What is the Volun-Cheerleader Nursing Home Workforce
June 23, 2021
Hosted by Phyllis Ayman, MS/SLP, CDP, CADDCT, CDCM, CMDCP
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Episode Description
What is a Volun-CheerLeader Workforce and Why do we need it? The long-standing hallmark of nursing home life has been loneliness and isolation. It's a contradiction in terms that oftentimes people move into a nursing home environment because they not only need care, but also because they are alone and isolated. The contradiction is that in the traditional nursing home environment, surrounded by people residents are often alone and isolated and 50% of nursing home residents do not receive visitors. The pandemic only highlighted that issue even further. Insufficient staffing is also a long standing issue in nursing homes. Insufficient staffing contributes to less than adequate care, but also, with it comes the fact that there is insufficient time to engage with residents. Therefore, a trained, highly committed, compassionate, passionate volunteer workforce would fill that gap to become a valuable partner and resource in the nursing home environment. This would be person-centered caring at its finest. Volunteers getting to know residents, visiting, hearing and catering to their needs, providing emotional and psychological support. There is an ever increasing aging population in the U.S. Statistics indicate that at least 40% of adults over the age of 65 will spend at least some time in a nursing home and 29% will spend at least 90 days in the nursing home environment. We will need every possible resource to support this population in a way that provides quality of life and quality of care.
Seniors STRAIGHT Talk
New Shows Weekly on VoiceAmerica Empowerment Channel
Seniors STRAIGHT Talk, formerly Voices For Eldercare Advocacy, is rebranding with expanded content and topics. The podcast will continue to highlight the all-important relevant issues for seniors, their families, loved ones and the population at large, who ultimately are our future selves. Through informative and engaging conversations with thought leaders, professionals, and individuals who share their experiences, listeners will gain insights and information that will be meaningful for their everyday lives. Phyllis’ expertise captures the essence of the topic of the day and translates it into relevant discussion that provides insight into everyday problems. As we transition into elderhood, which Phyllis calls the third act of life, seniors are entitled to have a quality and fulfilling life with dignity, respect and purpose no matter the age, condition or living environment. Seniors STRAIGHT Talk is available to listen and download on all your favorite podcast platforms.
Phyllis Ayman, MS/SLP, CDP, CADDCT, CDCM, CMDCP
Phyllis Ayman, host of Seniors Straight Talk, is a speech and language pathologist, certified dementia practitioner, trainer, and best-selling author who’s dedicated to improving quality life and quality care for older adults in our families, communities and nursing home residents. She’s best known for her communication skills, empathy, unwavering high standards, and believes strongly that care treatment of older adults is a direct reflection of society’s attitudes towards adults the elder years of their lives. She’s passionate about meeting the needs of our culturally diverse senior population and understands the root causes faced by nursing home residents after working in 50 nursing homes. Phyllis is passionate about teaching what she learned from helping your parents to how she can help you. Phyllis is an accomplished author and featured speaker and an accomplished trainer for both the public and private sector. Her latest book Dignity and Respect: Are Our Aging Parents Getting What They Deserve? became an instant Amazon bestseller. She’s published several articles and courses for healthcare workers and caregivers and holds a trademark for the word “IMpathy” (tm).
Phyllis serves as a board member of the Massachusetts Advocates for Nursing Home Reform, is an advisory board member to Olive Community Services based in Los Angeles, California and served as a member of the COVID19 National Health Care Coalition.
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