Supporting complex care needs in our long-term care homes is becoming increasingly difficult at times, but it is not impossible. In this conversation, we’re learning how clinical expertise is merging with the mastery of caregiving to create a fast track to a future where complex continuing care is not only comprehensive but truly optimal.Andrea Thompson is Vice President of Long Term Care, Community and Hospice at Kensington Health in Toronto. Her career has taken her through a wide range of health care settings including long-term care, acute care, rehabilitation, complex continuing care, and community-based services. Lucia Rocha is President of the Family Council at the Gardens at Kensington Health. As a former caregiver, she knows first-hand what it’s like to support a loved one as their care needs change over time. People moving into long-term care are currently living with nearly six different health conditions on average. 87% of them need support with activities of daily living like getting dressed, taking a shower and eating.With an increasingly diverse population, as well as varying cultural, linguistic and spiritual needs, long term care homes are moving away from cookie-cutter approaches and turning toward what appears to be the key to providing the best complex continuing care – customization.Resources: Learn more about the growing number of services being at Kensington HealthSCOPE (Seamless Care Optimizing the Patient Experience) is a virtual, inter-professional care team that connects primary care providers to specialists, hospitals, community care and mental health resources in real-time.Making the Move to Long-Term Care? Family Councils Ontario has a guide from those who’ve gone through the transitionThis episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, StaffStat.
When we imagine a better future for aging and care, we must begin with those who live it firsthand. In this episode, Donna Duncan speaks with two caregivers who share their own experiences of moving loved ones into long term care. Laura Vita became a young caregiver for her father. Now a registered nurse, she brings a powerful mix of personal and professional perspective to this conversation. Christa Haanstra is a national leader in caregiver advocacy — and a caregiver to her father, who lives with front temporal dementia. She’s also the founder of 4C Strategy, where she helps health and community leaders center caregiver voices in care system design. While the move to long term care if often perceived as difficult and disconnected, Laura and Christa say it doesn’t have to be. In this conversation, you’ll hear not only about the challenges they faced, but also the relief they felt when they realized their loved ones would be safe and supported in their new homes. If community leads to continuity then caregivers are the ones who show us how best to balance policies and practises with peace of mind for families. Resources:New to caregiving or looking for peer support? Helpful resources available from the Ontario Caregiver OrganizationNeed to coordinate home care or apply to long-term care? Visit Ontario Health atHome Making the Move to Long-Term Care? Family Councils Ontario has a guide from those who’ve gone through the transitionWorried about significant changes in behaviour in someone you care for? Reach out to Behavioural Supports OntarioWhat’s the vision for a dementia-friendly Ontario? Learn about the Ontario Dementia Care AllianceThis episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, Plan A.
With over 160,000 downloads and growing national reach, this season brings a bold new focus: Rethinking Aging, Reimagining Public Care.In a time of rising demand and urgent need, we’re challenging old assumptions about long-term care, ageism, and what it means to grow older in Canada. Through honest conversations, powerful stories, and expert insights, we explore how to build a system that truly supports aging with dignity and aging in place. This season, you’ll hear from caregivers, community leaders, global innovators and people most affected by how care is delivered. Eight thought-provoking episodes. Global perspectives. Real conversations and solutions.Join us this October, new episodes drop bi-weekly. Follow Coming of Age wherever you get your podcasts or on YouTube.
How do we build a thriving workforce to meet the growing demands of seniors’ care? With aging populations on the rise, the need for creative solutions in workforce development has never been more urgent. Enter the Living Classroom – a program that integrates education directly into long-term care. This innovative approach is training the next generation of caregivers and health care providers while enriching the lives of residents and care teams through collaboration and shared learning. Listen as Donna Duncan sits down with three guests who bring the Living Classroom to life:Warda Abbas, a Personal Support Worker at the Village of Tansley Woods in Burlington, Ontario, Canada and a recent graduate of the Living Classroom at Mohawk College and Schlegel Villages.Christine Bruder, People Opportunities Partner at Schlegel Villages.Jennifer Hartwick, Director of Business Development at Schlegel Villages. Resources:Learn about The Living Classroom and get involvedListen to the Elder Wisdom: Stories from the Green Bench podcast honouring the wisdom of the elder, ending ageismLearn about the work and supports offered by the Ontario Centres for Learning, Research and Innovation in Long-Term Care (CLRI-LTC)The Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) is a charitable, non-profit organization that enhances the quality of life and care for older adults through research, education, and practice. This episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, Plan A.
