ComForConnections: Aging and Home Care Podcast

When it comes to Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), the Homemaker and Home Health Aide Care Benefit, offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), plays a crucial role in supporting the well-being and independence of eligible Veterans. 
Through this benefit, individuals receive essential assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and light housekeeping; not only do Veterans receive care and support in the comfort of their own homes, but they are also enabled to maintain their autonomy and continue living in their familiar environments while receiving the care they need.
Being an eligibility-based program, it is essential for Aging Services Professionals to understand how it works to better support clients' referral and care transition process. 
Tune in for an engaging conversation about the VA Homemaker and Home Health Aide Care Benefit and obtain resources. Hear about the following:
Overview of the Homemaker Home Health Aide Care Benefit and typical costs associated with this benefit
Discussion of the program’s eligibility and the typical costs
Highlight of the services that are provided through the program
Frequently asked questions when making a referral
Key considerations for aging services professionals when selecting an in-home care provider
Best practices and considerations to ensure a seamless care transition
Resources for aging services professionals to support care transitions, specifically for Veterans
 
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.

Technology is playing an increasing role in the care management of older adults. When it comes to medication self-management, there are several challenges, especially when managing polypharmacy for chronic conditions. 
Research shows that polypharmacy not only increases the risk of harmful drug interactions but also leads to adverse drug effects, which may include falls, cognitive impairment, and other conditions. In fact, medication self-management at home can be challenging for older adults after discharge from a hospitalization or a different care setting, especially when new medications are prescribed.
Today, in-home care providers, including ComForCare Home Care, alongside their clinical and professional caregivers, are leveraging technology to provide the best possible care.
For Aging Services Professionals, it is essential to develop a transition of care plan that includes self-medication management support when an older adult is returning home or transitioning to independent living.
Tune in for insights on how ComForCare Home Care and its partner, Connected Home Living, are providing solutions to support self-medication management through in-person and virtual care options. Hear about the following:
A description of polypharmacy and its impact on older adults
The role of professional caregivers in implementing a specialized plan for self-medication management for older adults living at home or independent living
An example of how professional caregivers are leveraging technology to support effective medication management
Medication self-management considerations when a patient/resident is transitioning to home or independent living
Key strategies to enhance health outcomes for older adults across the care continuum
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.

In the journey of aging, having the right support system can make a significant difference in the quality of life an individual will experience.
While many might consider the aging journey only for the older adult, caregivers embark on a journey of their own as they constantly learn ways to better support their loved one’s care needs. However, situations can quickly become stressful during an emergency, and further support may be needed.
That is where Aging Life Care Professionals® come in. As experts in the field, these certified individuals offer guidance during uncertain times, providing families with solutions to ensure positive outcomes. Their holistic approach to care encompasses assessment and monitoring, planning, education, advocacy, and family caregiver coaching to ensure older adults and caregivers enjoy a successful aging journey. 
Tune in for more information on Aging Life Care Professionals®, their role in promoting proper care for our older adults, and tips to consider when referring patients to further care support. Learn about the following:
Overview of what is meant by Aging Life Care™ (e.g., share about the organization, credentialing, etc.)
Anne’s career journey and impact on those she serves
The role of Aging Life Care Professionals® throughout the continuum of care, especially in supporting older adults living at home or in independent living (e.g., interfacing with professional and family caregivers, etc.)
Best practice considerations for when making a referral of a patient or client  in need of in-home care or other care support across the care continuum
Helpful resources for Aging Life Care Professionals®
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. 

A successful transition of care process that starts with good planning and communication is essential for quality care and the prevention of unnecessary hospital readmissions. 
Join us for a dynamic discussion that covers multi-setting hospital readmission measures, the importance of identification of change of condition and best practice approaches that can lead to successful outcomes!
Listen to a recent panel where a group of aging services professionals shared their insights on the following:
Overview of the impact of hospital readmissions within the care continuum
Overview of Hospital Readmission Measures and their impact across the continuum of care 
Key strategies to reduce unnecessary hospital readmissions
Overview of the Change of Condition and key strategies to reduce unnecessary hospital readmissions
Best practice case - How ComForCare Home Care has implemented processes to positively impact unnecessary readmissions
Best practice strategies and resources that can assist staff with a process to identify and manage changes in condition
Helpful resources and tips for Aging Services professionals
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. 

Falls affect the quality of life of all individuals, especially older adults. As we get older, age-related changes increase the risk of injury from falls, limiting activities and social engagements, and resulting in physical decline and more complex conditions.
As the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among adults 65 and older, falls carry a heavy impact in how older adults approach their daily life. For aging services professionals, understanding the profound impact falls have across the care continuum—causative factors, healthcare costs and others— is essential to providing the best care and support to individuals under their care.
Tune in for insights and best practice considerations for falls prevention and ways to enhance outcomes for individuals under your care. Learn about the following:
Causative factors for increased falls in older adults
Impact of falls across the care continuum (cost, falls data, etc.) 
Overview of Gaitway – A Comprehensive Approach to Fall Risk Management
Best practice considerations for Aging Services Professionals to support improved outcomes 
Helpful resources
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. 

