Storytelling Therapy: Between the Lines

From a young age, I was drawn to the power of stories. Between my obsession with the original Nancy Drew mysteries and my love for competing in storytelling contests, stories played a major role in my development.

Of course, stories aren’t just for kids. Storytelling can be engaging and even therapeutic for anyone, with significant benefits for seniors – particularly when the tales are personal.

The Power of Storytelling

“We know from research that narrating life stories can help older people resolve internal conflicts, overcome self-criticism, and improve their sense of self-worth,” says Dr. Karl Pillemer, Cornell University gerontologist and author of 30 Lessons for Loving: Advice from the Wisest Americans on Love, Relationships, and Marriage. “Particularly valuable are storytelling opportunities that allow for ‘integrative reminiscence,’ in which people tell stories about their lives that involve examining and coming to terms with issues in their past.”

Pillemer is referring to his work on The Legacy Project, in which seniors are invited to share their stories as well as their advice for younger people.

For More and Original Article.
Learn what it takes to become a restorative aide.

Exercise Together: 100 Great Family Fitness Ideas

What’s one of the biggest obstacles to bringing family fitness into your family life? Ideas.

Just like our kids, we inevitably get hit with that question, “What should we do?”

The first secret to making family fitness work, is to grab little moments and sneak activity in.

The second secret is to streamline things so you can quickly move from planning to doing.

To apply both of these secrets, the last thing you want to be spending time doing is trying to come up with an inspiration for activity.

So to make that question, “What should we do?” disappear like dust in the wind, I pulled my husband and kids together to brainstorm a list of fun activities for family fitness.

Initially I was just thinking let’s try to get to 100. But then I realized this could get much better and bigger . . .

I’d love for you to add your ideas and favorite activities here. Just put them in the comments. Let’s see how far we can go!

(By the way, I realized I cheated a bit here.  I didn’t notice it the first time I wrote this up but I put cleaning the house down twice as an activity. You can see where I want to get the crew moving! And yes, active chores count!)

1. Play tag
2. Play hide and seek
3. Toss the football
4. Play ultimate football (Make teams and see how you can move the ball up to your goal line by simply doing several passes in a row back and forth. Other team tries to intercept.)

For More Great Ideas and Original Article.

Learn what it takes to become an Activities Director.

Are You at Risk for Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer — the abnormal growth of skin cells — most often develops on skin exposed to the sun. But this common form of cancer can also occur on areas of your skin not ordinarily exposed to sunlight.

There are three major types of skin cancer — basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.

You can reduce your risk of skin cancer by limiting or avoiding exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Checking your skin for suspicious changes can help detect skin cancer at its earliest stages. Early detection of skin cancer gives you the greatest chance for successful skin cancer treatment.

Learn More and see original article from the Mayo Clinic.

Know someone interested in being a Home Health Aide?

Activitites: Easy Card Games for Seniors

Seniors & Their Activities

Activities for seniors is such a hot topic because In the life of every individual, old age is life’s best time. This is an age when they are perfectly settled after achieving their dreams and life resolutions. After fulfilling all major responsibilities of life like settling down children, they become free of all kind of worries including work, business, children and almost everything. In this age, one can analyze their hidden talents and can explore them as well. Mostly elderly spend their most of this time in exploring their hidden talent. Thus, the activities are varied for seniors. But in these activities, playing card games are very common and perfect time pass for them which is liked by most of the seniors.

Activities For Seniors Beyond Calculation

If you think to measure up all activities for seniors in an instant, then we must say that it is not possible at all. From easy to difficult, there are numerous activities famous amongst seniors. The game of card is very well known to all age people and it has several forms as well. But when it comes to elderly, they like to play easy form of card games. In addition to card games, their activities include artistic work like drawing, painting, singing, music, sculpture etc. Besides these artistic activity options, they can do internet surfing, joining dance club, gardening, watching birds, book reading, traveling, scrap booking etc.

See more here

Early Signs of Parkinson's Disease

More than 1 million Americans currently have Parkinson’s disease, with an additional 50,000 to 60,000 cases being diagnosed every year. How can you tell if you or a loved one is developing Parkinson’s? Knowing the early signs can help.

