Looking Forward Our Way
Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson
Recent Episodes
For anyone interested in senior wellness and innovation, this episode is a gold mine of insights—pun intended.
Welcome to "Looking Forward Our Way," where we welcome Daniel Seltzer, executive director of Evergold at Home. Daniel shared how Evergold's Life Plan at Home program is revolutionizing the experience of aging, with wellness management and financial protection.
From the empowering use of smartwatches to personalized care coordination, Evergold is crafting a future where seniors can remain independent and financially secure.
We dissected the real challenges of senior housing and how proactive planning is key. More resources can be found here.
Top Takeaways
1. **Life Plan at Home Program**: Evergold at Home's innovative program provides an alternative for older adults to nursing homes, allowing them to live independently, manage wellness, coordinate care, and safeguard financial assets against rising healthcare costs.
2. **Building Community for Seniors**: Through monthly events, social engagements, and community-building activities like walks, museum visits, and educational events, Evergold at Home fosters a sense of belonging and combats the common issue of loneliness among aging individuals.
3. **Home Living Evaluation and Modification**: Addressing the top challenges seniors face with housing, such as necessary home modifications and maintenance, Evergold at Home assists with assessments and strategic planning for a safer living environment.
4. **The Role of Technology in Senior Care**: Evergold at Home provides smartwatches and encourages the use of digital platforms, emphasizing the positive impact and potential of technology in enhancing seniors' autonomy and emergency preparedness.
5. **Care Coordination and Cost Management**: Daniel Seltzer discusses Evergold at Home's approach to coordinating personalized care plans and handling the expenses of care through membership fees, offering lifetime cost predictability and flexible coverage options.
6. **The Necessity of Proactive Senior Planning**: The podcast highlights the crucial need for early evaluation and individualized planning for senior housing and services to prepare for future needs, rather than waiting for a health crisis to occur.
7. **Seniors and Assistive Technologies**: The conversation underscores how technologies, including smartwatches and traditional assistive devices like eyeglasses and hearing aids, can significantly enhance the quality of life for the elderly.
8. **Engaging the Next Generation in Gerontology**: Daniel Seltzer encourages students interested in gerontology to actively volunteer, seek mentorship, and join professional networks to gain valuable experience and make connections within the field.
9. **The Growing Older Adult Population**: Carol Ventresca and Daniel Seltzer discuss the demographic trends and the rising number of older adults, highlighting the increasing demand for senior services that cater to this expanding population.
10. **Empowerment through Education and Questions**: When considering Evergold at Home's services or any senior care options, potential members are urged to ask probing questions, do thorough research, and educate themselves to ensure they find a program that aligns with their needs and expectations.
Memorable Moments
00:00 BA in history, volunteer in Israel, nursing home.
04:59 Life Plan at Home program.
07:23 Home program includes wellness management, care coordination.
12:39 Membership: fixed monthly cost for care.
13:47 Program offers flexibility, 48 state mobility, refunds.
18:40 Challenges in senior housing: home modifications, cost.
21:22 Seniors can benefit from technology, debunking misconceptions.
24:51 Advice for gerontology students: volunteer, find mentor, network.
27:54 Prepare and research for effective decision-making.
We would love to hear from you.
Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.
Email us at [email protected].
Find us on Facebook.
Please review our podcast on Google!
And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.
Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle270Media Podcast Consultants.
Copyright 2024 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson
In this episode of "Looking Forward Our Way," the focus is on the opportunities for lifelong learning in Central Ohio and the specific Lifelong Learning Community (LLC) program at Otterbein University.
Hosts Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson are joined by guest experts Dana Viglietta, the executive director of engagement at Otterbein University, and Kevin Byrd, a member of Otterbein's LLC. The episode emphasizes that Central Ohio offers a range of opportunities for lifelong learning, including programs at Ohio State, Columbus State, and other state and private schools, as well as free courses throughout the state offered by the higher education office.
The episode delves into the idea of starting a lifelong learning community (LLC), which may initially seem intimidating, but it is described as a welcoming community offering opportunities for learning, networking, and social interaction. It is emphasized that there is no financial loss for trying different programs like LLC, senior college, or academic classes, and walking away if it doesn't suit one's needs is always an option.
Participants in the LLC program shared their gratitude for the experience, highlighting the sense of community and support, and emphasizing the value of learning as a gift. Kevin Byrd specifically emphasized the value of faculty and professors who are genuinely enthusiastic and engaged in teaching.
