When You're Visiting A Loved One In A Nursing Home

When you have a loved one living in a nursing home or assisted living facility, it’s important to visit as often as you reasonably can. The stress of moving to a new environment often compounds medical problems and can make recovery more difficult. Staying active and socially engaged is an important part of healthy living, and you can help your loved one stay positive when you visit.

• Nursing homes typically have visitation schedules that you should be aware of as you plan your visit. Dropping by unannounced can be a stressor instead of providing the comfort and pleasure you intended.
• You should not visit when you have a cold, flu, or other virus, as other residents may have immune deficiencies which make them more susceptible to illness.
• Call ahead to find out if your loved one is in need of any personal items, clothing, or other necessities. Ask what time of day would be best to avoid mealtimes and medication times.

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Mental Health Aides and Medical Terminology

Today's class spotlight focuses on two of our lesser known but popular classes: Medical Terminology and Mental Health Aide. Medical Terminology is the backbone to any career in the health care field, and can be an invaluable part of your education. It's also a great bargain at $92.50 (plus a textbook) for a 10-hour class. Whether you work in a front office or are on the floor passing medications, having a working knowledge of Medical Terminology can make a big difference in your day-to-day work. The course is the perfect for people just beginning their health care education, or for working professionals who wish to brush up their skills. You'll learn the meaning and pronunciation of specific medical terms and come out of the course knowing how and when to use those terms. The textbook is also a good reference that you can look back on and review any time you want to refresh your memory. Medical Terminology is an open enrollment class, available in all 50 states, so there's no wait once you're ready to start. You have 30 days to access the class and use the study materials.

If you already have a CNA license but want to expand your skills, consider a Mental Health Aide class. Like Medical Terminology, this class has open enrollment and is available in every state. Mental Health Aides, also known as psychiatric aides, do everything a CNA does, but have the added training to work with mentally impaired or emotionally disturbed individuals. This career path is perfect for people with a great deal of empathy and patience, and those who have a sincere desire to make a positive difference in a patient's life. It's
a challenging position, but one that builds on the skills most nurse aides already possess. A U.S. Department of Labor report (http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos327.htm) adds that, "Because they have such close contact with patients, psychiatric aides can have a great deal of influence on their outlook and treatment." As with the other
career paths we have profiled, the need for Mental Health Aides is growing and job prospects are good. The DOL report adds that, "There is a long-term trend toward treating psychiatric patients outside of hospitals, because it is more cost effective and allows patients greater independence. Demand for psychiatric aides in residential facilities will rise in response to increases in the number of older persons, many of whom will require mental health services."

The Mental Health Aide class requires 60 hours of learning and costs $292.50 plus the cost of a textbook. You will have a full 90 days to complete the class, and you can access the lessons at any time that is convenient to your schedule. In a little less than an hour a day, you can add a whole new dimension to your health care education. Get started now!

Salman Khan: Let's use video to reinvent education | Video on TED.com

Great ideas on changing education to fit the student.

Salman Khan: Let's use video to reinvent education | Video on TED.com

Want To Add On To Your CNA? Take A Look At Home Health Aide

Several career paths open up when you become a Certified Nurse Aide, and this week we're taking a closer look at one of the most in-demand positions, the Home Health Aide (this course is only available in KS for now.)

Home Health Aides fill a valuable role in the personal care spectrum. A Home Health Aide performs all the duties of a Certified Nurse Aide, but does so in a client's home. Tasks generally include assistance with personal grooming, meal preparation, and assistance with transportation for errands and doctor appointments. Because of the relative isolation of home-based clients, a Home Health Aide can also be called upon to provide companionship and entertainment to clients. This often involves reading aloud, playing a game, or simply being available to talk and listen to the client. HHAs can also assist with light laundry and housekeeping duties, child care, and medication administration.