Parkinson’s Early Symptoms

 

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder whose symptoms were first described by British physician John Parkinson nearly 200 years ago. “It is caused by a lack of the chemical dopamine and is a progressive degenerative disease, meaning that there is no cure and it gets worse over time,” says Shelley Webb, a registered nurse from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, with more than 30 years experience who is also an Alzheimer’s Association support group facilitator.

In most cases, Parkinson’s disease has no known underlying cause. However, Webb reports that genetic factors as well as environmental factors such as exposure to certain pesticides or industrial toxins may be involved. The average age of onset is 60. However, the disease has been diagnosed in people at 40 or even younger.

For more and original article.

Learn what it takes to become a home health aide.

7 Steps to Getting Promoted

You have been in the same position for years. You love the company you work for, your commute is great and you even enjoy your co-workers. But more often than you care to think about, the all too common email from the boss, copied to everyone in the company, arrives in your in-box: "It is my pleasure to announce the well deserved promotion," of your co-worker in the cubicle attached to yours.

"I come to work and stay to myself, I keep my head down and my mouth shut. Why do I keep getting overlooked and not promoted?" If you have found yourself saying - or even thinking these kinds of things...THAT'S WHY YOU ARE NOT GETTING PROMOTED!

Gone are the days that employees are "tapped on the shoulder" for promotion simply by showing up to work and not making waves. Employers want to see passion, leadership, a "what ever it takes" attitude and a solution-oriented team player poised for promotion. Today's work environment requires employees to do more with less and often perform work that was previously accomplished by two or three employees, and they want to see the work accomplished without whining, complaining or having a fit.


For More in the Original Chicago Tribune Article.

Learn how to get ahead in your healthcare career.

Tuition Reimbursement Winner for April

Congratulations, Kirstin! 

Kirstin is our Tuition Reimbursement Winner for April! 

She will be getting a refund from us soon. You could be next!

"My name is Kirstin I am very laid back and look forward to working as a CNA. I am very grateful that I have been chosen for the reimbursement. WeCareOnline has helped me tremendously with my job, and my perspective from the residents eyes."
- Kirstin K.

Students registered for a Nurse Aide course will automatically be placed in a monthly drawing to win reimbursement of their course tuition. The monthly drawings will choose one student to win a reimbursement.

If you want to know how to get in on this Click Here for more information.

Remember, before you can win, you have to register and pay for a Nurse Aide course - See our course catalog Click Here.

Or go to our website Click Here.

Alzheimer's and Dementia Part 4 of 4

Late-stage Alzheimer's Signs and Symptoms

The focus of late-stage Alzheimer's is the complete deterioration of the personality. Cognitive symptoms worsen, and physical symptoms become profound. The loss of brain cells in all parts of the brain leads to lack of functioning in all systems of the body. The wild behaviors of earlier stages disappear, replaced by a dulling of the mind and body.

Cognitive and memory problems decline further, and complete dependence on others is necessary

• Doesn't recognize familiar people, including their spouse and family members (a lack of visual ability may contribute to this)

• Needs complete help with all activities of daily living

• Requires full-time care

Communication skills are nearly gone

• Appears uncomfortable, but cries out when touched or moved

• Can no longer smile

• Either doesn't speak, or speaks incoherently, with just words or phrases

• May call or cry out repetitively, or groan or mumble loudly

• Can?t write or comprehend reading material

Voluntary control of the body increasingly disappears

• Can't control their movements. Muscles are rigid.

• Complete urinary and bowel incontinence

• Cannot walk, stand, sit up, or hold up their head without assistance. Falls frequently if not assisted or propped well.

• Bedridden.

• Can't swallow easily, may choke on food

• No more wandering; can't move voluntarily

Health declines considerably

• Frequent infections

• Seizures

• Loses weight

• Skin becomes thin and tears easily

• Reflexes are abnormal

The body shuts down

• May refuse to eat or drink

• Can't respond to the environment

• May quit urinating

• Little response to touch

• Sensory organs shut down: the organs may function correctly, but the brain can't interpret the input.

