ComForConnections: Aging and Home Care Podcast

Compassion is a central skill in dementia care. In this episode, host Tiffany Robinson speaks with Ellen Belk, founder of Keep In Mind, Inc., about how caregivers can build trust, why developing dementia-friendly communication skills is important, and how to connect with the heart and soul of every person living with cognitive decline.
What you’ll learn in this episode
Why compassion is a foundational skill in dementia care
How to communicate in dementia-friendly ways
The role of family involvement in creating a true care partnership
Practical self-care approaches that help prevent caregiver burnout
Recognizing the person beyond the diagnosis and connecting with heart and soul
Additional resources:
Keep In Mind — The portal to access Ellen’s Keep In Mind dementia training, caregiver education, and the Keep In Mind Community
Understanding the Different Stages of Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Needs — A clear, stage-by-stage overview to help caregivers anticipate changes and adjust support with confidence.
In-Home Care for Dementia — Guidance on how professional caregivers assist with daily routines, safety, communication, and comfort for those living with cognitive decline at home.
Featured Guest
Ellen Belk is the founder of Keep In Mind, Inc., creator of the nationally recognized 360º Team Approach training program, and a leading voice in elevating dementia awareness. With decades of experience overseeing more than 100 care communities across the U.S., Ellen blends communication expertise, real-world caregiving insight, and a compassionate philosophy that prioritizes connection, dignity, and trust. Her 12-module caregiver training series is widely used by frontline teams seeking practical, relatable dementia education.
Stay Connected!
Like what you heard? Subscribe to ComForConnections on your favorite podcast platform, and explore more caregiver resources from ComForCare.
About the Host
Tiffany Robinson is a passionate advocate for caregiver education. As the host of ComForConnections, she brings warmth, insight, and a deep understanding of the caregiving experience to every episode.

When caregivers learn to move smarter, everyone benefits. In this episode of ComForConnections, occupational therapist Carol Chiang, founder of Evolving Homes, shares practical ways to protect caregiver health, prevent client falls, and build confidence for aging in place. Carol and host Tiffany Robinson discuss small shifts in technique, communication, and mindset that keep both caregivers and clients thriving.
What you’ll learn in this episode
How proper biomechanics protect caregivers from injury while supporting client mobility.
Simple cueing techniques that build client confidence and independence.
Why "don't steal their therapy" is the key to long-term strength and dignity.
How caregivers can mentor clients toward healthy daily habits that prevent hospitalizations.
The core components of Carol's Evolving Homes model for safe, confident aging in place.
Additional resources:
Evolving Homes – Carol Chiang’s expert home modification and aging-in-place consulting.
Age in Place or Find a New Space – A practical guide to creating safer, more supportive homes for aging adults, authored by Chiang.
Managing Fall Risk – In-Home Safety Checks and Assessments – ComForCare’s guide to identifying hazards and making simple home updates that reduce fall risk.
Featured Guest
Carol Chiang, Occupational Therapist, has spent more than 25 years helping older adults age safely and confidently in their homes. Through her company, Evolving Homes, and her book Age in Place or Find a New Space, she provides education and home assessments that bridge the gap between safety, design, and independence. Her expertise in biomechanics and aging-in-place strategy has made her a sought-after voice on caregiver health and home adaptation.
Stay Connected!
Like what you heard? Subscribe to ComForConnections on your favorite podcast platform, and explore more caregiver resources from ComForCare.
About the Host
Tiffany Robinson is a passionate advocate for caregiver education. As the host of ComForConnections, she brings warmth, insight, and a deep understanding of the caregiving experience to every episode.

As America's population ages, long-term care is becoming one of the most urgent challenges of our time. In this episode of ComForConnections, host Tiffany Robinson speaks with Nora Super, former Executive Director of the White House Conference on Aging and advisor to the Reframing Aging Initiative. Together, they explore the changing demographics of aging, the rising costs of care, and what it means for the families and professionals providing it.
What you’ll learn in this episode
Why 70% of older adults will need long-term care, and what that means for families and caregivers
The growing gap between care demand and the supply of professional caregivers
The real costs of home-based, assisted living, and nursing home care
Innovative housing and community models like PACE, co-housing, and tiny homes
How public policy and Medicare reform could shape the future of care
 
