How Grieving has Evolved for Americans

Walker Posey's family has been in the funeral business since 1879. For most of that time, Posey Funeral Directors in North Augusta, South Carolina, was strictly a brick-and-mortar enterprise. But in recent years, Posey has helped get the family business online — despite initial resistance from his father.
"We've come from the horse and carriage days to the days of webcasting funerals," said Posey, who also serves as a spokesman for the National Funeral Directors Association and as a consultant for funeralOne, a company that offers technological services to funeral homes.
His father's initial resistance to embracing innovation in an industry that's remained largely unchanged since the Civil War isn't uncommon, though Posey said he thinks his colleagues are finally coming around. They're realizing, he suggested, that innovation in death care stands to bring people closer to death and the grieving process, not push them further away.
The nature of grief is transforming. Neither embalming bodies for burial nor cremating them is all that environmentally friendly. And, as more and more people move to cities, cemeteries are often far out of the way from their homes, creating a physical barrier to mourning. The percentage of Americans that choose burial over cremation is projected to keep falling, according to the NFDA.

For More and Original Article.

To Learn how you can become a Home Health Aide.

How to Take Criticism Despite the Delivery

Your critics aren’t always going to be the nicest people to interact with. To take the criticism effectively without the emotional hit to the self-esteem, ignore how it’s delivered.

When a critic gives you their opinion, the first natural reaction is to respond emotionally. It doesn’t feel great when someone tells you all your flaws. However, as business blog Inc. points out, putting your feelings aside to focus on how you can improve will be more beneficial to you:

But the truth is, criticism is often rooted in truth—even when it’s not delivered in an ideal manner. When you receive negative feedback, you have two choices: You can put your feelings aside and try to learn from the situation, or you can get angry and let emotion get the best of you. One method is proactive, the other is reactive.
Guess which one will benefit you in the long run?

For More and Original Blog.

Learn how you can become a Medical Transcriptionist.

The Overlooked Caregiver: Take Care of Yourself Too

It’s an unfortunate paradox: Family members who devote countless hours to caring for a loved one may wind up becoming so worn down — physically, mentally and emotionally — that they may need care themselves.
Pamela D. Wilson, a leading expert in the caregiving industry, addresses this problem in her new book, The Caregiving Trap: Solutions for Life’s Unexpected Changes®. Caregiving can become such an overwhelming burden that family caregivers may become susceptible to what Wilson calls “compassion fatigue.” Symptoms of compassion fatigue include a sense of hopelessness, stress, anxiety, sleeplessness, and a persistent negative attitude. Another term used to describe this state is “caregiver burnout.”
Those who experience compassion fatigue or caregiver burnout often feel consumed by guilt. “We feel guilty that we can’t do it all, but the reality is that we cannot do it all,” says Wilson, a Lakewood, Co.-based care navigator who has helped thousands of family members and professional caregivers with the challenges related to healthcare and aging.


For More And Original Article.
 
Do you know someone interested in becoming a Home Health Aide?

6 Creative Activities That Will Make Senior Residents Smile

The best assisted living communities make it a priority to have an energetic and creative activities director on their staff.  This individual is tasked with keeping residents busy and happy and stimulated. A good activities director will continually ask residents and their loved ones for input so that the calendar is filled with a well-rounded range of assisted living activities designed to engage residents of all different abilities and interests and to reflect their own interests as community members. Assisted living activities are important for more than just fun and games, though. One study of more than 5,500 participants aged 65 years or older concluded that stimulating leisure activities were significantly associated with a reduced risk of dementia.

Putting a smile on resident’s faces is not too hard with a fun mix of activities. They don’t have to be expensive or complicated. Here are five ideas for creative assisted living activities.

1.      Barbeque  Throw a southern barbeque party. Tell the women and men to dress in vacation resort clothes. Fire up the Bubba barbeque pit and serve your best barbeque ribs, pork shoulders and whole hog.

2.      Concert under the stars Beautiful summer weather brings the ability to invite residents outside to a common area and put on a live music concert. Hire a duo that plays music most residents will recognize and enjoy. Serve snacks, cookies, punch and wine –if allowed in the assisted living residence – and let the music flow and the dancing go.


