ComForConnections: Aging and Home Care Podcast

Restorative care is part of an ongoing nursing model and often follows rehabilitation. Licensed staff and professional caregivers provide restorative care to preserve a person’s optimum level of functioning and independence, which makes living their day-to-day lives as comfortable as possible.
Implementing restorative care into daily routines is essential for maintaining and improving function as individuals age. Restorative care can help individuals maintain their independence, optimize care resources, and enhance their overall quality of life.
Tune into our latest ComForConnections one-hour Masterclass episode, where Susan LaGrange, Pathway Health’s Chief Nursing Officer, and Tiffany Robinson, ComForCare Training Specialist, will dive into the role of restorative care in supporting increased function and independence in individuals. Tune in and learn more about the following:
Components that make up nursing restorative care and services
Strategies to educate caregivers on implementation
Benefits of restorative care and services
Aging Services Professionals, listen to our latest podcast episodes, view show notes and download resources by visiting comforcare.com.
 
Thank you for helping older adults live the best life possible. 

As the U.S. population ages, the prevalence of disability and functional limitations and the demand for long-term services and supports (LTSS) will increase. In fact, according to a report from the University of Michigan, 88% of older adults ages 50 to 80 feel it’s important to remain in their homes for as long as possible. Unfortunately, many homes are not designed to safely age in place, especially for those living with chronic conditions or mobility impairments that impact activities of daily living.
 
Join us as we discuss the important role of clinical home modifications and how they enhance the quality of life for seniors, promote independence, and contribute to overall well-being. We'll also explore best practices, innovative approaches, and the latest trends in this vital aspect of care. Stay tuned for expert insights and practical tips to elevate your practice in serving aging populations.
 
Tune in to hear more about the following:
Learn what clinical home modifications are and how they impact the lives of older adults and people with disabilities
Discover why there’s been an increase in demand for clinical home modifications based on LifewiseCHM data and more
Understand why clinical home modifications fall under the Home- and Community-Based services and the Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) model
Take away helpful resources and insights for Aging Services professionals and beyond
Aging Services Professionals, listen to our latest podcast episodes, view show notes and download resources by visiting https://www.comforcare.com/resources/podcast.html.
 
Thank you for helping older adults live the best life possible. 

Did you know? Approximately 6.5 million individuals are living with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other forms of dementia in the U.S. With the aging population on the rise, so too is the prevalence of these conditions. Because of the increasing number of cases, it's more important than ever to be aware of the latest facts, figures, and best practices. The more information we learn, the better-prepared professionals in Aging Services will be to help those in need.
Tune in to this episode of ComForConnections to hear more about the following:
Discover the purpose and key insights from the 2024 Alzheimer's Disease Facts & Figures report
Learn the best practices for Aging Services Professionals that support person-centered care for individuals living with Alzheimer's disease (AD)
Explore helpful resources and other considerations for Aging Services Professionals caring for individuals with dementia
Aging Services Professionals, listen to our latest podcast episodes, view show notes and download resources by visiting https://www.comforcare.com/resources/podcast.html.
 
Thank you for helping older adults live the best life possible. 

Infection prevention in all care settings is important; however, in a home care setting, it can be especially important for safeguarding the health and well-being of vulnerable individuals living with compromised immune systems, chronic illnesses, or other health conditions that make them more susceptible to infections. Preventing infections at home helps minimize the need for hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and other healthcare interventions.
 
Listen in to this Masterclass episode to hear more about the following:
Learn more about the importance of infection prevention throughout the care continuum
Gain insight into key strategies to reduce the spread of infections
Hear best practice considerations that can assist staff in implementing infection prevention strategies
Access helpful resources
Aging Services Professionals, listen to our latest podcast episodes, view show notes and download resources by visiting https://www.comforcare.com/resources/podcast.html.
 
Thank you for helping older adults live the best life possible. 

Did you know that even though there are already currently over 50 million people on the planet living with dementia, that number is anticipated to surge to 131 million by 2050? Because of staggering health increases like this one, it's imperative to adopt evidence-based approaches aimed at improving the quality of life for those under our care. This involves offering comprehensive training and resources to ensure optimal care provision.
One such approach is person-centered dementia care, which prioritizes the individuals with dementia and their caregivers, placing them at the heart of care delivery. This method emphasizes a holistic perspective, aiming to maintain their overall well-being and enhance their quality of life. Learn more about the following:
Explore the fundamentals of dementia
Essential elements of the person-centered care approach in dementia care
The significance of prioritizing person-centered dementia care
Tactics and materials to promote person-centered dementia care across various settings
A case study illustrating exemplary practices: How ComForCare, through its pioneering training program DementiaWise®, is enhancing person-centered care for dementia clients in home settings, yielding positive outcomes for clients, families, and care teams
Effective strategies and resources to incorporate into dementia caregiving programs aimed at bolstering person-centered care and enhancing the lives of individuals with dementia and their caregivers
Aging Services Professionals, listen to our latest podcast episodes, view show notes and download resources by visiting ComForCare.ca/resources/podcast.html.
 
