Empowering Professionals in Aging

The long-term memory of music is stored in one of the last parts of the brain to be affected by dementia. For that reason, music can be a powerful tool in caring for people living with dementia. Tune in to discover from board-certified music therapist Tara Jenkins how music can profoundly impact dementia care by fostering deep connections, reducing frustration, and enhancing the quality of life for people living with dementia. Explore practical strategies to create transformative musical moments that enrich lives and align with person-centered care goals.

Most older adults want to age at home, in a place where they feel comfort and familiarity. But the reality is that to remain at home, they will need extra support. The options for care can be overwhelming and confusing, but with education, older adults and their families can find a solution that best fits them and their situation. Discover the options available to older adults needing help at home, including resources for planning to age in place with help.

Providing care for a family member or loved one can be emotionally and logistically challenging, especially when family dynamics come into play. Even the most harmonious families can find themselves in challenging situations that can quickly escalate into disputes. As professionals, we can be called upon to help families navigate these challenges and provide an objective expert opinion. Join this webinar to explore effective strategies for navigating familial complexities. Whether you're dealing with differences in opinions, varying levels of involvement, or communication hurdles, this webinar will provide valuable guidance. Gain a deeper understanding of these challenges and learn about tools to foster collaboration and harmony while caregiving.

While end-of-life discussions may be challenging, they are integral to honoring an individual's wishes and preserving their dignity. Listen to this podcast to unravel the often overlooked and misunderstood aspects of end-of-life, with a special focus on hospice care. Gain insights into crucial conversations and thoughtful planning essential for this stage of life. This episode aims to demystify the support and resources available for end-of-life, shedding light on the true value of hospice care and other supportive services. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how these resources contribute to preserving dignity and enhancing the quality of life during life's final chapter. Don't shy away from this important conversation—be part of an insightful exploration into end-of-life care.

November is National Family Caregiver Month, so it's a great time to join our discussion about the evolving landscape of caregiving. We'll explore the latest trends, innovations and challenges faced by family caregivers today, providing valuable insights into the changing dynamics and support systems in caregiving. Whether you're a caregiver seeking information or a professional in the field, this podcast offers a comprehensive overview of the current state of caregiving and what lies ahead. Gain practical strategies to navigate the evolving landscape effectively and contribute to the well-being of both caregivers and care recipients. Don't miss the opportunity to stay informed and engaged during National Family Caregiver Month!

Individuals are reimagining the concept of retirement, especially as people are living longer. Instead of traditional retirement activities, many go on to explore encore careers—distinctive career paths embarked upon in the second half of life. Listen to this podcast to learn more about the benefits of working after retirement and the opportunities that exist. Also discover how to navigate the exciting intersection of work and purpose and gain practical strategies to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. Whether you're contemplating a change post-retirement, seeking purposeful work, or want to learn more about helping your older clients navigate opportunities in their later life, this episode will inform and equip you with resources.

The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer's disease, and we hear a lot about it. However, there are several types of dementia less likely to get the spotlight, but that still impact hundreds of thousands of individuals and their families. Join this webinar for an exploration of the lesser-known dementias. In this episode, we'll navigate the complexities of Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), Vascular Dementia, and Mixed Dementia. Listen to this podcast to gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and characteristics associated with each type, so you are empowered to enhance care and support for individuals affected by these various forms of dementia.

Among the older adult population, there is a complex landscape of high-risk factors that can contribute to hospital readmissions. Listen to this podcast to explore strategies for securing support systems, particularly for individuals navigating five types of risk factors: memory issues, frequent falls, living alone, managing multiple chronic conditions, and multiple medications. Learn how to identify, address, and mitigate these high-risk factors to foster an environment that reduces the likelihood of hospital readmissions.

