AGE-u-cate Training Institute Blog

Is one of your organization’s goals to invest more in learning, growth and development opportunities for team members?  Or to focus on the customer experience?  Maybe it's to be more of a resource for the industry? 

A key way to begin chipping away at any goal is to gather information that can support strategies to achieve success. 

Here are a few quick resources in these top categories: 

• Staff Training and Education 
• Resident or Client Engagement 
• Family and Professional Caregiver Support 

Staff Training and Education Resources

How Training has Evolved over the Years

Take a listen to a conversation between two industry leaders talking about training and education evolutions and strategies for success. 

(Make 2023 a Year Committed to Goals that Matter)

"Our very survival depends on our ability to stay awake, to adjust to new ideas, to remain vigilant, and to face the challenge of change." – Martin Luther King Jr.

As a provider of care services to elders, you know all too well that difficult conversations with family members are a common course of business. There are many situations where a family member is unable to physically visit their loved one except when traveling or off of work or school around the holidays. Naturally, after not seeing their loved one for a length of time changes will have taken place, and this can cause a variety of responses – all of which necessitate a helpful and informative reply. The goal is to make them feel comfortable and at peace like after the first sip of hot cocoa on a cold winter day. How do you prepare for those tough interactions? Do you feel as though the conversations are effective and well-received? 

Getting together with loved ones during the holiday season is one of the season's great joys. But, unfortunately, too often, our visits with our elders end up being a disappointment. Why?

Many times the reason is simply poor planning. For example, we haven't talked to other family members who can share updates on their physical, cognitive, or emotional health. Or, we assume that everything is status quo without checking in first and asking questions. 

Like us, elders change. The difference is that older adults with a chronic illness or cognitive changes are more likely to experience more dramatic fluctuations in their abilities. 

So, preparing for a family visit is one of the essential tasks to ensure an engaging visit! Here are a few tips that will help family members and loved ones avoid a disappointing visit:

Quality Time Together is a Precious Gift

How's Your Gratitude Attitude?

Recently I had the pleasure of connecting with Alena Dailey,  Integrative Arts Manager for  Hospice of the Chesapeake while hosting AGE-u-cate's quarterly chat for Compassionate Touch^® coaches.  Have you ever connected with someone and instantly felt a sense of comfort?  Like you've known this person forever, but you just met?  That's what it was like talking to Alena!  She's passionate about elevating quality of life for elders and creative in how to accomplish her mission.  Here's a simple yet powerful quote from Alena:

“A lot of people forget patients still need human touch”