Innovative Aging

Join host Carol Chiang and Emile Maamary, cofounder of Steadiwear, as they discuss how structural engineering and earthquake-design technology are revolutionizing tremor management. You will discover the functional and psychological differences between Parkinson’s and essential tremor and how battery-free, adaptive stabilization can restore independence in high-stakes social activities like dining or self-care. This conversation explores moving beyond traditional weighted vests or medication to offer your patients a noninvasive “superpower” for daily function. Learn how these innovative tools can bridge the gap in the continuum of care to reduce social isolation and improve long-term quality of life.Learning OutcomesAnalyze the evidence around the efficacy of biomechanical stabilization and anti-vibration technologies in reducing the global burden and functional impact of essential tremor and Parkinson’s diseaseDetermine the situations in which noninvasive, battery-free wearable devices using tuned mass damping provide the most benefit for patients seeking to maintain independence in ADLs and social participationSolve patient case scenarios involving action tremors and associated secondary risks, such as social isolation, by integrating conservative stabilization tools into a multisystem continuum of careTimestamps(00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:05) Understanding the impact of tremors on daily life(00:02:25) Guest introduction(00:03:32) The differences between Parkinson's and essential tremor(00:07:20) Exploring solutions for tremor management(00:17:11) The role of technology in tremor suppression(00:20:40) A new approach to tremor management(00:31:45) Deciding which treatment is right for a patient(00:37:45) Real-world applications and success stories(00:40:55) Top three actionable takeawaysInnovative Aging is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/

Tricia Norton, cofounder of Discover Live, joins host Carol Chiang for a dynamic conversation on the power of live virtual travel experiences. Together, they explore how this innovative platform can break down barriers to meaningful participation, especially for individuals with mobility, cognitive, or sensory challenges. You’ll hear compelling stories, practical clinical insights, and new ways to think about using virtual travel to spark motivation and support occupational engagement. Are you curious how live guided tours offer more than prerecorded alternatives? Let’s find out together.Learning OutcomesAnalyze the evidence around the impact of virtual travel experiences on social participation, cognitive performance, and occupational engagement among individuals with mobility or sensory limitationsDetermine the situations in which live, guided virtual travel provides the most benefit compared to asynchronous or prerecorded alternatives, especially in the context of intergenerational engagement, dementia care, or sensory-based interventionsSolve patient case scenarios involving occupational isolation due to physical, cognitive, or contextual barriers by integrating virtual travel into individualized care plans to promote meaningful participation and life satisfactionTimestamps(00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:05) Transforming travel for all(00:04:52) The power of virtual experiences(00:06:30) The value of travel in later life(00:11:18) The future of travel: accessibility and engagement(00:13:43) Intergenerational connections through travel(00:16:05) Heritage travel and ancestry tours(00:19:48) Hybrid travel experiences(00:25:01) Addressing budget concerns in travel(00:27:32) Unexpected outcomes of virtual travel(00:30:07) Cultural awareness through exploration(00:31:47) Engagement and curiosity in virtual travel(00:35:29) Interactive learning and memory enhancement(00:37:31) Integrating culinary experiences in travel(00:41:22) Choosing the right travel experience for patients(00:45:09) Sensory diet and tailored experiences(00:48:48) Key takeaways for cliniciansInnovative Aging is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/

Jodi Bellam, founder of The Blue Hug and a seasoned homecare agency owner with over 16 years of experience, joins host Carol Chiang, to unpack one of caregiving’s most sensitive challenges: bathing. Together, Carol and Jodi explore why this essential ADL often sparks resistance and what clinicians can do to ease that burden. You’ll hear stories from the field, and you’ll learn about creative strategies and new tools designed to preserve dignity, increase cooperation, and reduce caregiver stress. Whether you’re troubleshooting a tough case or seeking fresh solutions, this conversation will leave you feeling more equipped and empowered.Learning ObjectivesAnalyze the evidence around resistance to bathing and its implications for caregiver burden and client well-beingDetermine the situations in which modesty-preserving bathing aids and structured routines provide the most benefit for maintaining dignity, safety, and ADL engagementSolve patient case scenarios involving barriers to bathing due to cognitive decline, trauma history, or sensory sensitivities using adaptive equipment and evidence-informed strategiesTimestamps(00:00:00) Welcome(00:02:05) Jodi Bellam’s journey into senior care(00:03:29) The Blue Hug: a sensory approach to safety(00:07:30) The role of relationship and trust in caregiving(00:08:40) Challenges of facility-based vs. in-home care(00:10:30) Addressing modesty and the “opposite-sex problem”(00:11:18) Clinical “battle plans” and modesty solutions(00:15:25) Evaluating market solutions and product innovation(00:23:51) Clinical reasoning: when to use specialized garments(00:31:00) Improving the caregiver experience(00:32:30) Success stories: restoring options and hygiene(00:39:49) Top takeaways for cliniciansInnovative Aging is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/

