Caring Conversations

Sean Conroy, Melissa Therrien
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Caring Conversations

Caring Conversations is a podcast dedicated to educating, supporting, and advocating for quality care in all its forms, with a special focus on aging in place and in-home care services. Each episode aims to provide practical insights, expert advice, and heartwarming stories that highlight the importance of compassionate care for seniors and their families.

Episodes

  1. 3D AGO

    Essential Tips for Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls for Seniors at Home

    In this episode of Caring Conversations, Melissa Therrien and Shanna Hakala discuss the critical environmental risks faced by seniors, focusing on slips, trips, falls, air quality, chemical safety, fire risks, temperature regulation, and the role of smart technology in enhancing home safety. They provide practical tips for families to help their loved ones maintain independence while minimizing hazards in the home.

    32 min

  2. APR 8

    Answering Your Top Home Care Questions

    In this episode of Caring Conversations, Melissa Therrien and Liz Lewington discuss Ohana Care, a home care service that emphasizes personalized, relationship-based care.  They explore the various services offered, the importance of caregiver-client relationships, and the unique approach to care management. The conversation also covers how families can initiate care, the role of care managers, and the significance of personalized care plans.  Additionally, they address common questions about caregiver screening and the rationale behind their minimum hourly commitment for services.

    41 min

  3. MAR 25

    Aging Well: Preventing Falls and Promoting Independence for Seniors

    In this conversation, Liz Lewington and Melissa Therrien discuss the importance of aging well through preventative care. They cover various aspects of senior care, including home safety, fall prevention, medication management, nutrition, staying active, mental health, and accessing support resources. The discussion emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to senior care, focusing on maintaining independence and quality of life.

    29 min

  4. FEB 11

    How In-Home Care Supports Post-Surgery Recovery

    In this episode of Caring Conversations, Melissa Therrien and Liz Lewington discuss the critical role of home care in supporting post-operative recovery, particularly after hip and knee surgeries.  They explore the importance of preparation for surgery, effective pain management, and the need for professional support during recovery. The conversation emphasizes the significance of communication between healthcare providers and families to ensure a safe discharge from the hospital and a smooth transition home. The hosts also highlight the emotional aspects of recovery and the value of involving family members in the care process.

    37 min

  5. FEB 4

    How to Start Your Career as a Caregiver: Tips from a Recruiter

    In this episode of Caring Conversations, hosts Liz Lewington and Melissa Therrien discuss the intricacies of starting a career in caregiving with HR manager Heather Connors from Ohana Care. They explore the various roles within caregiving, the hiring process, the importance of company support, and the balance between work and personal life. The conversation also touches on growth opportunities, the impact of technology, and the challenges faced in recruitment. The episode emphasizes the value of agency care over private hiring, highlighting the support and resources provided by companies like Ohana Care.

    43 min

  6. JAN 21

    Palliative Care: Compassionate Support at the End of Life

    In this episode of Caring Conversations, Melissa Therrien and Liz Lewington delve into the sensitive topic of palliative care, discussing its importance, misconceptions, and the emotional aspects surrounding end-of-life care. They explore the differences between palliative care and hospice care, share personal experiences, and emphasize the need for early conversations about palliative options. The episode highlights the role of healthcare teams, the significance of family support, and the active management involved in providing comfort to patients. Ultimately, the conversation aims to demystify palliative care and encourage open discussions about dying and the care that can enhance the quality of life during this challenging time.

    48 min

  7. JAN 14

    The Role of Companionship in Mental & Emotional Wellbeing for those with Dementia

    In this episode of Caring Conversations, Melissa Therrien and Liz Lewington discuss the vital role of companionship in the mental and emotional well-being of individuals with dementia. Joined by caregiver Jamie McGurgin, they explore the importance of personalized care, the impact of touch, and effective de-escalation techniques in caregiving.  The conversation emphasizes the need to understand dementia beyond labels and stigmas, advocating for a compassionate and individualized approach to care. In this conversation, caregivers discuss the importance of emotional connections, consistency in care, and the joy found in working with dementia patients. They emphasize the need for patience, understanding, and teamwork among caregivers and families to create a supportive environment for those affected by dementia. The discussion highlights practical strategies for building relationships with patients and the positive impact of sharing successes with families.

