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.

What sage advice for seniors’ care can we learn from others around the world? The cultural frameworks in which we live, work and age guide how we innovate – as governments, communities, and care providers. Stepping out of our own culture and systems, and exploring others, can open our eyes in ways we never expected.

In this episode, Donna Duncan is joined by Judy Martin, Australian aged care industry leader, Executive Lead for the SAGE Study Tours program and Senior Executive at ANCHOR Excellence. Judy has led 45 educational tours in over 15 countries to learn how they innovate and care for their elderly populations.

Resources:

·   SAGE, which stands for Studying and Advancing Global Eldercare, is a recognized aged care and retirement living study tour program. Visit SAGEtours.com to learn more and get involved.

·   Global Ageing Network

·   Australia Intergenerational Report 

Thanks 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.

Are we psychologically prepared as a society for aging? More and more we are seeing a fear of elderhood and avoidance to talking about its realities. This fuels a cycle of bias that we can change – through healthy discussion and proper support.  

In this episode, Donna Duncan is joined by Dr. Sonu Gaind, a psychiatrist, professor and mental health advocate. Dr. Gaind is the Chief of the Department of Psychiatry at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, Canada, a hospital renowned for its work in mental health research and care. Together, they explore how fear, hope and acceptance are connected in maintaining mental wellbeing as we get older, along with the tools and systems needed to support us all in aging well. 

Resources and extra reading mentioned this episode: 

·       Learn more about Dr. Gaind’s work: https://www.drsonugaind.com/  

·       Learn about positive aging and psychiatry: https://fountainofhealth.ca/  

·       Watch the Japanese film Plan 75 about an imagined dystopian future of a “super-aged society” 

·       Read the book, Anxiety and the Gift of Imagination by Dr. Robin Alter 

·   Read the Surgeon General Advisory on the impact of loneliness and isolation in the United States 

Thanks 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.

How do we learn about and prepare for the natural course of a progressive illness? For patients and their loved ones, the journey includes both hope and grief. A palliative care approach can help us all better understand what to expect and set out realistic goals.

In this episode, Donna Duncan is joined by Dr. Samantha (Sammy) Winemaker, a Canadian palliative care physician and co-author with Dr. Hsien Seow of Hope for the Best, Plan for the Rest. Their work is inspiring a movement to help those receiving care, their caregivers, and healthcare providers to feel prepared and informed through the journey of a life-changing illness. 

Resources:

• Get the book: Hope for the best, plan for the rest
• Learn more about Dr. Winemaker’s work: www.waitingroomrevolution.com

Thanks 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, Arjo.

Why do we make assumptions about people based on their age? Each person is unique, and their age doesn't tell us anything other than how long they've been on the planet.

“Age doesn't tell you what they value. It doesn't tell you what their ideology is. It doesn't tell you about their abilities. Nothing.”

In this episode, Donna Duncan is joined by Tracey Gendron, a gerontologist, activist, and author of Ageism Unmasked: Exploring Age Bias and How to End It. Based out of the Virginia Commonwealth University in the United States, her research led her down a path to explore the roots of ageism, finding glimmers of hope along the way.

Resources:

• Get the book: Ageism Unmasked: Exploring Age Bias and How to End It
• Learn more about Tracey Gendron: https://www.traceygendron.com/

Thanks 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.

As baby boomers age, a significant demographic shift is underway. By 2040, the population over 80 will double. But here’s the thing, our perceptions of aging and innovations for seniors’ care have not kept pace.

Let’s change the conversation.

Join us for Season 3 of Coming of Age: Meeting the needs of our aging population, coming this September. Subscribe now.