Recognizing the early signs of Alzheimer's disease is vital, especially for early detection and diagnosis. Frequently, family members are the first to notice these signs, but initiating a conversation about scheduling a doctor's appointment can be daunting. Overcoming resistance or denial can further complicate the situation post-diagnosis, leaving both the individual and their family uncertain about the next steps. This podcast episode addresses the challenges surrounding Alzheimer's diagnoses and explores effective strategies to navigate this journey. As professionals, arming ourselves with the knowledge to help older adults and their families is key. Listen to gain insights into overcoming obstacles, providing valuable support, and accessing helpful resources for those you serve.

Access to proper nutrition can be a challenge for older adults due to a variety of factors. Compounding this issue is the fact that older adults are also at risk for isolation and loneliness. In this podcast episode, we tackle the pressing issues of loneliness and food insecurity in the older adult population. Learn how reaching out and fostering connections can have a significant impact on elders' well-being. Discover actionable strategies to address these challenges, promote a sense of community, and ensure that no one faces isolation or hunger alone.

As dedicated professionals in the field working with older adults, it's crucial to discern and address ethical challenges as they surface, which can prove challenging. Various factors can make older adults vulnerable to abuse, neglect and ill intent, and ethical issues emerge in several areas: complex family dynamics, end-of-life wishes, preserving dignity and respect, promoting independence, and keeping the individual safe. This podcast episode will delve into these issues, and listeners will gain insights into ethical decision-making models that empower you to reduce risks, advocate for older adults, and report any concerns to the relevant authorities. Uncover a wealth of knowledge encompassing the preservation of dignity, the promotion of independence, and ensuring the safety of each older adult. 

Home is where many older adults wish to age. However, many homes are not set up as age-friendly environments. Aging in place at home can result in accidents and falls—more than one in four older adults falls each year. Listen to this podcast to learn more about key aspects of aging in place, emphasizing the significance of home safety and fall-prevention measures. Learn more about empowering older adults to maintain their independence safely and confidently within the comfort of their homes.

While our brain plays a crucial role as the command center of our body, it often doesn't receive the attention it deserves. As we age, the risk of cognitive impairment increases, but here's the good news—research indicates there is plenty we can do proactively to keep our brains sharp and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Listen to this episode to learn more about proactive strategies for maintaining optimal brain health.

As we age, there are important legal documents we should all have in place. This is particularly true for older adults. However, people often wait until a crisis to make legal decisions, which for some may be too late. While planning ahead for a person's legal needs is ideal, it can be challenging to understand which legal documents are needed and where to begin. Listen to this podcast to learn more about the legal needs of aging and the importance of proactive planning.

Anyone working in healthcare today knows the importance of reducing hospital or rehabilitation facility readmissions. Older adults are at risk for readmissions if they lack proper support at home. The days following the transition back to the home can be crucial to keeping the older adult safe. However, older adults and their families may not be prepared for all that is involved in the person's care as they adjust to their old environment. Listen to this episode to learn how support and help at home can be crucial to a successful transition and reduce the risk of readmission.

Interest in intimacy exists throughout the lifespan and should be supported in later life. This topic is often controversial and misunderstood in society and therefore, professionals and families can be reluctant to openly discuss. It is important to acknowledge that emotional and physical intimacy are forms of showing love and caring, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Listen to learn more about romantic relationships, sexual desires and intimacy needs of older adults. Also learn about how best to address common concerns such as sexual health, family dynamics and cognitive issues.

The topic of driving is often one that involves a lot of emotions. For many, driving equates to independence and the freedom to go when and where you want. As a person ages, it can be helpful to openly communicate about driving abilities and safety, rather than doing so due to a crisis such as a crash or a “close call.” Families often turn to professionals for guidance and insights on how to talk about driving and the best approach to taking away the keys. Listen to this podcast to learn about the importance of developing a plan to help older adults move out of the driver's seat when necessary, while still remaining engaged with friends, family and community.

Among the tens of millions of family caregivers, about 12% of them are caring for an ill or disabled spouse or partner. Elements of caring for a spouse or partner differ from other types of caregiving relationships. On average, spousal caregivers provide more hours of caregiving, do more intense care-related tasks and do it all with less assistance compared to other types of caregivers. Professionals who understand the nuances of spousal caregiving can be better positioned to help these individuals.

