Say YES to Youth Engaging Seniors (YES)!! with Dr. Gary Altheim
December 1, 2021
Hosted by Phyllis Ayman, MS/SLP, CDP, CADDCT, CDCM, CMDCP
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Guest Information
Episode Description
Inspired by his mother who has Alzheimer's Disease, Dr. Altheim found music to be the key to improving her relatedness and engagement. He combined that experience with an existing program known as Excel Growth and Development Services to create Youth Engaging Seniors (YES) an intergenerational program teaching you the path to connect with older adults through music, art, empathy, and general caring. Growth and Development Services (GDS) was created in 1996 to empower individuals and transform their lives by providing them with the motivation and means to discover and sustain purpose, pride and hope in themselves, their families and the community. GDS builds resilience by helping teens, adults, families and elders reach their potential. Their programs are designed to give each participant the attention, support and practical guidance needed to Excel. There are many videos at senior centers where youth engage with seniors living with dementia; bringing them music, joy and love. Dr Gary as he is affectionately called by the youth program participants, has developed a training program to teach youth empathy, social and career skills. Meet or talk with Dr. Gary and his passion and dedication is palpable. We need more like Gary who create innovative programs to bridge the generational divide in ways that not only engage but teach. BRAVO!!!!!
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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