AGE-u-cate Training Institute Blog

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

 

Presbyterian Senior Living offers love, connection and comfort to their elders by creatively keeping Compassionate Touch moving forward during the pandemic.

AGE-u-cate honors the wonderful work at  Presbyterian Senior Living (PSL), based in Dillsburg, Pennsylvania.

Alicia Fenstermacher, PSL Corporate Director of Purposeful Living and AGE-u-cate Certified Master Trainer shared how PSL keeps resident and employee well-being front and center during the pandemic with Compassionate Touch.

Since 2015, Compassionate Touch is integrated into the culture of care and service at PSL. They have over 230 certified Compassionate Touch Coaches, and  989 trained caregivers.

Topics: AGE-u-cate Training Institute, Senior Care Professionals, aging services, Elders, compassionate touch, Senior Living, AGE-u-cate®, AGE-u-cate Training, touch

Validation helps caregivers step into the world of a person with dementia, creating understanding and empathy.

Topics: Senior Care Professionals, Memory Care, Family Caregiver, dementia, Family, caregivers, compassionate touch, Alzheimer's disease, Hospital Professionals, dementia friendly, understanding, touch

People in care can often feel invisible.

Topics: Senior Care Professionals, Senior Care, Caregiver, compassionate touch, Hospital Professionals, Caregiver Training, Person centered care, touch

Human needs remain intact regardless of age, situation, or condition.

Topics: Senior Care Professionals, Memory Care, Senior Care, Caregiver, Alzheimer's disease, understanding, alzheimer's, touch

In recognition of Grief Awareness Day August 30, here are five tips for how to listen when someone you know is grieving.

Topics: Senior Care Professionals, compassionate touch, Grief, Empathetic Listening, communication, touch

 

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

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

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