ComForConnections: Aging and Home Care Podcast

ComForCare

As an aging services professional, staying up-to-date can be daunting, especially in the dynamic care continuum. That is why we have designed our episodes for busy professionals like you, who are deeply passionate about providing the best care possible to older adults. In our upcoming episodes, you will hear from leading experts and aging services professionals who will provide knowledge, insight and the latest best practice tips that can be used to inspire your own professional growth, your colleagues and those you serve. Visit ComForConnections.com to download tips and resources, view show notes and access our episodes. You can also subscribe and listen to our podcast on your favorite app.

  1. MAR 12

    How Dementia Care Professionals Help Families Make Better Decisions

    When families receive a dementia diagnosis, they’re often handed life-changing news with little direction. The decisions that follow — bringing help into the home, touring senior living communities, evaluating technology — carry emotional weight and long-term impact. In this episode of ComForConnections, Tiffany Robinson is joined by Carrie Aalberts, also known as Dementia Darling. With a background in gerontology and years of experience supporting caregivers, Carrie shares how professional dementia care providers can help families interpret what quality care truly looks like and avoid crisis-driven decisions. What you’ll learn in this episode Why early guidance prevents crisis-mode decision making What families often overlook at the beginning of the dementia journey Red flags and green flags when touring dementia care communities How professional caregivers can validate and support families emotionally The role of AgeTech and how technology enhances, rather than replaces, human care How to move beyond the “tragedy narrative” and recognize moments of joy Additional resources: Dementia Darling – Dementia education, caregiver resources, and supportive guidance for families navigating dementia care decisions. Understanding the Different Stages of Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Needs – A ComForCare guide to recognizing progression and planning appropriate care. Featured Guest Carrie Aalberts is a dementia educator and founder of Dementia Darling, an education platform dedicated to supporting families and professional caregivers navigating dementia care. With a background in gerontology and more than 15 years of experience in the aging and dementia care space, Carrie provides practical guidance, caregiver education, and decision-making support. Her work focuses on helping families recognize quality dementia care, understand training standards, and build confidence during high-stakes care transitions. Stay Connected! Like what you heard? Subscribe to ComForConnections on your favorite podcast platform, and explore more caregiver resources from ComForCare. 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.

    33 min

  2. FEB 26

    How Working Caregivers Protect Their Energy

    Caregiving often spans both professional and personal life, leaving little space to recover before the next demand appears. For working caregivers, burnout can creep in quietly, becoming normalized, minimized, and missed until the cost becomes unavoidable. In this episode of ComForConnections, Tiffany Robinson is joined by Elizabeth Miller, founder of Happy Healthy Caregiver, to explore what caregiver burnout really looks like, why it affects working caregivers so deeply, and how small, realistic shifts can help protect energy over the long term. Together, they unpack the emotional labor caregivers carry and the systems that make sustainable caregiving possible. What you’ll learn in this episode Why burnout is so common among working and professional caregivers Early warning signs caregivers often overlook or normalize How emotional labor shows up differently at work and at home Why traditional self-care advice rarely works for caregivers What realistic, sustainable self-care actually looks like How asking for help and setting boundaries supports long-term caregiving Additional resources: Happy Healthy Caregiver - Education, tools, and support for working family caregivers focused on burnout prevention and sustainable caregiving. Happy Healthy Caregiver Podcast - Conversations with caregivers and experts sharing real-world strategies for navigating caregiving without losing yourself. Happy Healthy Caregiver Weekly Newsletter - Sign up to receive weekly encouragement, practical insights, and caregiver-friendly self-care ideas. Just for You: A Daily Self-Care Journal - A guided journal designed to help caregivers reflect, reset, and prioritize their own wellbeing. Featured Guest Elizabeth Miller is the founder of Happy Healthy Caregiver and a nationally recognized advocate for caregiver burnout prevention. A former corporate professional and sandwich-generation caregiver, Elizabeth supports working caregivers through education, speaking, and practical tools that help protect energy, health, and identity across long caregiving seasons. 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.