• May only feel cold and discomfort

• Exhausted, sleeps more

Personality changes and idiosyncratic behavior become extreme

• Apathetic, withdrawn (continues from early-stage Alzheimer's)

• Dulling of the personality

• May pat or touch things repeatedly

As the end of life approaches, the Alzheimer's patient may require around-the-clock care. It will be necessary for loved ones to decide whether that care can occur at home or in a facility. The guidance of a physician or a hospice team will be needed.

Please click into these links to find helpful information. 

• Alzheimers care giving
• Support and care giving
• Read a nurse's perspective on Alzheimer's Disease: Click Here

Part 1 Alzheimer's and Dementia
Part 2 Early Stages of Alzheimer's
Part 3 Mid Stages of Alzheimer's

Quick and Easy Weeknight Meals

Convenience and health don’t always go together on our plates. So much convenience food is highly processed and loaded with salt, fat, and added sugars. Coming up with quick, easy, healthy meals doesn’t have to be daunting, though. These are some of my favorite weeknight eats, plus tips to make your time in the kitchen more efficient.

Convenience is good.  Convenience is great.  I’m a very, very big fan of convenience.  I have two kids, a full-time job, and a deep, deep love of pie.

5 Tips for Quick, Easy, Healthy Meals

1. The secret to easy pasta or rice with veggies. Throw extra veggies into pasta water or in to steam with your rice every. Single. Chance.
2. Meet my family’s favorite recipe: their Falafel Pie.  I make use of pre-made foods for the crust and hummus filling and add delicious cucumber, tomatoes, yogurt, and olives to top it.  Works like a charm.
3. Double batches are your friend. I double-batch as much as humanly possible. Bean burritos work fabulously when doubled. Instead of making just enough for tonight, double or triple the recipe. Throw the rest in the freezer and reheat in the oven or microwave for a convenience meal that’s totally healthy.
4. Prep, prep, prep. When you get seasonal veggies, prep and freeze them. 
5. When in doubt, make a sandwich. 

For More and Original Article.

Learn what it takes to become a health unit coordinator.

How to Safeguard Your Emotional Wellbeing

Emotional wellness is just one of the seven dimensions of wellness. Emotional wellbeing is the ability to know your feelings, accept limitations in yourself, gain emotional stability, and be comfortable with your emotions. It implies that you are able to express appropriate emotions, cope with stress, adjust to change, and enjoy life despite difficulty.


Achieving emotional wellness can be a difficult thing to balance. However, here are some tips to help you work towards being emotionally healthy.

Be self aware. It is very important to be aware of yourself. This includes knowing your strengths and weaknesses, understanding your emotions, and knowing your abilities. When you learn all these things about yourself, you are able to accept yourself and put limits on what you do. Then you are able to appreciate those limits, and you no longer have to compete with others strengths. You can also be better prepared for the roller coaster that the many changes of life bring.

Physical health. Taking care of your physical health is very important. Plenty of rest and a good diet can help to increase emotional stability. A good night's sleep requires 7 to 8 hours of sleep. Not getting enough sleep is the cause of many major health issues like heart disease and depression. 

For More and Original Article.
Learn what it takes to become a Health Unit Coordinator.

Alzheimer's and Dementia Part 3 of 4

Mid-stage Alzheimer's Signs and Symptoms

The focus of mid-stage Alzheimer's is a decline in functioning of many body systems at once and steadily increasing dependence on caregivers. In mid-stage Alzheimer's disease, the cognitive problems of early Alzheimer's get worse and new ones develop. Memory and cognition problems become severe; communication becomes warped; and the personality is transformed.

The person has a marked change in appearance and hygiene as they become less and less able to take care of themselves. Physical problems increase, including problems with voluntary control of the body, and health declines. Wandering, aggressiveness, hallucinations, and paranoia appear.

This stage is the longest. Those sufferers who are able to recognize their own decline are especially at risk for becoming suicidal during this stage.

The range of problems that may occur include the following:

Significant cognitive decline and memory problems continue

• Forgets recent events, forgets their own history. When they can't remember something, they may make up something instead.

• Increasing difficulty in sorting out names and faces of family and friends, but can still distinguish familiar from unfamiliar faces

• Still knows their own name, but no longer remembers their own address or phone

• Loses track of their own possessions. May take others belongings.