For More and Original Article at www.ssmgrp.com

Like to learn more about what it takes to become an Activity Director?

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.

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.

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

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

Alzheimer's and Dementia Part 2 of 4

Early-stage Alzheimer's Signs and Symptoms

The focus of early-stage Alzheimer's is cognitive decline. The Alzheimer's sufferer, as well as family, friends, co-workers, and medical practitioners start to notice the changes. Memory and concentration problems are evident and measurable by cognitive tests. Communication issues surface. Changes in personality and a few idiosyncratic behaviors begin to appear. As a result, the person's performance suffers both at home and at work. The apathy and lack of engagement that is characteristic of all three stages begins here.

Early signs and symptoms could include any of the following

• Cognitive and memory problems begin to appear
• Confusion
• Forgets names and words; might make up words, or quit talking to avoid mistakes
• Repeats questions, phrases or stories, in the same conversation
• Forgets their own history, recent personal events, and current events
• Less able to plan, organize, or think logically
• Increasing difficulty with routine tasks such as planning dinner, grocery shopping, paying bills
• Increasingly unable to make decisions; defers to others choices
• Poor judgment; decline in problem-solving skills
• Money and math problems
• Disoriented in time and place; may become lost in familiar places.
• Trouble concentrating and learning new things; avoids change
• Withdraws from social and mental challenges
• Misplaces valuable possessions; hides things or puts things away in strange places and then forgets where they are

Communication problems are observed

• May converse normally until a memory lapse occurs
• Begins to have difficulty expressing themselves
• Even if unable to speak well, can respond to what you tell them--to your emotional reactions, and to humor
• Increasing difficulty comprehending reading material

Personality changes are evident

• Apathetic, withdrawn, avoids people
• Anxious, irritable, agitated
• Insensitive to others feelings
• Easily angered when frustrated, tired, rushed, or surprised

Idiosyncratic behaviors start to develop

• Hoards, checks, or searches for objects of little value
• Forgets to eat, or eats constantly, or eats only one kind of food

When Alzheimer's has been diagnosed early, the loss of abilities is often mild, and with a little help, the individual can continue living independently much as they did before. In this early stage, some people experience minor physical compensations, such as falling asleep easily, or immunity to colds, but these positive aspects of Alzheimer's are short-lived. In fact, by the time this condition is diagnosed, some of the problems described above may have already progressed to the point where the individual is already in the middle stage of the disease, needing considerable caregiver support.

New Insights into Alzheimer's Research Learning how Alzheimer's disease begins is key to developing new therapeutics to slow or even prevent the disease. Researchers now believe that a failure in insulin processing in the brain may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease. Read Memory Special Report Johns Hopkins Health Alerts.

-Next week: Part 3 Mid State Alzheimer's Signs and Symptoms
Part 1

Alzheimer's and Dementia Part 1 of 4

For this Alzheimer's and Dementia four part series we'll be looking at what our Nurse Aide course has to say about these illnesses that are associated with many of our aging residents.

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive fatal illness that causes areas of the brain to shrink. The resulting symptoms start with memory loss and other cognitive deficits, advancing to major personality changes and eventual loss of control over bodily functions.

While some of us experience mild memory losses with aging, people with Alzheimer's have a more noticeable and rapid decline in memory and other cognitive skills. Learn the signs and symptoms to help you decide if its time to seek help for yourself or a loved one showing symptoms of Alzheimer's.

Signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's

When Alzheimer's disease begins to destroy brain cells, no outward symptoms are evident. After a while, small memory lapses appear and grow more serious. The afflicted individual may forget the names of familiar people or places, the words to express what they want to say, or the location of everyday objects.

As the memory lapses of early Alzheimer's become more serious, other cognitive deficits and behavior problems develop:

Typical signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease 

• General confusion, disorientation to date, time or place
• Apathy, irritability, depression, anxiety 
• Problems with language, math, abstract thinking, and judgment 
• Personality changes with strange quirks or inappropriate behaviors 
• Wandering, hiding objects, problems with eating and sleeping 
• Late in the disease, paranoia and delusions may occur 
• Toward the end, total loss of self, and inability to control bodily functions 

While these are the major symptoms of Alzheimer's, not all patients have all these symptoms. However, it is good to be aware of the most typical warning signs, as it is important to recognize problems early, and get help for them. Are people with Alzheimer's aware of their signs and symptoms?

