ComForConnections: Aging and Home Care Podcast

Parkinson’s expert Dr. Michael Okun joins ComForConnections to discuss prevention, treatment advances, and person-centered care strategies.

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.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, roughly 12% to 18% of people aged 60 or older are living with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). This condition represents an early stage of memory loss or decline in other cognitive abilities, such as language or visual/spatial perception, in individuals who still have the capability to carry out most activities of daily living independently. It is crucial for caregivers and aging services professionals to understand MCI, its hallmarks, and care strategies. Join us as we explore the science behind Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)—what it is, how it differs from normal aging and dementia, and the key signs to watch for. We will also examine the progression of MCI, discussing whether and how it changes over time. Additionally, we will provide practical home care strategies that have assisted families and professionals in creating safer, more meaningful, and enjoyable daily experiences for individuals living with MCI and their caregivers. Learn more about the following: The science behind Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) Hallmarks of MCI Effective home care strategies Situations and activities to avoid for better care support 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.

Over the years, the healthcare and aging services sectors have witnessed a drop in retention rates across their teams. The estimated cost of caregiver turnover for home care agencies averages $171,600 per year. The Society for Human Resource Management reports that replacing an employee can cost an employer six to nine months of the employee's annual salary. For specialized healthcare professionals, this cost can rise to as much as 200% of their annual pay. Such statistics highlight the critical need for effective recruitment and retention strategies, which are vital for cultivating a culture of caring and excellence in caregiving organizations. In our latest ComForConnections Masterclass, we provide insights on building and sustaining a culture of caring within your organization. Join Heather Vermillion, RN – Vice President, Director of Clinical Operations and Owner of ComForCare Home Care Cuyahoga County, as she dives into strategies for empowering caregivers and other team members, effective leadership approaches and practical advice for aging services leaders to inspire their teams and create lasting excellence. Tune in and learn more about the following: The process of creating a culture of caring within an organization and how it all begins Key steps crucial for establishing and sustaining a strong culture of caring Methods to ensure that caregivers have the necessary skills and competencies to excel in their roles Strategies for recruiting and retaining a dedicated caregiving team Leadership approaches that have been successful in building a sustainable culture of caring and excellence Additional advice for Aging Services leaders on creating a culture that inspires and empowers their caregiving teams 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.

Providing a solid system of ongoing education and verification of competencies is essential for quality care, client satisfaction, and caregiver success. From determining the proper process to measure staff competency to identifying educational resources to support employee knowledge and expertise, this process needs to be user-friendly and mindful of everyone involved. Tune into our latest ComForConnections Masterclass episode, where Susan LaGrange, Pathway Health’s Chief Nursing Officer, and Tiffany Robinson, ComForCare Training Specialist, provide valuable insights and practical tips for enhancing and measuring competencies that ensure better care of older adults and quality outcomes. Learn more about: The importance of identifying and implementing a process for competency-based education delivery. Gain insight into best practice examples of training modalities. Learn more about necessary documentation to substantiate evidence of employee competency. 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.

End-of-life care is a critical aspect of the aging journey, as it focuses on providing comfort, dignity, and support to every individual. It involves complex emotional, physical, and spiritual approaches to care, depending on each individual's needs. For Aging Services Professionals, it is essential to be well-prepared to address any concerns clients may have as they navigate care options. This episode covers issues concerning medical expertise, proper communication, counseling, collaboration, and how professionals can make this experience one that is easier to navigate for families and loved ones. Tune in today to learn more about end-of-life care planning and obtain insights and resources to help clients make informed decisions that support their quality of life. Learn more about: Karen Faith, LLC, and how they support clients in their aging journey End-of-life care and how can aging services professionals help their clients through this process Understanding the available options for end-of-life care and how aging services professionals help clients determine the best option for their needs Considerations for aging services professionals to have in mind when discussing end-of-life care planning with their clients, especially with regard to individuals who can’t self-advocate due to disability or another physical condition Benefits of grief counseling Tips and resources for aging services professionals who are helping clients with end-of-life care decisions 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.

Focusing on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being can lead to a healthy and fulfilling life as we age. To pursue a path of positive aging, it is important to have support and resources, such as access to health care, social connections, and opportunities for continued learning and engagement. Aging Services Professionals are key members in the positive aging journey of older adults, as they can help older adults stay active and connected, enhancing their quality of life and enabling them to contribute meaningfully to their communities. Tune in as we discuss the importance of communication, collaboration, and resource development to promote a successful aging journey. We will dive into the concept of positive aging and how Aging Services Professionals can leverage resources and connections to provide clients with community and successful care. Learn more about: The Positive Aging Community, the Positive Aging Sourcebook, and Steve Gurney’s background What Positive Aging means, especially when Aging Services Professionals are using this term How Aging Services Professionals leverage resources like the Positive Aging Sourcebook to support clients and caregivers in their aging journey Considerations for Aging Services Professionals to address any communication breakdown, especially when looking to support the positive aging experience with an individual or caregiver A success story showcasing how proper communication and access to resources such as the Positive Aging Community helped a client with their care journey 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.