Episode Description
The COVID-19 pandemic has many Americans concerned about the safety of those they love including children, friends and especially older family members. The CDC notes that among adults, the risk for severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age, with older adults over age 65 being at highest risk. In fact 8 out of 10 deaths in the U.S. have been our elders. How do these facts impact the choices and care options families must continue to make following hospitalizations requiring placement in facilities, those living at home with paid caregivers or living currently in facilities? When can we visit our loved ones again…in the homes or at facilities? Host, Nancy Oriola, will talk with Dr. Bruce Mann, Lena Ernst, PhD (owner of Retreat HealthCare) and Corey Nelson (senior placement specialist) about what families should know and consider to keep their older loved ones safe within their home, in facilities and in the community.
Guests:
Bruce Mann, MD FACP
Dr. Mann is a board certified internist and Fellow of the American College of Physicians. He is formerly an academic researcher in nutrition and epidemiology with several published articles to his credit. Dr. Mann received his MD at the University of California San Diego and served as resident, chief resident, and on the faculty of the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. More recently, he has worked extensively in the Medicare arena with Medicare beneficiaries appealing Medicare coverage decisions. He is currently educating people about Covid-19 on his YouTube channel called Mann on Med.
Corey Nelson
Corey Nelson is the owner and found of Stellar Senior Housing Experts. Stellar has been helping seniors and their families find placement in Albuquerque, New Mexico for ten years. Corey’s 20 years of experience working with older adults in healthcare coupled with her Professional Certificate in Gerontology makes her uniquely qualified to guide families through the incredibly challenging and emotional process of finding senior placement for their loved ones. Her goal is to find good, appropriate and long-term placement for her clients to ensure their success. In doing so, she improves the quality of life of the older adult and their family as well – knowing their loved ones are in a safe environment where their needs are being met with care and compassion. Corey licensed her business concept across the country with ten licensees but ultimately found that her heart was with her clients in Albuquerque. In her spare time, she is an avid hiker and enjoys exploring New Mexico with her family
Lena Ernst, PhD
Dr. Lena G. Ernst, Ph.D., health care operator and educator for 30 years in the field of aging, about dementia and the neuropsychiatric features in dementia as well as the challenges that caregivers face when caring for loved ones with dementia. Dr. Ernst earned her Ph.D. from the University of New Mexico where she focused her research in the area of aging, dementia, spirituality, stress and coping. Dr. Ernst has worked in long-term care as a licensed social worker, a licensed nursing home administrator, and as an owner/operator of healthcare facilities. Dr. Ernst is the founder of Retreat Healthcare – which includes two assisted living communities, an advanced dementia specialty care center, a community-based hospice, and non-medical home care. Lena has been an invited instructor at the University of New Mexico in the Department of Individual, Family and Community Education, but now spends most of her time as the chief strategist for Retreat Healthcare.
