Aging-in-Place Home Modifications

Episode 2: What It’s Really Like to Receive—and Give—In-Home Care
Pam didn’t know what Comfort Keepers was… until she needed surgery. Now? She says it's “the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” In this heartfelt episode, Pam shares how personalized home care—and the support of a nurse and caregiver who went above and beyond—changed her recovery and her life.

You’ll also hear from Megan, a Comfort Keepers caregiver and team leader, about what it’s like to provide care inside clients’ homes, navigate challenges, and build real human connection through compassion and trust.

Hosted by Erin Youngblood, this episode busts myths about home care, shares real stories from both sides of the experience, and explains why in-home care is about more than tasks—it’s about dignity, communication, and independence.

🎧 Questions? Visit ckdurango.com or call 970-515-7055.



Episode 2: Caregiving as Preventative Care Including Medical Care Management

How can we successfully innovate health technology and assist patients on their health journey if we do not understand what it's like to be them?

The Typical Patient Journey

Comfort Conversations: Real Talk About Senior Care

Welcome to Comfort Conversations, a weekly podcast from Comfort Keepers Durango focused on helping seniors, caregivers, and families navigate the challenges and opportunities of aging. Hosted by owner Aaron Youngblood and Director of Nursing Emily Mast, this show dives into real-world topics that matter—like dementia care, care management, veterans support, home safety, advanced planning, and more.

Whether you're a caregiver looking for guidance, a family member trying to make informed decisions, or a senior wanting to stay independent longer, you'll get expert insights and practical advice. We’re here to cut through the noise, explain what matters, and help you take action—with compassion, clarity, and credibility.

🎧 New episodes drop weekly.
📬 Have questions? Email us at ck964@comfortkeepers.com
🌐 Visit us at https://ckdurango.com or call 970-515-7055.

Episode 1: Comfort Keepers Care Management Program

Greg Doig is a passionate advocate for seniors leveraging technology to enhance their quality of life as they age. With a focus on aging in place, Greg is dedicated to empowering seniors to remain in their homes while maintaining comfort, independence, and safety. Recognizing the challenges seniors face, such as managing health conditions and preventing falls, he tirelessly explores innovative solutions to help them navigate these issues. Through his platform, Greg shares valuable insights and practical advice, championing the use of technology to foster connectivity and simplify everyday tasks for the aging population. visit his website and signup for the tech newsletter https://gregdoig.com

Empowering Seniors with Technology: Bridging the Digital Divide

Welcome to *Comfort Conversations*, a weekly podcast by Comfort Keepers of Durango focused on empowering seniors, caregivers, and families with knowledge and support. In this episode, Erin Youngblood (Owner) is joined by Emily Mast, Director of Nursing, to unveil their newly launched care management program — a game-changer for aging veterans and seniors who want to stay in their homes with dignity and personalized support.

They explore what care management really means, how it connects all the dots in a fragmented healthcare world, and why it’s essential for anyone trying to navigate VA benefits, medication routines, or the complexities of chronic care. From medication organization and appointment advocacy to family coordination and fall prevention, this episode is packed with insights about proactive senior care and aging in place.

You'll learn how Comfort Keepers is bridging gaps in communication, offering emotional support during medical visits, and ensuring clients' evolving needs are always met with compassion and clinical expertise.

Whether you're a caregiver, family member, or senior yourself, this episode offers valuable resources to make aging safer, more supported, and less stressful.

Quote:
"I truly believe that $55 an hour is a small price to pay when it's saving your family member from ending up back in the hospital and it's saving them from potentially missing doses of their medications or mixing things up or accidentally taking too much of something."  
— Emily Mast, Director of Nursing

Call to Action:
Call (970) 515-7055 or visit https://ckdurango.com for more information.


Episode 3: Veteran Home Care – Accessing VA Benefits and Support

In this timely episode of Comfort Conversations, host Erin Youngblood is joined by Rob Farino, La Plata County’s Emergency Management Coordinator, to discuss emergency preparedness tailored for older adults and rural residents. From wildfires to power outages, seniors and individuals with functional needs face distinct challenges—but with the right knowledge and community support, they can stay safe and ready.

