Innovative Aging is a Medbridge podcast exploring bold solutions to common challenges in aging and rehabilitation. Each episode breaks down timely clinical questions and equips therapy practitioners with practical, real-world takeaways â from adaptive design to emerging technologies. To receive continuing education credit (CEUs) for each episode and access bonus resources, visit medbridge.com and complete the accompanying quiz.
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Innovative Aging Episode 15: Complex Home Safety: How Can We Assess, Fund, and Still Stay Client-Centered?
Season 1 ¡ Episode 15
Thursday, October 15, 2026 ⢠Duration 58:11
In this episode of Innovative Aging, host Carol Chiang, OTR/L, CAPS, ECHM, CHAMP, sits down with Dr. Susan âSueâ Doyle, PhD, MSc (postprofessional), B.Occ.Thy., OTR/L, an occupational therapist, researcher, and home-accessibility expert with over 40 years of experience. Together, they explore how clinicians can bridge the gap between evidence-based fall prevention research and practical daily workflows, especially when facing high productivity demands and complex environments like hoarding behaviors. Dr. Doyle highlights actionable ways to move past static home safety checklists, emphasizing that true client-centered outcomes stem from observing person-environment-occupation fit rather than simply listing room hazards. Tune in as we demystify funding pathwaysâfrom Medicare Part B and Medicaid waivers to emerging programsâand learn how to structure sustainable, high-impact environmental assessments.
Learning Outcomes
Analyze the evidence around conducting specialized home environmental assessments to reduce fall risk and improve functional performance and safety
Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address individual person-environment fit, client-centered prioritization, and sustainable reimbursement pathways for home modifications
Solve patient case scenarios involving complex environmental challenges, such as home clutter or hoarding behaviors, using structured clinical decision-making frameworks
Timestamps
(00:00:00) Welcome
(00:00:05) Introduction to the importance of home assessments for fall prevention
(00:03:27) Dr. Sue Doyle's background and journey in occupational therapy
(00:08:12) The gap between research evidence and clinical practice in home assessments
(00:15:49) How clinicians can approach home assessments effectively
(00:18:09) The role of observation and client priorities in assessments
(00:25:40) Treating hoarding as an occupation in the home
(00:37:00) Using technology and assessment tools in practice
(00:45:25) Reimbursement pathways and funding for home modifications
(00:52:49) Key takeaways for occupational therapists in home safety and modifications
Innovative Aging is brought to you by Medbridge. If youâd like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where youâll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.
Innovative Aging Episode 14: Cognitive Impairment and Phones: Can Simplified Devices Prolong Connection?
Season 1 ¡ Episode 14
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 ⢠Duration 57:41
Join host Carol Chiang, OTR/L, CAPS, ECHM, CHAMP, as she sits down with Robert Felgar, CEO of RAZ Mobility and former telecommunications attorney, to discuss bridging communication barriers for clients with cognitive impairment. Drawing on his extensive experience developing tailored mobile solutions for individuals with dementia, low vision, and tremors, Robert shares how simplified technology can safely extend independence and ease caregiver strain. In this episode, we unpack the cognitive demands of modern smartphones, explore adaptive options across the technology continuum, and highlight actionable remote management strategies to keep your clients connected. You will walk away with a practical framework to help families select and configure the right device before social isolation takes hold.
Learning Outcomes
Analyze the evidence around cell phone use and mobile technology challenges for clients experiencing cognitive impairment
Apply practical, evidence-based strategies to actionably address cell phone selection, configuration, and implementation for clients with cognitive impairment
Solve patient case scenarios involving mobile device selection and remote caregiver management for clients with cognitive impairment
Timestamps
(00:00:00) Welcome
(00:00:05) Intro
(00:00:29) Meet Robert Felgar and RAS Mobility
(00:06:03) The biggest smartphone frustrations for people with cognitive impairment
(00:09:04) How simple tasks like calling 911 become complex
(00:14:33) Low vision and hand tremor accessibility features
(00:17:22) One-touch calling and simpler incoming calls
(00:18:10) Customization and optional features
(00:21:55) Remote management for caregivers
(00:24:00) Scam blocking, allow lists, and text protection
(00:28:04) Repetitive calling, nighttime calls, and reminders
(00:33:14) Emergency calling and private dispatch
(00:35:37) Explaining phone use and dementia to caregivers
Innovative Aging Episode 13: Aging in Place: How Do We Navigate the Reimbursement Gap?