In this episode, Donna is joined by Ashton Applewhite, an anti-ageism advocate, speaker and the author of “This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism” and the blog “Yo, Is this Ageist?” Ashton is a writer, an activist, and an internationally recognized expert on ageism who was recently named one of “50 leaders around transforming the world into a better place to grow old” by the Decade of Healthy Ageing platform, a collaboration between the United Nations and the World Health Organization. Based in Brooklyn, New York, Ashton has become a leading spokesperson for raising awareness of ageism in society, and how we can all work together to dismantle it. Together, Donna and Ashton discuss what ageism is and how it shows up in society and in our everyday lives. Ashton also shares her perspective on how ageism fuels inequities in healthcare and long-term care. Donna also asks Ashton to share her thoughts on healthy aging, and how internalized and structural ageism keep many of us from living long and aging well. Finally, Ashton provides suggestions for how we can all begin to address ageism and tackle our own personal blindspots, in addition to sharing her thoughts on how we can re-imagine long-term care and seniors’ care in order to best meet the needs of older adults.

Learn more about Ashton Applewhite and her work:

• https://thischairrocks.com/ 
• https://yoisthisageist.com/ 
• https://www.ted.com/speakers/ashton_applewhite

In this episode, Donna is joined by Brent Gingerich, Chairman and CEO of peopleCare Communities, who stepped up to serve as chair of our Board during the height of the pandemic. Highly regarded in the sector, Brent is known for exemplifying values-based leadership throughout the most difficult of times. Brent quite literally grew up in long-term care, in a family deeply committed to public service, and he shares his beliefs on how to create great places for seniors to live, and meaningful places for people to work. He and other leaders across seniors’ care are moving ahead with new innovations to improve the lives of the people in their care, and the lives of their team members. They are leading the changes that we need to see, and the future of seniors’ care will look very different thanks to their efforts.

Learn more about Brent Gingerich and peopleCare Communities:

• https://peoplecare.ca/ 
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/gingerich/?originalSubdomain=ca

As women access seniors care in Ontario and other jurisdictions around the world, many of them are still frequently encountering gendered ageism and other healthcare inequities. In this episode, Donna discusses this issue with Dr. Paula Rochon, a Senior Scientist and Founder of Women’s Age Lab at Women’s College Hospital and Professor at the University of Toronto, and Dr. Paul Higgs, a sociologist and professor of aging at University College London. During their conversation, they focus on the unique health and wellbeing needs of older women, and the health inequities many of them face today. Paula shares more about the work she and her team is doing at the Women’s Age Lab here in Canada, and Paul provides more information on some of the current innovations in seniors care happening in the U.K. In addition, both guests share their perspectives on ageism in society more generally, including its harmful effects on older women, and gendered ageism in relation to long-term care homes.

Learn more about Dr. Paula Rochon and the Women’s Age Lab:

• https://www.womensresearch.ca/womens-age-lab/ 
• https://www.womensresearch.ca/scientists/core-faculty/paula-rochon 

Learn more about Dr. Paul Higgs:

• https://www.ucl.ac.uk/psychiatry/people/paul-higgs#:~:text=Paul%20Higgs%20is%20professor%20of,and%20community'%20(2005)

In Ontario alone, the population of people over the age of 85 is set to double over the next 12 years. Currently, there are more than 40,000 people on the waitlist for long-term care in Ontario, while the system is facing significant staffing shortages. It’s time we develop new strategies for meeting the needs of our aging population. In this episode, Donna is joined by John Yip, the president and CEO of SE Health, a large home and community care organization that serves people in Canada and abroad. John brings an extraordinary skill set as a consultant, operator, leader and innovator in our healthcare system, and he has a fascinating perspective to share on how we are going to respond to the challenges our system is facing as the baby boomer generation continues to age. During the episode, John shares his thoughts about how we can strategize to meet the needs of this aging demographic, the benefits of taking a population-based approach and most importantly, how we can begin to think differently about the ways we deliver care. 