Thank you for helping older adults live the best life possible. 

Are you aware of the distinctions between the services offered by in-home care and medical home health providers? According to a Johns Hopkins study, approximately 25 million older Americans depend on home-based services as they age in place.
Whether it's aiding with daily activities, providing wound care, or offering therapy for functional recovery, each service plays a crucial role in the continuum of care. This understanding is particularly valuable for Aging Services Professionals, helping them choose the right provider to align with an individual's care goals. Learn more about the following:
The difference between home care and medical home health
Overview of services provided by home care agencies
Frequently asked questions when making a referral
Key considerations for aging services professionals when selecting a home care provider or partner
Best practices and considerations to ensure a seamless care transition
 
Aging Services Professionals, listen to our latest podcast episodes, view show notes and download resources by visiting ComForCare.ca/resources/podcast.html.
 
Thank you for helping older adults live the best life possible. 
 

Many older adults make significant life decisions in crisis moments — but many don’t realize that doing this could harm their well-being. That’s because making rash decisions typically involves a lack of resources, information, and tools needed to make the best choices.
In today’s episode, we’re shining some light on the subject of ‘Smart Aging’ education for older adults and caregiving teams. Get ready to delve into the impactful initiatives of the Council on Aging of Ottawa, where we’ll spotlight their extensive focus, research endeavors, and collaborative efforts.  Most importantly, how this information can help Aging Services professionals and their teams provide resources to support older adults. Learn more about the following:
The Council on Aging of Ottawa overview.
Smart Aging Program highlights:
Program overview and research findings supporting program development.
Key benefits of the program. 
Best practice considerations when implementing education initiatives for older adults and caregiving teams. 
Helpful resources for Aging Services professionals.
Listen to our latest podcast episodes, view show notes and download resources by visiting ComForCare.ca/resources/podcast.html
Thank you for helping older adults live the best life possible. 

Professional caregivers wear numerous hats, and that’s because they do so much more than only look after their patients. In fact, professional caregivers provide support in a number of ways, including monitoring their patients’ health, creating a safer environment, providing friendship and companionship, allowing respite for the families of their patients, and so much more. 
In today’s episode, you’ll meet one of the finest caregivers in the history of the profession. Maryann Lakey is a professional caregiver with almost ten years of experience. She is the recipient of the prestigious ComForCare Home Care 2022 Caregiver of the Year award, a recognition that marks her outstanding service and exemplary care. 
If you’re ready to find out the true importance of professional caregivers like Maryann, look no further than today’s podcast episode. 
 
Tune in to learn about Maryann’s start in the profession, hear stories about caregiving, and gain insights on professional caregivers and their work. Learn about the following:
What are professional caregivers and their responsibilities
The role professional caregivers play in supporting older adults and their quality of life
How professional caregivers support older adults and their family caregivers
Client stories on how professional caregivers support activities of daily living and living one's best life
Aging Services Professionals, listen to our latest podcast episodes, view show notes and download resources by visiting ComForConnections.com.
Thank you for helping older adults live the best life possible.

Parkinson's disease (PD) affects nearly 1 million people in the U.S. and is projected to rise to 1.2 million by 2030. It is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease, following Alzheimer's disease, and sees nearly 90,000 new diagnoses in the U.S. each year.
Today’s episode follows a recent panel where a veteran caregiving executive and Parkinson’s Care expert shares her insights on the latest approaches, best practices, and innovative techniques for caring for individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
Get ready to walk away feeling more prepared and empowered to help prioritize the unique care needs of individuals living with PD. Learn about the following:
Parkinson's disease and its progression
Strategies for caring for individuals living with PD
3 strategies and additional resources for promoting person-centered care
3 key aspects of the person-centered care philosophy as applied to older adults with PD receiving home and community-based services (HCBS)
Aging Services Professionals, listen to our latest podcast episodes, view show notes and download resources by visiting ComForConnections.com.
Thank you for helping older adults live the best life possible. 
 

Did you know that in-home care providers play an important role in supporting patients receiving hospice care? In fact, professional caregivers, who are both highly trained and compassionate, offer a range of non-medical services. 
These services include assistance with ADLs and support for the family during this time, enabling them to dedicate time and attention to their loved one during their end-of-life care.
For Aging Services Professionals, helping individuals and their families navigate end-of-life care wishes is of utmost importance.
 
Tune in for insights on in-home care’s role in supporting hospice care, tips for discussing in-home care and considerations for a seamless care transition. Learn about the following:
Overview of services provided by in-home care professional caregivers to support patients and families who are receiving hospice care (e.g., where services can be provided, ADL support, family support, etc.)
Frequently asked questions and important considerations when making a referral (e.g., how often services are provided, paying for care, etc.)
Key considerations for aging services professionals when selecting an in-home care provider specifically to support hospice patients
Tips to share with patients and families when discussing in-home care to support end-of-life wishes
Best practices and considerations to ensure a seamless care transition
Aging Services Professionals, listen to our latest podcast episodes, view show notes and download resources by visiting ComForConnections.com.
Thank you for helping older adults live the best life possible.