What does it take to create transformative change in healthcare and senior care?Around the world, health systems are facing a generational shift as aging populations grow, yet many remain unprepared for the scale of demand. Why has this pivotal moment been so difficult to address? What can we learn from past failures, and how can we pave the way for a radically better future? In this episode, we explore the essential ingredients for large-scale, systemic transformation: from enabling bold ideas to fostering collaboration and aligning around a shared vision. Listen as Donna Duncan sits down with two leaders in quality improvement and healthcare innovation:Helen Bevan, Leader and facilitator of large-scale change in health careChristina Krause, CEO of Health Quality BC Resources:BC Health Quality MatrixNational Health Service (UK)Healthcare Excellence CanadaInstitute for Healthcare Improvement This episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, PointClickCare.
How can we plan communities of care that work across diverse settings, while balancing the immediate needs of today’s older adults with planning for future generations? In this episode, we explore redefining seniors’ care. From balancing immediate needs with long-term planning to fostering models of care that prioritize connection, housing and care, this conversation highlights the power of bold ideas and local leadership. Listen as Donna Duncan sits down with Aimée Foreman, aging care advisor and CEO of Silvermark based in New Brunswick, Canada.Discover how a small province with big ideas is charting a path toward a better future for seniors. Resources:Tamarack Institute Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) in CanadainterRAI collaborative network of researchers and practitioners in over 35 countries committed to promoting evidence-informed clinical practice and policy decision-making In our discussion, Aimée mentions innovative models of care across Canada and around the world. Learn more about these programs:Nursing Home Without Walls initiative created in New Brunswick, now receiving support from Healthcare Excellence Canada to spread and scaleiGen Intergenerational Learning Classroom, a grade 6 classroom embedded into the Sherbrooke Community Centre in British ColumbiaThe Oromocto development project recently announced in New Brunswick that will be constructed with four households, 15 residents per household.Humanitas Deventer and their student live-in program in the NetherlandsThe Hogeweyk Dementia Village in the NetherlandsTrent University Integrated Seniors Village in partnership with peopleCare Communities development project (and listen to our podcast episode here)University of Calgary Brenda Strafford Centre on Aging This episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, StaffStat.
Elections are taking place around the world and across Canada. What are voters thinking and how is it informing how political parties are making decisions about healthcare and seniors’ care, including long-term care? This episode dives into these timely issues in two parts:Donna Duncan first sits down with David Coletto, CEO of Abacus Data, to explore voter behaviour and trends. Through polling insights, they unpack how aging demographics and voter intentions are shaping the political landscape.Then, she moderates a panel discussion with senior political strategists Ginny Roth, Gurratan Singh, and Dan Moulton from Crestview Strategy. Offering perspectives across Canada’s major political parties, they discuss the role of seniors’ care in election platforms and how to make this issue politically relevant. In a world of polarized politics, this episode uncovers common ground and offers insights that extend across Canada and beyond. Whether you’re in Canada or abroad, the conversation provides a lens on how aging populations can influence elections and what that means for the future of seniors’ care. Resources:Getting ready for the aging Baby Boom generation: a survey This episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, ARJO.
What can the United Kingdom teach us about rethinking aging and social care?In a world that's becoming more interconnected, there's an increasing focus on sharing insights and challenging one another to find innovative solutions for the future of care and reimagining what aging and social care can look like.In this episode, Donna Duncan sits down with two inspiring voices:Professor Vic Rayner OBE, CEO of the National Care Forum Dr. Donald Macaskill, CEO of Scottish CareThey discuss the evolving landscape of aging and social care in the United Kingdom. They also explore how collaboration, technology, and person-centered approaches are shaping the future of social care, and the unique lessons we can learn from the UK.With thought-provoking insights, Vic and Donald share valuable perspectives on creating a compassionate and sustainable system that meets the needs of aging populations everywhere.Conversations like this one are part of a global dialogue where we connect across systems, embrace technology, and push for flexible, forward-thinking approaches.Resources: Podcast: Donald Macaskill Shares from his weekly blog The Global Ageing NetworkThis episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, PointClickCare.