Contrary to popular belief, Home Health Aides do not work exclusively with the elderly. Thanks to outpatient surgical procedures, and the fact that recovery is often more effective and less expensive in the home, HHAs are often employed to help clients recover from surgery or changes in mobility. They also assist those recovering from the physical and cognitive impacts of strokes. HHAs even work with  new mothers and assist with infant care and household chores so new parents can adjust to the unique challenges a baby brings.

While Nurse Aides generally work at a facility, Home Health Aides make house calls and work with clients one-on-one in the home. Because of this, a Home Health Aide's work is varied and challenging, and may include more interaction with the client's family and neighbors than you would generally find in a care facility. If you like an ever-changing work environment, and prefer a close patient-caregiver relationship, HHA may be the perfect career for you. It is also great if you want flexibility in work shifts and locations. An HHA career is perfect if you are courteous, punctual, and comfortable reporting in and keeping careful records. It's a great opportunity to exercise independent judgment while respecting the policies of an employer and the persons in your care.

As more and more people opt to stay in their homes rather than move to a managed care facility, the demand for Home Health Aides is growing. According to the US Department of Labor, "Employment of home health
aides is projected to grow by 50 percent between 2008 and 2018, which is much faster than the average for all occupations...The elderly and other clients, such as the mentally disabled, increasingly rely on home care." (source: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos326.htm).

What is a Restorative Aide?

Like the CMA (Medication Aide), a Restorative Aide is a skill and a job classification that builds on a CNA (Certified Nurse Aide).

Restorative Aides work with individuals who need physical therapy or other restorative treatment. Their primary duty is to address range-of-motion and mobility issues that can impact a person's life and lifestyle. Because Restorative Aides work with everything from rehabilitation after surgery to strokes, clients are not limited to the elderly or residents of long term care facilities.

Under the guidance of a therapist, Restorative Aides assist with therapy activities and are responsible for documenting their clients' progress. The Aide is an active part of a client's recovery, and works as part of a care team. Like CNAs, Restorative Aides often serve as the first point of patient contact and spend a significant part of their time working closely with clients. It is a very hands-on job and requires patience and a genuine interest in the well-being of clients.

Our class is specifically aimed at CNAs currently working in (or interested in) an elder care setting such as a nursing home or assisted living facility. The class addresses the following topics:

• What a rehabilitation unit is and how it functions.
• Effects of aging, inactivity, and disability.
• Basic anatomy and how the body moves.
• Medical problems that will interfere with functional independence.
• How to help residents in ways that will promote independence.
• What to look for when helping someone walk.
• How to help someone perform basic exercise.
• Common equipment used in rehabilitation.
• Basic balance responses and activities to improve balance.
• Ways to interact with residents.

According to the US Department of Labor, "Employment of occupational therapist assistants and aides is expected to grow by 30 percent from 2008 to 2018, much faster than the average for all occupations. Demand for occupational therapist assistants and aides will continue to rise because of the increasing number of individuals with disabilities or limited function." (source: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos166.htm). They
also point out that our growing elderly population has an ever increasing need for therapeutic services, and that these services are most often provided by Aides.

Our Restorative Aide class is available in most states and requires 32 hours of online learning. There is no additional textbook--all class materials are online. \The Restorative Aide class is a fast, easy way to expand your knowledge, increase your employability, and bring a whole new set of skills to your job.

The Medication Aide

Continuing our look at career options for students of our classes, we're taking a closer look at the Medication Aide class this week.


Medication Aide is one of our only classes that requires any previous training. Students must already be a licensed Certified Nurse Aide/Assistant before starting the Medication Aide class. The class is currently available in Kansas and South Dakota.


Medication Aides are authorized to pass medications to residents of nursing homes, a skill that can increase both your job options and your salary. This is in addition to Nurse Aide duties, so the work still involves a great deal of patient care beyond just passing medications. 


While passing medications sounds simple there are many things a Medication Aide must know to be effective at his or her job. Along with knowing the major classes of medications and major modes of administration, Medication Aides must also be able to do mathematical computations to determine dosages and  administration frequency. Medication Aides must also be very detail oriented and able to keep careful records in facility and patient files. In addition, Medication Aides must be observant. They are a doctor's eyes and ears and spend much more time with residents than a doctor. Therefore, Medication Aides are the people who are most likely to spot an adverse reaction to medication, or to notice when a course of treatment is or is not working for a resident.