Additional resources:
Reframing Aging Initiative - Learn about Nora's current work advancing positive narratives about aging
AARP and National Alliance for Caregiving Report (2025) - Data and insights on family caregiving in the U.S.
Long-Term Care Insurance - Home Care Services - Expert advice from ComForCare on how to navigate long-term care insurance
Featured Guest
Nora Super is a nationally recognized expert on aging and long-term care policy. She served as Executive Director of the White House Conference on Aging under President Obama and now advises the Reframing Aging Initiative. Nora has worked with organizations such as AARP and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and brings personal insight as both a policy leader and care recipient navigating the long-term care system.
Stay Connected!
Like what you heard? Subscribe to ComForConnections on your favorite podcast platform, and explore more caregiver resources from ComForCare.
About the Host
Tiffany Robinson is a passionate advocate for caregiver education. As the host of ComForConnections, she brings warmth, insight, and a deep understanding of the caregiving experience to every episode.

Technology can be a powerful ally for caregivers, from fall detection to daily check-ins. In this episode of ComForConnections, host Tiffany Robinson talks with Nancy Griffin, founder of Glowing Older, about how AgeTech is transforming caregiving. Learn how innovation is expanding independence and giving caregivers new tools to provide safer, smarter support.
What you’ll learn in this episode
How AgeTech enhances independence while supporting caregivers in their work
The ways Connected Care detects early changes to improve safety and quality of life
Why caregivers should view technology as a partner, not a replacement
How fall detection, wellness monitoring, and telehealth tools expand the care toolkit
The peace of mind that connected alerts provide to family members
Additional resources:
Glowing Older – Nancy Griffin’s podcast and platform reimagining the aging experience
Remote Patient Monitoring - Home Care Services – Learn how ComForCare helps detect changes early and support independent living
Smarter Senior Care: How Predictive Technology Prevents Emergencies at Home –  Explore how connected predictive technologies help caregivers spot risks early, prevent emergencies, and keep older adults safe at home.
Featured Guest
Nancy Griffin is the founder of Glowing Older, a podcast and media platform dedicated to transforming how society views and supports aging. A long-time advocate for innovation in senior living and wellness, Nancy brings a deep understanding of how technology, design, and communication can enhance quality of life for older adults. Through Glowing Older, she highlights thought leaders and organizations driving change across the aging services field.
Stay Connected!
Like what you heard? Subscribe to ComForConnections on your favorite podcast platform, and explore more caregiver resources from ComForCare.
About the Host
Tiffany Robinson is a passionate advocate for caregiver education. As the host of ComForConnections, she brings warmth, insight, and a deep understanding of the caregiving experience to every episode.

What does it mean to age alone, and how can professionals and caregivers provide meaningful support? In this episode, Tiffany Robinson is joined by Steve Gurney, founder of the Positive Aging Sourcebook, to explore solo aging, empathy in caregiving, and building strong support networks for older adults without family nearby.
What you’ll learn in this episode
Why advance care planning is especially critical for solo agers, and when to start the conversation.
The importance of empathy when supporting older adults without children or partners.
Practical strategies to help solo agers build a personal village of support.
How caregivers can provide purpose and connection beyond daily tasks.
Additional resources:
​​Solo Aging Open Forum and Q&A –- Steve Gurney, founder of The Positive Aging Community, led an online open forum on solo aging. 
Positive Aging Sourcebook — Steve Gurney's platform and Solo Aging Club.
Essential Retirement Planning for Solo Agers by Sara Zeff Geber, PhD.
Meaningful Activities — ComForCare resource
Featured Guest
Steve Gurney is the founder of the Positive Aging Sourcebook and host of the ProAging Network, where he leads weekly live discussions on aging topics. For over 35 years, Steve has helped families, professionals, and older adults make informed decisions about aging and senior living. He is a nationally recognized advocate for purposeful aging and a leader in advancing conversations about solo aging.
Stay Connected!
Like what you heard? Subscribe to ComForConnections on your favorite podcast platform, and explore more caregiver resources from ComForCare.
About the Host
Tiffany Robinson is a passionate advocate for caregiver education. As the host of ComForConnections, she brings warmth, insight, and a deep understanding of the caregiving experience to every episode.
 