When you hear "normal aging," what comes to mind? For many, the concept is clouded by misconceptions and fears about the years ahead. But what if we could embrace aging as a natural, even empowering part of life?In this episode, Donna Duncan sits down with Dr. Rosanne Leipzig, geriatrician and author of Honest Aging: An Insider’s Guide to the Second Half of Life, to get real about the realities—and the benefits—of aging. They’ll discuss common myths, the surprising ways frailty is misunderstood, and how adapting to life’s later chapters can create a meaningful, fulfilling new normal. With evidence-based insights, Dr. Leipzig shares compelling advice for individuals, caregivers, healthcare workers, policymakers, and society as a whole on thriving through every stage of life.Resources: Honest Aging: An Insider’s Guide to the Second Half of Life by Dr. Rosanne Leipzig Aging 101 tips, myth busters and exercises Learn about the art and life of Grandma Moses Tip sheet: The 5 Ms of Geriatrics This episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, ARJO.
How do we talk with our aging parents about their health, care needs, and life transitions?More and more of us are entering a phase of life we didn’t quite anticipate—caring for our aging parents. As Canada's population ages, it’s becoming crucial for families to plan ahead and have open, honest conversations about aging and future care needs. Whether in our 30s or 70s, many of us are left asking: Where do we begin?In this episode, Donna Duncan sits down with Laura Tamblyn Watts, author of Let’s Talk about Aging Parents and CEO of CanAge. They discuss practical strategies for navigating these conversations, from managing home care and addressing financial planning to approaching more sensitive topics like downsizing and considering long-term care.The theme is simple: Prepare now, before hard choices must be made later under great stress.Resources: Let’s Talk About Aging Parents by Laura Tamblyn WattsThis episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, PointClickCare.
What does it mean to be a family caregiver in today’s world? In Ontario, more than 4 million individuals step into the role of caregiver, providing essential support to family members, partners, friends, or neighbours. Most caregivers are assisting older adults over 65 who face age-related needs including mobility issues, cognitive impairments like dementia, and cardiovascular concerns. As our population ages, these demands are rising, often placing incredible pressure on caregivers. In this episode, Donna Duncan sits down with two inspiring guests:Terrence Ho, a family caregiver for more than 30 yearsAmy Coupal, CEO of the Ontario Caregiver Organization Together, they explore the evolving role of caregivers, the growing trends in caregiving responsibilities, and the crucial supports needed to ensure caregivers are not overwhelmed and neglected. Whether you're a caregiver yourself or connected to someone who is, this conversation sheds light on the importance of caring for those who care for others. Resources:Visit the Ontario Caregiver Organization website for supports and tools for caregiversNeed assistance? Reach out to the caregiver helplineConnect with another caregiver through peer supportLearn about advance care planning with Advance Care Planning Canada This episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, Plan A powered by StaffStat.
How can we re-think how we build seniors’ communities? In Canada, innovative partnerships are leading the way in transforming how we think about aging and care. One such groundbreaking initiative is unfolding in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada where Trent University is building a seniors’ village on the university campus, and they are partnering with peopleCare Communities to build and operate a long-term care home. This visionary project brings students and seniors together in a shared space where learning, living, and care are interconnected. In this episode, Donna Duncan is joined by two visionary leaders who are at the helm of this transformative project:Dr. Cathy Bruce, President and Vice-Chancellor, Trent UniversityMegan Allen-Lamb, President, peopleCare Communities Listen as they discuss how this collaboration is not just about providing care; it's about creating a space where students and seniors live, learn, and grow together. Resources:Trent Seniors VillagepeopleCare Limitless: A Visionary StrategypeopleCare’s DevelopmentsTrent Centre for Aging and SocietyTrent Intergenerational classroom This episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, ARJO.