Season 1 ¡ Episode 13
Friday, August 14, 2026 ⢠Duration 51:29
Join host Carol Chiang, OTR/L, CAPS, ECHM, CHAMP, as she sits down with expert occupational therapists Dawn Heiderscheidt, OTR/L, CAPS, and Sydney Marshman, OTD, OTR/L, BCG. In this episode, our guests share their extensive experience navigating the financial realities of home modifications, blending evidence-based frameworks with creative funding strategies. You will discover how to push past traditional medical models, advocate for the innate value of therapy, and build an intentional local network to actionably overcome client coverage gaps.
Learning Outcomes
Analyze the evidence around the cost-efficiency of proactive home modifications and the clinical limitations of evidence-based programs or grant-funded assistance programs
Apply practical, evidence-based strategies to actionably address client financial barriers across varying income levels, utilizing creative funding solutions and tiered home modifications
Solve patient case scenarios utilizing community resources to optimize client-centered aging-in-place goals while considering reimbursement gaps
Timestamps
(00:00:00) Welcome
(00:00:05) Celebrating the Innovative Aging podcast
(00:00:53) The financial reality of aging in place
(00:03:04) Introducing expert guests Dawn and Sydney
(00:05:38) Research and cost-benefit analysis in home modifications
(00:11:04) Understanding the CAPABLE and HARP models
(00:18:24) Nonprofit partnerships and their challenges
(00:22:55) Navigating coverage gaps in home modifications
(00:26:12) Creative solutions for aging in place
(00:29:14) Financial planning for home modifications
(00:31:44) High-impact home modifications
(00:35:50) The real-life impact of home modifications
(00:41:30) Key takeaways and future directions
Innovative Aging is brought to you by Medbridge. If youâd like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where youâll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.
Innovative Aging Episode 12: Aging in Place: Is the PEO Model the Key to Success? (Live Podcast Recording)
Season 1 ¡ Episode 12
Wednesday, July 15, 2026 ⢠Duration 01:12:51
Pamela E. Toto, PhD, OTR/L, BCG, FAOTA, FGSA, an internationally recognized expert in gerontology and director of the University of Pittsburgh Healthy Home Laboratory, joins host Carol Chiang to explore the front lines of aging in place. Together, they discuss how a âliving laboratoryâ is bridging the gap between clinical care and independent living by piloting smart-home technologies in real-world settings. You will discover how to apply the Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) Model to overcome environmental barriersâlike the steep stairs and cramped spaces of historic homesâwhile learning to intervene early to extend client autonomy. Tune in to gain actionable insights on navigating funding challenges and using modern technology solutions to optimize home safety for your older adult patients.
Learning Outcomes
Analyze the evidence around the most effective solutions, including facilitators and barriers, that promote aging in place
Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address aging in place through person-environment-occupation (PEO) modifications and smart-home technology
Solve patient case scenarios involving common clinical, functional, and behavioral challenges to aging in place
Timestamps
(00:00:00) Welcome
(00:03:40) Background and development of guest speaker's PEO model
(00:06:22) Statistics around aging in place
(00:09:15) Flexible definition of âhomeâ as a productive starting point
(00:11:35) Developing the PEO model through the OT lens
(00:17:38) Collaborating to break down community silos
(00:20:00) University of Pittsburgh School of Healthâs âThe Hubâ project
(00:23:00) Using the lab to educate the community
(00:25:10) Person-centered approach to technology in the home
(00:28:14) Building solutions to home hurdles, such as grabbers, chair rails, and stairs
Innovative Aging Episode 11: Tremor Management: Can Social Isolation Be Reduced With Earthquake Tech?