Dana Viglietta discusses her career at Otterbein University, from being a student to working in alumni relations, and explains the LLC’s application process. She emphasizes the importance of being a lifelong learner and how the program aligns with the university's mission and values.
The program has members who support the university and the local community through various activities, such as theater patronage, involvement in senior college programs, support for art galleries, and assistance to international students. The panel emphasizes how members utilize their learning experiences to create new businesses, hobbies, or enhance local nonprofits, churches, or schools, and share their knowledge with others.
The Otterbein LLC program features a mix of classes taught by faculty, members of the LLC, and community members, with a focus on offering something for everyone and being open to learning new topics.
Kevin Byrd stresses the importance of lifelong learning and the value of continued education and training beyond obtaining a degree. The program facilitates connections and networking among members, allowing for the sharing of experiences and valuable insights.
Memorable Moments
07:47 Mix of faculty, community, appealing to all.
10:29 New network brings unexpected connections and insights.
18:07 Program for individuals age 60 and over.
21:44 LLC members share and spread knowledge.
23:00 Panel discussion highlights community involvement and connections.
30:24 Advice for joining LLC, to not feel like an outsider.
34:44 Professors enjoy teaching and students are engaged.
We would love to hear from you.
Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.
Email us at [email protected].
Find us on Facebook.
Please review our podcast on Google!
And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.
Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle270Media Podcast Consultants.
Copyright 2024 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson
On this episode of "Looking Forward Our Way," hosts Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson welcome expert Darlene Ziebell to share her strategies for turning around failing businesses and to dive into the challenges small business owners face.
Darlene Ziebell, a seasoned strategist and consultant, begins by discussing the critical process of assessing a struggling business. She stresses the importance of understanding financials and monitoring economic indicators to make informed decisions and establish a backup plan.
Top Takeaways
1. **Recognize When to Bail**: Darlene stresses the importance for small business owners to know when it's time to sell and not pour more resources into a failing venture, much like intelligent stock market strategies of selling high and buying low.
2. **Stop Bleeding Cash**: A struggling business must stabilize by ceasing spending on activities that don't generate sales, such as ineffective social media advertising, which often diverts focus from more productive avenues.
3. **Employee Efficiency**: It's crucial to measure the revenue contribution of each employee.
4. **Financial Literacy is Key**: Knowing and understanding financials thoroughly is necessary for assessing business profitability and making wise, informed decisions.
5. **Competitive Vigilance**: Regularly evaluate your business against the competition and stay ahead of market trends to maintain a competitive edge. Constantly adapting to changing market dynamics is vital for survival.
6. **Expert Insight**: Leverage the expertise of professionals in HR, legal, and financial domains. However, vet these experts carefully—poor advice can lead to mishaps.
7. **Strategic Communication**: Communicate effectively with both customers and employees, ensure that financial concerns are clearly addressed, and ascertain that everyone has the skills needed as the company grows.
8. **Marketing Wisdom**: Refrain from wasteful spending on ineffective marketing strategies. Seek advice on understanding customer preferences and collect regular feedback for more targeted and successful marketing efforts.
9. **Be Ready to Adapt**: Understand the signs of a failing business and the importance of having backup plans. A failing business may require a completely new strategic approach, including cost reductions and seeking the right expertise for specific issues.
10. **Empowerment for Female Entrepreneurs**: Darlene advises female business owners to practice saying no to avoid steering the business off course and to focus on sales-generating activities. Women should not hesitate to seek help when necessary and be candid about the challenges they face.
Memorable Moments
05:24 Prepare for economic changes with backup plans.
08:38 Business owners need to monitor operations closely.
12:26 Non-profit public speaking, lack of market research.
19:34 Be careful what you read and watch.
21:53 Small business owners should measure employee revenue.
25:58 Small business owners need to monitor financials.
29:21 Evaluate previous marketing, seek expert advice, adapt.
36:28 Sharing knowledge through webinars and consulting.
44:22 Revise strategic plan based on past failures.
49:20 Redirecting individuals to gain necessary skills first.
51:31 Fear of saying no affects business success.
57:22 Success requires constant effort.
We would love to hear from you.
Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.
Email us at [email protected].
Find us on Facebook.
Please review our podcast on Google!
And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.
Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle270Media Podcast Consultants.
