How experiential education and practical care skills can strengthen dementia capability across the PACE interdisciplinary team

As CMS prepares the field for the Hospice Outcomes & Patient Evaluation (HOPE), hospice organizations nationwide are re-examining how they deliver, document, and demonstrate quality. HOPE — a comprehensive assessment and quality framework designed to replace the Hospice Item Set (HIS) — elevates key domains of care that lie at the heart of hospice philosophy. These include pain management, symptom (and behavioral) management, and psychosocial and spiritual needs. 
 
Learn more from CMS here. 

A New Spotlight on Dementia Rehabilitation

This September, Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) is launching its 2025 World Alzheimer Report with a central theme: dementia rehabilitation. The focus is clear and urgent. Around the world, families and professionals are looking for practical strategies that help people living with dementia retain function, preserve dignity, and sustain quality of life.

Why skilled touch matters more than ever in person-centered dementia care.

In the hustle of healthcare advancements, the essence of caregiving often gets overshadowed. Nowhere is this truer than in dementia care, where the personal and emotional aspects of caregiving are frequently sidelined by clinical approaches. Let's delve into why returning to the human side of dementia care is not just essential but transformative.

In the dynamic and challenging field of aging services, fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes empathy, generosity, and happiness can significantly impact employee retention. As professionals navigate the complexities of providing care and support to older adults, the emotional well-being of employees becomes a crucial factor in ensuring both quality service delivery and sustained job satisfaction.

Recently I had the pleasure of connecting with Alena Dailey,  Integrative Arts Manager for  Hospice of the Chesapeake while hosting AGE-u-cate's quarterly chat for Compassionate Touch^® coaches.  Have you ever connected with someone and instantly felt a sense of comfort?  Like you've known this person forever, but you just met?  That's what it was like talking to Alena!  She's passionate about elevating quality of life for elders and creative in how to accomplish her mission.  Here's a simple yet powerful quote from Alena:

“A lot of people forget patients still need human touch”