AI Healthcare Training, Ending Well 4-21-26
In our News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club episode recorded on April 21, 2026, Benjamin Surmi highlighted focus in the UK on training caregivers in dementia care, emphasizing the need for effective training evaluation. Benjamin also covered AI’s role in automating documentation, staffing analysis, and onboarding in senior living. Ellen Khalifa shared insights from her solution-focused coaching training using AI.
Our discussion covered the importance of end-of-life care, including recognizing signs of impending death and ensuring family members are informed and prepared. We mentioned that The Pitt had a very relevant episode on respecting the wishes of our loved ones avoiding over-intervention, particularly intubation when it would cause more distress than help. We recommended to follow Dr. Kaishauna Guidry for more resources on hospice care.
Finally Linda Sherman did one of her Film Corners, introducing her 2026 recommended streaming shows which includes “actors of a certain age and topics relevant to aging” called “Aging Gracefully” as a category.
Presented by Benjamin Surmi, Senior Living Expert and Social Gerontologist
Benjamin tied two articles together.
Article one:
The Care Home Environment 4-2-25 edited by Mary-Louise Clews
https://www.thecarehomeenvironment.com/story/51093/exclusive-workforce-dementia-skills-will-be-central-to-new-regulator-approach
Adult social care chief regulator Chris Badger gives TCHE editor Mary-Louise Clews an insight into thinking so far behind regulators dementia strategy, expected later this year.
Article two:
McKnights 3-16-26 Meet AI – Your Newest Team Member by Ron Rajecki
https://www.mcknightshomecare.com/news/meet-ai-your-newest-team-member/
Refers to:
LeadingAge’s Center for Aging Services Technologies (CAST)
WiseOx Used by United Church Homes
During this discussion Benjamin mentioned these three companies:
August Health is an EHR
Safely You – is integratable into August Health
SkyPoint.AI
Presented by Ellen Khalifa, Habits Coach for Healthspan and Wellspan
Verywell Health 1-7-26; 12 Signs That Someone Is Near Death and How to Help by Angela Morrow, Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse, Medically reviewed by Lindsay Cook, PharmD
https://www.verywellhealth.com/common-symptoms-at-the-end-of-life-1132515
Linda mentioned Dr. Kaishauna Guidry, MD, HMDC (“Dr. G”), who is a California-based hospice physician, CEO of Mourning Dove Medical, and a prominent advocate for quality end-of-life care education. She hosts the “At the Heart of Healthcare” podcast, aimed at empowering patients and providers through education about hospice and palliative care.
Our Rethinking Aging Club Podcast with Dr G. 5-4-23
Linda’s Film Corner
Today we discussed the end of life care advice from The Pitt
Season One Episode 2 and 3
The storyline involving the elderly man with Alzheimer’s, sepsis, and pneumonia (Mr. Spencer) whose children want to prolong his life with intubation occurs primarily in Season 1, Episode 2: “8:00 AM”.
Key Details of the Scene:
The Patient: Mr. Spencer (played by Madison Mason), an elderly Alzheimer’s patient with pneumonia that has progressed to sepsis.
The Conflict: Despite having an advance directive (DNR) against long-term life support, his children ask for him to be intubated to prolong his life.
The Action: Dr. Robby (Noah Wyle) reluctantly proceeds with the intubation in “8:00 A.M.” due to the children’s request.
The Outcome: The situation continues into Episode 3 (“9:00 A.M.”), where Mr. Spencer becomes agitated. The family eventually decides to withdraw life-sustaining measures.
The episode is noted for highlighting the ethical dilemma of overriding a patient’s wishes to keep them alive.
Our discussion supporting our loved ones in having a peaceful death. Over-intervening is not helpful.
Please note this discussion included the perspective of Ellen Khalifa’s article, the expertise of Benjamin Surmi – a senior living expert, the News for the Ages team’s lived experiences and good advice from The Pitt.
Discussion hosted with commentary by: Linda Sherman and Ray Gordon
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Nickie’s Tune written and performed by Richard Sherman