Akshita Iyer, CEO of Ome, joins host ⁠Carol Chiang⁠ to discuss how smart kitchen technology can help older adults maintain safety and independence at home. Together, they reflect on personal and clinical stories that highlight the emotional weight of kitchen-related safety decisions and the rising role of tech in reducing caregiver burden. You’ll gain insights into assessing risk, tailoring solutions to individual needs, and leveraging data to inform conversations about aging in place. Tune in for a practical, forward-thinking discussion that invites you to rethink how we approach home safety for aging adults.Learning ObjectivesAnalyze the evidence around kitchen-related safety risks and their impact on aging in placeDetermine the situations in which smart kitchen technology provides the most benefit for reducing caregiver burden and supporting older adults’ safety during meal preparationSolve patient case scenarios involving cognitive, motor, or sensory challenges that increase kitchen safety risks in older adultsTimestamps(00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:05) The importance of cooking for older adults(00:02:30) Technology as a safety net in the kitchen(00:04:25) Personal stories and the impact of aging(00:09:07) Challenges faced by older adults in cooking(00:12:51) Innovative solutions for kitchen safety(00:13:15) The role of data in enhancing safety(00:15:35) Building relationships through technology(00:16:50) Proactive vs. reactive approaches in care(00:17:39) Tailoring solutions for individual needs(00:25:14) Real-world applications of kitchen safety technology(00:35:25) The future of aging in place with technologyInnovative Aging is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/

Nicole Cuervo, founder and CEO of Springrose, joins host Carol Chiang, OTR/L, CAPS, ECHM, CHAMP, to explore how adaptive apparel can make dressing more accessible, dignified, and empowering for your patients. Drawing on her background in human-centered design and deep collaboration with rehab professionals, Nicole shares how innovative clothing solutions are transforming an often-overlooked ADL. She and Carol dig into clinical challenges, emotional impacts, and practical strategies you can use today. Join us as we rethink dressing as more than a task, it's a pathway to independence and identity.Learning ObjectivesAnalyze the evidence supporting adaptive apparel as a clinical solution for supporting dressing-related independence and participation in people with physical or cognitive limitationsDetermine situations in which adaptive apparel provides the most benefit to individuals experiencing dressing challenges due to pain, range-of-motion limitations, tremors, or caregiver relianceSolve patient case scenarios that involve selecting and clinically applying adaptive apparel to address dressing-related performance barriers in ADLsTimestamps(00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:05) The importance of independent dressing(00:03:15) Innovative solutions in adaptive apparel(00:11:50) Challenges in adaptive clothing(00:17:40) Understanding user needs(00:19:20) Designing for diverse needs(00:24:45) The role of clinicians in adaptive apparel(00:29:00) When adaptive apparel isn't the answer(00:38:00) Navigating financial barriers(00:41:00) Innovative approaches to adaptive clothing(00:43:40) Empowering patients through choiceInnovative Aging is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/

Becky Wright, CAPS, division manager at Ponte Giulio USA, joins host Carol Chiang, for a lively and practical conversation about bathroom safety and aging in place. Drawing from decades of experience and real-life client stories, Becky and Carol tackle the stigma around grab bars and explain why reframing the conversation matters. Together, they explore how therapists like you can proactively guide clients toward safer home environments—without compromising style or dignity. Tune in for actionable tips and persuasive language you can use in your very next home safety visit.Learning ObjectivesAnalyze the evidence around grab bars in relation to accessibility, safety, and client-centered home modificationsDetermine the situations in which grab bar solutions support safety, health, and participation in activities of daily living (ADLs)Solve patient case scenarios by integrating clinical reasoning and ethical decision-making to recommend appropriate grab bar solutions in diverse home settingsTimestamps(00:00:00) Welcome(00:01:30) Understanding the importance of bathroom safety(00:05:00) Proactive vs. reactive safety measures(00:08:50) Overcoming misconceptions about grab bars(00:13:30) The role of terminology in acceptance(00:20:20) Creating a visit-friendly home(00:23:30) The importance of grab bars in home safety(00:25:08) Design and aesthetics of grab bars(00:36:00) Installation of grab bars(00:41:00) Key takeaways for cliniciansThis podcast is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/