• Can no longer think logically or clearly. Can't organize their own speaking or follow others logic. Can no longer follow written or oral instructions or a sequence of steps. Arithmetic and money problems escalate.

• Disoriented about the season, the day of the week, the time of day

• Disconnected from reality. Does not recognize self in the mirror. May think that a television story is real.

Impaired communication skills worsen

• Problems with speaking, understanding, reading, and writing

• Repeats stories, words, and gestures; repetitive questions

• May still be able to read, but cannot respond correctly

• Problems finishing sentences

• May revert to their first speaking language (and need a multilingual caregiver)

Personality changes become more significant

• Apathetic, withdrawn

• Anxious, agitated

• Unmannerly, aggressive or threatening

• Suspicious, paranoid; may accuse spouse of having an affair, or accuse family members of stealing

• Delusional, has hallucinations. May hear, see, smell, or taste things that aren't present

• May have an exaggeration of their normal personality characteristics

Idiosyncratic behaviors evolve

• Inappropriate sexual behavior: may mistake another person for their spouse, may disrobe or masturbate in public

• Rummages through things, hides things

• Restlessness, pacing, repetitive movements: fingers certain objects over and over; tries doorknobs; hand-wringing; tissue-shredding

• Wandering, including chatting to oneself while wandering. May wander away from the caregiver and familiar, safe surroundings. (One-quarter to one-half of all people with Alzheimer's wander.)

• Disruption of the normal sleep-wake cycle: sundowning (naps during the day, active from late afternoon through the night)

Dependence and need for help with the activities of daily living increases

• May eat without help, but needs help remembering to drink enough liquids and to eat enough

• Needs help dressing appropriately for the weather or occasion. May need help putting clothing onto the correct body part.

• Needs help with grooming: bathing, brushing teeth, combing hair

• Needs help using the toilet

• May no longer be safe when left alone: could fall, burn self, poison self, neglect self. Although able to care for self in some ways, needs full-time supervision for safety.

Voluntary control of the body begins to decline

• Urinary and fecal incontinence increase over time

• Has trouble getting comfortable in a chair or on the toilet

• Muscle twitches

Coming next week: Part 4 Late Stage Alzheimer's Signs and Symptoms
Part 1
Part 2

WeCareOnline May Staff Highlight - Debbie Kohlrus

This month we get to meet Debbie Kohlrus.

Debbie has worked in the healthcare field for the past 14 years.  In 2000, she received her CNA license and started working at an LTC facility.  She then went on to get her CMA in 2001, then her LPN license in 2002.   She  became quite passionate about the healthcare field very quickly and knew it was what she wanted to pursue as a career.

She has worked in a variety of areas that have given her much experience over the past 14 years including working in an LTC facility for 4 years. She moved onto working at a VA clinic and got to enjoy a totally different aspect of nursing.  Later, she worked PRN in 12 different clinics at a local hospital.  This was a wonderful hands-on experience for many different areas in the nursing field.  She continued that for 5 years until she started working for WeCareOnline.

Debbie has been married for 10 years and has two wonderful girls.  Her husband is an insurance agent.  Her # 1 thing to do outside of work is spending time with family. She grew up on a farm and loves being outdoors and going camping, fishing, and hunting.  She likes to cook and also enjoys making birthday/special occasion cakes for family and friends.  Debbie made 300 cupcakes for her sister’s wedding, which was quite the experience!  She also likes reading and gardening in her spare time.

Debbie's best advice to anyone pursuing a career in the healthcare field is not to give up!  Whether you choose to become a CNA or nurse, everyone plays a vital role in healthcare.  Don’t underestimate yourself and what you can do or become.  Set reasonable goals for yourself and don’t give up on achieving them.  

Debbie works as the sponsor coordinator for WeCareOnline and also assists with the CNA and CMA courses.  She corresponds with state to make sure each course we offer is approved and ready to go by the start of class.  She receives students’ enrollments and corresponds with them as needed.  She also schedules and manages state testing for CMA and CNA students.

Debbie loves every piece of artwork her children make, so her desk and surrounding walls are covered in her children’s masterpieces!  Her girls also got her a notepad that sings crazy songs when the pen is removed, so that keeps her quite entertained throughout the day.