Learn more about John Yip: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnyip/?originalSubdomain=ca

To ensure seniors are better supported, it will ultimately be about taking collective responsibility, both across the health system and throughout society, for supporting our aging population. In this episode, Donna is joined by John Hirdes, a professor at the School of Public Health Sciences at the University of Waterloo and a renowned long-term care researcher with nearly 40 years of experience and perspective. John has a wealth of information to share on what’s happening right now in long-term care, the changes he’s seen over the decades, and some very thoughtful advice on what we could be doing differently as a society to support our seniors. He also offers his professional and personal insights into the changes in society that are affecting our seniors, as well as the changes that are needed to ensure seniors are better supported. 

Learn more about John Hirdes: https://uwaterloo.ca/public-health-sciences/people-profiles/john-hirdes

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 Partners
• Nitin Jain, President and CEO, Sienna Senior Living
• Tess Romain, President, Partners Community Health

Listen 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 Júlio
• Read about Kamaljit’s dream to see Michael Bublé in concert by Sienna Senior Living

This episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, Plan A Powered by StaffStat.

If we hope to provide better support to our ageing population over the coming years, we’ll need to adopt a fresh perspective and reimagine the way we think about the important role of caregivers. In this episode, Donna sits down with Amy Coupal, the CEO of the Ontario Caregiver Organization, to hear her insights about the evolving needs of the ageing population in Ontario and what will be needed going forward if we hope to strengthen support systems for our diverse population of caregivers. As an entrepreneur, educator, and caregiver herself, Amy has a comprehensive view of the needs of seniors and caregivers, and how we can work together to create a more solid foundation of support for everyone.

Learn more about Amy Coupal: https://ontariocaregiver.ca/about-oco/leadership/

In this episode of Coming of Age, Donna shares an inspiring conversation with CEOs Cameron Love of the Ottawa Hospital and Dr. Michael Guerriere of Extendicare. Together, the two organizations run a transitional care unit in one of Extendicare’s long-term care homes, designed for people who no longer need to be in hospital, but who have high care needs and are usually waiting for admission to an appropriate long-term care home. They discuss the significant level of interest in this new model of care, how this innovative partnership came to be, and the “special sauce” that makes it all work. They also discuss how we need to champion collaboration to transform the system and meet the needs of our aging population, and why it will take all of us working together across different parts of the system to create an integrated continuum of living and care.

Learn more about Extendicare and Dr. Michael Guerriere: https://www.extendicare.com/about-extendicare/leadership-team/ 

Learn more about the Ottawa Hospital and Cameron Love: https://www.ottawahospital.on.ca/en/about-us/our-leadership-team/board-of-governors/governors/cameron-love/

As Ontario’s population of seniors continues to grow over the coming years, we will need to reimagine the way we provide care and support. In this episode of Coming of Age, Donna sits down with two experts in aging who are helping to drive this transformation forward through their work: Dr. John Muscedere, the CEO of the Canadian Frailty Network and a professor of critical care medicine at Queen’s University, and Dr. Alex Mihailidis, the CEO of AGE-WELL and a research chair in Rehabilitation Technology at the University of Toronto and the University Health Network. Together, Donna and her guests discuss strategies for reimagining seniors’ care, including the changes we still need to make as a society to provide a better foundation of support for everyone during the aging process.

Learn more about the Canadian Frailty Network: https://www.cfn-nce.ca/ 

Learn more about the AGE-WELL: https://agewell-nce.ca/

Exploring new innovations in seniors’ care from a global perspective can inspire us and lead to fresh ideas on how we can best support our seniors. In the first episode of Coming of Age’s second season, Donna sits down with Vincenzo Paolino, a specialist in geriatric care equipped with an entrepreneurial spirit. Vincenzo’s background includes a degree in psychology, time spent in psychiatric nursing with a specialty in seniors’ care, and experience as a nursing director in a hospice for people with AIDS as well as a long-term care home, where he and his staff successfully implemented major culture change. He is also the founder of queerAltern, a group that develops housing options for LGBTQI+ seniors. Since 2013, Vincenzo has been operating Almacasa, a collection of residential communities in Europe that take a unique approach to care. During the episode, he shares several inspiring insights and stories that could help us discover new possibilities for the future here in Ontario.

