Atlanta, GA & Bedford, TX – AGE-u-cate Training Institute (www.AGEucate.com) receives $147,419.00 in civil monetary penalty reinvestment funding by the Tennessee Department of Health in partnership with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to help 27 late adopter nursing homes in Tennessee to improve the care provided to residents with dementia.
The one-year project is titled “Compassionate Touch: A Practical, Non- pharmacological Approach to Ease Behavioral Symptoms; thereby, Supporting Nursing Homes’ Effort to Minimize the Use of Antipsychotic Medications for Dementia-related Behaviors.”
Compassionate Touch is an approach combining skilled touch and specialized communication shown to prevent behavioral expression in people with dementia and reduce job stress in care-partners.
The goal of this project is to equip staff working in 27 Tennessee nursing homes with practical skilled touch techniques to incorporate in daily care routines.
In addition, Compassionate Touch training will occur for Tennessee state surveyors, the Long Term Care Ombudsman and staff of the Tennessee Quality Improvement Organization.
“There is an urgent need to better support persons living with dementia and we look forward to working with Tennessee nursing homes,” says Pam Brandon, AGE-u-cate’s President and Founder. “This program offers simple, yet effective, tools for care partners to connect with, calm and comfort those they are caring for who are living with dementia.”
The Compassionate Touch program was developed by Ann Catlin, OTR, LMT, a leading expert in the field of skilled touch in eldercare and hospice. Drawing on 30 years’ experience, Ann has guided professionals and organization to rediscover ‘touch-as-medicine’ in person-centered dementia care.
About AGE-u-cate Training Institute
AGE-u-cate Training Institute develops and delivers innovative, research-based aging and dementia training programs for professional and family caregivers. Training is delivered across the United States and internationally in long term care communities, hospitals, in-home, hospice, and community-based organizations as well as universities.
AGE-u-cate contact: Mary Petersen, Director of Client Engagement 817.857.1157 x 204, mary.petersen@AGEucate.com
TN Department of Health, Office of Patient Care Advocacy contact: Shaquallah Shanks, MPH, Director of the CMP Reinvestment Program 615.741.6823, shaquallah.shanks@tn.gov
Bedford, TX – AGE-u-cate Training Institute (www.AGEucate.com) is pleased to announce that Dr. Kathy Dreyer has joined the organization and will serve as Director of Strategic Projects. Dr. Dreyer will direct and manage Civil Monetary Penalty Funds Projects, develop new Certification Programs, and support the strategic planning and development goals of the organization.
Holding a Ph.D. in Gerontology, Dr. Dreyer’s vast expertise in the aging field spans over two decades of obtaining and managing local, state and national grants, delivering aging wellness programs, intergenerational projects and programs designed for supporting and caring for persons living with dementia and their care partners.
“We are thrilled to have Dr. Dreyer’s passion and expertise in improving the lives of older adults, persons living with dementia and other chronic illnesses, and educating and supporting their care partners, “ said Pam Brandon, AGE-u-cate’s President and Founder. “Kathy will join our exceptional team of professionals who are dedicated to our mission of igniting change in this space.”
About AGE-u-cate Training Institute
AGE-u-cate Training Institutedevelops and delivers innovative, research-based aging and dementia training programs for professional and family caregivers. They are igniting change in eldercare communities, home care, hospice, community base organizations as well as universities and colleges with innovative, person-centered care programs.
AGE-u-cate contact: Michelle Terry, Marketing Manager; 817.857.1157 x 214
AGE-u-cate® Training Institute and IKOR announced their partnership in December of 2017 on offering IKOR Managing Directors in-depth training on the Dementia Live® program. This training will provide the IKOR Managing Directors with training and tools to educate families, organizations and communities how to better support those affected by Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s Disease. By 2050, that number could rise as high as 16 million.
Dementia Live® is an innovative program designed by a team of dementia, sensitivity and awareness, and professional development experts from the nationally recognized AGE-u-cate® Training Institute headquartered in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. The Dementia Live® program is the newest tool in the powerful arena of sensitivity awareness training being used for the booming number of direct care staff, family caregivers, healthcare professionals, and college and university students. “We are at the crossroads of understanding aging and dementia; this understanding is not an option but a necessity for every member of our society. It is a worldwide phenomenon affecting every level of our society”, states Pam Brandon, President and Founder of the AGE-u-cate Training Institute. “We must equip those who are caring for and serving our aging population to better understand their challenges. We are living in a fast-aging world.”