How do we build a better future for seniors? Seniors’ populations around the world are growing and innovative solutions are crucial to meet their evolving needs. In regions like Ontario, Canada, novel projects in artificial intelligence (AI) and technology are showing us what the future can look like. In this episode, Donna Duncan is joined by Roxana Sultan, Chief Data Officer and Vice President of Health at the Vector Institute, a globally renowned AI institute that is empowering researchers, businesses and governments to develop and adopt AI responsibly. Listen as Roxana shares insights from AI projects in hospital settings and what this could mean for adoption across broader health care systems, including seniors’ care and long-term care. Resources:AI trust and safety principles by the Vector InstituteHealth AI Implementation Toolkit by the Vector InstituteLearn about Canada’s University Health Network’s digital tool helping heart failure patients manage symptoms from homeLearn about GEMINI at Unity Health, Canada’s largest hospital data sharing network for research and analytics This episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, PointClickCare.
How can we address the critical health workforce shortage and build a sustainable future for seniors' care? In Canada, and especially in Ontario, the demand for nurses and personal support workers continues to climb. Ontario alone needs tens of thousands of additional workers to meet the growing care needs and to support new long-term care spaces. This challenge is not unique to Ontario or Canada; it's a global issue affecting healthcare systems worldwide. In this episode, Donna Duncan is joined by two visionary leaders and discuss how to tackle these workforce challenges on a global scale:Mansur Dalal, Chairman of CommonAge, founder of the Association of Senior Living in India, and passionate about building sustainable seniors’ care systems and creating career pathways for young people in this field.Robyn Stone, Senior Vice President of Research at LeadingAge, Co-Director of the LeadingAge LTSS Center at UMass Boston, and who has extensive experience in long-term care policy, chronic care, and the aging services workforce. Listen as they share innovative ideas and discuss how regions around the world can collaborate to create opportunities for workers and ensure we all have the support we need as we age.Thanks for listening to Season 4! Join us next week for a new episode. Subscribe to Coming of Age to catch each new episode as soon as it’s released.This episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, Plan A powered by StaffStat.
Welcome to Season 4 of 'Coming of Age: Meeting the needs of our aging population.'In just four years, the oldest baby boomers will turn 80. By 2040, in Ontario alone, our over-80 population will have nearly doubled. For many, these numbers are hard to comprehend. But the reality is, our society is getting older, their health needs are getting more complex, and we’ll need to significantly expand our services to keep up with the demand.Join us for Season 4 as we peek into the future of care and aging with innovative solutions that are leading the way.Six powerful new episodes, with experts from around the world coming this September. Subscribe now.
How do we build a better future for seniors? Elderly populations around the world are growing. And in regions like Ontario, Canada, one in five seniors over the age of 80 have complex care needs that currently can only be safely met in long-term care. Yet Ontario has more than 40,000 people waiting for long-term care and the list is growing.In this episode, Donna Duncan is joined by three Ontario health system leaders from hospital, long-term care and community care:Karli Farrow, President and CEO, Trillium Health PartnersNitin Jain, President and CEO, Sienna Senior LivingTess Romain, President, Partners Community HealthListen as they discuss the challenges facing leaders today and what opportunities they see for the future.Resources:How to support our frail elderly, a Suggested Action Plan, by leaders across the health sectors in Ontario, who have identified existing solutions that can be expanded to support seniors’ care for our growing, elderly population.Harvard Business Review: Create Stories That Change Your Company’s Culture, Work with these six building blocks. by Jay B. Barney, Manoel Amorim, and Carlos JúlioRead about Kamaljit’s dream to see Michael Bublé in concert by Sienna Senior LivingThis episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, Plan A Powered by StaffStat.