Job prospects for Medication Aides are excellent and the US Department of Labor reports that this is a field that is growing much faster than average. They anticipate up to 20% or more growth in this field between now and 2018. "Employment for nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants will grow 19 percent, faster than the average for all occupations, predominantly in response to the long-term care needs of an increasing elderly population." (source: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos327.htm). The need for long term care is also on the rise as Americans are living longer and often need managed care in their later years. If you love working with people, and enjoy the challenge of assessing needs and working to fulfill those needs, this is the career for you.

Your Employees Should Be Begging To Do This

This afternoon I had the pleasure of delivering an impressive Valentine's Day arrangement to a resident. She had been quietly enjoying her Saturday, which consisted mostly of sitting in her recliner watching television and waiting for dinner. Suddenly, though, I popped around the corner holding a lovely bouquet from the local florist. It was an event, and one we both enjoyed.

I work with a great Director who sometimes laments that she misses the days when she was able to work more directly with the residents. You've heard your managers voice similar concerns, reflecting on their former roles in direct care positions and supervisory roles. As a department leader or Administrator in a CCRC setting though, these daily opportunities are rarely included in your job description. You must seek them out; they probably won't just come to you. Even as a leader, as a manager, as a Director, you must connect with the residents you serve. Especially as a leader.

So I grab these flowers from the reception desk as I scoot in this morning. Sure, they probably already called down to the nurses station when the flowers arrived, and someone on the other end said they'd be down when they had a moment. I may even pass them on the way down. But c'mon, this is no chore! I'm heading that way anyways, so I'll just take those flowers, Nancy!

Read the rest of this blog here:  http://nursinghomeguy.blogspot.com/2010/02/your-employees-should-be-begging-to-do.html

The Social Service Designee

This week, we continue our look at career options for students of our classes, we're taking a closer look at the Social Service Designee class this week.

Social Service Designees work to make sure that the social, spiritual, and emotional needs of long term care residents are being met. In a large facility with a social worker on staff, the Social Service Designee will assist the social worker. In a small facility the Social Service Designee may fill all the social work roles. The first
priority of the SSD is to do an assessment of incoming residents, and to work with residents and their families to develop a plan of care for each resident. SSDs also work as advocates for residents, especially when cognitive or emotional issues prevent residents from representing themselves.

SSDs learn to apply the principles of "person centered care", and need to understand the aging process and the cognitive and physical issues that long-term care residents can face. An SSD's work also involves budgeting, staff management, admission and discharge processes, and a great deal of interaction with families, residents, staff, and social service agencies. SSDs need to have good time management skills, be comfortable working with people, and know how to balance compassion with efficiency.

The WeCareOnline Social Service Designee class is currently available in 13 states, and more are coming soon. Students have four weeks to complete the class, and must accomplish 45 hours of work in that time.
Since the class is available 24/7, many students finish before the four weeks are up, and all appreciate being able to study on their own schedule. The class consists of four units which cover the basics of person-centered care, the aging process, cognitive issues, and psychosocial needs. The class also covers the business end of an SSD's job. In four weeks or less, students are ready with the skills they need to work as a facility's Social Service Designee. There is no other required training or certification needed to work in the states
where this class is approved.

Job prospects for Social Service Designees are excellent and the US Department of Labor reports that this is a field that is growing much faster than average. They anticipate 20% or more growth in this field between now and 2018. Need for long term care is also on the rise as Americans are living longer and often need managed care in their later years. If you love working with people, and enjoy the challenge of assessing needs and working to fulfill those needs, this is the career for you.

The Activity Director

This is the first of an ongoing series that explores the career options for students of our classes. To begin, we'll take a closer look at the Activity Director class.

