Transforming Lives: Maximizing Independence for Older Adults and Caregivers with Benjamin Surmi, Gerontologist & Director of Education and Culture at Koelsch Communities, and Lindsay DeLong, Occupational Therapist & Founder of EquipMeOT
How can we promote independence, maximize safety, and improve the quality of life for older adults and caregivers? My guests today are two individuals dedicated to improving the lives of seniors and those who care for them. Benjamin Surmi, a social gerontologist and Director of Education and Culture at Koelsch Communities, and Lindsay DeLong, the founder of EquipMeOT, and EOT wellness company. Lindsay is an occupational therapist with 10 years of experience, focusing on the adult population in home health equipment. EquipMeOT is a content creation platform and product development company that specializes in modifications and adaptations to maximize safety and quality of life throughout the lifespan.
Together, Benjamin and Lindsay have a passion for sharing information with older adults and their family caregivers. Today, we will explore tips and tools to help seniors and caregivers navigate daily life with ease and comfort. We will discuss common mobility challenges faced by older adults and how to overcome them. We talk about practical tips for family caregivers to ensure the safety of their loved ones living at home and in senior living communities. We address the delicate balance between promoting independence and ensuring their safety, while also providing support.
We also discuss effective communication strategies for discussing fall prevention, and how senior living communities can play a role in providing resources and support for older adults and families in the community. We talk about the misconception that a change in mobility status is not always permanent. Benjamin and Lindsay share insights on how to bring attention to adaptive tools and modifications in a non-intimidating manner, ensuring that individuals and their families are aware of the possibilities that can improve mobility and overall quality of life. Benjamin and Lindsay share strategies for preventing caregiver burnout when caring for loved ones with mobility challenges. Their insights and expertise are making a positive impact in the lives of many people. I am delighted to have them here, and you won't want to miss this interview. Thank you, Benjamin and Lindsay, for the informative and fun conversation!
Listen to our episode HERE.
Benjamin and Lindsay share about:
Benjamin and Lindsay share what brought them to share information and insights with older adults and family caregivers
Tips and tools for seniors and caregivers to navigate daily life comfortably
Addressing common mobility challenges faced by older adults and providing strategies to overcome them
Practical tips for family caregivers to ensure the safety of their loved ones at home and in senior living communities
Balancing independence, safety, and support for older adults
Effective communication strategies for discussing fall prevention and involving senior living communities in providing resources and support
Challenging the misconception that a change in mobility status is always permanent
Promoting awareness of adaptive tools and modifications to improve mobility and quality of life
Strategies for preventing caregiver burnout when caring for loved ones with mobility challenges
About Benjamin Surmi & Lindsay DeLong
Benjamin Surmi is a Social Gerontologist and Director of Education and Culture at Koelsch Communities,
a third-generation family business that operates specialized Independent Living, Assisted Living and
Memory Care communities across eight states – Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Montana,
Texas and Washington.
Lindsay DeLong an Occupational Therapist of ten years focusing on adult populations in home health.
She is the founder of EquipMeOT and EOT Wellness, a content creation platform and product
development company focusing on modifications and adaptations for maximizing safety and quality of
life through the lifespan.
Koelsch Communities is a third-generation, family-owned and operated senior living provider. For over
60 years, Koelsch Communities has led the industry in Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory
Care. Known for its first-class service, holistic care model, and an employee-centric company culture,
Koelsch provides the finest living and working experiences anywhere as ladies and gentlemen, serving
ladies and gentlemen. Koelsch believes in the innovative programs that make aging well possible, and
building a strong foundation of safety with the latest in security and technology.
EquipMeOT is an online platform where Lindsay shares how-to videos, tutorials, instructions and helpful
tricks for installing, assembling and using home-based medical equipment. Her resources help older
adults and caregivers navigate the ever increasingly complicated decisions and tasks that can be
required for using medical equipment in home.
Websites and Social Media:
Website: koelschseniorcommunities.com
Facebook: @KoelschCommunitiesLLC
LinkedIn (Koelsch): https://www.linkedin.com/company/koelsch-communities/
LinkedIn (Benjamin Surmi): https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminsurmi/
Website: equipmeot.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EquipMeOT
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/equipmeot/
*This episode is brought to you by Gigi Betty co. A boutique gift shop raising awareness and funds for caregivers and care partners. Show now at www.gigibettyco.com. Use the special code WILLGATHER20 for 20% off your order- Just for our podcast listeners!
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