When older adults are asked what truly matters to them, the answers are strikingly consistent — across time, geography, and context. They talk about people. About connection. About meaning. A
Op-Ed in the Philadelphia Inquirer: Why Companion Volunteers MatterOp-Ed in the Philadelphia Inquirer: Why Companion Volunteers Matter
Originally published in the Philadelphia Inquirer on June 29, 2025, this op-ed highlights a critical issue: nearly half of the 1.5 million people living in long-term care communities never receive
Bringing Purposeful Entertainment to People Living with DementiaBringing Purposeful Entertainment to People Living with Dementia
An Interview with Bill Uniowski, Startup Co-Founder and CEO of Zinnia TV Paul: I just wanted to, first of all, thank you for doing this. And I think it’s really
Why Volunteer Tech Matters: A Conversation with Vome’s Ron SegevWhy Volunteer Tech Matters: A Conversation with Vome’s Ron Segev
“Volunteers are not ‘a nice to have.’ They’re an essential part of the delivery of care.” In this wide-ranging conversation, NALTCV founder Paul Falkowski sits down with Ron Segev, Co-Founder of
Listening with the Heart _Partner SpotlightListening with the Heart _Partner Spotlight
As a proud partner of NALTCV, the Validation Training Institute embodies our shared belief in the power of empathy, respect, and authentic connection with older adults. We’re honored to feature
This Memorial Day, Visit a VeteranThis Memorial Day, Visit a Veteran
This Memorial Day, remember the veterans living in long-term care communities—many of whom are isolated and forgotten. Learn how one hour a week as a companion volunteer can honor their
Let’s Call It What It IsLet’s Call It What It Is
Let’s call it… People living in long-term care communities are being left behind. They’re surrounded by machines, medications, and schedules—but not people. Not their people. Nearly half the people living
A New Year, A New CommitmentA New Year, A New Commitment
While so much in our world feels uncertain, one thing remains certain: we need each other. The people living in our long-term care communities need us. While I don’t have
My Conversation with ClarenceMy Conversation with Clarence
Reflecting on 30-Plus Years of Long-Term Care Visits As the year draws to a close, I find myself thinking about the many, many stories and encounters I’ve had over the
Why Volunteers are the Best Investment You are Not MakingWhy Volunteers are the Best Investment You are Not Making
In today’s long-term care landscape, every decision must serve the bottom-line. Commenting on how frequently he’s pitched buying new technology a CEO said, “They’re not telling what the return on
“Reflecting on What I’ve Heard”“Reflecting on What I’ve Heard”
My hope is that this post stirs something deep within you...
Loneliness SucksLoneliness Sucks
“The emotional pain I feel is far greater than any physical pain that I feel.” I will never forget hearing this. I had asked a woman in a nursing home
It’s Time To Pay More Than Lip Service To Recognizing Volunteers As Being Critical To Quality Of Life For People Living In Long-Term Care CommunitiesIt’s Time To Pay More Than Lip Service To Recognizing Volunteers As Being Critical To Quality Of Life For People Living In Long-Term Care Communities
The Real Impact of Well-Trained Volunteers For the past thirty years, I have extolled the real, positive impact that well-trained volunteers have on a person’s quality of life and care
How to Build Support for a Volunteer Program Among Care StaffHow to Build Support for a Volunteer Program Among Care Staff
Introduction Implementing a successful volunteer program in long-term care communities can significantly enhance the quality of life for residents, bringing fresh energy, companionship, and a sense of connection to the
Unlocking Revenue Growth Through Volunteer EngagementUnlocking Revenue Growth Through Volunteer Engagement
Strong volunteer programs can significantly impact the revenues and census of skilled nursing communities by enhancing the overall quality of care and the community’s perception of the nursing home. Strong
“Remember Me As HUMAN:” The Author in All of Us“Remember Me As HUMAN:” The Author in All of Us
Not Just a Book In the heartwarming embrace of Lucy Walsh’s newly published work, ‘Remember Me As HUMAN,’ we find not just a book, but a beacon of light on
Compassionate Volunteers Make Authentic DifferencesCompassionate Volunteers Make Authentic Differences
Building Authentic Bonds Introduction Creating strong, authentic bonds can have a transformative impact on everyone involved, but it is especially powerful in the context of long-term care communities. Compassionate volunteers
Building New Bridges Overcoming FearBuilding New Bridges Overcoming Fear
Overcoming hesitations in visiting the local long-term care community . Introduction It’s no longer a surprise to learn that loneliness is a pervasive issue among the people living in long-term
Embracing Long-Term Care Companionship 2023 and BeyondEmbracing Long-Term Care Companionship 2023 and Beyond
Reflecting on 2023 and Looking Forward to 2024 – Embarking on a transformative journey through Long-Term Care Companionship 2023 and beyond, we reflect on the past, embrace the present, and
“Cultivating Connection: The Key to Combatting Loneliness in Long-Term Care”“Cultivating Connection: The Key to Combatting Loneliness in Long-Term Care”
5 Reasons a Robust Volunteer Initiative is Vital for Long-Term Care Communities ____________________________________________________________________________________ Introduction: It is encouraging to see the number of authors who are posting articles addressing the issues
The Season of Family, Friends & GivingThe Season of Family, Friends & Giving
Why we need more companions in long-term care As the leaves turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold, and the air becomes crisper with each passing day, we find
Breaking IsolationBreaking Isolation
How volunteers bring comfort to people living in long-term care communities . Introduction In today’s fast-paced world, where everyone seems to be constantly on the move, it’s easy to forget