IKOR, a leading national provider of life care management services, helps individuals and families manage the various activities of life which become too complicated due to age, cognitive decline, illness or injury. “We are excited to begin offering the Dementia Live® experience to the families we serve and the communities we belong to,” said Kim Root, Vice President of Operations. “Our Managing Directors pride themselves on being a resource people in their community can rely on to navigate the complexities of aging, injury or disease. The Dementia Live training is another powerful tool we can use to help individuals understand the challenges of living with dementia.”
Did it ever occur to you that what we think about telegraphs to the people around us? If a person who is experiencing a strong negative emotion (could be sadness or anger) joins a group in a room, it is usually easy for those in the room to realize that this new person has something bothering them. Outwardly, they might not look any different, but you “feel” something is not right. Conversely, if a person who is feeling positive (could be joy, happiness, even peace and contentment) joins a group in a room, individuals may not be able to explain it, but they start to feel more positive, centered, peaceful. These two examples illustrate how powerful our thoughts are when we interact with others.
“When we touch another with a compassionate heart, it creates a sacred moment.” These are the words of Ann Catlin, LMT, NCTMB, OTR, a recognized expert in the field of massage for those in later life stages. In 2002, she founded the Center for Compassionate Touch, LLC and in 2015 she joined the AGE-u-cate Training Institute, LLC, serving as Vice President of Training and Education, helping develop training programs. She is a Master Trainer for Compassionate Touch® and Dementia Live™.
Touch is a basic human need. In fact, it could be considered one of our most fundamental human needs. A need that remains for a lifetime. Touch is the first sense to develop at birth and it is one of the last senses to go during dying. In fact, as we experience decline of the body and mind due to aging or illness, the need for human touch may be emphasized in the search for reassurance, comfort, and connection. Some older adults can experience “touch deprivation” which can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, sadness, and anxiety.
Pam Brandon, President/Founder of AGE-u-cate Training Institute, whose Dementia Live™ and Compassionate Touch® programs are transforming care for elders, explains that when you touch someone to perform a task or procedure that is considered “instrumental touch.” The mechanics of doing something for someone is superseded by the importance of how you are feeling as you approach the person to do the task. “Expressive touch” is about how you are feeling emotionally as you show care, concern, affection, and empathy. The person receiving your “expressive touch” feels validated, supported, and it eases any distress happening in the moment.
When you combine “instructional touch” with “compassionate presence,” you are connecting with the individual first rather than the task to be completed. Compassionate Touch® is a way of relating through the use of human touch with conscious intent.
Touch is good medicine. According to Dr. Abraham Verghese at a 2013 TED Talk, “The most important innovation in medicine to come in in the next 10 years: the power of the human hand.”
If you approach someone who needs comforting or calming, make sure your compassionate antenna is up. This means that you are in a calm and relaxed place before you reach out to comfort the other person. Please be aware that if you are thinking negative and anxious thoughts, that you will transfer those feelings to the other person, even if outwardly you put on a smiling demeanor. The person receiving your thoughtful touch will be just that—receiving whatever you are thinking of. Compassionate Touch®, if done correctly, is a mutually beneficial experience. The person offering the compassionate presence and gentle touch feels less stressed themselves and feels closer to the person being cared for.
Next time you reach out to comfort someone by your own personal version of compassionate touch, be aware of what you thinking. It will make a big difference on the effect of your touch.
About the Author
Carol Corio has been studying integrated health therapies for more than 25 years with certifications in aromatherapy, polarity therapy, RYSE, Reiki, and Integrated Energy Therapy (EIT) sharing her long-time passion for integrating the benefits of therapeutic aromatherapy with those served by Old Colony Hospice & Palliative Care, and independent, private, non-profit, Medicare certified CHAP accredited, family centered, dedicated team of professionals providing excellent care services on the South Shore since 1979. For information, call 781-341-4145, visit www.oldcolonyhospice.com, or email Carol at: ccorio@oldcolonyhospice.com.
Reprinted from the August 2017 issue of the South Shore Senior News.
Despite increasing construction costs, contractors reporting widespread labor shortages, senior housing occupancy rates dropping and various industry data predicting a slow-down in construction, senior living organizations across the country are reporting plenty of activity in the form of expansions, renovations, openings, new construction and acquisitions.