Grief can take many forms and people tend to deal with grief in different ways. Grief is typically thought of in the context of the death of a friend or loved one. However, people can grieve in other ways such as the loss of independence or during a major life transition. Another form of grief called ambiguous loss, is loss without closure. This commonly occurs in those caring for a loved one living with dementia. They feel as if they are watching the person they once knew change or “slip away.” As professionals, we should be aware of the different types of grief and how this may affect the older adults and families with whom we work. Listen to this podcast to learn more about grief and ways to cope with ambiguous loss.

The highest healthcare spending years of our lives happen after age 65. While older adults are high-volume healthcare users, unfortunately, ageism is evident in healthcare practices today. Ageism can show up in subtle ways such as talking to an adult daughter instead of the older adult in the examination room, brushing off an older patient's complaint as part of the normal aging process, or in more significant ways such as assuming a treatment plan based on a person's age. Healthcare providers and other professionals in the healthcare system need to be aware of such ageist practices and how to avoid ageism in the care of their older patients.

Ageism is ingrained in our society and culture whether we like to admit it or not. The way older adults are referenced and depicted in the media, popular culture and even in the health and beauty industries helps to paint a picture that aging is something to dread and make light of. These depictions also help to reinforce negative mindsets and stereotypes about growing older. As professionals, we need to be aware of how ageism impacts our work with the older adults we serve and recognize opportunities to reinforce positive views of aging. This podcast addresses ageism and how everyone can make our society a better place to age.

While the most common form of dementia among all age groups is Alzheimer's disease, Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) is most common in those diagnosed before age 60 and can occur as early as age 21 and as late as age 80. FTD differs from other types of dementia in that memory loss is not a hallmark symptom. A group of related, heterogeneous disorders, initial symptoms bring progressive changes to personality, behavior, decision-making, communication or movement. In this podcast, the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration will present signs and symptoms of FTD, emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and person-centered care, and highlight research opportunities as well as support resources for those living with FTD and their care partners.

Untreated mental health disorders at any age can have negative impacts, but particularly for older adults, it can lead to social isolation, placement in long-term care facilities, and even suicide. There are also a variety of factors that can impact an older adults' emotional health such as major life transitions and loss of independence. Professionals in the aging sector play a vital role in helping older clients and families to recognize signs that an individual is in need of mental and emotional health support. Such professionals also help connect them to resources for evaluation and appropriate treatments. Listen to this podcast to learn more about mental and emotional health in later years and how to best support someone with mental health needs and their caregivers.

As professionals in the aging services sector, it is important to recognize the ethical issues that could arise when working with older adults. There are multiple areas in which ethical issues can emerge, including complex family dynamics, addressing end-of-life wishes, preserving dignity and respect, promoting independence, and keeping the individual safe. Various factors can make older adults vulnerable to abuse, neglect and ill intent. However, there are ethical principles that can guide us, and by better understanding these ethical issues, we can help to reduce the risk of harm, advocate for the older adult, and report issues to the proper authorities when necessary. Listen to this podcast to learn more about the ethical considerations of working with older adults and the resources available to help support professionals and family caregivers.

The importance of proper nutrition for older adults cannot be understated. However, for some older adults, it can be hard to get motivated to cook nutritious meals, especially for those who live alone. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 28 percent (13.8 million) of community-dwelling older adults live alone, which could put them at risk for poor nutrition. Malnutrition can affect the mind, body, immune system and energy levels in ways older adults and family caregivers may not be aware of. Older adults who eat meals with others take in more nutrients and reap additional benefits like decreased loneliness. Listen to this podcast to learn how companionship is often the missing ingredient in a healthy diet for an older adult. 

Caregivers play a vital role in the lives of their older loved ones. Often these individuals gradually take on more care responsibilities over time and they become so focused on the daily tasks of caregiving, that they rarely have time to reflect on their role and how it has changed. For many, caregiving is a multi-year journey and one that can start to feel overwhelming. It is easy for caregivers to lose sight of their own needs and they can experience negative consequences as a result. Listen to this podcast to learn how regular reflection can help caregivers change their mindset and transform their caregiving experience.