    32 min

  3. 12/17/2025

    Building Better Partnerships in Care

    Strong caregiving depends on strong relationships. In this episode, psychologists Dr. Julie Mayer and Dr. Barry Jacobs share practical guidance for creating healthy, collaborative partnerships between families and professional caregivers, helping everyone feel supported and aligned in their loved one's care. What you’ll learn in this episode Why guilt is so common for family caregivers and how to work through it How to gradually introduce professional care to create smoother transitions Communication habits that build trust between families and caregivers Why empathy is essential for preventing conflict and improving teamwork How agencies can support caregivers with training and consistency Approaches to self-care that help both family and professional caregivers sustain their wellbeing Additional resources: The AARP Caregiver Answer Book – Julie and Barry's comprehensive guide to caregiving, communication, and emotional resilience  Understanding the Different Stages of Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Needs – A helpful overview for anticipating changing care requirements  Episode 36: How to Talk with Aging Parents Who Won’t Receive Help Graciously – In an earlier episode of ComForConnections, Barry addresses how to care for a parent who doesn’t want your care. Featured Guests Dr. Julie Mayer Dr. Julie Mayer is a clinical psychologist with decades of experience supporting family systems, caregiver wellbeing, and lifespan challenges. Her work focuses on helping families navigate the emotional landscape of caregiving with empathy, communication, and resilience. Dr. Barry Jacobs Dr. Barry Jacobs is a clinical psychologist and nationally recognized expert on family caregiving, chronic illness, and care partnerships. His work emphasizes the central role of relationships and shared understanding in delivering meaningful, coordinated care. Stay Connected! Like what you heard? Subscribe to ComForConnections on your favorite podcast platform, and explore more caregiver resources from ComForCare. 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.

    36 min

  4. 12/02/2025

    The Best Friends Approach to Dementia Care

    For more than 35 years, David Troxel has helped shape the way caregivers understand dementia and what it takes to build real connections. In this episode, he and host Tiffany Robinson explore why social history matters, what trust-building looks like in practice, and how caregivers can create therapeutic moments every day. What you’ll learn in this episode How the Best Friends™ Approach strengthens trust and eases daily care. Why "if you've met one person with dementia, you've met one person with dementia" matters in practice. How social histories and life story cards turn everyday tasks into moments of connection. Simple, meaningful activities caregivers can use at home. Ways to shift from task-oriented routines to relationship-centered care. Additional resources: David Troxel – Connect with David and learn more about his work, speaking, and resources for families and professionals supporting people living with dementia. Books by David Troxel – Explore the Best Friends™ series and other practical guides that help caregivers build connection, reduce stress, and create supportive daily routines. In-Home Dementia Care Services – Discover ComForCare’s personalized at-home support designed to improve safety, comfort, and connection for individuals living with dementia. Joyful Memories - Home Care Services – A music-based engagement program that uses familiar songs and guided activities to spark connection, movement, and emotional well-being for people living with dementia.  Featured Guest David Troxel, MPH, is an internationally recognized expert in dementia care and co-creator of the Best Friends™ Approach, a widely adopted model emphasizing empathy, connection, and life-story-driven support. He has authored numerous influential books with collaborator Virginia Bell, including A Dignified Life and the Best Friends Activity Books. David has decades of experience in adult day programs, dementia education, and caregiving program development, and continues to teach, write, and support caregivers around the world. Stay Connected! Like what you heard? Subscribe to ComForConnections on your favorite podcast platform, and explore more caregiver resources from ComForCare. 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.

    32 min

  5. 11/18/2025

    Building Trust in Dementia Caregiving

    Compassion is a central skill in dementia care. In this episode, host Tiffany Robinson speaks with Ellen Belk, founder of Keep In Mind, Inc., about how caregivers can build trust, why developing dementia-friendly communication skills is important, and how to connect with the heart and soul of every person living with cognitive decline. What you’ll learn in this episode Why compassion is a foundational skill in dementia care How to communicate in dementia-friendly ways The role of family involvement in creating a true care partnership Practical self-care approaches that help prevent caregiver burnout Recognizing the person beyond the diagnosis and connecting with heart and soul Additional resources: Keep In Mind — The portal to access Ellen’s Keep In Mind dementia training, caregiver education, and the Keep In Mind Community Understanding the Different Stages of Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Needs — A clear, stage-by-stage overview to help caregivers anticipate changes and adjust support with confidence. In-Home Care for Dementia — Guidance on how professional caregivers assist with daily routines, safety, communication, and comfort for those living with cognitive decline at home. Featured Guest Ellen Belk is the founder of Keep In Mind, Inc., creator of the nationally recognized 360º Team Approach training program, and a leading voice in elevating dementia awareness. With decades of experience overseeing more than 100 care communities across the U.S., Ellen blends communication expertise, real-world caregiving insight, and a compassionate philosophy that prioritizes connection, dignity, and trust. Her 12-module caregiver training series is widely used by frontline teams seeking practical, relatable dementia education. Stay Connected! Like what you heard? Subscribe to ComForConnections on your favorite podcast platform, and explore more caregiver resources from ComForCare. 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.