Learn more about Vincenzo Paolino: https://globalageing.org/staff/vincenzo-paolino/

In this special episode of Coming of Age, the script is flipped as Donna takes on the guest hot seat. Instead of asking the questions, this time, Donna provides answers to questions asked by health communications professional Max Stern. Along with his former colleagues at Crestview, Max supported the Ontario Long Term Care Association throughout the pandemic. Together, Donna and Max take the time to catch up and reflect on shared experiences of supporting long-term care over the last few years. They also share some behind-the-scenes stories of what it has been like during this challenging time, the important role of the media, and what changes are needed to care for our seniors now and in the future.

Learn more about Max Stern: https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-stern/

It’s no secret that society has changed, and we’re asking much more of our health professionals and at a greater speed than ever before. It’s important that we find ways to ensure that our family doctors and other healthcare providers are supported, healthy and not overburdened. In this episode, Donna sits down with Kim Moran, the CEO of the Ontario College of Physicians, to discuss strategies for making this vision a reality. An accountant by training, Kim is also the former CEO of Children’s Mental Health Ontario. Kim brings a unique perspective to thinking about public policy and healthcare, and she always comes to the table with solutions—not just challenges. During the episode, Kim shares examples of healthcare programs and solutions that are working well within their communities, and which areas are still in need of structural reform.  Donna and Kim’s discussion echoes many of the conversations that are happening today throughout the health system, and what we’ve been advocating for in long-term care for many years: a greater support system for healthcare workers to help them avoid burnout and provide high-quality care to patients. 

Learn more about Kim Moran: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmoran/?originalSubdomain=ca

As Canada’s population of seniors continues to grow, the country’s healthcare landscape is also shifting. It’s a time of great challenge and opportunity as we continue to find new ways of working together and creating better outcomes for those in need. In this episode, Donna discusses this issue with guest Dr. Jane Philpott, the Dean of Medicine at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, a former federal cabinet minister, a family physician, and most importantly, someone who has devoted her life to improving public, community and family health. Dr. Philpott brings a variety of unique experiences to the table, including her response during the pandemic to the local community in need, helping those who couldn't help themselves, and always championing empathy, compassion and a bias towards action. She speaks about the new strategic plan at Queen's University, which is anchored in revolution, disruption, radical change and action, explaining the process she and her team followed to come up with the framework. Donna and Dr. Philpott also discuss some of the changes healthcare professionals will need to set in motion in order to create a better system for all.

Learn more about Dr. Jane Philpott: https://familymedicine.queensu.ca/familymedicine/faculty-staff/faculty/jane-philpott

The transition to a long-term care setting can bring up a range of emotions for both a new resident and their care partners. The transition can produce feelings of anxiety and fear in seniors and is often the source of tremendous guilt and uncertainty for family members. In this episode of Coming of Age, Donna sits down with Deborah Bakti, a seniors’ care consultant, speaker, coach, and trainer who helps build positive connections in seniors' homes. She worked in seniors’ care for 11 years prior to starting her own business, and she also lived through the transitions when her husband and parents moved into long-term care and retirement home settings. During the episode, Donna and Deborah discuss how her experiences have equipped her to and understand the process of transitioning into long-term care inside and out, and how families and care teams can build strong connections with each other during this significant life change.  

As the needs of seniors grow increasingly complex with time, technology will need to keep up the pace. In this episode of Coming of Age, Donna sits down with William Charnetski, PointClickCare’s Executive Vice President of Health Systems Solutions and Government Affairs. During this episode, they discuss some of the current system challenges in seniors’ care as well as how better data and technology can help improve care and the care experience for seniors.