Aging is a universal experience. Of those who reach age 65, 70 percent will require long-term care at some point. These services are often well-intentioned, but may fail to recognize the diversity of the population they serve. It is important for service providers to learn about the value of delivering culturally competent services to meet the needs of the diverse individuals that they serve. Listen to this podcast to learn more about the important components to consider when it comes to diversity and inclusion and hear from organizations who are making great strides in this arena.

Knowing the warning signs of Alzheimer's disease is important for early detection and diagnosis. Family members often are the first to notice the signs, but may struggle on how to approach their loved one about scheduling an appointment with their doctor. Once they do broach the subject, they may be met with resistance or denial. If a diagnosis is received, the individual and their family may be at a loss for what do next and what to expect for their loved one's care needs. As professionals, it is important to help older adults and their families navigate life after a dementia diagnosis by providing them with useful information and support. Listen to this podcast to learn more about what to do next after a dementia diagnosis, what changes to expect and how to best care for someone living with dementia.

Today, there are more options than ever before for older adults who need help living in their homes or for those who can no longer live alone safely. Gone are the days where an institutional-like nursing home was the only alternative. Family structures also have changed, with a smaller pool of family caregivers living in proximity to help their aging loved ones. The options for care can be overwhelming and confusing but with a little education, families can help their loved ones find a solution that best suits them and their situation. Listen to this podcast to discover the variety of options available to older adults in need of assistance, including resources for staying at home with help and alternative housing options.

The home care industry is rapidly growing, making home care work one of the fastest growing professions in the United States. According to PHI, between 2018 and 2028, home care will add nearly 1.1 million jobs, and according to the OECD, by 2040, 13.5 million new care workers will be needed globally. While this is a growing industry, there are challenges facing this workforce, which result in high turnover rates and other issues. Listen to this podcast to learn more about home care workforce issues and how companies are addressing them head on.

The brain is an important organ that often doesn't get the attention it deserves. It is our body's command center and as we age, we are at an increased risk for cognitive impairment. However, research is finding that there is much we can do proactively to keep our brain in shape as we age and reduce the risk of cognitive impairment later in life. Listen to learn more about proactive brain health.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted everyone in different ways and it has brought to light many of the challenges our nation faces in supporting the aging population. Additionally, it has highlighted the value of care in the home. At a time when it was important to keep older adults out of the hospital setting, home care helped to meet the health and safety needs of many aging adults. Home care is finally being recognized as an extension of the care continuum and a value to the long-term care system. Learn more about the lessons learned during COVID-19 and how the growing demand for home care continues.

As we age, there are important legal documents that we should all have in place. This is especially true for older adults. However, people often wait to until a crisis to make legal decisions, which for some may be too late. While planning ahead for a person's legal needs is ideal, it can be challenging to understand what legal documents are needed and where to begin. Listen to this episode to learn more about the legal needs of aging and proactively planning for these needs.

Part of the Empowering Professionals in Aging series presented by Home Instead, Inc., franchisor of the Home Instead network.Untreated mental health disorders can have negative impacts such as social isolation, placement in long-term care facilities and even suicide. Older adults who show signs of having a mental disorder are less likely than younger adults to receive mental health services, and when they do, they are less likely to receive care from a mental health specialist. Professionals have a vital role in helping older clients and their families recognize mental health disorders and support them in obtaining an evaluation and appropriate treatments. Listen to this podcast to learn more about mental and emotional health in later years and how to best support someone with mental health needs. 