    46 min

  8. 12/17/2024

    Is Your Parent Showing Signs of Dementia? What Behaviours to Watch For

    In this episode of Caring Conversations, hosts Melissa Therrien and Liz Lewington discuss the complexities of dementia care, focusing on the signs and symptoms of dementia, the importance of empathy in caregiving, and the dynamics of family communication. They emphasize the need for understanding behaviors, the significance of companionship, and the necessity of self-care for caregivers. The conversation highlights the importance of education and support for families navigating the challenges of dementia.

    52 min

  9. 12/10/2024

    How to Talk to Your Aging Parents About Their Future

    Summary In this episode of Caring Conversations, Liz Lewington and Melissa Therrien discuss the sensitive topic of initiating conversations about in-home care with loved ones. They explore the importance of addressing care needs early, navigating resistance and denial, and the role of caregivers in family dynamics. The conversation emphasizes the need for pragmatic approaches to home care, financial considerations, and the emotional aspects of caregiving. The hosts encourage families to have these discussions with empathy and love, ensuring that the wishes of seniors are respected and understood. Takeaways Conversations about in-home care should be initiated early.Understanding the emotional and practical aspects of care is crucial.Resistance to care is a normal reaction for many seniors.Caregiver burnout can significantly impact family dynamics.It's important to approach these conversations with empathy and love.Financial sustainability is a key consideration in care planning.Home modifications may be necessary for safety and comfort.Education about care options can alleviate fears and misconceptions.Involving professionals can help facilitate difficult conversations.Maintaining independence is a priority for many seniors.

    36 min

  10. 12/03/2024

    Navigating Home Care Funding Options in Alberta and British Columbia

    In this episode of Caring Conversations, Melissa Therrien and Liz Lewington discuss the complexities of home care funding in Alberta and British Columbia. They explore various support programs, including Alberta's Client-Directed Home Care Invoicing Program and the fully funded options available through Alberta Health Services. The conversation also delves into BC's CSIL program, highlighting the challenges and barriers faced by individuals seeking home care support. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding available resources and navigating the funding landscape to ensure that seniors can remain in their homes as they age. In this episode, Liz Lewington and Melissa Therrien discuss the complexities of navigating the healthcare system in British Columbia, focusing on financial calculations related to care costs. They emphasize the importance of empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their care options and highlight the resources available to support them. The conversation also touches on the significance of compassionate communication in caregiving and introduces the Caring Conversations podcast, which aims to provide valuable insights and support for caregivers and families.

    31 min

  11. 11/27/2024

    Understanding In-Home Care: Breaking Myths & Misconceptions

    Click here to watch a video of this episode. Summary In this episode of Caring Conversations, hosts Melissa Therrien and Elizabeth Lewington explore the world of in-home care, addressing common myths and misconceptions while highlighting the importance of personalized care. They discuss who can benefit from in-home care, the proactive nature of support, and the role of technology in enhancing care. The conversation emphasizes the significance of building trust with families and the collaborative approach needed in home care, as well as future trends in the industry. Takeaways In-home care is not just for the elderly or terminally ill.Many people believe in-home care is too expensive, but it can be affordable.Home care can support individuals recovering from surgery or with disabilities.Proactive care helps maintain independence and quality of life.Education is crucial for families to understand care options.Technology will enhance safety and support in home care.Building trust with families takes time and communication.Personalized care plans are essential for effective support.Collaboration with other healthcare professionals improves outcomes.Home care allows individuals to age in place comfortably.Creators & Guests Melissa Therrien, RN - Host Liz Lewington, LPN - Host Sean Conroy - Producer

    38 min
  • 11 Episodes

About

Caring Conversations is a podcast dedicated to educating, supporting, and advocating for quality care in all its forms, with a special focus on aging in place and in-home care services. Each episode aims to provide practical insights, expert advice, and heartwarming stories that highlight the importance of compassionate care for seniors and their families.

Information

  • Creator
    Sean Conroy, Melissa Therrien
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Ohana Care Inc.
  • Show Website
    Caring Conversations

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