Learn more about William here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamcharnetski/?originalSubdomain=ca

As the number of seniors in Canada continues growing exponentially, the continuum of care will need to expand to keep up. Our healthcare infrastructure, policies and long-term care system will need to evolve in response to the rise in demand for services and quality care. In this episode of Coming of Age, Donna sits down with Dr. Nathan Stall, a geriatrician at Sinai Health System. Having completed his fellowship training in Geriatric Medicine at the University of Toronto, Nathan is also a research fellow at Women‘s College Research Institute, and is currently working towards a PhD in Clinical Epidemiology and Health Care Research at U of T’s Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (IHPME). In his research, Nathan looks at the impacts of caregiving for those living with dementia and drug safety for older adults, while his clinical work is focused on acute care geriatrics. During the episode, Donna and Nathan discuss how the needs of seniors will continue to evolve in the future, and what we can all do to better support them.

Learn more about Dr. Nathan Stall: https://sinaigeriatrics.ca/our-team/

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 Centre
• Paula 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 Toronto

Listen 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 Network
• OpenLab, 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 Hospital
• Survey: Getting ready for the aging Baby Boom generation by the Ontario Long Term Care Association

This episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, Arjo.

 By 2030, Canada will be home to 9.5 million seniors, making up 23 percent of all Canadians. With the baby boom generation aging, the challenge of providing adequate seniors’ care in the future looms. Are we ready? In this episode of Coming of Age, Donna sits down with Laura Tamblyn Watts, the President and CEO of CanAge, Canada’s national advocacy organization for seniors. She shares her perspective on the impending upsurge of seniors in Canada, what we can do to prepare, and offers insight into what we can learn from the pandemic to build a better future for all of us as we age.

Learn more about Laura Tamblyn Watts: https://www.canage.ca/about/our-team/

More than two-thirds of the long-term care population in Canada is living with some form of dementia. Despite its prevalence, the disease still comes along with a strong stigma and many common misunderstandings. In this episode, Donna sits down with Dr. Rhonda Collins, the Chief Medical Officer at Revera, a company that owns and operates long-term care and retirement homes across North America and the U.K. As an advocate for those living with dementia and their loved ones, Dr. Collins sheds light on the common myths and misconceptions surrounding the condition, and the kinds of policy changes that are needed to provide better care. She and Donna also discuss the insights from a film produced by Revera called Unforgettable Ian: A long term care story, which seeks to demystify the experience of life in long-term care for Canadians.

Learn more about Dr. Rhonda Collins: 

https://reveraliving.com/en/about-us/our-leadership

Since the onset of the pandemic, the experience of the United Kingdom seniors’ care system paralleled Canada. In both countries, each challenge was met with new thinking – and solutions – to overcome them and protect our most vulnerable. So, what does that mean as we reimagine growing older, and the different types of supports required?

In this episode of Coming of Age, Donna sits down with Vic Rayner OBE, the CEO of The National Care Forum, a not-for-profit focused on providing leading care for over 27 years. Vic has become a prominent voice in the sector.  They discuss what our ageing population needs in the immediate future, what role technology will play, and what resources are needed to get there as the population requiring support rapidly grows.

Learn more about Vic Rayner: https://www.nationalcareforum.org.uk/ncf_team/vic-rayner/

Like Ontario, Australia has been grappling with long-standing systemic challenges in their seniors’ care system for decades. Australia is looking for innovative ways to reshape the system and improve care for its seniors, and there is much we can learn from each other as we work to make change on opposite ends of the world. In this episode of Coming of Age, Donna sits down with Marcus Riley, the Director of the Global Ageing Network and a member of the Steering Committee for the Global Alliance for the Rights of Older People (GAROP). They discuss the current seniors’ care system in Australia and the challenges they have faced over the years. Marcus sheds light on the main recommendations offered by the Commission, and new models of care Australia is exploring.

Learn more about the Global Ageing Network here: https://globalageing.org/

As our senior population increases, there are a lot of questions around how we’re going to provide the care that the baby boom generation will need. Join OLTCA’s Donna Duncan in conversation with Dr. Bob Bell, former Deputy Minister of Health for Ontario, as they discuss what strategies can help to keep more seniors at home as they age, and why increasing the number of long-term care beds is also necessary.

