AGE-u-cate Training Institute Blog

Don't you enjoy being around people who are naturally grateful?  Can we cultivate an attitude of gratefulness ourselves?  Of course, we can!  Practicing gratitude not only is good for our souls but can improve our health and well- being.

Topics: AGE-u-cate Training Institute, Senior Care Professionals, Family Caregiver, leadership, caregiving, gratitude

May is Huntington's Disease (HD) Awareness Month, sponsored by the Huntington's Disease Society of America.   This often unknown and misunderstood disease and it's link to Alzheimer's  symptoms is worthy of discussion.   Let's delve into understanding Huntington's Disease.

Topics: AGE-u-cate Training Institute, The Family Caregiver, Senior Care Professionals, Dementia Live, HDSA, Huntington's Disease

I saw a postcard once that read, "The last good thing that may happen in a person's life is a hospice volunteer".  For National Volunteer Month help me recognize these special caregivers who are called to the bedside.

Topics: Senior Care Professionals, Training, Family, Volunteers, Hospice, support, volunteering, touch

In recognition of National Volunteer's month,  I'd like to honor the people who serve as long-term care ombudsman.  Many people do not realize the important role they play in keeping our elders safe by advocating for their rights.

Topics: AGE-u-cate Training Institute, Senior Care Professionals, Family Caregiver, Faith Community, long term care, older adults, Resident Safety, Long-Term Care Ombudsman

In celebration of Earth Day, I want to share an organization that I recently became acquainted with that is supporting the efforts of saving our National Forests.  Trees for Change is a wonderful option for honoring a loved one or pet.

Topics: Senior Care Professionals, Family Caregiver, AGE-u-cate Training Insitute, Earth Day, Trees for Change

April 22 is Earth Day. A perfect time to reflect on how nursing home residents may suffer nature deficit disorder. Our world has become increasingly high-tech, consequently our connection to nature has diminished. I’ve often heard this associated with our kids but I see it in senior care, too.

Topics: Senior Care Professionals, Family Caregiver, Training

Pet therapy is well-known for comforting people with dementia. Snuggling a four-legged friend brings on a smile, soothes anxiety and encourages physical activity. People connect to memories of their own beloved pets. Can a robotic pet replace the real thing?

Topics: dementia care, Senior Care Professionals, dementia, caregivers, Pets, touch

Access to quality rural healthcare, resources, education, and support is a growing challenge in the US and around the globe.  What does this mean for the growing numbers of persons living with dementia and their families who are caring for them?  How does this affect the quality of care being offered by nursing homes and other care providers?

Topics: The Family Caregiver, healthcare, Senior Care Professionals, Training, dementia, caregivers, Hospital Professionals, Rural healthcare, education, families, alzheimer's, support

I am humbled and honored to work with such amazing and talented people.  As a trainer, I believe we learn as much from those we are training as they learn from us.  We are all practicing when it comes to dementia care.  Every day is a new day and no matter where we fit into the spectrum, we all need each other to learn and grow.  Let's talk about person-centered care practices.

Topics: Person-centered, Senior Care Professionals, Training, dementia, Care Partners, activities, Person centered care

March 3 -7 is Careers in Aging Week and an appropriate time to talk about the importance of this topic.  No longer are the shortages of direct care staff and others in long term care a subject of the future.  The crisis is looming and it is serious.

Topics: AGE-u-cate Training Institute, Senior Care Professionals, compassionate touch, Dementia Live, leadership, Hospital Professionals, Caregiver Training, Careers in Aging