As humans, we would like to think we have an infinite amount of time on this earth. However, the reality is, our time will eventually run out. For some this is a scary thought, while others find comfort in some version of an afterlife. Regardless of what people think about death, many individuals don't feel comfortable talking about death, dying and grieving. While talking about death is not easy, end-of-life planning is vital to ensuring that an individual's wishes are carried out at the end of their life. It is especially important to ensure that proper documentation is in order to ease the burden of decision-making on their loved ones.This program will provide information on how professionals can help to prepare older adults and their families for difficult conversations about death, dying and grieving. Speaker: Lakelyn Hogan, PhD

Nearly 80 percent of adults ages 50 and older want to remain in their current homes as they age, according to AARP. Aging in place is often more affordable than transitioning to a community care setting and allows someone to retain independence in a comfortable, familiar setting. However, aging in place isn't right for everyone. It requires careful planning, research, and coordination. Listen to this episode to learn more about how to identify goals as a person ages and important considerations for planning for the future.Speakers: Lakelyn Hogan, PhD, and April Ibarra, MGS.

Alzheimer's disease and other dementias disproportionately affects women, African Americans and Latinos. In fact, women are twice as likely to develop the disease as men. Twenty percent of Americans living with the disease are African Americans and Latinos are 1.5 times more likely to be diagnosed than non-Latino whites. It is important for professionals to understand the disparities that exist among these subsets of the population. Join this webinar to learn more on this topic from a guest speaker with UsAgainstAlzheimer's who will discuss how communities and healthcare systems can work together to promote brain health equity for all communities, including healthcare system readiness, improved access to research and preventive health services.UsAgainstAlzheimer's (UsA2) is a disruptive advocacy and research-focused organization that is pushing for expanding treatments and speeding the search for a cure for Alzheimer's disease. UsA2 works to ensure that all communities have their voices heard through various networks and initiatives including WomenAgainstAlzheimer's, LatinosAgainstAlzheimer's and AfricanAmericansAgainstAlzheimer's. Presenters:Stephanie Monroe is Director of Equity and Access and Executive Director of AfricanAmericansAgainstAlzheimer's, a network of UsAgainstAlzheimer's, and the first national network created to raise awareness of the impact of Alzheimer's health disparities on communities of color and women, the need for greater minority participation in clinical trials and the importance focusing on brain health and Alzheimer's risk reduction in all communities. Monroe is an attorney with three decades of federal public policy experience, including serving as Assistant Secretary of Education for Civil Rights. She also was Chief Counsel of the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, and Staff Director of the Senate Subcommittee on Children and Families.Jason Resendez is the Director of the UsAgainstAlzheimer's Center for Brain Health Equity and head of the LatinosAgainstAlzheimer's Coalition. He is the co-author of “Latinos & Alzheimer's Disease: New Numbers Behind the Crisis,” a seminal report released with the USC Roybal Institute on Aging, and contributor to the NIA's National Strategy for Recruitment and Participation in Alzheimer's and Related Dementias Clinical Research. Prior to UsAgainstAlzheimer's, Resendez held senior positions at UnidosUS and LULAC National Educational Service Centers, Inc. He is a Google Next Generation Policy Leader, an Aspen Ideas Health Fellow, and serves on the boards of the Youth Movement Against Alzheimer's and Consumers for Quality Care.Part of the Empowering Professionals in Aging series Presented by Home Instead, Inc., franchisor of the Home Instead® network.

Many older adults who grew up in the Great Depression were raised to be polite, trusting and accessible. Financial predators use these positive personal traits to gain an unfair advantage of their intended victims. As a consequence, older adults' financial security and livelihood could be compromised. Understanding the psychology behind this risk can help professionals understand how to recognize vulnerabilities and identify resources to support and protect older adults against fraud. This presentation will help you to learn more about the psychology of financial scams and how to protect older adults from falling victim to financial predators. 

Technology is affecting all areas of our lives and can benefit us in so many ways. More and more often we use technology in our homes for convenience, safety and entertainment. As individuals consider options for care and support as they age, it is important to understand how technology can play a role. Research shows that 90 percent of older adults prefer to age in place at home. Leveraging technology may help to make that reality for many people. On this episode of Empowering Professionals in Aging, we learn about ways to create a tech-enabled home that can help enhance independence and support an individual's desire to age in place.Hosted by:Lakelyn Hogan, PhD, is a gerontologist and caregiver advocate at Home Instead. She educates professionals in aging, families and communities on the unique challenges that older adults face and the resources available to help them thrive. Hogan has worked in the private and public sectors of senior care services and has spoken at national and international conferences on caregiving and aging, plus serves as a resource to the media. She is a board member of the National Alliance for Caregiving, board chair for the Dreamweaver Foundation and vice chair of the Alzheimer's Association's Dementia Care Provider Roundtable.

