings on a smile, soothes anxiety and encourages physical activity. People connect to memories of their own beloved pets. Can a robotic pet replace the real thing?

Topics: dementia care, Senior Care Professionals, dementia, caregivers, Pets, touch

 

Topics: AGE-u-cate Training Institute, Senior Care Professionals, Elders, Training, Senior Living