Copyright 2024 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson
In this episode of "Looking Forward Our Way," hosts Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson welcome Jennifer Bechtel, the program manager for geriatrics and gerontology at Ohio State University's College of Medicine.
The discussion focuses on the challenges and opportunities in the field of gerontology, navigating healthcare for aging populations, empowering individuals to advocate for their own healthcare needs, and the importance of changing societal perceptions of aging.
They explore various aspects of gerontology, emphasizing the need for empathy-based training for medical professionals and advocating for improved healthcare services for older adults.
The episode begins with Bechtel sharing her connection to gerontology, stemming from her experience with her grandparents and her passion for hospice care. She delves into the need for communication and grief recovery support for older adults, setting the stage for a discussion about the challenges of building awareness and knowledge in geriatrics and gerontology within the medical community.
Throughout the episode, the conversation has valuable insights from Bechtel about the services provided by Ohio State University's College of Medicine office of geriatrics and gerontology. She discusses the university's goal of ensuring that medical professionals are equipped with knowledge and empathy to understand the unique needs of older patients, incorporating aging concepts into the medical school curriculum for a more positive and empathetic perspective.
One of the key focal points of the episode is the importance of recognizing and addressing issues of abuse and neglect in older adult populations. Bechtel sheds light on her work with the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging to educate case managers and emphasizes the significance of understanding and addressing emotional and financial abuse in addition to physical harm in the context of caregiving for older adults.
A major highlight of the discussion revolves around the program initiatives at Ohio State University, including the Aging Connections hub, which plays a pivotal role in providing information and resources for the university community and the public regarding aging-related topics. Bechtel shares details about the program's goals, such as redesigning the website to be more user-friendly and expanding resources to facilitate easier access to information about aging.
Additionally, Bechtel introduces the SAGE (Series in Applied Gerontology Education) program, which offers certificate courses in gerontology, aiming to equip healthcare workers with knowledge and skills for working with older populations. The conversation also touches upon the Buckeye Buddy program, promoting intergenerational understanding and appreciation by involving middle school students in interviewing older adults in the community.
The conversation highlights the importance of changing the perception of aging and celebrating aging positively. They underline the need for continuous communication, connection with multiple resources for assistance, and advocating for one's own healthcare needs.
The impact of COVID-19 on older adults and the medical community's response is also addressed, along with the looming demographic shift where the aging population is projected to outnumber the younger population in the United States by 2034.
Top 5 Takeaways
1. Advocating for oneself in healthcare settings: Understanding the importance of actively participating in conversations with healthcare providers and advocating for individual healthcare needs.
2. Changing the narrative on aging: Addressing societal perceptions and stigmatization of aging, and promoting a positive and celebratory perspective on the aging process.
3. Innovations in gerontology education: Highlighting educational initiatives such as the Series in Applied Gerontology Education (SAGE) program and the Buckeye Buddy program to foster intergenerational understanding and appreciation.
4. Career opportunities in senior care: Exploring career options related to senior care and considering opportunities beyond traditional career paths in healthcare through programs like "Careers That Love You Back".
5. Importance of early conversations about options in the healthcare field: Encouraging discussions about the healthcare field's concentration on older patients, policy, and reimbursement, and the need to prepare for the demographic shift where the aging population will outnumber the younger population.
Memorable Moments
00:00 Passion for grief recovery and hospice involvement.
06:23 Advocate for understanding, and empathy in medical care.
08:30 Preparing med students for aging population responsibilities.
12:23 Early conversations in healthcare careers are crucial.
13:42 Encouraging awareness of diverse career options.
22:15 A national presenter discussed aging statistics and successes.
23:32 Presentations led to meaningful World Cafe discussion.
28:41 Learning about resources for aging population programs.
33:09 Courses introduce knowledge in gerontology for various students.
34:29 Create elder care certification for health workers.
39:37 Service coordinators connect residents to available resources.
40:56 Designation program opens doors for service coordinators.
45:39 Advocate for your care, and connect to resources.
47:28 Access resources for geriatric assessments without delay.
52:35 Encouraging self-administered cognitive evaluation for older adults.
53:50 Change negative perception of aging, celebrate life.