Interest in intimacy exists throughout the life span and should be supported in later life. This topic is often controversial and misunderstood in society and therefore, professionals and families are often reluctant to openly discuss. It is important to acknowledge that both emotional and physical intimacies are forms of how we all show love and caring, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Join this webinar to learn more about romantic relationships, sexual desires and intimacy needs of older adults. Also learn about how best to address common concerns such as sexual health, family dynamics and cognitive issues. Take away strategies to help navigate difficult conversations and the resources available for providers and families to support intimacy and aging.April Ibarra MGS is a Gerontologist and Strategic Partnerships Manager for Home Instead with over 25 years' experience in health care and aging. April is passionate about improving the lives of older adults through advocating, educating, and providing resources to help them live their highest quality, most independent life.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects more than 10 million people worldwide. With the progression of PD, care and support is likely needed, typically beginning at home. It is important for those providing care to have a solid understanding of PD symptoms and medication management, which plays a key role in managing symptoms. Also it is important to recognize that the person's needs will change during the course of the disease, which will alter the care being provided. In this episode, we learn more about PD, including tips and information for professionals and family caregivers to best support the needs of someone living with PD in the home environment.Lakelyn Hogan, PhD, is a gerontologist and caregiver advocate at Home Instead. She educates professionals in aging, families and communities on the unique challenges that older adults face and the resources available to help them thrive. Hogan has worked in the private and public sectors of senior care services and has spoken at national and international conferences on caregiving and aging, plus serves as a resource to the media. She is a board member of the National Alliance for Caregiving, board chair for the Dreamweaver Foundation and vice chair of the Alzheimer's Association's Dementia Care Provider Roundtable.Annie Wallis, MSW serves as the Associate Director of Education at the Parkinson's Foundation. As part of the Education department, her primary focus is providing quality informational resources and programs for people with Parkinson's disease, their caregivers and loved ones, and the professionals who are part of the medical and care team. She oversees the Aware in Care and Hospital Initiatives, the Care Partner Program, and the production and distribution of educational materials. Annie completed her Master of Social Work focused in Community and Social Justice from The Ohio State University and her Bachelor of Social Work from Florida State University.

Technology plays an important role in supporting the needs of our aging population, but it does not replace the need for family support and professional care. There are many categories of technology that are quickly becoming a part of the care continuum, including virtual health and care-management platforms and wearables. The field of Gerontechnology is growing rapidly and it is a challenge for professionals in the aging sector to understand how to differentiate between the overwhelming variety of products and services and how and if their clients can benefit from the technology. Guest speaker Laurie Orlov, Founder of Aging and Health Technology, will provide valuable information on this topic to help professionals identify and evaluate the benefit of technology for older adults and understand the adoption of tech and the barriers that may exist. April Ibarra, MGS, is a gerontologist and strategic partnerships manager for Home Instead, with more than 25 years of experience in healthcare and aging. Ibarra is passionate about improving the lives of older adults through advocating, educating and providing resources to help them live their highest quality, most independent life.Laurie M. Orlov is a tech industry veteran, writer, speaker and elder care advocate. She is the founder of Aging and Health Technology Watch, which provides thought leadership, analysis and guidance about health and aging-related technologies and services via market research, trends, blogs and reports. Previously, Orlov spent many years in the tech industry, including nine at the analyst firm Forrester Research. She has spoken regularly and delivered keynote speeches at forums, industry consortia, conferences, and symposia, most recently on the business of technology for boomers and seniors. She advises large organizations, nonprofits and entrepreneurs on trends and opportunities in the age-related tech market. 

