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Let's Talk Senior Care

Info about ABA, Gerontology, Dementia care, ID/DD, Clinical practice and SO much more!

11/17/2025

🔍 The article: Behavioral Gerontology: Application of Behavioral Methods to the Problems of Older Adults (L. D. Burgio & K. L. Burgio, 1986) is a true foundational piece for our field.

Here’s why it’s seminal:
-It highlights how behavior-analytic procedures can be applied specifically to the aging population — a group long underrepresented in ABA research.
-It outlines key areas ripe for growth: self-management, caregiver training, institutional staff training, and adapting behavioral methods to geriatric settings.
-It essentially challenges us — behavior analysts — to apply our skill set to the “next frontier” of aging, dementia, and senior services.

If you’re working in senior/dementia care, or exploring how BCBAs can meaningfully serve older adults, this article is a must‐read. It not only provides historical context, but also still points to many of the pressing research and practice gaps today.

11/16/2025

📣 Caregivers of adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities and dementia—you don’t have to walk this journey alone.

The National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities & Dementia Practices (NTG) offers a monthly online family support group, plus webinars, resources, and a community of people who understand.

Whether you’re daily hands-on or providing support from a distance, this group is designed for you.
💡 Join in, share your story, get support, and connect with other caregivers.
🔗 More info: the-ntg.org/family-caregivers

11/15/2025

🥦🧊 It’s National Clean Out Your Fridge Day!

We do it now for a reason — to make room for all that holiday food coming our way! 🎄🍗 But in senior and dementia care, this simple task carries extra importance.

🧾 Check expiration dates — on everything! Spoiled or outdated items can easily go unnoticed.
🍎 De-clutter & simplify. A tidy fridge helps reduce confusion and supports independence.
🥗 Stock healthy, easy-to-see options. Keep nutritious foods front and center.
🌡️ Check the temperature. Below 40°F keeps food safe and fresh.

In dementia care, small routines like this aren’t just chores — they’re supports for safety, dignity, and quality of life. So before the holiday casseroles roll in, take a moment to make space — both in the fridge and in the care we provide. 💙

11/14/2025

🧠✨ Interested in expanding your ABA practice into dementia care?
Check out “BCBAs in Dementia 101”, a CE course from Abilities Behavior Services that introduces how behavior analysts can support older adults living with dementia.

You’ll learn the foundations of dementia, explore where BCBAs fit into long-term care, and gain insight into how ABA can improve quality of life for aging populations.

Perfect for anyone curious about the growing field of behavior gerontology and senior care.
👉 www.abilities.today/learn

11/13/2025

📘 The study “Effectiveness of an Instructional DVD in Training College Students to Implement Functional Analyses” by Maranda Trahan & Worsdell (2011) shows that using an instructional DVD significantly improved college students’ ability to carry out functional analyses.

👉 For those of us working in behavior gerontology and older adult care, this matters because well-trained providers are critical when adapting behavior analysis methods—like functional assessments—to support wellness, memory challenges, and quality of life in aging populations. It’s a strong reminder: expert training tools help bridge the gap between traditional ABA settings and senior services.

11/13/2025

📣 Featured Speaker Alert!
Catch Dr. Maranda Trahan, PhD, BCBA-D at the Arizona ABA Conference this year!

🕥 Session: The Age of Opportunity: Expanding Horizons for ABA into Senior Services
🗓️ Time: 10:45 – 11:45 AM

Arizona, like much of the nation, is facing a powerful demographic shift — older adults will soon outnumber children. Dr. Trahan’s session will explore how BCBAs can rise to meet this moment, bringing their expertise to promote emotional wellness, reduce memory-related challenges, and enhance quality of life for older adults.

Through real-world clinical examples and practical discussion, attendees will discover how ABA can become an essential part of the future of aging services in Arizona. 🌵✨

11/12/2025

🧠☕ Memory Cafés: Connection Meets Care

Memory Cafés are welcoming spaces where people living with dementia — and their caregivers — can connect, share, and enjoy meaningful activities together. It’s not about diagnosis; it’s about belonging and joy. 💙

BCBAs and behavior professionals sometimes help bridge the gap — identifying local Memory Cafés and even writing transition plans to support attendance and engagement. These community settings can reduce isolation, build confidence, and support quality of life.

Find one near you: https://dfamerica.org/memory-cafe-directory/

11/11/2025

Check out “Living with Dementia – Down Syndrome Scotland” — a thoughtful, illustrated booklet from Down’s Syndrome Scotland created to support families and caregivers of individuals with Down’s syndrome facing dementia.

This guide covers:
-What dementia can look like in adults with Down’s syndrome
-Practical ways to adapt the environment & daily routines
-How to have meaningful conversations and support dignity
-Tips for caregivers navigating this journey

🔗 Access it here: https://www.the-ntg.org/publications-2/living-with-dementia---down-syndrome-scotland

If you’re working in IDC-dementia, supporting a loved one with Down’s syndrome, or simply want to learn more, this is an excellent resource.

11/11/2025

🎖️ Honoring Our Veterans 🎖️
Today, we pause to recognize and thank all the men and women who have served in our armed forces. Your courage, dedication, and sacrifice have helped protect our freedoms and our communities.

We honor your service today and every day. 💙

11/10/2025

🎄🕯️ Getting Through the Holidays with Dementia 🧠💛

The holidays can be joyful—but also challenging—for people living with dementia and their caregivers. A little planning can make all the difference.

Some tips to help:
-Introduce Yourself & Your Approach: Be clear, calm, and consistent.
-Talk About Memory Thoughtfully: Use gentle reminders without correcting.
-Plan Activities Wisely: Keep gatherings predictable and avoid overstimulation.
-Prioritize Self-Care: Caregivers need breaks, support, and patience too.

💡 Small adjustments can turn holiday stress into meaningful connection and joy.

11/09/2025

The General Practitioner Assessment of Cognition (GPCOG) is a quick, practical tool for detecting cognitive changes in older adults. Perfect for busy clinics, it helps identify early signs of dementia and guide next steps in care.

Learn more: https://gpcog.com.au/

11/09/2025

🦷💙 Happy Geriatric Tooth Fairy Day!

Today we celebrate Sonya Dunbar — “The Geriatric Tooth Fairy” — a passionate advocate for senior oral health and dignity in care.

Sonya reminds us that oral health is overall health, especially for older adults and those living with dementia. Simple daily care can prevent pain, infection, and improve quality of life.

Let’s honor her mission by bringing more smiles to senior care! 🌟

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353 S. Lewis Lane
Carbondale, IL
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http://www.abilities.today/learn

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