How can communities help more seniors to age in place? Canada’s urban areas are home to a large number of older adults, and more are choosing to live in apartment and condo buildings than ever before.In this episode, Donna Duncan is joined by a researcher and innovator on naturally occurring retirement communities (NORCs) in urban centres:Jen Recknagel, Senior Design Lead and Director of Innovation and Design, NORC Innovation CentrePaula Rochon, Founding Director of Women’s Age Lab at Women’s College Hospital in Toronto and Professor of Medicine and the Ontario Chair for the Retired Teachers in Geriatric Medicine at the University of TorontoListen as they explore the evolving world of NORCs and how they could make it possible for more seniors to sustain independence longer.Resources:NORC Innovation Centre at the University Health NetworkOpenLab, a design and innovation studio dedicated to finding creative solutions at the intersection of health and society.Article: What works best to support older adults to age in place? by Women’s College HospitalSurvey: Getting ready for the aging Baby Boom generation by the Ontario Long Term Care AssociationThis episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, Arjo.
How can jurisdictions work across sectors to ensure a better future for all of us as we age? Aging well is multifaceted and requires collaboration to develop and implement innovative and aligned solutions – such as local infrastructure, transportation, housing, health care and social services, education and more.In this episode, Donna Duncan is joined by two U.S. experts on aging services and multi-sector planning. Listen as they explore how states in the U.S. and their governments are leveraging master plans on aging that bring everyone to the table – local infrastructure, housing, health and social services, education and more – to align initiatives and improve services for older adults and their caregivers.Episode guests:Katie Smith Sloan, aging services’ expert, President and CEO of Leading Age in the U.S. and Executive Director of the Global Ageing NetworkSarita Mohanty, a partner and strategist for California’s multi-sector aging plan and President and CEO of The SCAN FoundationResources:The SCAN Foundation resources for aging wellCalifornia’s Master Plan for AgingHow to support our frail elderly, a Suggested Action Plan, by leaders across the health sectors in Ontario, who have identified existing solutions that can be expanded to support seniors’ care for our growing, elderly population.This episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, Arjo.
Are Baby Boomers preparing for their future healthcare needs? In four years, the oldest of the Baby Boom generation will turn 80. By 2040, the population over 80 will double and we know their complex care needs will grow. Until recently however, one of the missing pieces of information in conversations about future seniors’ care planning was how the Baby Boom generation is preparing for potential challenges as they age.In this episode, Donna Duncan is joined by David Coletto, Chairman and CEO of one of Canada’s leading polling and public opinion research firms: Abacus Data. With a career spanning over two decades, David has devoted his life to exploring what people think and feel about their work and lives.In May of 2023, the Ontario Long Term Care Association commissioned Abacus Data to survey 1,000 Ontario residents aged 68 to 76 to help with our planning for the future. Listen as we explore what we learned and the implications for Boomers, governments, and seniors’ care providers.Resources:· Getting ready for the aging Baby Boom generation: a survey· Abacus Data market and public opinion research agencyThanks for listening to Season 3! Join us next week for a new episode. Subscribe to Coming of Age to catch each new episode as soon as it’s released.This episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, PointClickCare.
What does it take to become an accredited nurse in Canada? In a world where healthcare professionals are in high demand, nations are turning to internationally educated nurses to bridge the gap.In this episode, Donna Duncan invites two internationally educated nurses onto the podcast to share their journey from the Philippines to working in a long-term care home in northern Ontario, Canada.Episode guests:· Mc Leonarld Puno, Registered Practical Nurse, Extendicare Maple View, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario and nursing student, Sault College· Nanette Garcia, Registered Practical Nurse, Extendicare Maple View, Sault Ste. Marie, OntarioResources:· Ontario College of Nurses, How to become a nurse in Ontario· Services for Internationally Educated Health Professionals· Healthforce Ontario’s Community Commitment Program for Nurses which provides grant funding to attract nurses to work in Ontario, CanadaThanks for listening to Season 3! Join us next week for a new episode. Subscribe to Coming of Age to catch each new episode as soon as it’s released.This episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, Plan A Powered by StaffStat.
Bob McInnis
hi, I miss you. are you going to resume podcasting?
mohammad ghasemi
hi