Jennifer Bechtel is a native of Clintonville, and from a young age, she was greatly influenced by her grandparents, who served as her mentors. After attending Xavier University in Cincinnati and earning a degree in communications, Jennifer realized that she wanted to make a difference in the world. She discovered that it was possible to align her professional career with her passion for helping others. This realization has driven Jennifer to pursue opportunities where she can use her skills and talents to positively impact the lives of those around her.
We would love to hear from you.
Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.
Email us at [email protected].
Find us on Facebook.
Please review our podcast on Google!
And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.
Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle270Media Podcast Consultants.
Copyright 2024 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson
In this episode of "Looking Forward Our Way," hosts Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson are joined by expert guest Sharon Hamersley to discuss the crucial topic of career ownership within the job market.
As a local expert in job searching and skill-building, Sharon emphasizes the importance of intentional networking and skill acquisition, catering to job seekers and those seeking to advance in their current roles. The conversation delves into the challenges of job hunting, the impact of ageism in the workforce, and how to stay prepared for potential job changes even while employed.
Sharon stresses the significance of professional organizations, both local and national, as valuable networking resources, particularly for remote work opportunities. She advocates for building contacts and acquiring new skills, emphasizing that job security is not guaranteed, making it essential for individuals to stay prepared for future opportunities.
The hosts delve into the fatigue and challenges of job hunting, to which Sharon advises keeping notes on issues and compliments in the new job, making skill-building and networking less overwhelming. The conversation touches on the feeling of guilt for job searching while employed and the balancing act between employer loyalty and self-preservation.
The episode addresses the challenges older adults face in job searches and focuses on career ownership while maintaining employment. The hosts and Sharon have worked with students and clients from ages 18 to 80 in educational and job search areas for many years, providing a well-rounded perspective on career management at any stage of life.
Treat networking as an enjoyable part of personal development rather than a chore, emphasizing its benefits and the need to find enjoyment in learning. Sharon suggests leveraging the plethora of free or low-cost resources for job seekers, including professional organizations, civic clubs, volunteering, and alumni networks for career support and job fairs.
The conversation also addresses signs that an employer may not be interested in helping individuals grow or may be considering eliminating their position, providing clues to be aware of and steps to take to prepare for the future. Don't forget the importance of staying updated on AI technology and skills and the growing use of artificial intelligence in the workforce, underscoring the need for continuous learning and skill acquisition.
Sharon stresses the importance of networking as a continuous process, encouraging listeners to stay in touch with contacts to keep their network warm for potential career opportunities. Professional organizations and trade publications are highlighted as offering valuable learning opportunities and insights into industry changes.
We also cover the support from employers in skill-building, the steps individuals can take to assess their current environment and engage in productive conversations with supervisors or HR, and the role of alumni organizations and nonprofits in providing job opportunities and support programs.
Top 5 Takeaways
1. Intentional networking and skill-building are essential for both job seekers and those currently employed, emphasizing the need for continuous career development.
2. Professional organizations and local/national networks are valuable resources for job opportunities and industry insights, especially in a remote work environment.
3. Staying prepared for potential job changes and being proactive in acquiring new skills are key strategies for career ownership, even while employed.
4. Ageism, rapidly changing work environments, and the use of AI are significant factors affecting career progression and job security, highlighting the importance of staying adaptable and current in the workforce.
5. Recognizing signs that an employer may not be invested in an employee's growth and being honest with oneself about the work environment is crucial for career preparedness.
Memorable Moments
02:37 Job hunting is a frustrating challenge for older adults.
05:57 Employers are not loyal.
08:44 Watch out for signs of declining company health.
12:48 Recognize economic cycles, assess skills, and seek feedback.
15:36 Adapt to changing work environment and contribute effectively.
17:50 Continuously learn new skills for career advancement.
20:41 Utilize professional resources to stay ahead in your industry.
23:36 Intentional networking: skill building, occasional outreach.
27:10 Networking is important for job search success.
31:14 Columbus offers various job search resources.
35:37 Keep notes for career success and autonomy.
Sharon Hamersley has been dedicated to helping people in their career journey for nearly 40 years. Starting as an academic adviser at Ohio State, she has spent the last 10-12 years running her own business focused on guiding and empowering individuals through job searches and career advancements. Through coaching, tools, and resources, Sharon aims to give people the self-confidence and knowledge they need to identify and reach their next career step.
We would love to hear from you.
Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.
Email us at [email protected].
Find us on Facebook.
Please review our podcast on Google!
And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.
Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle270Media Podcast Consultants.
Copyright 2024 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson