AGE-u-cate Training Institute Blog

In a recent article published by McKnight's Senior Living, a survey of caregivers in Texas showed that while pay was an important factor in staying in the senior services field, it wasn't the only driver of satisfaction.  This is contrary to what most managers believe.  The study listed feeling respected, job flexibility and pride in the physical workplace as important to staff connected to their work.  So, how can the industry make small, but impactful shifts to improving retention among caregivers and other roles?  Here are a few simple ideas to get your wheels turning: 

Topics: leadership, professionals, retention, turnover, support, education and training, perseverance, staffing

The delta COVID-19 variant seems to be ushering in an understandable second round of pandemic-induced anxiety.  Aging Services providers, and those that serve them, are still traumatized from the first go-around.  Enough time has not passed to allow for a psychological re-set to cope with a do-over.  So, what are we to do?

Topics: Senior Care Professionals, leadership, Compassion, Mental Health, health, human connection, perseverance

There will be a wonderful gathering of Aging Services professionals on Saturday, August 21 in Chicago to celebrate the life of our friend, colleague, and passionate advocate for dementia capable care, William Keane.  Bill is one of the many mentors who shaped my philosophies and personal mission in eldercare, and I am honored to be one who will share how Bill continued to teach me, even in the later stages of dementia. In Bill's honor, I would like to share a snippet, because it is a reminder to all of us that wisdom still lives inside a person with dementia.

Topics: AGE-u-cate Training Institute, dementia friendly, Senior Care Industry, Pioneer Network, Alzheimer's Association, professionals, Leaders, elder care, dementia education, Advocacy, Dementia Awareness, Parkinson's Diseases

 

Topics: eldercare, Well-Being, Professional Caregivers, Caregiver Stress, Direct Care Workforce Training, Caregiver Health, compassion fatigue

 

 

 

 

 

Direct care workers are home health aides, personal care attendants, certified nursing assistants or caregivers.  They provide a wide range of necessary services, include helping with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing and eating to helping cleaning homes, prepare meals, managing medication regimens, companionship and much more.  Direct care workers play a critical role in aging services and provide the bulk of long-term care. Despite their importance, they often provide care under stressful working conditions, do not have opportunities for career advancement and are among the lowest paid workers. 

Topics: Quality of Life Training, Professional Caregivers, turnover, REVEAL Aging, CNA, Certified Nurse Assistants

 

Topics: Quality of Life Training, CMS dementia training, CMPRP, Civil Monetary Penalty Funds

It's frightening to care for someone you don't understand.  People living with dementia (PLWD) are themselves often filled with fear and anxiety and express themselves in ways that are difficult for others to comprehend.   For a family member or professional who is helping  persons who are themselves trying to cope with the cognitive changes going on in their brains, it is a domino effect that carries over to care partners. Fear, anxiety, guilt, and feeling very frustrated in not having the tools to better communicate and respond to  stress reactions leave caregivers feeling helpless. 

Topics: dementia care, The Family Caregiver, Dementia Live®Training, leadership, Quality of Life Training, Mental Health, Well-Being, dementia care training

It's no surprise that the long term care sector has experienced declining occupancy and census due to COVID-19.  The best marketing and sales efforts couldn't compete with a worldwide pandemic.  But the tide is turning and if we've learned anything during this time -is that creativity is king, education is powerful and experiences change how people think, feel and act (because we've been missing these!).  Dementia education and awareness is critically needed in our communities.  Let's talk about how we can bridge dementia staff training with meeting marketing and sales goals by providing a solution to the pent-up demand for impactful dementia education from our local communities.   

Topics: dementia care, Dementia Live®Training, dementia care training, Occupancy, Census

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The National Institute on Aging states, "abuse can happen to anyone-no matter the person's age, sex, race, religion, or ethnic or cultural background.  Each year, hundreds of thousands of adults over the age of 60 are abused, neglected, or financially exploited.  This is called elder abuse.  

Topics: Aging Service Provider, Caregiver Stress, elder care, Empathy Training, Healing Touch, dementia education, Direct Care Workforce Training, dementia care training

The toll of COVID induced loneliness and isolation on our elders is still in research phase and will be for some time to come.  Caregivers, too, have carried a heavy burden.  Professional and family caregivers have endured equal if not greater effects of this long running pandemic.  In addition to the fears surrounding the virus itself, as studies are released, we will be able to capture just how deep and wide the emotional burden has been to those caring for PLWD (persons living with dementia).  

Topics: AGE-u-cate Training Institute, elder care, dementia training, dementia education, Dementia Awareness, dementia care training, Communication Skills Training