Season 1 ¡ Episode 11
Monday, June 15, 2026 ⢠Duration 43:39
Join host Carol Chiang and Emile Maamary, cofounder of Steadiwear, as they discuss how structural engineering and earthquake-design technology are revolutionizing tremor management. You will discover the functional and psychological differences between Parkinsonâs and essential tremor and how battery-free, adaptive stabilization can restore independence in high-stakes social activities like dining or self-care. This conversation explores moving beyond traditional weighted vests or medication to offer your patients a noninvasive âsuperpowerâ for daily function. Learn how these innovative tools can bridge the gap in the continuum of care to reduce social isolation and improve long-term quality of life.
Learning Outcomes
Analyze the evidence around the efficacy of biomechanical stabilization and anti-vibration technologies in reducing the global burden and functional impact of essential tremor and Parkinsonâs disease
Determine the situations in which noninvasive, battery-free wearable devices using tuned mass damping provide the most benefit for patients seeking to maintain independence in ADLs and social participation
Solve patient case scenarios involving action tremors and associated secondary risks, such as social isolation, by integrating conservative stabilization tools into a multisystem continuum of care
Timestamps
(00:00:00) Welcome
(00:00:05) Understanding the impact of tremors on daily life
(00:02:25) Guest introduction
(00:03:32) The differences between Parkinson's and essential tremor
(00:07:20) Exploring solutions for tremor management
(00:17:11) The role of technology in tremor suppression
(00:20:40) A new approach to tremor management
(00:31:45) Deciding which treatment is right for a patient
(00:37:45) Real-world applications and success stories
(00:40:55) Top three actionable takeaways
Innovative Aging is brought to you by Medbridge. If youâd like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where youâll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.
Innovative Aging Episode 10: Science Friction: Can Bed Mobility Be Easier for Patients and Caregivers?
Season 1 ¡ Episode 5
Friday, May 15, 2026 ⢠Duration 52:55
Nancy McGovern, retired physiotherapist and healthcare innovator, joins host Carol Chiang to explore a deceptively simple question: Can sheets and sleepwear be designed to make bed mobility easier? With more than 50 years of experience as a physiotherapist, injury prevention advisor, and innovator across all healthcare sectors, Nancy shares the clinically driven journey behind her development of a mobility-enhancing garment and sheet system. Together, she and Carol discuss practical challenges faced by patients and caregivers and what the science says about friction-reducing textiles. Whether youâre working with clients poststroke, managing nocturnal immobility in Parkinsonâs, or simply looking for smarter ways to support aging in place, this conversation may change how you think about the bed itself.
Learning Outcomes
Analyze the evidence on the effectiveness of friction-reducing assistive devices in reducing the risks associated with manual bed repositioning
Determine the situations in which a mobility-enhancing garment and sheet set provides the most benefit for clients and caregivers
Solve patient case scenarios involving impaired bed mobility by applying friction-reducing systems that support safe movement and reduce caregiver burden
Timestamps
(00:00:00) Welcome
(00:00:00) The aging population and caregiver challenges
(00:03:00) Nancy McGovernâs journey and Comfort Linen
(00:05:30) Development of slider sheets and their impact
(00:09:03) Transitioning to consumer products
(00:11:20) Feedback from healthcare professionals
(00:16:10) Textile technology and its importance
(00:19:00) Innovative solutions for Parkinsonâs patients
(00:27:30) Innovative solutions for bed mobility
(00:31:20) Real-life success stories
(00:37:44) Assessing patient needs
(00:42:00) Adapting to changing conditions
(00:45:01) Understanding the root causes of discomfort
(00:47:29) Key takeaways for clinicians
Innovative Aging Episode 9: Live Virtual Travel: Can It Drive Motivation, Interest, and Engagement?
Season 1 ¡ Episode 9
Wednesday, April 15, 2026 ⢠Duration 55:58
Tricia Norton, cofounder of Discover Live, joins host Carol Chiang for a dynamic conversation on the power of live virtual travel experiences. Together, they explore how this innovative platform can break down barriers to meaningful participation, especially for individuals with mobility, cognitive, or sensory challenges. Youâll hear compelling stories, practical clinical insights, and new ways to think about using virtual travel to spark motivation and support occupational engagement. Are you curious how live guided tours offer more than prerecorded alternatives? Letâs find out together.