People with Alzheimer's show a range of responses to their own behavior and condition:

• Denial (in the early stages)
• Blame others for making them look ridiculous 
• Complete self-awareness (I'm sorry, I have Alzheimer's) 
• Frustration, agitation, rage 
• Vacant despair, with no apparent recognition that they were once a different person 

By the middle stage of Alzheimer's, most victims no longer are aware that they don't remember things or aren't communicating coherently. This is fortunate for them. In a safe environment with good care and social contact, most Alzheimer's patients seem relatively free of suffering. For their friends and relatives it's a different story: the long steady decline of their loved one is painful to watch. The demands of Alzheimer's care also take a toll, over the many years before inevitable death. Depression is more common among the caregivers of Alzheimer's patients than it is among the patients themselves.

The Main Stages of Alzheimer's Disease
Early-stage Alzheimer's (Mild)	Mid-stage Alzheimer's (Moderate)	Late-stage Alzheimer's (Severe)
Memory loss or other cognitive deficits are noticeable, yet the person can compensate for them and continue to function independently.	Mental abilities decline, the personality changes, and physical problems develop so that the person becomes more and more dependent on caregivers.	Complete deterioration of the personality and loss of control over bodily functions requires total dependence on others for even the most basic activities of daily living.

Memory loss or other cognitive deficits are noticeable, yet the person can compensate for them and continue to function independently.

Mental abilities decline, the personality changes, and physical problems develop so that the person becomes more and more dependent on caregivers.

Complete deterioration of the personality and loss of control over bodily functions requires total dependence on others for even the most basic activities of daily living.

People vary in the length of time spent in each stage, and in which stage the signs and symptoms appear. Because the stages overlap, it is difficult to definitively place a person in a particular stage. However, the progression is always toward a worsening of symptoms. The stages identify groups of symptoms that reflect more and more brain decay and increasing dependence on caregivers. The end result of Alzheimer's is death, whether caused by the inability of the brain to keep the body going, or by another disease or injury along the way.

No matter what stage the individual is in at the time of diagnosis, apathy is a major problem from the beginning to the very end. More than forty per cent of people in early-stage Alzheimer's show a lack of interest, initiative, and emotional involvement. In the last stage of Alzheimer's, more than ninety per cent of people are apathetic.

-Next week we'll look at the Early-stage Alzheimer's Signs and Symptoms.

Appetite Stimulants for the Elderly

Older adults sometimes experience a loss of appetite that may adversely affect their health. Even foods they once loved no longer seem appealing. Caregivers of seniors with this problem will certainly want to explore ways to stimulate their loved ones’ appetites and get them eating again.

Causes of Loss of Appetite

There are several causes for loss of appetite in the elderly. One may be a poorer sense of taste due to a diminishing number of taste buds as we age. Our sense of smell also diminishes, and with it, potentially, our enjoyment of food.
Disinterest in food also can be caused by physical or cognitive maladies. Those with multiple medical conditions may be particularly vulnerable to poor appetite. If they are taking medications, they may experience loss of appetite as a side effect.

Weight Loss in Elderly

Loss of appetite can lead to substantial weight loss, which is a major health concern.
For More and Original Article.

Are you a health care facility looking to offer more education for your employees? CLICK HERE

WeCareOnline February Staff Highlight - Bonnie Henningson

This month we get to learn about Bonnie Henningson. 

Bonnie has been in the healthcare field for over 30 years. Bonnie began working as a nursing assistant in high school and later worked as a volunteer EMT. Bonnie’s mother was also a nurse. She originally advised Bonnie not to become a nurse letting Bonnie know that the work was hard and the pay was low.