Untreated mental health disorders can have a significant impact on older adults, such as social isolation, placement in long-term care facilities and high rates of suicide. Older adults who show signs of having a mental disorder are less likely than younger adults to receive mental health services, and when they do, they are less likely to receive care from a mental health specialist. Professionals play a vital role in helping older clients and their families to recognize mental health disorders and support them in obtaining an evaluation and appropriate treatments. In this episode, you'll learn more about mental and emotional health in later years. Also learn from a guest speaker from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, who will provide tips and resources on recognizing the signs of suicide and on prevention. Lakelyn Hogan, PhD, is a gerontologist and caregiver advocate at Home Instead. She educates professionals in aging, families and communities on the unique challenges older adults face and the resources available to help them thrive. Hogan is a board member of the National Alliance for Caregiving, board chair for the Dreamweaver Foundation and vice chair of the Alzheimer's Association's Dementia Care Provider Roundtable.Doreen S. Marshall, PhD, is vice president, Mission Engagement, at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. As a psychologist with experience that spans clinical, educational, and professional settings, Dr. Marshall has been engaged in local and national suicide prevention work for nearly 20 years. 

Knowing the warning signs of Alzheimer's disease is important for early detection and diagnosis. Family members often are the first to notice the signs, but they may struggle with how to approach their loved one about scheduling a doctor's appointment. Once they do broach the subject, they may be met with resistance or denial. When receiving an Alzheimer's diagnosis, the individual and their family may be at a loss for what to do next. As professionals, it is important to help older adults and their families to navigate this diagnosis and its aftermath by providing them with useful information and support. In this podcast, Lakelyn Hogan explores the challenges of an Alzheimer's diagnosis, how to overcome them and offers helpful resources to share with those you serve.Lakelyn Hogan, PhD, is a gerontologist and caregiver advocate at Home Instead. She educates professionals in aging, families and communities on the unique challenges that older adults face and the resources available to help them thrive. Hogan has worked in the private and public sectors of senior care services and has spoken at national and international conferences on caregiving and aging, plus serves as a resource to the media. She is a board member of the National Alliance for Caregiving, board chair for the Dreamweaver Foundation and vice chair of the Alzheimer's Association's Dementia Care Provider Roundtable.Contact Lakelyn : lakelynhogan@homeinsteadinc.comResources:Download the slides from this web seminarOn Aging 2021, the annual conference of the American Society on AgingConfidence to Care Book A resource for family caregivers providing care at home to an individual living with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias.Free Alzheimer's & Other Dementias Daily Companion appTo download, search “Alzheimer's daily companion” in the app store or click here.Helpforalzheimersfamilies.comFree online family education modules, monthly “Live Chats” with guest experts, dementia respite care grant applicationFacebook Community: Search: “Remember for Alzheimer's Families”Caregiverstress.comGeneral caregiving resources, Free professional CE webinarsIn-Home Support: Home InsteadBook:  The Best Friends Approach by Virginia Bell and David TroxelAlzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline: 1.800.272.3900UsAgainstAlzheimers.orgA-List: Patients and families transforming Alzheimer's researchAssociation for Frontotemporal DegenerationLewy Body Dementia AssociationDementia Alliance International