    34 min

  6. 11/12/2025

    Strengthening Caregiver Health and Client Independence

    When caregivers learn to move smarter, everyone benefits. In this episode of ComForConnections, occupational therapist Carol Chiang, founder of Evolving Homes, shares practical ways to protect caregiver health, prevent client falls, and build confidence for aging in place. Carol and host Tiffany Robinson discuss small shifts in technique, communication, and mindset that keep both caregivers and clients thriving. What you’ll learn in this episode How proper biomechanics protect caregivers from injury while supporting client mobility. Simple cueing techniques that build client confidence and independence. Why "don't steal their therapy" is the key to long-term strength and dignity. How caregivers can mentor clients toward healthy daily habits that prevent hospitalizations. The core components of Carol's Evolving Homes model for safe, confident aging in place. Additional resources: Evolving Homes – Carol Chiang’s expert home modification and aging-in-place consulting. Age in Place or Find a New Space – A practical guide to creating safer, more supportive homes for aging adults, authored by Chiang. Managing Fall Risk – In-Home Safety Checks and Assessments – ComForCare’s guide to identifying hazards and making simple home updates that reduce fall risk. Featured Guest Carol Chiang, Occupational Therapist, has spent more than 25 years helping older adults age safely and confidently in their homes. Through her company, Evolving Homes, and her book Age in Place or Find a New Space, she provides education and home assessments that bridge the gap between safety, design, and independence. Her expertise in biomechanics and aging-in-place strategy has made her a sought-after voice on caregiver health and home adaptation. Stay Connected! Like what you heard? Subscribe to ComForConnections on your favorite podcast platform, and explore more caregiver resources from ComForCare. 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.

    36 min

  7. 10/31/2025

    Meeting the Rising Demand for Long-Term Care

    As America's population ages, long-term care is becoming one of the most urgent challenges of our time. In this episode of ComForConnections, host Tiffany Robinson speaks with Nora Super, former Executive Director of the White House Conference on Aging and advisor to the Reframing Aging Initiative. Together, they explore the changing demographics of aging, the rising costs of care, and what it means for the families and professionals providing it. What you’ll learn in this episode Why 70% of older adults will need long-term care, and what that means for families and caregivers The growing gap between care demand and the supply of professional caregivers The real costs of home-based, assisted living, and nursing home care Innovative housing and community models like PACE, co-housing, and tiny homes How public policy and Medicare reform could shape the future of care   Additional resources: Reframing Aging Initiative - Learn about Nora's current work advancing positive narratives about aging AARP and National Alliance for Caregiving Report (2025) - Data and insights on family caregiving in the U.S. Long-Term Care Insurance - Home Care Services - Expert advice from ComForCare on how to navigate long-term care insurance Featured Guest Nora Super is a nationally recognized expert on aging and long-term care policy. She served as Executive Director of the White House Conference on Aging under President Obama and now advises the Reframing Aging Initiative. Nora has worked with organizations such as AARP and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and brings personal insight as both a policy leader and care recipient navigating the long-term care system. Stay Connected! Like what you heard? Subscribe to ComForConnections on your favorite podcast platform, and explore more caregiver resources from ComForCare. 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.

    28 min

  8. 10/15/2025

    The Future of AgeTech in Caregiving

    Technology can be a powerful ally for caregivers, from fall detection to daily check-ins. In this episode of ComForConnections, host Tiffany Robinson talks with Nancy Griffin, founder of Glowing Older, about how AgeTech is transforming caregiving. Learn how innovation is expanding independence and giving caregivers new tools to provide safer, smarter support. What you’ll learn in this episode How AgeTech enhances independence while supporting caregivers in their work The ways Connected Care detects early changes to improve safety and quality of life Why caregivers should view technology as a partner, not a replacement How fall detection, wellness monitoring, and telehealth tools expand the care toolkit The peace of mind that connected alerts provide to family members Additional resources: Glowing Older – Nancy Griffin’s podcast and platform reimagining the aging experience Remote Patient Monitoring - Home Care Services – Learn how ComForCare helps detect changes early and support independent living Smarter Senior Care: How Predictive Technology Prevents Emergencies at Home –  Explore how connected predictive technologies help caregivers spot risks early, prevent emergencies, and keep older adults safe at home. Featured Guest Nancy Griffin is the founder of Glowing Older, a podcast and media platform dedicated to transforming how society views and supports aging. A long-time advocate for innovation in senior living and wellness, Nancy brings a deep understanding of how technology, design, and communication can enhance quality of life for older adults. Through Glowing Older, she highlights thought leaders and organizations driving change across the aging services field. Stay Connected! Like what you heard? Subscribe to ComForConnections on your favorite podcast platform, and explore more caregiver resources from ComForCare. 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.

    31 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

As an aging services professional, staying up-to-date can be daunting, especially in the dynamic care continuum. That is why we have designed our episodes for busy professionals like you, who are deeply passionate about providing the best care possible to older adults. In our upcoming episodes, you will hear from leading experts and aging services professionals who will provide knowledge, insight and the latest best practice tips that can be used to inspire your own professional growth, your colleagues and those you serve. Visit ComForConnections.com to download tips and resources, view show notes and access our episodes. You can also subscribe and listen to our podcast on your favorite app.

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