Épisodes

  • A Crisis Hidden in Plain Sight: Senior Care in America
    Aug 13 2025
    By Tam Lawrence, Investigative ReporterAmerica’s senior care industry is in free fall. Not just because of workforce shortages or rising costs but because the very gatekeepers entrusted with protecting our most vulnerable citizens are failing.Human Resource (HR) departments in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health care agencies are hiring unfit, dangerous individuals to care for the elderly and disabled.This is not a matter of incompetence alone, it is willful negligence. And when such negligence results in abuse or death, it should be treated as a criminal act.The HR Frontline and Its Deadly GapsThe first line of defense in safeguarding residents is not the nurse on the night shift. It’s the HR professional deciding who gets hired to provide intimate care to frail, dependent people. When HR fails, the results are predictable: abuse, neglect, and sometimes irreversible harm.Many HR departments in senior care are overwhelmed, undertrained, or operating under pressure to fill vacancies at any cost.The result? Hiring people they know or should reasonably know should never be in a caregiving role.The consequences are written in a chilling set of statistics:* 1 in 6 seniors in care facilities experience some form of abuse each year (World Health Organization, 2022).* Reports of sexual abuse in nursing homes have increased by over 100% in the past decade (National Center on Elder Abuse).* In 2024 alone, multiple states reported dozens of abuse cases where the accused caregiver had prior red flags in employment or criminal records — yet still gained access to vulnerable residents.The Galt Case: A Warning IgnoredIn Galt, California, a nursing home hired a man who should never have been entrusted with the care of a goldfish, let alone human lives.Despite clear indicators of unfitness for the role, this individual was placed in a position of direct access to male residents. The outcome was devastating: he was found guilty of sexually abusing residents.Yet here is the outrage:* The facility remains open for business.* The HR head who signed off on the hire still has her job.* No criminal charges have been filed against management.Instead, the consequence? A fine. A number on a ledger. An accounting entry, not justice.A System Without TeethThis isn’t just one facility in one town. Across the U.S., nursing homes can commit acts or allow acts to happen under their watch that would destroy the reputation of any other business. And yet, they remain licensed and operational.The current system treats abuse in senior care facilities as a regulatory inconvenience rather than a criminal emergency. State health departments may issue citations. Fines are levied. Reports are filed. But licenses remain intact, executives keep their positions, and dangerous workplaces continue operating.This is not policing. This is permission.The Accountability GapIf an airline pilot knowingly allowed an unqualified co-pilot to fly a commercial plane and lives were lost, there would be federal charges. If a school knowingly hired a teacher with a history of sexual abuse, the public would demand imprisonment and closure of the school.Why is senior care held to a lower standard?Why are the lives of elderly and disabled citizens treated as expendable in the eyes of the law?We must close the accountability gap:* Criminal charges for HR executives and facility administrators who knowingly hire dangerous staff.* Automatic license suspension for facilities with substantiated abuse cases.* Mandatory national background checks that cannot be bypassed due to staffing shortages.* Independent oversight bodies with the power to shut down facilities in violation, not just fine them.The Human TollBehind every statistic is a real person:* A grandmother who survived cancer only to be bruised and broken by a caregiver’s assault.* A Vietnam veteran who trusted his caregivers, only to be neglected into septic shock.* Families who thought they were buying safety and dignity for their loved ones, only to inherit trauma and grief.The United States has 1.4 million residents in nursing homes. Without systemic change, we are accepting the reality that many will suffer needlessly in environments that profit from their vulnerability.The Unanswered QuestionHow are nursing homes able to stay in business after crimes are committed within their walls?That is where this investigation starts and where the public’s pressure must not stop. Until HR professionals, administrators, and owners are held personally accountable in criminal court, the abuse will continue.The elderly deserve more than a regulatory fine. They deserve protection backed by law, enforced by justice, and carried out without hesitation.synerkare is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.This is not negotiable. This is a matter of life and dignity. And America’s seniors cannot afford to wait. This ...
    Voir plus Voir moins
    7 min
  • The Invisible Burden: Standing with the Sandwich Generation
    Aug 12 2025

    My heart goes out to the millions of you who know the silent hum of constant demands – the ping of a text from a child needing support, immediately followed by a call about an aging parent's latest health concern. You are the Sandwich Generation, and your commitment, often unseen and unacknowledged, is the bedrock of countless families. You are my neighbors, my friends, and quite possibly, me.

    It’s not just a clever phrase; it’s a profound reality for nearly half of all adults aged 40 to 59. While we often speak of balancing work and family, for those caught in the middle, it’s a triple-threat juggle: managing careers, raising children, and providing increasingly intensive care for elderly parents. And let's be honest, for women, the weight is often heavier, carrying an average of 45 minutes more daily caregiving load than men.

    The statistics paint a stark picture. Many of you are spending upwards of $10,000 annually out of pocket on caregiving expenses. Think about that for a moment: ten thousand dollars, often money that should be going into your own retirement savings or your children’s education. A concerning 72% of caregivers have reported cutting back on their own living expenses and retirement contributions. This isn't just about immediate financial strain; it's about potentially delaying your own retirement, entering it with less security, and inadvertently setting up the next generation for a similar cycle.

    Beyond the direct costs, there's the hidden price of time. The sheer volume of caregiving often forces individuals to reduce work hours or, in some cases, leave the workforce entirely. While the economic value of unpaid caregiving is astounding—estimated at $600 billion in 2021—the cost to individual caregivers, in terms of lost income and career progression, is immeasurable. Experts warn that if the professional care shortage persists, billions could be lost from our GDP as more caregivers are forced out of paid employment.

    And that brings me to the crux of the deepening crisis: our dwindling senior care workforce. It's a national tragedy in the making. While the demand for direct care workers is soaring, projected to need over a million new jobs by 2030, the supply is simply not there. High turnover, low wages (a median wage of just over $14 an hour for home health aides), and a lack of benefits plague this vital sector. The result? Over half of nursing homes limiting admissions, and home health agencies turning away a quarter of referred patients.

    This isn't an abstract problem. This directly impacts you, the adult children. It means fewer available options for your parents, pushing the entire burden of care onto your shoulders. It means managing complex medical needs, personal care, and household tasks, all while trying to maintain your own career and family life. This relentless pressure leads to caregiver stress, burnout, and sadly, often compromised physical and mental health.

    It's clear: the current system is not sustainable. We need a fundamental shift in how we approach elder care, one that supports those who are selflessly supporting two generations. This is where organizations like Synerkare step in, not as a quick fix, but as a vital catalyst for change.

    Synerkare understands that solutions lie in bringing people together. They are dedicated to creating a collaborative care ecosystem focused on quality assurance, accountability, and a robust community-care system. Imagine a future where families can easily verify a professional's background, where transparency fosters trust, and where a network of vetted professionals and supportive resources is readily accessible. Synerkare is working to establish rigorous standards, empower families with reliable information, and connect communities so that no one in the Sandwich Generation feels isolated or overwhelmed.

    We owe it to our seniors, and to those who care for them, to build a better path forward. It’s time to acknowledge the immense burden carried by the Sandwich Generation and to work collectively to provide the support, resources, and peace of mind they so profoundly deserve. Because when we strengthen the hands of those in the middle, we strengthen the foundation for us all.

    synerkare is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aginginamerica.substack.com/subscribe
    Voir plus Voir moins
    19 min
  • $325 was the fine for Sexual abuse at Iowa Nursing Home
    Aug 7 2025
    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit aginginamerica.substack.com

    By Synerkare Advocacy Team www.synerkare.com

    In the United States a nation that prides itself on justice, oversight, and public protection an Iowa nursing home was fined just $325 after staff discovered a vulnerable resident in a compromising position with another, unsupervised resident. The violation involved possible sexual abuse, a clear breakdown in …

    Voir plus Voir moins
    1 min
  • How Highballed and Homeless: Disproportionate Property Tax Assessments Impact Senior HomeOwners
    Aug 6 2025

    "Highballed and Homeless: Disproportionate Property Tax Assessments," outlines a critical issue where property taxes are weaponized against often vulnerable homeowners, especially seniors and minorities, through over-assessed property values.

    This practice, known as "highballing," artificially inflates tax bills, making them unaffordable for those on fixed incomes and ultimately leading to tax foreclosures. The source highlights that, in many cases, states seize homes and keep all surplus proceeds from tax sales, effectively stripping homeowners of their accumulated equity and generational wealth.

    This disproportionate impact on minority communities is evident in various "hotspot" states, necessitating policy recommendations such as banning surplus seizure and implementing tax caps to protect at-risk populations. The document concludes by calling for urgent reform to address this crisis of human dignity and systemic injustice.

    Synerkare Collective Online “It’s FREE to Join” Click Here to Show Your Support

    synerkare is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aginginamerica.substack.com/subscribe
    Voir plus Voir moins
    17 min
  • It's our moral duty to protect the vulnerable.
    Aug 4 2025

    The landscape of senior care is evolving, and so are we. We're thrilled to announce a significant company update: "Aging in America" is now "Synerkare"!

    This isn't just a name change; it's a reflection of our expanded vision and renewed commitment to the future of senior care.

    For years, we've passionately advocated for the needs of older adults. Now, as Synerkare, we're doubling down on our mission to drive meaningful change and accountability within the senior care health industry.

    We believe that every individual deserves to age with dignity, respect, and the highest quality of care. Our refreshed identity embodies our proactive approach to fostering synergistic solutions and innovative partnerships that will shape a better tomorrow for our seniors.

    We're ready to Reclaim the Screen and champion a new era of transparency and excellence.

    This pivot allows us to broaden our advocacy efforts, focusing on systemic improvements and ensuring that the voices of seniors and their families are heard at every level.

    Our work involves strategic media relations and brand storytelling to bring critical issues to the forefront, creating earned media opportunities that drive public awareness and policy change.

    Join us on this vital journey.

    How do you envision the future of senior care, and what changes do you believe are most critical?

    Share your thoughts below and let's spark a conversation that leads to action!

    #Synerkare #SeniorCareAdvocacy #HealthcareInnovation #AgingWell

    SYNERKARE is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

    I feel as though I have arrived… Thank God- I am here- the Founder of Synerkare



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aginginamerica.substack.com/subscribe
    Voir plus Voir moins
    4 min
  • The Why Behind: Aging in America
    Jul 5 2025

    We often pursue wealth, popularity, or influence, but there’s an innate calling that won’t rest until we connect our subconscious with our conscious. Avoidance can be a guide, as our innate calling may not align with popular beliefs or seem practical. Yet, there’s an audience waiting to see us authentically.

    It’s Important to…

    Embrace this space or acceptance to create what we desire. For me, advocating for the vulnerable is that calling. As a child, I experienced unimaginable pain, but it positioned me in a place where I could either dwell on it or turn it into purpose.

    Acting on Faith: Driven by Purpose

    This led to the birth of Synerkare and the Aging in America project. I’ve come to understand that activism over capitalism is more rewarding because it focuses on positive impacts rather than monetary gains.

    Aging in America is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aginginamerica.substack.com/subscribe
    Voir plus Voir moins
    11 min
  • The Short Bedtime Story About the Revocable Living Trust...
    May 27 2025
    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit aginginamerica.substack.com

    Want to learn about the Revocable Living Trust in a fun and easy way? This short audiobook is perfect for you! It’s a great starting point for protecting your assets, sharing your wishes, and creating a lasting legacy.

    Thanks for reading Aging in America! This post is public so feel free to share it.

    The most common and generally most effective type of t…

    Voir plus Voir moins
    1 min
  • The Correlation Between Plastic & Dementia will Shock You...
    May 27 2025

    Welcome to "Aging in America," the podcast that dives deep into the issues affecting seniors and their families across the nation. I'm your host, [Your Name]. Today, we're tackling a topic that sounds like science fiction, but is increasingly becoming a stark reality: the presence of microplastics in our bodies, and potentially, in our brains. What does this mean for cognitive health, dementia, and the well-being of our aging population?

    Host: We all know plastic is everywhere – in our packaging, our clothes, our homes. But what happens when these plastics break down into tiny, almost invisible particles? These are microplastics. And new research is sounding an alarm about where they might be ending up.

    Presented by the Better Aging Bureau

    https://www.betteragingbureau.org

    Contact admin@synerkare.com

    Thanks for reading Aging in America! This post is public so feel free to share it.

    🚫 Foods That May Contain Microplastics

    These particles are typically microscopic and come from plastic debris breaking down in the environment or leaching from packaging.

    1. Seafood (especially shellfish)

    * How: Marine animals often ingest microplastics in polluted waters.

    * Risk: If you eat the whole animal (like mussels, oysters), you may also consume the microplastics in their digestive system.

    2. Salt (especially sea salt)

    * How: Sea salt is harvested from oceans that may contain microplastic pollutants.

    * Fact: Studies have found up to hundreds of plastic particles per kilogram of sea salt.

    3. Bottled Water

    * How: Plastic particles can leach from bottles or enter during the bottling process.

    * Note: Bottled water often contains more microplastics than tap water.

    4. Beer (especially those made with water from contaminated sources)

    * How: Brewing water may already contain microplastics.

    5. Honey and Sugar

    * How: Contamination from plastic containers, processing equipment, or airborne plastic fibers.

    6. Fruits and Vegetables

    * How: Microplastics can be absorbed through roots or deposited on produce via polluted water or air.

    * More likely: Foods wrapped or stored in plastic for long periods.

    ⚠️ Other Sources of Plastic Exposure in Food

    Even if plastic isn't in the food itself, it can leach into it through:

    - Plastic Food Packaging

    * Especially when heated (like microwaving in plastic containers).

    * Chemicals of concern: BPA, phthalates, styrene.

    - Plastic Utensils and Cookware

    * Stirring hot food with plastic utensils can release particles.

    * Non-stick pans with damaged coatings may also leach synthetic compounds.

    - Tea Bags (made from nylon or PET)

    * Some “silky” tea bags release billions of microplastic particles when steeped in hot water.

    How to Minimize Ingestion

    * Drink filtered tap water instead of bottled water.

    * Store and reheat food in glass or stainless steel containers.

    * Use cloth or paper food wraps instead of plastic.

    * Choose loose-leaf tea or tea bags made from paper.

    * Avoid microwaving plastic containers, even if they’re labeled microwave-safe.

    Aging in America is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aginginamerica.substack.com/subscribe
    Voir plus Voir moins
    9 min