Dominion Senior Living continues to make its statement in the senior living industry with its defined faith-based culture and tremendous growth. This year it has already opened two new communities in Hixson and Bristol, TN, and is scheduled to open communities in Athens, TN, and Richmond, KY, in the next few months. It also started construction on communities in Frankfort and Florence, KY, as well as Anderson and Clemson, SC.
“With our history of substantial growth and our future rapid expansion, our goal is to invest in people while changing the lives of three groups: seniors, their families and our team members,” said Michael Holtzclaw, senior director of operations for Dominion Senior Living.
Oak Trace in Downers Grove, IL
Lifespace Communities will invest approximately $400 million in redevelopment efforts over the next few years. Making improvements to existing communities and pursing opportunities for growth are two key initiatives. Within the past four months, Lifespace has completed renovations at two communities, started construction at another and anticipates beginning construction at three other communities by early 2018.
Development of the first phase of its $150 million Oak Trace in Downers Grove, IL, will start in early fall and include a new, modern-design health center with 66 new assisted living apartments, 28 memory support suites and 102 skilled nursing suites with private courtyards and attractive views. Phase II will follow directly with construction of more than 150 new residential/independent living apartments.
“Enhancing the lives of our residents through redevelopment will help us protect market share and continue the stabilization of our financial operations, giving us the ability to grow,” said Sloan Bentley, president & CEO of Lifespace Communities. “Today’s seniors have high expectations, and Lifespace wants to be a premier choice for retirement living throughout the country.”
Mustang Creek Estates of Sachse will mimic this look of Mustang Creek Estates of Frisco
Mustang Creek Estates, based in Dallas, brings its fifth senior living community to Dallas/Fort Worth, announcing construction of a 42,000-square-foot, $7.5 million dollar assisted living and memory care community in Sachse, expected to open in fall 2017.
Mustang Creek Estates of Sachse is accepting reservations for its residential-style community that will feature six uniquely designed homes facing a greenspace and walking path and housing up to 16 seniors in each home. A flexible schedule will enable residents receiving personal assisted care to continue living as they did at home, including the ability to congregate in the central open kitchen in each home in the neighborhood as their meals are prepared from scratch.
“There is a real need for our affordable, residential-style assisted living and memory care community in the rapidly growing town of Sachse,” said Renee Ramsey, CEO of Mustang Creek Estates. “We look forward to being a resource for local families and organizations.”
Civitas Senior Living, a Texas-based senior living management and consulting company with more than 30 communities across the nation, recently announced its latest development: Parc Hill Senior Living in Orange City, FL, with 69 assisted living apartments and 30 memory care units dedicated to individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia. It is scheduled to open in spring 2018.
Parc Hill Senior Living, Orange City, FL, opening spring 2018
Civitas also acquired Oyster Creek Assisted Living and Memory Care in Missouri City, TX, an 87-unit assisted living and memory care senior community in Missouri City, TX. On April 1, 2017, Civitas started managing the property and, as of June 30, transitioned from management to ownership.
“The need to provide loving and evidence-based care for residents with dementia or a dementia-type diagnosis is growing exponentially as the Baby Boomer generation enters their golden years,” said Civitas President Wayne Powell. “The cutting edge Memory Care communities within the Civitas family provide the right care for our residents and support for our families through programs like AGE-u-cate’s® Dementia Live™ trainings and simulations. It is a need we are passionate about meeting in all the areas where Civitas has a senior living center.”
Oyster Creek Assisted Living and Memory Care
Clarendale of Chandler is one of at least three $10 million dollar-plus senior residential developments planned in the city of Chandler, AZ, and at least 29 Valley-wide. With construction starting November 2017, plans for this $45 million dollar project call for a 247,400 square-foot assisted living community to consist of a three-story residential building and 14 stand-alone residential villas (independent living). The main building will be primarily three stories but also feature one- and two-story elements. It will include 116 independent and 64 assisted living dwellings, as well as 38 memory care spaces.
Jackson Creek Senior Living, a 137-unit senior living community in Monument, CO, recently broke ground for a 127,800 square-foot, three-story building tentatively scheduled to open in fall 2018. It will feature 80 assisted living and 27 independent living residences with different size options and 30 memory care communities in two secured neighborhoods, each with 15 studio units.
