AGE-u-cate Training Institute Blog

The shortage of Certified Nursing Assistants in Aging Services is reaching a critical point.  Piled on top of the current shortage is the projected need.  However, systemic and sustainable solutions have evaded the industry.

Topics: AGE-u-cate Training Institute, Senior Care Professionals, aging services, aging, Workforce, Workforce Development

A woman with dementia and her care partner interact with a robotic companion cat.

Topics: Senior Care Professionals, dementia, Pets

 

Topics: Senior Care Professionals, Training, compassionate touch, Loneliness, touch

The Physician's Oath promises to approach all patients with integrity, candor, empathy, and respect.  I believe that most doctors take their oath seriously.  I believe most doctors study very hard because they truly want to help other people and make a positive difference in the field of medicine.  Doctors have a tremendous responsibility in today's messy healthcare environment.  They work long hours, have many patients and deal with lots of complications to ultimately deliver the care that their patients need.  So, is it really possible for doctors to provide compassionate care?

Topics: AGE-u-cate Training Institute, healthcare, Senior Care Professionals, leadership, Hospital Professionals, Faith Community, Doctors, hospitals, patients

We are thrilled to have recently announced our collaboration with NICHE - Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders, a nation-wide nursing education and consultation program designed to improve geriatric care in healthcare organizations through education and mentorship.

Topics: Senior Care Professionals, Family Caregiver, Training, Hospital Professionals, AGE-u-cate Training Insitute, older adults, Nurses, Geriatric Nursing, NICHE

The importance of computer access for people living in long term care facilities is on the rise.  As the number of seniors using technology increases, so will use of personal computers, smart phones, tablets and social media no matter where they live. One study found that among people 65 and older:

Topics: Senior Care Professionals, Family Caregiver, culture change, Senior Care, compassionate touch, Technology, touch

I'm delighted to share that our Australian Master Trainer, Sue Silcox has authored and published a book - The ABC of Compassionate Communication.  Sue is passionate about helping people become empowered through learning, practice, support, and self-care.

Topics: Senior Care Professionals, Family Caregiver, dementia, compassionate touch, leadership, Compassion, Passionate, AGE-u-cate Training Insitute, Brain Sparks, communication

Frailty is used loosely to describe a range of conditions in older people, including general weakness, balance and cognitive impairment. It leads to inability to perform everyday self-care, home or community activities.

Topics: Senior Care Professionals, Elders, Community, old age, touch

Compassion Fatigue is physical, emotional and spiritual exhaustion from witnessing suffering in others. Taking care of others is one source, but also the constant bombardment of news. It develops slowly over time. As a result our resilience  takes a hit.  Our compassion cup is empty. We feel burned out. How can we fill our cup back up? Here's ten tips offered in A Guide to Understanding and Coping with Compassion Fatigue:

Topics: Senior Care Professionals, Compassion, Work, compassion fatigue, touch

Any senior care professional is vulnerable to Compassion Fatigue.  For example, nurses, doctors, counselors, veterinarians, therapists, social workers, chaplains, emergency response workers, and people caring for aging parents. So, what is Compassion Fatigue?

Topics: Senior Care Professionals, Family Caregiver, Hospital Professionals, Compassion, support, Work, compassion fatigue