Rob walks listeners through key systems like Code Red and IPAWS, the importance of building “go kits,” and practical tips for mobility, medication, pets, and power outages. The conversation also highlights upcoming emergency drills, preparedness workshops, and how agencies like Comfort Keepers play a pivotal role in helping people plan ahead.

Whether you're a caregiver, senior, or simply want to be ready, this episode offers essential advice, valuable local resources, and a powerful reminder that preparedness is a team effort.


Episode 12: Emergency Planning

"She was dying and alone—and I realized that giving her my time was more valuable than any other task that needed to be done. That moment shaped how I care for every client since." – Emily Mast

What does compassionate care really look like in the home? In this heartfelt episode, Comfort Keepers administrator Emma Vogel sits down with Director of Nursing Emily Mast to explore how presence, empathy, and communication shape quality home care—and how nurses and caregivers can deliver dignity alongside clinical care.

Emily shares personal stories from her 16-year nursing journey, including her time in emergency medicine and now in private duty home care. She highlights what truly matters to clients: being seen, being heard, and being treated like more than a checklist. The episode dives into caregiver burnout, advocacy, and the power of small, intentional moments.

Whether you’re a professional caregiver, a family member, or someone thinking about a career in nursing, this conversation offers insight, reassurance, and a powerful reminder: human connection isn’t optional—it’s everything.

Call (970) 515-7055 or visit https://ckdurango.com for more information.

Episode 27 - Nursing with a Purpose: The Human Connection in Compassionate Home Care

What if aging better meant not being alone?

In this episode of Comfort Conversations, host Erin Youngblood speaks with Gail Davidson, founding member of Hartwood Co-Housing, about how intentional communities are changing the future of aging. Hartwood, located just outside Bayfield, Colorado, is a multi-generational co-housing model that’s been thriving for 25 years by combining independent living with collective care.

Listeners will learn how Hartwood residents support one another through shared meals, spontaneous chats, and constant check-ins—dramatically reducing isolation. Gail shares how the design and expectations of co-housing not only promote physical safety and mental wellness but also foster a powerful sense of belonging. Erin connects this model to Comfort Keepers’ mission of supporting seniors in place and creating lives filled with connection.

"The co-housing model successfully combats chronic loneliness... In order to go from your carport to your house, you have to give it an extra 10 or 15 minutes because you're bound to meet somebody who wants to just chat."

Whether you’re exploring housing options for yourself or a loved one, this episode is a must-listen.

Call (970) 515-7055 or visit ckdurango.com for more information.

Episode 30 Living Together, Aging Better – The Co-Housing Connection

Finding the right senior living solution can be daunting—and it rarely comes with a one-size-fits-all answer. In this episode, Erin Youngblood speaks with Melissa Swanson, Administrator of Mesa Verde Estates, to explore how families can navigate the complicated world of assisted living and integrated elder care. They break down the emotional, financial, and logistical elements involved in transitioning to a new phase of life.

"I wish it was like black and white, but it's not. Explore all of your options. Don't settle on just the one assisted living..." – Melissa Swanson

Mesa Verde Estates, opening in Durango, features 92 assisted living units and 32 dedicated memory care rooms, offering services tailored to support aging in place. Melissa shares how this new community emphasizes both comfort and flexibility, helping residents receive as much—or as little—support as they need. From private suites and secure memory care courtyards to flexible dining and hospice collaboration, it’s all designed with quality of life in mind.

Erin outlines how Comfort Keepers partners with facilities like Mesa Verde Estates to offer additional care, helping families avoid caregiver burnout. This conversation is full of practical advice for those making complex decisions about aging, senior care, and long-term planning.

Call (970) 515-7055 or visit https://ckdurango.com for more information.

Episode 33 - Mesa Verde Estates – Navigating Senior Living and Integrated Care

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I’m Anthony Dohrmann, CEO. My life is invested in using my God-given gifts to build entrepreneurial ventures. Over the years, I’ve gained insight and unique experiences. I am now the CEO of the most innovating, cutting-edge health tech company providing RPM and PERS in the industry. I’ve been blessed with an amazing family, courageous and loyal team members, and passion. Through all of it, I discovered one unwavering truth: God’s plan is better than my own.

New tracks tagged #aging in place