In Dayton, OH, plans call for an early 2018 construction start on the redevelopment of the Rollandia golf course into a senior housing development. The plans for the senior living community will be developed on a nearly 10-acre plot of land, containing 123 independent living units, 57 assisted living units and 20 memory care units. The remaining 40 acres are designated for single-family detached homes targeted to empty-nesters and a multi-family rental community targeted to both empty-nesters and young professionals.
Construction is set to start in early 2018 on the Woods Assisted Living Community in Plainfeild, IL, which will be a new 60-unit assisted living and memory care community as a part of Community Crossroads Business Center.
Grand Living at Tamaya in Jacksonville, FL, will start construction in October 2017 on a more than $40 million four-story, 200,000 -square-foot 165-bed independent- and assisted-living community with 32 residences reserved for memory care.
Cheryl Slavinsky Associate Editor
As associate editor, Cheryl writes a weekly feature story for Senior Living News and helps plan its HealthTAC events. Previously senior public relations strategist for Varsity, a marketing and sales consulting agency focused on occupancy for retirement communities, CCRCs and assisted living facilities, Cheryl continues to serve senior living clients. She also managed national media relations as Rite Aid’s director of public relations and Hershey Entertainment & Resorts’ manager of public relations.
Master trainers from Grapvine, Texas training event in June 2017. From left, Pam Brandon, president and founder of AGE-u-cate, Gabriela Frederick, Charlene Brosius, V’Ann Giuffre, V.P. of Training, Connie Fox, and Jane Williams
In June, AGE-u-cate welcomed it’s latest group of professionals from across the U.S. to its new Grapevine, Texas training facility to participate in the company’s Master Trainers Program. Over three days of intensive training, the group learned how to train certified Dementia Live™ and Compassionate Touch® coaches, receiving in-depth knowledge of dementia, Alzheimer’s, and aging-changes that will prepare them as dementia specialists serving professional and family caregivers.
“The urgent need for dementia education is on the cusp of explosive growth as our population marches quickly toward old age,” said Pam Brandon, President and Founder of AGE-u-cate Training Institute. “Dementia is a leading cause of death worldwide that must be addressed at every level of society. Our Master Trainers will be in their communities able to train those working in long term care, hospitals, public agencies and more with innovative programs that offer powerful tools for caregivers to communicate with and respond to the behavior expression of persons living with dementia.”
On June 20, 2017 on Alzheimer’s Speaks Radio, host Lori La Bey features Pam Brandon, President and founder of AGE-u-cate Training Institute, Ann Catlin, creator of Compassionate Touch®, and Kayla Gaiennie representing Harbor Chase of Plano, Texas. Together, they share their passion to shift dementia care through education and training. Learn how AGE-u-cate with its Dementia Live™ and Compassionate Touch® training programs are changing lives for those living with dementia and what communities applying their techniques are saying.
To meet the fast growing demands of quality dementia training, AGE-u-cate Training Institute instituted it’s first Master Trainer Intensive Workshop in February.
Professionals from across the US and Australia spent three and a half days in Dallas learning AGE-u-cate’s flagship training programs – Dementia Live™ and Compassionate Touch®. Garnering in-depth knowledge of dementia, Alzheimer’s and aging changes helped them to prepare as dementia specialists serving professional and family caregivers.
“The urgent need for dementia education is on the cusp of explosive growth as our population marches quickly toward old age,” said Pam Brandon, President and Founder of AGE-u-cate Training Institute. “ Dementia is a worldwide concern and one that must be addressed at every level of society. Our Master Trainers will be in their communities able to train those working in long term care, hospitals, public agencies and more with innovative programs that offer powerful tools for caregivers to communicate with and respond to the behavior expression of persons living with dementia.
Did it ever occur to you that what we think about telegraphs to the people around us? If a person who is experiencing a strong negative emotion (could be sadness or anger) joins a group in a room, it is usually easy for those in the room to realize that this new person has something bothering them. Outwardly, they might not look any different, but you “feel” something is not right. Conversely, if a person who is feeling positive (could be joy, happiness, even peace and contentment) joins a group in a room, individuals may not be able to explain it, but they start to feel more positive, centered, peaceful. These two examples illustrate how powerful our thoughts are when we interact with others.
About the Author
Cheryl Slavinsky
