AGE-u-cate Training Institute Blog

I was very fortunate, for  when my sweet mom passed, no one else asked for "the teapot".  It wasn't particularly pretty, and certainly of no monetary value.  But to me it was priceless reminder of the tender moments we had together to talk about an endless number of topics that mothers and daughters share. Often accompanied by a scrumptious homemade sweet, we always had back-up favorites in the freezer so we were never without an accompaniment for our favorite Bigelows "Constant Comment".   When we weren't chatting and sipping, we would often play a quick game of Yahtzee, Gin Rummy or in latter years, our absolute favorite go- to game,   Rumikub.

Topics: Senior Care Professionals, Family Caregiver, Elders, Family, caregiving, Faith Community, parents, Feud, Age-u-cate Training Institue, children

We all know that the only thing certain about our life is that someday it will end.  And yet death continues to be an elusive topic in most families and social circles.  Someone recently shared with me that she felt if she brought up the topic with her parents,  they might feel like she wanted to hurry things along.

Topics: Senior Care Professionals, Family Caregiver, leadership, Faith Community, families, End-of-life, Hospice, Faith, death, Palliative Care

Artist and blogger Phil Davies say the reason most frustrated artist stay frustrated is that they don't know how to practice their drawing and painting skills.  Each time they draw or paint a picture, they just hope it turns out better than the last one.  If we approach caregiving skills as an art, the question then is can it be mastered?

Topics: AGE-u-cate Training Institute, The Family Caregiver, Senior Care Professionals, caregivers, leadership, caregiving, Faith Community, professionals, art, families

The Big "S" word.  It comes up more often than you would think and for good reason.  Adult children who are in any phase of caregiving for their parents, even in the very beginning stages share their frustrations of their parents suddenly being stubborn.   Why is this happening?

Topics: AGE-u-cate Training Institute, Senior Care Professionals, Family Caregiver, behaviors, caregiving, Faith Community, role reversal, family caregivers, parents, children, older adults

A survey form the National Council on Aging, UnitedHealthcare and USA Today concluded that most Boomers are optimistic about their future.  That is until you ask them about needing help as they age.  When it comes to the issues surrounding who will provide caregiving when they no longer are able, optimism turns to fear.

Topics: AGE-u-cate Training Institute, Senior Care Professionals, Family Caregiver, caregivers, leadership, caregiving, Faith Community, family caregivers, families, long term care, Shortages, home care, boomers

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

We're all in this together... the tsunami is here and every one of us serving older adults in some capacity should be getting on the band wagon and FAST.   Person and patient centered care must be focused on supporting and educating families.  When family-centered care is embraced it becomes an approach to health care decision making that involves health care professionals and family members.

Topics: AGE-u-cate Training Institute, Family Caregiver, dementia, Hospital Professionals, Faith Community, chronic illness, education, Dementia friendly hospital, Family-Centered Care, Patient-Centered Care

Research has shown that volunteering leads to better health and that older volunteers are the most likely to receive physical and mental health benefits from their volunteer activities.  Volunteering often leads to what is referred to as a "helper's high".

Topics: AGE-u-cate Training Institute, The Family Caregiver, Senior Care Professionals, Faith Community, Area Agencies on Aging, N4A Conference, N4A, wellness, volunteering, boomers

Caregivers of older adults are some of the most selfless, committed people on the planet.   Simply put, not everyone is cut out to be a caregiver.  The problem lies in the fact that some caregivers believe they are the only ones who can care properly for their family member.  This is often referred to as Caregiver Martyr Syndrome.

Topics: The Faith Community, AGE-u-cate Training Institute, Senior Care Professionals, Family Caregiver, dementia, caregiver martyr syndrome, Faith Community

The rapid pace of our aging world is changing the face of every facet of our society from health and long term care, to faith communities and business establishments.  Across the spectrum, issues such as these are at the forefront of leadership discussions:

Topics: AGE-u-cate Training Institute, Senior Care Professionals, Family Caregiver, Aging in the Workplace, compassionate touch, Dementia Live, Professional Caregiver, Hospital Professionals, Faith Community, Age friendly business, elder care, long term care, Dementia friendly hospital