Learning Outcomes
Analyze the evidence around the impact of virtual travel experiences on social participation, cognitive performance, and occupational engagement among individuals with mobility or sensory limitations
Determine the situations in which live, guided virtual travel provides the most benefit compared to asynchronous or prerecorded alternatives, especially in the context of intergenerational engagement, dementia care, or sensory-based interventions
Solve patient case scenarios involving occupational isolation due to physical, cognitive, or contextual barriers by integrating virtual travel into individualized care plans to promote meaningful participation and life satisfaction
Timestamps
(00:00:00) Welcome
(00:00:05) Transforming travel for all
(00:04:52) The power of virtual experiences
(00:06:30) The value of travel in later life
(00:11:18) The future of travel: accessibility and engagement
(00:13:43) Intergenerational connections through travel
(00:16:05) Heritage travel and ancestry tours
(00:19:48) Hybrid travel experiences
(00:25:01) Addressing budget concerns in travel
(00:27:32) Unexpected outcomes of virtual travel
(00:30:07) Cultural awareness through exploration
(00:31:47) Engagement and curiosity in virtual travel
(00:35:29) Interactive learning and memory enhancement
Innovative Aging Episode 8: Simple Fall Prevention: What Interventions Work Without Wi-Fi or Apps?
Season 1 ¡ Episode 8
Friday, March 13, 2026 ⢠Duration 52:35
Dhaval Patel, former Apple engineer and founder of Lotus, joins host Carol Chiang to explore fall prevention strategies that donât rely on apps, Wi-Fi, or complex installations. Carol and Dhaval dig into why tech doesnât always equal accessibilityâand how simple, portable tools can still make a powerful impact on safety and independence. Together, they uncover which interventions are a fit for real-life aging adults, whether you're working in the home, clinic, or community. Tune in to learn how you can match the right tech to the right patientâwithout adding frustration or hassle.
Learning Outcomes
Analyze the evidence around the limitations of Wi-Fi-dependent smart home technology in fall prevention and independence support
Determine the situations in which simple, portable, and privacy-respecting assistive technologies provide the most benefit for individuals at risk of falls
Solve patient case scenarios involving fall risk reduction by applying human-centered, behavior-conserving interventions that increase environmental control and reduce caregiver burden
Timestamps
(00:00:00) Welcome
(00:00:05) The promise and pitfalls of smart home technology
(00:02:52) Introducing lotus: a solution for independence
(00:06:20) User feedback: the emotional need for independence
(00:10:15) The importance of energy conservation
(00:11:47) Tech readiness: understanding the user's perspective
(00:13:45) Finding the right balance: high-tech vs. low-tech solutions
(00:18:02) The simplicity of lotus: a user-friendly approach
(00:20:41) The future of smart home technology
(00:22:52) Innovative control: the ring technology
(00:29:10) Expanding use cases: from adults to children
(00:32:09) Breaking barriers: accessibility for all
(00:37:24) Old tech, new solutions: the universal use of infrared
(00:44:50) Choosing the right solution: tailoring technology to users
Innovative Aging Episode 7: Assisted Bathing: How Can We Promote Modesty, Comfort, and Cooperation?
Season 1 ¡ Episode 7
Friday, February 13, 2026 ⢠Duration 46:41
Jodi Bellam, founder of The Blue Hug and a seasoned homecare agency owner with over 16 years of experience, joins host Carol Chiang, to unpack one of caregivingâs most sensitive challenges: bathing. Together, Carol and Jodi explore why this essential ADL often sparks resistance and what clinicians can do to ease that burden. Youâll hear stories from the field, and youâll learn about creative strategies and new tools designed to preserve dignity, increase cooperation, and reduce caregiver stress. Whether youâre troubleshooting a tough case or seeking fresh solutions, this conversation will leave you feeling more equipped and empowered.