Activity Directors are the people who plan group and solo activities for residents of nursing homes and long term care facilities. State licensing requirements for nursing homes almost always require a facility to have an Activity Director on staff, or at least available to the residents part-time. An Activity Director must be able to plan and run a variety of activities that will appeal to residents of all ages and cognitive/physical abilities--no easy task! He or she must also be able to budget, direct staff, and coordinate events both inside and outside of a facility. The job requires skills in many areas, but most of all, a person must truly love working with people.

The WeCareOnline Activity Director class is currently available in nine states, and more are coming soon. Students have four weeks to complete the class, and must accomplish 45 hours of work in that time. Since the class is available 24/7, many students finish before the four weeks are up, and all appreciate being able to study on their own schedule. The class consists of four units which cover the basics of person-centered care, the aging process, cognitive issues, and psychosocial needs. The class also covers the business end of an Activity Director's job, and students learn how to work with facility budgets, how to manage internal and external resources, and how to plan and provide activities to best meet the residents' needs. In four weeks or less, students are ready with the skills they need to work as a facility's Activity Director. There is no other required training or certification needed to work in the states where this class is approved.

Job prospects for Activity Directors are good, and the US Department of Labor reports that this is a field that's growing faster than average. They anticipate 14-19% growth in this field between now and 2018. Need for long term care is also on the rise as Americans are living longer and often need managed care in their later years. If you love working with people, and enjoy the challenge of planning activities to meet a diverse set of needs, this is the career for you.

WeCareOnlineClasses.com

The New Old Age - Getting to Know You

(Note from WCO: The article from the New York Post, below, quotes one of our associate facilities, Meadowlark Hills' Steve Shields, Manhattan, KS.) 

If you have a relative in a nursing home, you’ve probably had variants of these conversations:

Visitor: How’s my father doing today?
Aide: Which one is your father?

Or:

Visitor: Is my mother’s appetite better today?
Aide: I’m not sure; I wasn’t here yesterday.

Or:

Visitor: How’s my aunt getting along with her new roommate?
Aide: I’m sorry, I don’t know. I usually work on the third floor.

Read the rest of "The New Old Age" article - click here

How to Give Without Stretching Yourself Too Thin

As the holidays draw near, we're inundated with requests for giving. Stores want your money, family and work want your time, and it seems there's never quite enough of either to go around. There are the parties, the school and church functions, and a hundred other things competing for your attention. You want to do something special in this season of giving, but don't have any time or money to spare, so what can you do?

How about trying something smaller?

There are plenty of big things you can do at this time of year--volunteering at a soup kitchen or donating toys to needy children--but how about a few things that won't stress you out or break your budget?

Think small. Really small.

Let that car cut in front of you.

Pick up an item that's fallen off the shelf at the store.

Smile at a frazzled store clerk.

Offer to help carry a bag of groceries.

All of these are small gestures that add up to a lot of good will. It's free, doesn't cost more than a minute of your time, and makes someone's day a little brighter. What's not to like?

Have a little more time or energy to spare?

If you're out shoveling your sidewalk, why not do some (or all!) of your neighbor's too?

Like to knit or crochet? Consider making an item or two for Carewear or a similar charity. These groups provide clothing and blankets for infants and children in hospitals. It's a great way to share the "warmth" of the season.

Some people (like me) cook and bake to relax. If you've got a knockout bread recipe, or a family-favorite batch of cookies, consider making extra and donating to a church or food bank that could use some help. Homemade goods are always the best.

Clean your closets. Many charities, like Goodwill, are in need of blankets and warm clothing at this time of year. If you've got an extra bed set that the kids have outgrown, or a pile of sweatshirts that never get worn, pass them along to people who could put them to good use. You'll weed out some clutter, and help someone else in the process.

Love to sing? Round up a group of friends and family and go caroling. It could be at a nursing home, or just around your neighborhood, but sharing your gift of music with others is fun and free.

Giving doesn't have to be about dollar signs or stacks of presents. Little acts of kindness have the biggest rewards. Making someone's day a little easier can do so much more to lift spirits than the latest gift or gadget, and isn't that what this season of giving is all about? You can feel good about making life a little easier for another person, and you won't have to spend a dime to do it!

