AGE-u-cate Training Institute Blog

I truly enjoy hearing stories about how people have made their way into the world of eldercare.  Many were inspired by experiences with older adults when they were young, and such is the case for me.

Topics: AGE-u-cate Training Institute, Careers in Aging, Passionate, eldercare

 

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

Touch connects humans to each other, reduces stress, and communicates care and concern. Don't we all need a little more of this these days?

Compassionate Touch® is an effective caregiving technique that combines expressive touch and compassionate presence.  The good- old-fashioned back rub is making its way back to eldercare, reinforcing that touch is beneficial for everyone.

But, let's not stop at the back.  Add shoulders, arms and hands, legs and feet, and now we have a powerful caregiving protocol that is easy to learn and so effective.

Eldercare providers need tools that improve the quality of life for those they serve.  Additionally, providers need ways improve the quality of the work experience for their employees.  I would argue that there has never been a more critical time than now to seek new ways to retain employees.

Compassionate Touch® hits the mark on both counts.

Topics: Senior Care Professionals, aging services, Caregiver, caregivers, compassionate touch, caregiving, Stress, eldercare, AGE-u-cate Training Insitute, Employees, touch

Technology can support safety and security for elders living in their homes.

Topics: The Family Caregiver, Senior Care Professionals, Family Caregiver, Caregiver, caregivers, Alzheimer's disease, eldercare, Home safety, Technology

We need to examine the value of our long term care system within an ethical framework.

Topics: Senior Care Professionals, aging services, eldercare, workforce crisis

Human needs for safety, respect, happiness and love are feelings associated with home.

Topics: Senior Care Professionals, eldercare, home-like, environment

I have to be direct in asking - isn't this every elder care community's goal?  After all, we should be in the compassion business, and sustainability is the hot topic today.  Creating a sustainable culture of compassion - makes sense right?

Topics: AGE-u-cate Training Institute, The Family Caregiver, Senior Care Professionals, compassionate touch, leadership, Hospital Professionals, Compassion, eldercare, elder care, sustainability, staff

Dear, Honey, Hun, Sweetie, Buddy, Chief, That’s a good boy, Let's go potty now.  No, I am not talking to my 18-month-old, I am repeating terms of endearment and phrases I hear in memory care and assisted living every day. There is so much research behind the use of this type of language researchers refer to it as elderspeak. I know I am guilty of using terms like these and I know you are too but explore the impact it may be having on our residents.

Topics: AGE-u-cate Training Institute, dementia care, The Family Caregiver, Senior Care Professionals, Senior Care, dementia, Caregiver, compassionate touch, Dementia Live, leadership, Hospital Professionals, eldercare

The devastation we are witnessing in the wake of Hurricane Harvey is a reminder that we must all be prepared to care for a loved one, elderly or  disabled neighbor or friend when disaster strikes. Here is a list of 6 basic yet vital precautions that everyone should have in place, especially in the event of a natural or manmade disaster:

Topics: AGE-u-cate Training Institute, Senior Care Professionals, Family Caregiver, Family, Faith Community, Emergency Preparation, eldercare, elderly, Seniors, Home safety

Montessori's education method for childhood learning was launched in the early 1900s by Maria Montessori.  It calls for free activity within a "prepared environment", meaning an educational environment tailored to basic human characteristics, to the specific characteristics of children at different ages, and to the individual personalities of each child. The function of the environment is to help and allow the child to develop independence in all areas according to his or her inner psychological directives. In addition to offering access to the Montessori materials appropriate to the age of the children, the environment should exhibit the following characteristics:

Topics: dementia care, The Family Caregiver, Senior Care Professionals, Memory Care, activities, eldercare, Montessori, resident engagement