I don't know about you, but I'm ready for the new year. Of course, I always look forward to dreaming of new adventures, possibilities, and the opportunity to open a new chapter. But, I've got to be perfectly honest. I'm REALLY looking forward to 2022!
I'm guessing that most of you who are reading this, no matter where you fall in the aging services spectrum, would have to agree the last umpteen months have been a doozy!
What I don't want to do is belabor the point. In fact, I'm not even going to bring up anything about what we've been through because that's all we've been talking about for far too long!
Starting all over again is not that bad...because when you restart, you get another chance to make things right.
When we restart, we put things in a new perspective, learning lessons from the past. But, when we look through a different lens, the ideas and creativity that start flowing are incredible! We've had the opportunity at AGE-u-cate to do just that. We decided late last year that we would look beyond the circumstances beyond our control and put our innovative heads together to do things better.
Don't let Fear and Uncertainty Stop You.
Being Stuck is about the most frustrating feeling in the world. Getting UNSTUCK is exciting. It means you are moving forward, even if in baby steps. Taking small steps is often hard for me, but thanks to a great team, they remind me that it's sometimes essential - and I'll be doggone - they are right! When we embarked on our Reveal Aging Micro-learning initiative, we had to talk with our partners, garner feedback, and take the time necessary to do it right.
Failure is Part of the Process.
Failure is NOT the opposite of success. It's a part of Sucess! How many times have you gotten off the ground with a new program or initiative only to hit a brick wall? Probably more times than you can count. As we know, things happen that are out of our control, and sometimes we don't think things through. It's Okay. Start again, and learn from your mistakes.
Stay Focused, and Keep your Eye on the End Game.
If you are in aging services, you have a mission, and it's an important one. What better work to do than that which has a higher calling? Is it easy? No. Can you solve all the challenges that lie ahead of you? Of course not. Can you make a positive difference in the lives of others? You bet, and that's where you need to keep your eye set.
We need to look ahead to all that we can do better in 2022. Right around the corner lies a world of possibilities for all of us to work together and make a difference in the lives of those whom we serve.
Let's Press Restart! Refocus and Get Started because 2022 is right around the corner - thank goodness!
Topics: leadership, Leaders, REVEAL Aging, education and training
There's Just Something About Aging Services People
I just returned from spending two days in Columbus, OH at the Ohio Healthcare Association Conference with my AGE-u-cate colleague V'Ann Guiffre. I now realize how much I have missed interacting in person with "my people." There is just something about people that work in Aging Services! I won't do justice in explaining what I mean, but you know, there is just something there.
Topics: care staff, Aging Service Provider, Passionate, professionals, Leaders, Well-Being, senior care providers, perseverance, #conferences
Remembering William (Bill) Keane: Always the Teacher
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
Let's Tell it Like it Is... A Public Health Crisis is Upon Us
Topics: The Faith Community, Senior Care Professionals, Aging in the Workplace, Training, dementia, Public Health, Leaders, alzheimer's
Senior Care Professionals - Are you a Passionate Leader?
PASSION trumps all. I was recently told this by a well respected CEO of a very successful company in the senior care industry. As I witness the growth of our business I can attest to the fact that many of the clients we work with are passionate in their drive to go above and beyond in serving their residents, customers, families and communities. Those who work in and with our company have a passion in improving lives for older adults and their care partners.
Topics: Senior Care Professionals, Senior Care, Senior Care Industry, aging, Passionate, Leaders, families, Volunteers, Employees, Passion, Work