Bonnie did not heed her mother’s advice and has gone on to possess multiple credentials in the healthcare field! Bonnie obtained a Gerontological Nurse Certification through ANCC, and has been CPHQ certified (Certified Professional of Healthcare Quality). She also has been licensed as a nursing home administrator and has taught CPR and EMT classes. Bonnie has a master’s degree in Public Health with an emphasis on health care administration. She has been a member of NAHQ (National Association of Healthcare Quality), NGNA (National Gerontological Nurse’s Association) and NNSDO (National Nursing Staff Development Organization). Bonnie served on a committee to revise the scope and standards for Gerontological nursing. Over the years she has worked has a charge RN, nursing director, nursing consultant and nursig educator. Bonnie developed and delivered training for staff development coordinators and charge nurses and has presented training at national and state conventions on topics such as pain management. If there were a piece of advice Bonnie wishes someone had given her when she began her career she wishes they would have told her to get her BSN as soon as possible!

Bonnie is married and the Henningson’s have one son and two grandchildren. They also have a Cavalier King Charles. When Bonnie is not working she likes to read, do crossword puzzles, garden, bake, take walks, travel to parks and historic sites, play cards and do hospice volunteering.

Everyone at WeCareOnline plays an important role in helping students have the best online learning experience possible. Bonnie teaches Nursing Assistant and Medication Assistant for several states. Over the years Bonnie has witnessed many changes in the healthcare field. Bonnie states that “Healthcare is a science and we need to be sure to recognize that the current standard of practice WILL change – new studies and research often prove what we once learned to be erroneous and one must do lots of reading to keep up with the changes.”

5 Tips for Talking with a Person with Alzheimer's

Yesterday afternoon, I walked into Mary's spacious room. Mary is a woman who has few visitors and whom I've volunteered to spend a little time with every week. I greeted her, complimented her on her beautiful turquoise sweater and shook her hand.

Then I sat down at her little table that was overflowing with books, photographs, the newspaper and other items she wants to keep close at hand. I started off by picking up a small framed photo of Mary with her husband and three children -- two sons and a daughter.

"Tell me about your daughter," I said, using an open-ended question because they have no right or wrong answers. That's a tip I picked up from The Best Friends Approach to Alzheimer's Care by Virginia Bell and David Troxell.

"Oh, her name is Connie," she told me. "She has four children -- two boys and two girls."
She continued by giving me several details about Connie and her family.


For More and the Original Blog

Learn what it takes to become a Social Services Designee.

Receiving Hospice is not a Death Sentence

I have heard countless patients in my (healthcare) experience tell me they don’t want hospice because they don’t want to die. I understand and have compassion for someone who doesn’t want to die, but hospice doesn’t kill you, and without emotional support and pain management, your life quality is diminished. 
In my work experience prior to MedCure, I witnessed many patients receive hospice care only to be discharged after a few months. Turns out, they received such good care and emotional support that they were cured!  Sounds like a miracle huh?  Well, it happened more than a few times to make ME a believer! Because of hospice, the patient felt better. Because of feeling better, their bodies actually healed itself and they were consequently removed from hospice care. Ask someone who works in hospice this and they will tell you they have seen “miracles” happen too.
Hospice is covered under Medicare and many insurance plans.

For More and Original Blog.

November is National Hospice Palliative Care Month.

Learn what it takes to be a home health aide: http://wecareonlineclasses.com/

Alzheimer's: What You Can Do

Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease can become physically, emotionally and financially challenging on a family. We wanted to take a moment to reflect on the significance of early detection of this disease and more importantly, what you can do to help loved ones.

The Great Foolers

It can be very easy to dismiss the early signs of Alzheimer’s as just a normal part of aging. Paying a bit more attention to mom or dad’s behaviors and habits, however, can make a world of difference in early detection. Here are some signs you can look for if you think a loved one may be exhibiting signs of Alzheimer’s:

1. Memory loss: It’s not unusual for someone to forget where they parked their car or what they went to get in the pantry. When a person forgets how to use a remote control for the TV or how to use a microwave, however, this can be a warning sign of the disease that has gone undetected.
2. Unfamiliar settings: By taking mom or dad out of their own home and into an unfamiliar setting, it can help reveal things that a familiar setting could mask.

For More and the Original Article.

Learn more about becoming a Nurse's Aide.