When dementia enters a family's life, the path forward can feel uncertain, overwhelming, and lonely. But with the right information and a strong sense of empathy, families can build confidence and connection, even in the hardest moments.
In this episode of ComForConnections, host Tiffany Robinson sits down with dementia care advocate Lori La Bey, founder of Alzheimer's Speaks and DementiaMap.com. Drawing from decades of lived and professional experience, Lori breaks down the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's, offers tips for supporting loved ones in the early stages, and shares how families can shift from crisis mode to a comfort mindset.
Whether you're navigating a new diagnosis or worried about subtle changes in someone you love, this episode will leave you feeling more informed-and less alone.
What you’ll learn in this episode
How to distinguish between dementia and Alzheimer's, and why that clarity matters
Subtle signs of cognitive decline families often overlook
Tips for early-stage support, from daily routines to difficult conversations
How to reframe your caregiving role and build a resilient care team
Resources to help you move from isolation to community
 
Additional resources:
About Lori La Bey
Dementia Map - Lori's global resource directory for care partners
Alzheimer's Speaks - Podcasts, articles, and education
Join a local or virtual Memory Cafe 
Featured Guest
Lori La Bey is the founder of Alzheimer’s Speaks and a passionate advocate for shifting dementia care from crisis to comfort. After caring for her mother for 30 years, Lori launched Alzheimer’s Speaks to amplify the voices of people living with dementia and their care partners. She is internationally known for her educational programs, including Dementia Chats, where those living with cognitive impairments share their insights. Lori also co-created Dementia Map, a global resource directory built to empower families and professionals alike. Her mission is simple but powerful: to foster dignity, connection, and understanding at every stage of the dementia journey.
Episode Transcript 
Stay Connected!
Like what you heard? Subscribe to ComForConnections on your favorite podcast platform, and explore more caregiver resources from ComForCare.
About the Host
Tiffany Robinson is a passionate advocate for caregiver education. As the host of ComForConnections, she brings warmth, insight, and a deep understanding of the caregiving experience to every episode.
 

Parkinson's disease affects more than 10 million people worldwide, and the numbers are rising. But new research suggests the disease is not only treatable, it may be largely preventable. In this episode, Tiffany Robinson talks with Dr. Michael Okun, one of the world's leading authorities on Parkinson's, about environmental risk factors, practical prevention steps, and the vital role caregivers play in maintaining dignity and quality of life.
Whether you're living with Parkinson's, supporting someone who is, or working in care, this conversation will leave you with actionable tools and a renewed sense of hope.
What you’ll learn in this episode
Why Parkinson's cases are on the rise, and the environmental factors fueling it
How to use the Parkinson's 25 checklist to reduce risk and slow progression
The surprising link between Parkinson's and bone health, and what to do about it
How caregivers can support emotional well-being alongside physical care
Additional resources:
The Parkinson's Foundation
The Parkinson's Plan: A New Path to Prevention and Treatment
ComForCare's Parkinson's Pathway Program
Early Signs of Parkinson’s Disease | ComForCare 
Featured Guest
Dr. Michael Okun is the Adelaide Lackner Distinguished Professor of Neurology at the University of Florida, Director of the Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, and National Medical Advisor to the Parkinson's Foundation. A globally recognized expert in Parkinson's disease, Dr. Okun has authored multiple books and more than 500 peer-reviewed publications. His latest work, The Parkinson's Plan: A New Path to Prevention and Treatment, offers a practical, hopeful roadmap for patients, caregivers, and clinicians alike.
Stay Connected!
Like what you heard? Subscribe to ComForConnections on your favorite podcast platform, and explore more caregiver resources from ComForCare.
About the Host
Tiffany Robinson is a passionate advocate for caregiver education. As the host of ComForConnections, she brings warmth, insight, and a deep understanding of the caregiving experience to every episode.

When a paid caregiver steps in, family dynamics shift, and so can emotions. How can families and professionals work together as a unified team? In this episode, caregiving advocates Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster share lessons from their personal journeys and nonprofit work on how to build healthier, more collaborative caregiving relationships.
Whether you're a family member who's used to doing it all, or a professional stepping into a new home, this episode offers insights on setting expectations, sharing responsibility, and showing up with mutual respect.
What you’ll learn in this episode
How to shift from an "us vs. them" mindset to a care team collaboration
Why communication preferences and documentation matter more than ever
Tips for transitioning out of micromanaging and into trust-building
How to process grief and guilt in a way that empowers self-care
 