Addictions and The Workplace

Addictions come in many forms, and bear many different levels of social stigma. While needing a jolt of caffeine in the morning might be seen as a mild annoyance, a prescription drug addiction can be devastating. Addictions run the gamut from substances to experiences--overeating and gambling can be just as addictive as hard drugs, and just as damaging to people and families. Addiction is an unpleasant topic, and one most people would rather avoid than face head on, but as stress levels rise with the coming holidays, it's important to take a moment and talk about this crucial issue.

With caregiving comes stress, and most caregivers are surrounded by a wide variety of prescription and over-the-counter medications. It can be all too easy to fall into the habit of using cigarettes or alcohol to deal with stress, if not harder substances. Prescription drug abuse has risen dramatically in recent years due to the ready availability of drugs, and the perception that because they're FDA-approved, they're safe. When it comes to recreational substance use, an occasional drink after work is not necessarily a bad thing, but can you tell if it's becoming a problem? What about mood-altering pills, or sleep aids? It's hard to be objective about these things sometimes, so the folks at Johns Hopkins University created a simple quiz you can take to assess your usage: http://www.intervention.com/defns.html#addsd

Prescription drug abuse is a serious issue among health care workers, and the only way to change this trend is to be vigilant for signs of abuse. If you pass medications, you're already familiar with the laws and regulations for medications, but the US Department of Justice offers these reminders:

• You have a legal and ethical responsibility to uphold the law and to help protect society from drug abuse.
• You have a professional responsibility to prescribe and dispense controlled substances appropriately, guarding against abuse while ensuring that patients have medication available when they need it.
• You have a personal responsibility to protect your practice from becoming an easy target for drug diversion. You must become aware of the potential situations where drug diversion can occur and safeguards that can be enacted to prevent this diversion.

They have assembled a very helpful guide that helps you spot the signs of drug impairment in coworkers, and lets you know when and how to become involved if you suspect abuse. You can read the full guide here: http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubs/brochures/drug_hc.htm

What if you suspect a friend, family member or coworker might have a problem with addiction? First, take this quiz to help you analyze the symptoms: http://www.intervention.com/defns.html#addop

If you still think there may be a problem, this article shows you what you can do to help someone dealing with addiction: http://bit.ly/doynp3

Finally, if you or someone you know needs help immediately, WebMD has a helpful list of crisis resources: http://www.webmd.com/help/crisis-resources

Stay safe this holiday season!

Is It Depression, Or Just The Blues?

There are many factors that can cause depression. Moving from an independent setting to managed care is a big step, and despite the best efforts of staff and family members, the change of circumstance can bring on a strong case of the blues. Seniors are also more prone to experience the loss of close friends or family members (due to age and illness), deal with chronic pain, and be faced with some loss of independence and mobility. A period of adjustment is to be expected, but if those blues stick around, depression could be to blame. Depression differs from sadness in that it is persistent, long-lasting, and can be far more than just a state of mind.

There are many clues that a person may be suffering from depression. Some of the most obvious are a loss of interest in activities, lethargy, and a general disinterest in things going on around the person. Depressions symptoms are long-lasting and strong enough to interfere w/ daily life. Take a moment and get to Know the signs: http://www.caring.com/articles/depression-signs

How is depression different from general sadness or grief? It's more serious. Don't assume a depressed person can or will snap out of it. As a friend or caregiver, it's up to you to intervene and be proactive. Depression can affect a person's immunity, stress body systems, and cause physical pain. Unfortunately, depression is still misunderstood by many people, and carries a strong negative stigma. People are taught to hide their feelings and mask symptoms, so it can be hard to address the issue before it becomes severe and interferes with a person's daily functioning.