Research has shown that food holds cultural and emotional significance for older adults, contributing to their overall well-being in old age. Meals are not solely about fulfilling physical hunger; they encompass social, emotional, and cultural dimensions that play a crucial role in promoting the holistic well-being of older adults. 
Proactive efforts to promote healthy and enjoyable meal experiences can lead to happier and healthier outcomes for older adults, enriching their overall aging experience. By tuning into the significance of food and nutrition in the lives of older adults, Aging Services Professionals can play a vital role in ensuring seniors' well-being during their aging journey. 
Understanding the importance of proper nutrition is vital in supporting older adults' health. Tune in for insights on how to aid older adults and their nutritional habits. Learn more about the following:
The importance of nutrition to support healthy aging (e.g., impact on chronic conditions, changes as one ages)
ComForCare’s approach to supporting healthy aging and person-focused nutritional habits (Care Kitchen; Simplification and scaling; training of Caregivers, etc.)
Key considerations when arranging for care upon care transitions and developing a plan of care (Addressing cultural competency for meals, nutritional restrictions for chronic conditions, training for caregivers, etc.)
Tips when providing information and education surrounding healthy meals and nutrition with clients/patients/ residents
Helpful resources for families and caregivers
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. 

As the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among adults aged 65 and older, falls result in more than 3 million injuries treated in emergency departments annually, including over 800,000 hospitalizations.
According to the National Council on Aging, 60% of falls happen in the home, 30% in a public setting, and 10% in a health care center. With or without injury, falls highly influence an individual’s quality of life. 
Particularly among the aging population, falls are of great concern as they can limit everyday activities and overall quality of life. For aging services professionals, having access to the right tools and resources for fall prevention is imperative to providing the best care possible.
Gain insights on fall risks, prevention and how technology can help bridge gaps in care. Learn more about the following:
Overview of falls risks for older adults 
The importance of chronic disease management and fall minimization 
Overview of ConnectedCare
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. 

It is estimated that more than 50 million people worldwide are living with dementia, and this number is expected to increase rapidly to 131 million by 2050. As aging services professionals, it is important to implement evidence-based strategies to enhance the quality of life of individuals under our care and provide training and resources to provide the best care possible. 
One of these strategies is person-centered dementia care. This approach places individuals with dementia and their caregivers at the center of care delivery and provides a holistic and integrative approach to maintaining well-being and quality of life for people with dementia.  
Listen to this educational podcast for aging services professionals to obtain insights and resources to help you better provide care to those living with FTD. Learn more about the following:
An overview of dementia 
Key aspects of person-centered care philosophy applied in dementia care
The importance of person-centered dementia care 
Strategies and additional resources to advance person-centered dementia care in different contexts  
Best practice case example: How one organization, ComForCare, is elevating person-centered care for clients living with dementia at home, improving outcomes for clients, families, and care teams through an innovative training program known as DementiaWise® 
Best practice strategies and resources to consider when implementing a dementia caregiving program to enhance person-centered care and improve life for people living with dementia and their caregivers
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. 
 

Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) is the most common form of dementia for individuals under 60, impacting roughly 50,000 people in the U.S. However, experts consider that number to be a vast undercount because of how challenging it can be to diagnose. 
FTD is a progressive disease, and the progression length varies from 2 to over 20 years. In the early stages, people may have just one symptom. As the disease progresses, other symptoms appear as more parts of the brain are affected.
There is no cure for FTD, but there are ways to help manage the symptoms. For Aging Services Professionals, it is essential to learn about this form of dementia to implement best practice strategies when providing person-centered care.
 
Listen to this educational podcast for aging services professionals to obtain insights and resources to help you better provide care to those living with FTD. Learn more about the following:
The key differences between dementia and frontotemporal dementia of FTD
Hallmark signs of characteristics of FTD
Most common FTD subtypes
Best practice strategies when developing a plan of care for an individual living with FTD
Two top recommendations when speaking with family members whose loved one is living with FTD
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 there are differences between the services provided by in-home care and medical home health providers? A study by Johns Hopkins shows that about 25 million older Americans rely on home-based services as they age in place. 
From assistance with activities of daily living to wound care and therapy to regain one’s functional status, each plays an essential role in the care continuum. Especially for Aging Services Professionals, understanding the difference between these services can help determine the appropriate provider to support an individual’s plan of care goals. 
 
Listen to this educational podcast for aging services professionals to learn more about the following:
The difference between in-home care and medical home health
Overview of services provided by in-home care agencies
Frequently asked questions when making a referral
Key considerations for aging services professionals when selecting an in-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 ComForConnections.com.
Thank you for helping older adults live the best life possible.