What can Canada learn about long-term care from other parts of the world? In this episode of Coming of Age, Donna sits down with Katie Smith Sloan, the Executive Director of The Global Ageing Network, an international network of leaders in seniors’ care. Donna and Katie discuss how other areas of the world have adapted to growing senior populations and explore how Canada can take action to create better supports for seniors.

Learn more about the Global Ageing Network here: https://globalageing.org/

Lisa Raitt is the former Canadian Minister of Labour, working under the Stephen Harper administration. After her husband was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's, she made the decision to put him in a long-term care facility for the foreseeable future. In this episode of Coming of Age, Donna welcomes her to the show to discuss how she made her decision, the stigma around long-term care, how to reframe it, and the possibilities she sees for the future of long-term care occupations.

Learn more about the Ontario Long Term Care Association here: https://oltca.com/OLTCA/

Mental health and long-term care are deeply interwoven and during the COVID-19 pandemic, this has never been more evident. In our second episode, Donna interviews Adrienne Spafford, the former Senior Director, Strategy & Public Affairs at OLTCA. Adrienne is now CEO of Addictions and Mental Health Ontario, and on today's episode, the two discuss the intersection of mental health in long-term care homes, first by addressing the needs of seniors and reflecting on the challenges and solutions created over the past 14 months. They question how we can reimagine senior living to promote stronger mental health by removing the stigma around mental illness. They continue by discussing front line workers, exploring how as a system, we can better provide the necessary resources care staff need on a daily basis.

Learn more about Adrienne Spafford and her work at Addictions and Mental Health Ontario here: https://amho.ca/amho-announces-adrienne-spafford-as-new-ceo/

It’s time for real change in long-term care. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the shortcomings that the system has felt for decades and now, the public is ready for change. In our first episode, Donna sits down with Moira Welsh to discuss the current state of Canadian long-term care and what can be done to create the best possible experience for seniors. They dive into the need for a human-first approach to senior living, the ways that the system will need to adapt to the ageing baby boom population, why freedom and growth are so important to resident lives, and what long term care homes can do to better support their existing staff. 

Moira Welsh is the author of Happily Ever Older and an investigative journalist for the Toronto Star. 

• Follow her on Twitter @MoiraWelsh or on LinkedIn
• Read her articles here: thestar.com/authors.welsh_moira.html
• Purchase Happily Ever Older at Indigo, Amazon, independent bookstores, as an e-book from Kindle and Kobo, or as an audiobook on Audible.

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 Network
• Sarita Mohanty, a partner and strategist for California’s multi-sector aging plan and President and CEO of The SCAN Foundation

Resources:

• The SCAN Foundation resources for aging well
• California’s Master Plan for Aging
• 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.

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 agency

Thanks 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, Ontario

Resources:

·       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, Canada

Thanks 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.

With an ever-changing demographic landscape, how do we provide care that can be tailored to individual, cultural needs? Also, with an increasing reliance on newcomers to Canada within the caregiving workforce, how do we ensure we are creating inclusive and welcoming work environments? These questions are top of mind with leaders and care providers today – not only in Canada, but around the world.

In this episode, Donna Duncan is joined by two leaders in long-term care in Ontario, Canada that operate in culturally diverse communities.

·   Adil Khalfan, President and CEO of Kensington Health that is based in downtown Toronto and offers community-based specialized healthcare services.

·   Dr. San Ng, CEO of Yee Hong Centre for Geriatric Care, Canada’s largest not-for-profit senior care organization delivering culturally appropriate services to Chinese and other Asian seniors.

Together, they explore cultural proficiency and safety in long-term care homes and the opportunities that are unfolding.