Learning Objectives
Analyze the evidence around resistance to bathing and its implications for caregiver burden and client well-being
Determine the situations in which modesty-preserving bathing aids and structured routines provide the most benefit for maintaining dignity, safety, and ADL engagement
Solve patient case scenarios involving barriers to bathing due to cognitive decline, trauma history, or sensory sensitivities using adaptive equipment and evidence-informed strategies
Timestamps
(00:00:00) Welcome
(00:02:05) Jodi Bellamâs journey into senior care
(00:03:29) The Blue Hug: a sensory approach to safety
(00:07:30) The role of relationship and trust in caregiving
(00:08:40) Challenges of facility-based vs. in-home care
(00:10:30) Addressing modesty and the âopposite-sex problemâ
(00:11:18) Clinical âbattle plansâ and modesty solutions
(00:15:25) Evaluating market solutions and product innovation
(00:23:51) Clinical reasoning: when to use specialized garments
(00:31:00) Improving the caregiver experience
(00:32:30) Success stories: restoring options and hygiene
(00:39:49) Top takeaways for clinicians
Innovative Aging is brought to you by Medbridge. If youâd like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where youâll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.
Innovative Aging Episode 6: Future of Fall Prevention: Can Objective Data Empower Clients?
Season 1 ¡ Episode 6
Thursday, January 15, 2026 ⢠Duration 52:39
Dr. Katharine Forth, PhD in Human Motor Control and former NASA researcher, joins host Carol Chiang for a deep dive into one of rehabâs most pressing challenges: fall prevention. With her out-of-this-world perspective on balance science, Katey and Carol explore how shifting from subjective observation to objective measurement can transform client outcomes. Together, they unpack why data-driven insights may be the key to motivating clients, tracking progress, and reducing fear. Youâll walk away with practical strategiesâand maybe a new way to think about balance entirely.
Learning Objectives
Analyze the evidence around fall risk assessment to inform care plans that optimize outcomes
Determine the clinical situations in which measuring balance and fall risk provides the greatest benefit
Solve patient case scenarios involving emerging fall risk, hidden deficits, and fluctuating balance
Timestamps
(00:00:00) Welcome
(00:00:05) Understanding the impact of falls on older adults
(00:01:48) Introducing Dr. Katharine Forth
(00:02:56) The multifactorial nature of falls
(00:04:56) The role of psychology in fall risk
(00:07:55) The importance of context in fall risk
(00:11:25) Assessing balance: a complex equation
(00:15:24) Personalization in fall prevention strategies
(00:18:48) Measuring balance: technology vs. traditional methods
(00:25:46) Curiosity and patient engagement in fall prevention
(00:27:07) Empowering patients through self-measurement
(00:30:40) The role of competition in therapy
(00:37:25) Understanding the six pillars of balance
(00:41:29) The importance of measurement in therapy
(00:48:58) Key takeaways for clinicians
Innovative Aging is brought to you by Medbridge. If youâd like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where youâll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.
(00:39:30) Comparing options for phone technology
(00:46:01) How to know whether a phone is a good fit
(00:49:30) Funding options and pricing
(00:53:52) Key takeaways for clinicians
Innovative Aging is brought to you by Medbridge. If youâd like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where youâll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.
(00:39:30) Available resources for products and services
(00:46:27) First steps with in-home strategies for clients
(00:51:30) Financial challenges with home modifications
(00:55:43) Top three takeaways
(00:59:00) Q&A on developing a toolkit for in-home smart technology
Innovative Aging is brought to you by Medbridge. If youâd like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where youâll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.
Innovative Aging is brought to you by Medbridge. If youâd like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where youâll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.
(00:37:31) Integrating culinary experiences in travel
(00:41:22) Choosing the right travel experience for patients
(00:45:09) Sensory diet and tailored experiences
(00:48:48) Key takeaways for clinicians
Innovative Aging is brought to you by Medbridge. If youâd like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where youâll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.
Innovative Aging is brought to you by Medbridge. If youâd like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where youâll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.
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