Let's Talk Senior Care

Let's Talk Senior Care Info about ABA, Gerontology, Dementia care, ID/DD, Clinical practice and SO much more!

Today, we celebrate Juneteenth—a day to honor freedom, history, and progress.Juneteenth reminds us of the importance of ...
06/19/2026

Today, we celebrate Juneteenth—a day to honor freedom, history, and progress.

Juneteenth reminds us of the importance of freedom and the strength of communities that come together to support one another. It is a time to celebrate the stories, traditions, and achievements that have shaped our nation and continue to inspire future generations.

For older adults, sharing memories and learning about history can create meaningful connections and spark important conversations with family and friends.

As we honor the past, let us also look forward with gratitude, compassion, and hope for a brighter future.

Happy Juneteenth.

06/18/2026

📚 Have you ever read *Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge* by Mem Fox?

At first glance, it's a simple children's book. But for anyone who loves or cares for an older adult—especially someone living with dementia—it's a powerful reminder of what memories really mean.

In the story, young Wilfrid sets out to help his elderly friend, Miss Nancy, who has "lost her memory." Along the way, he discovers that memories aren't just facts we recall. They're feelings. They're treasured objects. They're moments that make us laugh, cry, or feel connected.

💛 A shell that reminds us of the beach.
💛 A song that brings tears to our eyes.
💛 A familiar scent from childhood.
💛 A treasured keepsake held for decades.

Even when words fade, emotions, relationships, and meaningful experiences often remain.

As caregivers, family members, and professionals, this story reminds us to ask:
✨ What brings this person joy?
✨ What objects or music are meaningful to them?
✨ How can we connect with who they are—not just what they remember?

Because dementia may change memory, but it doesn't erase personhood.

Have you read this book? What everyday object instantly brings back a special memory for you?

06/17/2026

📚 Throwback to a paper by B.F. Skinner:
*Intellectual Self-Management in Old Age* (1983)

Skinner challenged the idea that cognitive decline is an inevitable part of aging. Instead, he emphasized the importance of arranging our environments and habits to support continued learning, engagement, and independence throughout life.

His message still resonates today:
✨ Stay intellectually active.
✨ Create routines that make healthy choices easier.
✨ Use external supports like calendars, notes, and reminders.
✨ Focus on abilities and strengths—not just losses.

While our understanding of aging and dementia has grown tremendously over the past 40+ years, Skinner's emphasis on behavior, environment, and self-management remains relevant. Aging isn't just about what happens to us. It's also about how we adapt, engage, and continue to find meaning.

What strategies have helped you or someone you love stay engaged and independent as they age?

Find article at:https://www.appstate.edu/~steelekm/classes/psy5150/Documents/Skinner1983.pdf

06/16/2026

📣 Thinking about bringing your BCBA skills into senior care?

We provide consultation for BCBAs and organizations ready to expand into the aging population. 🧓🏽👵🏼✨

With our consults, you’ll gain:
✅ Practical strategies for supporting older adults
✅ Guidance on adapting ABA tools to dementia and aging care
✅ Expert insight from behavior analysts with deep experience in senior services

Whether you’re exploring this field or already serving older adults, we’re here to help you grow with confidence.

🔗 www.abilities.today

06/15/2026

🎙️Aging Podcast Episode: *Dementia Has No Roadmap—But Caregivers Don’t Have to Walk Alone*

What happens after a dementia diagnosis? For many families, the answer is uncertainty, overwhelm, and a lot of unanswered questions.

In this heartfelt episode of *Get Ready For Better Aging*, host Jacqui Clark sits down with Libby Allman, Board Certified Behavior Analyst and founder of Align Family Solutions, to discuss the realities caregivers face every day—from burnout and grief to role reversals and challenging behaviors.

Drawing from both her professional expertise and her personal experience caring for her father with dementia, Libby shares practical, compassionate strategies to help families move from survival mode to clarity and confidence.