Are you at Risk: Deaths from Alcohol on the Rise

Approximately 3.3 million deaths worldwide in 2012 were the result of alcohol consumption, according to a new report from the World Health Organization. Additionally, 16 percent of people in the world who use alcohol could be categorized as binge drinkers.

The new report, which examined the trends in alcohol use among 194 WHO member states, found Europe topped the list for the region with the highest rate of alcohol consumption per capita, though the rate has remained stable over the past five years. In the last half decade, alcohol use also remained unchanged in Africa and throughout the Americas. However, drinking increased in the South-East Asia and the Western Pacific regions of the world.

The report found alcohol-related mortality was more common for men than women: 7.6 percent of deaths among men versus 4 percent of deaths among women worldwide were linked to excessive drinking. However, the authors of the report say alcohol abuse among women is on the rise. A similar report released in 2011 found 6.2 percent of all male deaths were related to alcohol, compared to 1.1 percent of female deaths at that time.

The overall number of alcohol-related deaths rose from 2.5 million in the 2011 report.

For the original article.

Learn what it takes to be a restorative aide: http://wecareonlineclasses.com/

Coming Soon: National Nursing Home Week

May 11 - 17 is National Nursing Home Week. Celebrate a Hawaiian Theme for National Nursing Home Week 2014.
 

In Hawaii, the word “aloha” has a deeper cultural significance than a simple greeting or farewell.  In Hawaiian culture it is important to treat yourself and others with aloha, to interact with love and respect and joyfully share life. 

By applying this spirit of aloha to daily life, the people of Hawaii are encouraged to treat others with deep care, respect and humility, leading to individuals creating a better world. Key concepts of aloha spirit include unity, kindness, truthfulness, humility and patience.  

For More

Like planning events in the fastest growing industry? Learn what it takes to be an Activities Director at http://wecareonlineclasses.com/

Earth Day 2014: 3 Gardening Activities for Seniors

What can you do to make an impact this Earth Day, April 22 and beyond? Going green at your assisted or independent living home is a great start to saving the planet. This can mean investing in energy-saving fluorescent bulbs, growing a self-sustaining garden, or simply planting flowers outdoors. For seniors, the latter may hold a special appeal in several ways:

• It’s a fitting tribute to Earth Day as you toil and enrich the soil, while directly connecting with nature
• Gardening is a fantastic outdoor exercise, therapeutic in many ways, plus as you give back to the earth you’re rewarded with the sunshine vitamin D  
• Planting a food garden can represent the symbiotic relationship between nature and man’s sustenance.

With these in mind tryout four (4) good gardening tips you’ll enjoy reaping their benefits:

Grow Organic Food – DIY Compost and Mulch!

Compost is one of the best, most eco-friendly fertilizers there is, and you can do-it-yourself (DIY) free for use every time. Just get a compost bin or make a pile in your garden; your compost material can include grass cuttings, leaves, fruits and vegetable scrapes, and coffee grounds (you don’t have to use manure).

For More.

Learn what it takes to become a home health aide.

Is The U.S. Worried about Senior Population Growth?

There’s been much speculation about how the growing senior population numbers will affect us. Will there be enough economic resources to sustain this huge shift? Will there be sufficient services, like adequate healthcare, to accommodate a graying demographic with their special needs?


A recent Pew Research study examined the attitudes about the growth in aging populations in countries around the globe. Not surprisingly, the research showed the greatest concerns in countries that will have the largest percentage of older adults by 2050.


For more.

Now is a great time to get into Healthcare. To learn more Click Here.

Job Outlook for Home Health Aides

As the baby boomer generation age, a need for healthcare services, and workers to adequately weather this increasing demand will rise.

One such career is that of a home health aide, an individual who has the capacity to assist and aide and individual with a medical condition within the comfort of their own home. Any career that can exceed a growth rate of over 25% in a 10 year period can be said to be growing faster than the national average. With regards to the job outlook for home health aide careers, the numbers are closer to 50% in a 10 year period. Personal assistant and home aide careers are expected to see tremendous growth as well through to 2018, showing the increasing need for in home services.

For More.

Know someone interested in starting a career as a Home Health Aide?