The imminent tidal wave of baby boomers is here. The oldest baby boomers have already turned 65, and the older population of the U.S. is beginning to swell. The age-65-and-older population grew 18 percent between 2000 and 2011 to 41.4 million senior citizens, according to a recent Administration on Aging report. These numbers are expected to further balloon over the coming decade as baby boomers continue to reach traditional retirement age. So, how will we care for these seemingly unfathomable numbers of older adults? One of the answers to how to care for our seniors as they age is in the empowerment of caregivers through technology.
mmLearn.org, a program of Morningside Ministries, provides free online video training for family caregivers, pastoral care providers and healthcare professionals caring for seniors. Developed in 2006, mmLearn.org offers over 300 free online training programs for caregivers of older adults. Thousands of viewers have taken Web courses, read blogs or watched online videos about geriatric care. One such program is a series called “Ask the Geriatrician,” developed to address the shortage of geriatric physicians available to older adults and their caregivers in the United States. Geriatricians specialize in preventing and treating health issues in adults ages 65 and older, yet many caregivers never have an opportunity to speak with one. mmLearn.org bridges the gap between seniors, caregivers and physicians with online training and educational videos that improve the quality of care received by older adults.
LeadingAge is a national association comprised of non-profit organizations that provide services to seniors. To expand the world of possibilities for aging, LeadingAge members and affiliates touch the lives of 4 million individuals, families, employees and volunteers every day. The LeadingAge community (www.LeadingAge.org) includes 6,000 not-for-profit organizations in the United States, 39 state partners, hundreds of businesses, research partners, consumer organizations, foundations and a broad global network of aging services organizations that reach over 30 countries.
Maria Wellisch, V.P. of Corporate Training, will present on Online Education and Training for Caregivers on Sunday, October 27, 2013 between 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. at the LeadingAge Annual Conference in Dallas, Texas.
About Morningside Ministries
Morningside Ministries is San Antonio’s oldest and largest not-for profit, faith-based, senior care organization dedicated with the specific mission of “Caring For Those Who Cared For Us.” Morningside Ministries has served the San Antonio community since 1961 with Morningside Ministries at the Meadows, Morningside Ministries at The Manor and Morningside Ministries at Chandler Estate. In May of 2004, Morningside Ministries extended the ministry to induce Morningside Ministries at Menger Springs in Boerne. Today we continue to serve over 800 residents in retirement, assisted living, nursing and memory care and a senior community center.