Together, they explore:
✨ Why a diagnosis often comes without a roadmap
✨ How behavior-focused support can improve quality of life
✨ Navigating difficult topics like driving, incontinence, and sleep disruption
✨ The guilt caregivers often carry—and how to let go of it
✨ What families need most in those overwhelming first weeks

This episode is a powerful reminder that caregivers don't have to do this alone. Help exists, support matters, and there is a path forward.

🎧 Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/77h6zJ9UIz6iv4ExOyzzFD

Learn more about Align Family Solutions: https://www.alignfamilysolutions.com

06/14/2026

💙 Supporting someone with Down syndrome and dementia can feel isolating, especially when resources and communities specific to this experience can be hard to find.

The DS + Alzheimer's & Dementia Support Group brings together family members, caregivers, professionals, and advocates who understand the unique challenges that can arise as people with Down syndrome age and experience cognitive changes.

Whether you're looking for practical advice, shared experiences, educational resources, or simply a community that understands, this group offers a valuable place to connect.

👉 https://www.facebook.com/groups/DSALZ

Sometimes the most helpful resource is knowing you're not alone and having others who truly understand the journey.

06/13/2026

❓ Discussion Question:
What should you consider if your client experiences sudden confusion or behavior changes?

💡 Answer:
Consider delirium.

Dementia typically develops gradually over months or years. Delirium, on the other hand, often appears suddenly and can cause significant changes in attention, thinking, awareness, communication, or behavior over a short period of time.

A person who was functioning at their usual level yesterday but is suddenly confused, agitated, withdrawn, sleepy, or unable to focus today may be experiencing something other than dementia progression.

Delirium is often triggered by an underlying medical issue such as an infection, dehydration, medication changes, pain, or other acute health concerns. Because delirium can be reversible, recognizing the signs early and seeking medical evaluation is critical.

For professionals supporting older adults, one important question to ask is: "Is this a gradual change, or did it happen suddenly?"

The answer can make all the difference.

06/12/2026

🎥 Looking for Free Training on Dementia and ID/DD?

Did you know you can find several of our past presentations on the ICPN YouTube channel? We've had the opportunity to present on topics related to dementia, aging, and intellectual and developmental disabilities, with practical information for providers, caregivers, and behavior analysts supporting older adults.

As more individuals with ID/DD live longer, understanding age-related changes and recognizing potential signs of dementia becomes increasingly important. These free educational resources are a great way to build your knowledge and stay current on emerging needs in the field.

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/

ICPN offers a wide range of free educational content focused on crisis prevention, behavior support, aging, dementia, and other topics relevant to professionals and caregivers.

Have a favorite ICPN presentation you've watched? Share it in the comments!

06/11/2026

👵🏽🧠 Ready to expand your impact as a BCBA? The future of ABA includes older adults—and we’ve made it easier to get started.

Our Behavior Gerontology CE Bundle was designed for behavior analysts who want real-world skills in dementia and senior care.

🌟 6 courses
⏳ 15 CE hours
💸 $222.22 for the full bundle

What you’ll learn:
• Where ABA fits in gerontology 🌍
• Foundations of dementia care 🧠
• How to start (or grow) your own practice 💼
• Ethics + business essentials ⚖️
• Behavior assessment for dementia-related symptoms 📊
• Practical ADL support strategies (like hygiene routines) 🚿

✔️ Built by BCBAs actively working in senior care
✔️ Focused on practical, applicable strategies
✔️ Includes guided notes + real-world examples

Whether you’re exploring or ready to specialize, this bundle gives you the tools to take the next step 🙌

Start learning today 👉 www.abilities.today/learn

06/10/2026

🧠Looking for a quick and practical cognitive screening tool for older adults? One option commonly used in primary care is the GPCOG — the General Practitioner Assessment of Cognition.

The GPCOG is designed to help identify possible cognitive impairment and early signs of dementia in older adults. It includes both a brief patient assessment and, when needed, an informant interview to gather additional information about changes in memory and daily functioning.

✅Brief and easy to administer
✅Useful in busy healthcare settings
✅Supports early detection and referral for further evaluation

While screening tools are not diagnostic on their own, they can play an important role in recognizing cognitive changes early and guiding next steps in care and support.

Learn more about the GPCOG here: https://gpcog.com.au/

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