Additional resources:
TheCaregiversJourney.org
Our Journey of Love by Sue Ryan
The Heart of ComForCare: One Caregiver's Dedication to Relationships in Care 
Featured Guests
Sue Ryan is a seasoned leadership coach and caregiver advocate who brings firsthand insight as both a former family caregiver and professional coach. She's the author of Our Journey of Love, and the creator of an award-winning caregiving course. Sue co-founded the nonprofit The Caregiver's Journey, where she helps families and paid caregivers foster collaborative partnerships and build trust through intentional communication and shared planning.
Nancy Treaster draws from her personal experience of welcoming professional caregivers into her own home. As co‑founder of The Caregiver's Journey, she champions support and practical guidance for family caregivers navigating complex emotions and dynamics. Nancy focuses on self-care advocacy, helping caregivers break through guilt and burnout to build sustainable care routines and community connections.
Stay Connected!
Like what you heard? Subscribe to ComForConnections on your favorite podcast platform, and explore more caregiver resources from ComForCare.
About the Host
Tiffany Robinson is a passionate advocate for caregiver education. As the host of ComForConnections, she brings warmth, insight, and a deep understanding of the caregiving experience to every episode

How do you care for a parent who doesn't want your care? This heartfelt and deeply practical conversation with Dr. Barry Jacobs, a clinical psychologist and national caregiving expert, dives into one of the most common and painful challenges families face: resistance. Whether you're already a caregiver or preparing for that role, this episode offers validation, expert advice, and hope.
What you’ll learn in this episode
Why many aging parents resist help, and how fear of lost identity plays a role
How to open the conversation gently and build trust over time
Ways to preserve dignity while planning for future care needs
The importance of starting small with services to ease the transition
How to navigate sibling dynamics and avoid caregiver burnout by caring for yourself too
Additional resources:
Dr. Barry Jacobs
Dr. Jacobs' website 
The AARP Caregiver Answer Book 
AARP Caregiver Resources
ComForCare blog: Why Aging in Place is So Important for Seniors
Featured Guest
Dr. Barry Jacobs is a clinical psychologist, family therapist, and national caregiving expert with over 30 years of experience supporting families. He is the co-author of the AARP Caregiver Answer Book, a comprehensive guide to navigating caregiving with compassion and clarity. Dr. Jacobs is also a columnist for AARP.com and a frequent speaker and consultant on the emotional challenges of caregiving.
About the Host
Tiffany Robinson is a passionate advocate for caregiver education. As the host of ComForConnections, she brings warmth, insight, and a deep understanding of the caregiving experience to every episode.
Stay Connected!
Like what you heard? Subscribe to ComForConnections on your favorite podcast platform, and explore more caregiver resources from ComForCare.

Whether you’re preparing meals for an aging parent or supporting a senior client, this episode offers simple, science-backed advice you can start using today.
Host Tiffany Robinson welcomes Dr. Joan Salge Blake, a nationally recognized nutrition professor and podcast host, for a practical and insightful conversation about senior nutrition. Together, they explore how caregivers can better support older adults through thoughtful meal preparation, why protein and bone-supporting nutrients like calcium and vitamin D are especially important with age, and how to navigate common challenges like dietary restrictions and budget limitations.
What you’ll learn in this episode
As we age, metabolism slows, making nutrient-dense meals more important than ever.
Foods like canned vegetables, fiber-rich staples, and protein-packed options such as cottage cheese can make a big difference in supporting senior health, even on a budget.
Calcium and vitamin D work together to strengthen bones and reduce fall risk.
Supplements can help, but they don’t replace a balanced, enjoyable diet.
Smart planning helps caregivers accommodate dietary restrictions without stress.
Thoughtful nutrition is foundational to better health and a higher quality of life.
Featured Guest
Dr. Joan Salge Blake is a Clinical Professor of Nutrition at Boston University and host of the Spot On! podcast, where she makes science-based nutrition advice accessible and actionable. A sought-after speaker and media personality, she has over 40 years of experience helping people make informed decisions about their health through better eating. Dr. Salge Blake is also the author of multiple books on nutrition and wellness.
Chapters
00:00 – Welcome + Intro to Senior Nutrition
02:05 – How Aging Impacts Nutritional Needs
03:19 – Caregiver Tips for Daily Meal Prep
08:19 – Canned and Frozen Veg: Yes, They Count!
12:21 – The Right Way to Add Protein to Senior Diets
14:08 – Why Fiber Matters More Than Ever
16:03 – Boosting Bone Health with Calcium + Vitamin D
19:07 – Supplements: When to Use Them
20:44 – Navigating Dietary Restrictions 
24:01 – Managing Weight in Older Adults
26:19 – Encouraging Picky Eaters Without Pressure
31:20 – Final Thoughts: Nutrition Is Quality of Life
Listen more here