As a caregiver, you might need to go above and beyond to help a resident cope with depression. It's not so simple as telling someone to cheer up and smile. In fact, that can be one of the most frustrating and insulting things you can say. What can you do? If possible, involve the resident's family or friends. A depressed person is often too down to ask for help or realize how far his or her condition has progressed. Support from friends and family can help a person pull out of the crippling sadness and start to participate in social activities again. If a person in your care makes any mention of suicide, seek help from your facility's social worker, or the resident's doctor, immediately. Even without the risk of suicide, it is essential that family members, a social worker, or a doctor be alerted to the resident's condition.

Treatment options

In many cases, simply getting the depressed person out of isolation and into social activities can make a big difference. The change of scenery from a residential room to a facility's common areas (or outdoors, if possible) can pull a person out of dwelling on sadness. Group therapy and support can make a difference. Cognitive or "talk" therapy is a common first step in addressing depression. In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), the depressed person is taught how to break the cycle of negative thoughts and learns coping skills. Sometimes it's enough to talk with a family member or trusted friend, but it might be beneficial to bring in a professional counselor. Your facility's Social Service Designee should be able to arrange for counseling or therapy, if it's needed.

If a resident has a religious affiliation, it could help to bring in members of that person's faith to visit or pray with them, or make it possible for the resident to attend religious services with others of the same faith. Fellowship is a strong way to combat the loneliness and isolation that can lead to depression.

Some medications can cause or exacerbate depression, so get in touch with the resident's doctor, or the person overseeing his or her care, and ask them to review medications for possible negative interactions or side effects. Hormonal issues could also be to blame, so bring up that possible cause when speaking with the doctor.

No matter what the causes, it's important to take depression seriously, and learn to spot the signs before they get out of control. Even though a person's reasons for being sad might sound silly or petty to you, please remember that they are significant to the depressed person and should be respected. Try not to judge, and do what you can to be a good listener and get the resident the help he or she needs.

5 Simple Steps To Help A Lonely Resident

As we move into the holiday season, and the days grow shorter and grayer, many residents may find themselves feeling a bit down an lonely. Here are five simple things you can do to brighten a resident's day and keep the loneliness at bay.

1. Take the resident on an outing.
Something as simple as a trip to a coffee shop, going to see a matinee movie, or taking a short drive in the country can do so much to lift a person's mood. Ask questions and encourage your guest to share stories from his or her life. Be a good listener and you can really make someone's day. If a resident is not able to leave the facility, bring the outing to him or her. Get a take-out treat from a favorite local restaurant, or have a meal wrapped take-out style from your facility's cafeteria. Pick up a red and white checked tablecloth at the discount store to add a festive, picnic element. Brightly colored plates, cups, or utensils add a nice touch, too.

2. Be a friend.
As caregivers, we do the best we can for each of our residents, but some days a resident needs you to go above and beyond. There are those awful days when pain is worse than usual, or they're just feeling blue. Maybe personal issues are getting them down. See if you can free up a few moments in your schedule and sit down and visit with the resident. Let them know that, sure, you have other things you could be doing, but you choose to spend time with them. It could be as simple as chatting about the weather, or as involved as being a sounding board for whatever is worrying or bothering the resident. Think about a time when you were lonely, and how nice it would have been if someone had come along and said "I'm here for you." Schedule a regular visiting time, or give the resident a specific time when you'll be back to visit again. The lonely times go a lot faster if you've got something to look forward to.

3. Help your resident connect with others.
Arthritis and failing eyesight can make it hard for seniors to do things we take for granted, like writing a letter or making a phone call. Help a resident write a letter or email. Is your resident having trouble with a phone or cell phone? Offer to help w/ dialing, or write or type up a list of important phone numbers in large numbers.

4. Small gifts
Bring the resident a small gift like fresh flowers or a small potted plant. A little gesture can both brighten up their room and make their day. But--and this is important--Don't just gift and run. Take a few minutes to visit with the resident. Let them know you were thinking of them and that you genuinely care about them. Then, when they look up and see your gift, they'll remember your visit with a smile, and look forward to the next time you're able to stop by.

