Blogs
Carol Cummings, RN, BSN, Expert on Aging Well
As Brookdale’s Senior Director of Optimum Life and Engagement, Carol believes senior living should empower residents to make choices that bring meaning and purpose to their lives.
Early in her nursing career, Carol developed a passion for working with older adults. After 15 years in hospital and home health settings, Carol took a position as the wellness director for a Brookdale community, a role she describes as her dream job. Her work in the community led to her current role where she supports the well-being of residents through program and service design and education related to Optimum Life, the foundation of how Brookdale approaches whole-person wellness.
Carol has been with Brookdale for 18 years, and during that time, she’s earned multiple awards for her programs, including the International Council on Active Aging Innovator Award and the Assisted Living Federation of America’s Best of the Best. As a Certified Wellness Coach and Certified Wellness Practitioner, Carol is an avid student and engaging teacher with a passion for challenging aging stereotypes and helping older adults continue to grow and live life with dignity and respect.
How to Avoid Scams that Target Seniors: Three Red Flags to Watch For
Older adults lose an estimated $2.9 billion each year to financial scams, according to a report released by a Senate committee in January 2019. That’s why it’s important to know what red flags to watch out for. Carol Cummings, Brookdale’s expert on aging well, offers four tips for protecting yourself.
Three Tips for Creating an Inclusive Environment for LGBT Seniors
Carol Cummings, Brookdale's aging expert, explains what the senior living industry can do to better understand the unique needs of LGBT elders.
Are You Ageist? The Answer May Surprise You
The negative effects of ageism are well documented, but how do we change the behavior? Carol Cummings, Brookdale’s expert on aging, lays out twelve habits that are surprisingly ageist and challenges us all to take a stand for National Older Americans Month.
Three Tips for Supporting Emotional Well-Being
Being emotionally vulnerable and supportive sounds intimidating, but research shows that expressing emotions actually improves your health. Carol Cummings, Brookdale’s wellness expert, looks at three ways you can support emotional engagement. Click the link to read more.
Ageism is No Laughing Matter
Why is old age often the butt of a joke? Carol Cummings, Brookdale's expert on aging, examines the roots of ageism and how we can combat its negative effects. Click the link to read more.
What You Should Know About Older Adult Nutrition
Our relationship with food may change as we age, but it remains an important part of who we are and how we live. Brookdale experts offer tips to help ensure older adults are getting the calories and nutrients they need.
Healthy Aging: It’s Never Too Early, It’s Never Too Late
As the size of the senior population continues to increase, there is a new emphasis on healthy aging. But what exactly is healthy aging? Carol Cummings, Brookdale’s expert on aging, explains why your genetics, environment and lifestyle are all factors. Click the link to read more.
Six Tips to Help Prevent Falls: What to Look For When Visiting Senior Parents
Visiting with senior loved ones is what makes the holidays special, and it is often the only time of the year we spend extended time in their homes. This is a great opportunity to not only spend time with them but to look more closely at how they are doing in their environment and to make sure their home is safe and free from fall risks.
Supporting the Caregiver Journey
Approximately 18 million people in the United States act as caregivers to older adults, according the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. These caregivers need support along each stage of their journey, something Brookdale Senior Living understands. As part of our ongoing Optimum Life Continuing Education series for healthcare professionals, we’re offering the session Caregiving: Supporting the Journey during the month of December.
Recapping the Second Annual Celebrate Aging Film Festival
Carol Cummings recaps the Second Annual Celebrate Aging Film Festival, highlighting some great moments and special takeaways.