The only constant in life is death and aging. No, it isn’t death and taxes. Taxes can be avoided, delayed, or eliminated, but not aging. From the day we arrive on this planet until we leave it, we age. A new parent can tell you that their newborn baby changes daily. Adults change too. Yet…
Read MoreVolunteers: the Heart of VOYCE
There’s a quote from Mr. Rogers that circulates around social media when a tragic event occurs. I have mentioned it before. “When I was a boy, and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people helping.’” I, like many others,…
Read MoreMy Journey to Social Work
From a young age, I knew I wanted a career where I could help people. Like many young people who want to get into a helping profession, I thought I would pursue nursing. After some coursework and a job at a hospital, I realized that nursing was not my career path. I enjoyed working in…
Read MoreVOYCE’s 2022 Annual Long-Term Care Conference
We thank all who attended VOYCE’s 2022 Annual Long-Term Care Conference! The theme of the Conference for 2022 was “Care: Who We Are. What We Do. Where We Go from Here.” Our thanks to our wonderful speakers: Dr. John Morley, Chien Y. Hung, MSW, MA-G, RYT, Kelly Schilling, CTRS & Taylor Pendleton, MS, CTRS, Dr….
Read MoreIsolation and the Need for Change
Update 7/17/22: The Essential Caregivers Program will be law as of 8/28/22! It is no secret that nursing homes became a place of intense isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. When everyone felt alone and isolated, long-term care residents were left in understaffed facilities where even their basic needs were not being met. Many stories arose…
Read MoreNew Friendly VOYCE Program
Loneliness and isolation affect the physical and mental wellbeing of older adults. Studies have shown that loneliness is linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s, heart disease, difficulty sleeping, impaired cognition, and high blood pressure. Without social networks and a connection to the community, the elderly risk their health, and isolation in long-term care has…
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