• Recognizing and Responding to Elder Abuse at Home
    Jun 11 2026

    The conversation delves into the recognition and response to elder abuse, emphasizing the importance of cultural sensitivity and understanding. It covers the types of elder abuse, the impact of cultural context, reporting and identifying elder abuse, and the complexities of capacity, consent, and support. The conversation delves into the complex and sensitive topics of elder abuse, neglect, ageism, and cultural sensitivity. It emphasizes the need for a compassionate and culturally sensitive approach to addressing these issues, as well as the interconnected nature of ageism and elder abuse. The discussion also highlights the importance of understanding, reporting, and supporting individuals experiencing elder abuse and neglect, as well as preserving dignity in aging.

    Takeaways

    • Elder abuse is often underreported and affects diverse communities
    • Recognition of elder abuse requires cultural sensitivity and understanding Elder abuse and neglect are complex and multifaceted issues that require a compassionate and culturally sensitive approach
    • Ageism and elder abuse are interconnected, and addressing one involves addressing the other

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Understanding Elder Abuse and Advocacy
    • 10:10 Cultural Context and Elder Abuse
    • 19:50 Reporting and Identifying Elder Abuse
    • 26:15 Capacity, Consent, and Support
    • 32:39 Understanding Elder Abuse and Neglect
    • 44:09 Cultural Sensitivity and Communication
    • 56:15 Ageism and Dignity in Aging
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Is Your Home Ready to Age In? A Real Estate & Care Perspective
    Apr 21 2026

    The conversation explores the concept of aging in place and the importance of proactive planning for home design and care needs. It delves into the impact of home layout and condition on care, the conversations with seniors about aging in place, and the financial considerations for aging in place. Additionally, it discusses the hidden link between home design and care needs, the impact of home ownership on independence, and the proactive planning for aging in place. The conversation also highlights the factors to consider for aging in place and the support available through resources. The conversation covers the support for late-life first-time homebuyers and the role of technology in aging in place. It also delves into the navigation of retirement residences and downsizing, as well as advocacy for safe and accessible living spaces within condo boards. JoLyn of Edmonton 55 provides valuable insights and resources for seniors and their families, emphasizing the importance of planning for the future and maintaining independence.

    Takeaways

    • Aging in place requires careful planning and consideration of home design and care needs.
    • Proactive planning for aging in place can prevent crisis situations and ensure independence. Supporting late-life first-time homebuyers
    • The role of technology in aging in place

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Introduction to Aging in Place
    • 07:22 Factors to Consider for Aging in Place
    • 12:26 Independence and Home Ownership
    • 19:46 Proactive Planning for Aging in Place
    • 26:42 Supporting Aging in Place Through Resources
    • 36:28 The Role of Technology in Aging in Place
    • 41:52 Advocacy for Safe and Accessible Living Spaces
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    52 mins
  • Planning to Age in Place Starts Before You Need Help
    Mar 10 2026

    The conversation explores the importance of planning for aging in place, the concept of collaborative aging, the five strategies of collaborative aging, purposeful living, community dynamics, the impact of denial, and the planning gap. It emphasizes the need to start planning for aging in place before the need for help arises and highlights the role of community in collaborative aging. The conversation covers the topics of next stage housing, naturally occurring retirement communities, early planning and financial resources, transparency in care costs, resistance to home care, and systemic change in care funding. The key takeaways include the importance of universal accessibility and advance care planning.

    Takeaways

    • Planning for aging in place should start before the need for help arises.
    • Collaborative aging involves recognizing that aging well is a collaborative process. Universal Accessibility
    • Advance Care Planning

    Chapters

    • 00:00 The Importance of Planning for Aging in Place
    • 09:32 The Five Strategies of Collaborative Aging
    • 15:30 Purposeful Living and Community Dynamics
    • 29:06 The Impact of Denial and the Planning Gap
    • 35:36 Early Planning and Financial Resources
    • 46:19 Resistance to Home Care
    • 52:12 Systemic Change in Care Funding
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    53 mins
  • How In-Home Care Supports Post-Surgery Recovery
    Feb 11 2025

    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.

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    37 mins
  • How to Talk to Your Aging Parents About Their Future
    Dec 10 2024

    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.
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    36 mins
  • Navigating Home Care Funding Options in Alberta and British Columbia
    Dec 3 2024

    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.

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    31 mins
  • Understanding In-Home Care: Breaking Myths & Misconceptions
    Nov 27 2024

    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

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    38 mins
  • How to Start Your Career as a Caregiver: Tips from a Recruiter
    Feb 4 2025

    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.

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    43 mins