In America today, the end of life is not something that is regularly discussed. Often, when faced with issues of mortality, people suffer needlessly for a variety of reasons, from cultural and clinical misunderstandings to matters of healthcare access. It is important for communities and healthcare systems to work together to improve end-of-life experiences and normalize end-of-life planning to ensure individuals can live out their lives according to their values and with goals realized.Join this webinar to learn more about this topic from guest speaker Shoshana Ungerleider, MD, physician and founder of End Well. End Well brings together a multidisciplinary community that unites design, technology, health, policy and activist initiative to create a cultural shift that can transform our thinking around the end of life.Shoshana Ungerleider, MD, is the founder of endwellproject.org, a practicing internist at Crossover Health in San Francisco, writer and leading voice in healthcare who regularly appears as a medical contributor on CNN, MSNBC, CBS News with bylines in TIME, Scientific American, the San Francisco Chronicle, Vox, STAT and many others. She executive produced two Netflix Oscar-nominated films, Extremis and End Game. Her most recent film, Robin's Wish, is a biographical documentary about the final years of actor and comedian, Robin Williams. Contact Shoshana : shoshana@endwellproject.orgLakelyn Hogan, PhD, is a gerontologist and caregiver advocate at Home Instead. She educates professionals in aging, families and communities on the unique challenges that older adults face and the resources available to help them thrive. Hogan has worked in the private and public sectors of senior care services and has spoken at national and international conferences on caregiving and aging, plus serves as a resource to the media. She is a board member of the National Alliance for Caregiving, board chair for the Dreamweaver Foundation and vice chair of the Alzheimer's Association's Dementia Care Provider Roundtable. Contact Lakelyn : lakelynhogan@homeinsteadinc.comAlzheimer's Resourceswww.HelpforAlzheimersFamilies.com Alzheimer's AssociationMore Links & ResourcesStrength for the Moment Facebook Prayer GroupCompose Your Life's SongNational Association of Certified Financial PlannersNational Association of Area Agencies on Aging40-70 Rule— Downloadable “Action Plan for Successful Aging” & conversation starters for familiesHome care supportCaregiver support

Many older adults take multiple medications for various chronic conditions and other health issues. Research conducted by Home Instead, Inc., indicates that as the number of prescription medications a person (ages 70 or older) takes increases, so do challenges with medication management and potential health risks. In this episode we'll learn more from April Ibarra and Pharmacist Kyle Decker of Simple Meds, who will join as a guest speaker and share more about how medication mismanagement can jeopardize an older adult's health and independence. He also will discuss effective solutions for medication management and for improving medication compliance.April Ibarra is a gerontologist and strategic partnerships manager for Home Instead Senior Care. She has more than 25 years' experience in healthcare and aging. Contact April: April.Ibarra@homeinsteadinc.comKyle Decker, PharmD, is chief operating officer of Simple Meds pharmacy. Decker is a member of the Pharmacy Quality Alliance, National Community Pharmacists Association and Indiana Pharmacist Alliance.Contact Kyle: Kyle.Decker@simplemeds.comLinks & Resources:Download the Power Point slides for this presentationEmpowering Professionals in Aging Web Seminar SeriesConversation startersHow to administer medicationsSimple MedsMedication reminders serviceHospital discharge guideBeers Criteria Medication ListSubstance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline 1-800-622-HELPCDC RX Awareness CampaignU.S. Department of Health & Human Services:Poison Help Hotline 1-800-222-1222 Drug takeback information

Today, helping families to create a personal road map for the future is more critical than ever. Most people understand the importance of planning for the future, but often avoid preparing a plan for aging until a crisis occurs. Mapping out the later stages of life provides older adults with more control and freedom. It also can help to ensure that their wishes are communicated, so when they need more help, family and friends will know what is important to them, and why. Advanced planning also helps to establish realistic expectations based on health status, family history, budget, available support and current home environment. And advance planning will provide guidance as care needs change. In this episode, Gerontologist April Ibarra shares what should be included in an aging road map and tips on how to help guide older adults along their aging journey.April Ibarra, MGS is a Gerontologist and Strategic Partnerships Manager for Home Instead with over 25 years' experience in health care and aging. April is passionate about improving the lives of older adults through advocating, educating, and providing resources to help them live their highest quality, most independent life.Contact April: April.Ibarra@homeinsteadinc.comLinks & Resources:Download the Power Point Slides from this presentationEmpowering Professionals in Aging Web Seminar SeriesAction Plan for Successful Aging4070talk.com - Step by step guide to planning your aging journey, conversation startersMaking Home Safer for Seniors - Home safety checklist, inexpensive fixes for safety & convenienceCaregiverstress.comGenworth Cost of Care SurveyAgingWithDignity.org SeniorEmergencyKit.comSimpleMeds.com