Resources:

·      An introduction to culturally appropriate care and equity, diversity and inclusion by the Yee Hong Centre for Geriatric Care

·       Embracing diversity toolkit developed by the Ontario Centres for Learning, Research and Innovation in Long-Term Care (CLRI)

Thanks 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, ARJO.

As the first of the Baby Boomers soon turn 80, how can technology enhance their lives and help them stay home? Finding the right tools, that make life simpler and easier, is key.

In this episode, Donna Duncan is joined by Mike Agerbo, a digital living expert and family caregiver. For nearly 20 years, as a radio, TV and podcast host, Mike has been reporting on breaking news, testing gadgets, and making technology easier to understand – and live with. Mike shares a wealth of knowledge about the technologies that are out there today. How to find them, and most importantly, how to use them to enhance our older loved ones' health, wellness and safety at home.

Resources:

· GetConnected radio show and podcast. Listen to Mike and his team as they bring new technology to you.

Thanks for listening to Season 3! Join us in two weeks for a new episode. Subscribe to Coming of Age to catch each our next episode as soon as it’s released on November 14, 2023.

This episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, PointClickCare.

How will Canadians balance their caregiving duties with their jobs? As the first of the baby boomers soon turn 80, we expect a growing number of employees in workplaces across Canada with caregiving responsibilities. 

In this episode, Donna Duncan is joined by a panel of experts discussing elder caregiving and the modern workplace. Listen as they explore the growing trends and implications for employers and for Canadians balancing caring for their elderly loved ones with careers and workplace commitments. As more Canadians find themselves navigating caregiving responsibilities, let’s discuss workplace and societal strategies.

Episode guests:

·   Pedro Antunes, Chief Economist, Conference Board of Canada

·   Nora Spinks, Work-Life Harmony Enterprises and seniors’ and family thought-leader

·       Allison Williams, Social Geographer at McMaster University and Research Lead of the Canadian Institute for Health Research/Social Science Humanities Health Research, Healthy Productive Work Partnership Grant

Resources:

·   Conference Board of Canada Reports

o   The time to fix long-term care is now (2020)

o   Sizing up the challenge: Meeting the demand for long-term care in Canada (2017)

·   Resources for employers:

o   Caregiver Friendly Workplace by McMaster University

o   Carer-friendly workplaces, inclusive and accommodating employment practices by Carers Canada

·       Research

o   Balancing Flexibility and Administrative Burden: Experiences of Family Managers Using Directly Funded Home Care in Manitoba, Canada

o   Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on carer-employees’ well-being: a twelve-country comparison

Thanks 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.

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 Institute
• Health AI Implementation Toolkit by the Vector Institute
• Learn about Canada’s University Health Network’s digital tool helping heart failure patients manage symptoms from home
• Learn 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 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 University
• Megan 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 Village
• peopleCare Limitless: A Visionary Strategy
• peopleCare’s Developments
• Trent Centre for Aging and Society
• Trent Intergenerational classroom

This episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, ARJO.

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 years
• Amy 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 caregivers
• Need assistance? Reach out to the caregiver helpline
• Connect with another caregiver through peer support
• Learn about advance care planning with Advance Care Planning Canada

This episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, Plan A powered by StaffStat.

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 Watts



This 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. 

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 Care

They 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 Network



This episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, PointClickCare. 

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.

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 Canada
• interRAI 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 scale
• iGen Intergenerational Learning Classroom, a grade 6 classroom embedded into the Sherbrooke Community Centre in British Columbia
• The 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 Netherlands
• The Hogeweyk Dementia Village in the Netherlands
• Trent 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.

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 involved
• Listen to the Elder Wisdom: Stories from the Green Bench podcast honouring the wisdom of the elder, ending ageism
• Learn 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 care
• Christina Krause, CEO of Health Quality BC

Resources:

• BC Health Quality Matrix
• National Health Service (UK)
• Healthcare Excellence Canada
• Institute for Healthcare Improvement

This episode was generously sponsored by our Sector Champion, PointClickCare.