5. Make contact
This suggestion takes a little more care and effort than the previous ones. If you can do so without violating HIPPA or your resident's privacy, reach out to others on behalf of the resident, and see if you can arrange for friends or family to visit. Some residents are too proud to ask for help, or too upset or distracted to take the initiative on their own. Ask your facility's SSD to contact the resident's family or friends. Arrange a surprise visit. No family? Drum up a volunteer, pet visit, or something w/ local scouting troop or school. Sometimes it's not so important who is visiting, but that the resident has visitors, period.

Finally, If you have several residents who are dealing with loneliness, try arranging a group activity. A movie night (or ongoing movie club) is a great way to bring people together and get them talking. Invite family members and volunteers, if possible, too. Get the group together and watch a classic movie with an upbeat theme like Singin' in the Rain. Musicals are great because of the lively music and lavish dance scenes! Provide snacks, dim the lights, and let everyone enjoy a movie together. Afterward, lead a discussion about the movie. Encourage everyone to talk about their favorite songs or scenes, or reminisce about other favorite movies and actors from that time period. If the movie had dancing, bring in a volunteer to teach everyone a simple dance based on a song from the movie. Or lead a sing-a-long or karaoke with songs from famous movie musicals.

Sometimes the smallest gestures can have the biggest impact. If you see someone looking down, or who hasn't had visitors in a while, a little attention from you can make a huge difference.

You're a CNA, Now What?

Americans are living longer than any previous generation and the need for long-term and nursing care is growing by leaps and bounds. This is the perfect time to enter a health care career, and achieving Certified Nurse Aide (Assistant) certification is a great start. We've had thousands of students in our Nurse Aide classes. If you really want a competitive edge in the jobs marketplace, though, your best bet is to broaden your skills and make yourself even more appealing to an employer. Many students use the CNA class as a stepping stone to Registered Nurse training, but there are several other options for additional skills.

So, where do you go from CNA?

One good starting point is to train as a Restorative Aide. RAs assist with physical, occupational and speech therapy under the supervision of a specialist. RAs work with individuals recovering from injuries or operations, and are not limited to elder care. Jobs are available in facilities and with outside agencies, so having RA skills can be a great option for people who like to work in a variety of settings. Our Restorative Aide class is offered every month and involves 32 hours of coursework. It's a two week course and it can mean an extra $0.50 an hour (or more!) in your paycheck, according to payscale.com.

Another great option is to train as a Home Health Aide. Not only will this make you more employable, it will greatly increase your employment options. While CNAs generally work in long term care facilities, a CNA with HHA training can work with a Home Health Care agency and have the opportunity to work with clients in their own homes. The current trend is to keep elders in their homes with assisted care rather than moving them into facilities, so demand for qualified Home Health Aides is growing rapidly. As a Home Health Aide, you will help people live comfortably and with dignity in their own homes. HHA is the perfect option for working parents, or people who need flexible hours since you can sometimes schedule home visits around your other commitments. Our Home Health Aide class involves 20 hours of coursework, and is offered quarterly. Is it worth 20-32 hours of your time to boost your earning potential?

Activities for Fall Holidays

Fall is here and that means cooler days, turning leaves, and a long, festive holiday season. Holidays provide many opportunities for long-term care residents and staff to decorate, dress up, and celebrate. The next big holidays are Halloween and Veteran's Day, so here are some ideas you can use in your facilities. 

October 31 - Halloween

Halloween is one of the best holidays for decorating. Almost anything orange, black, or purple will do, and there are countless images and motifs you can use. Children in masks, full moons, pointy witch hats, and grinning jack-o-lanterns. On thing to consider, though--Some people are bothered by the death and monster imagery in some Halloween decorations.

Skip the skeletons and tombstones and play up the fun side of the holiday with colorful, non-threatening decorations. Suggestions include creative jack-o-lanterns, festive candy treats, and "safe" images like black cats and haunted houses. Decorations can be as simple as crepe paper around a window, or as elaborate as transforming a room into a spooky scene.

Pumpkin carving is also a Halloween tradition, and don't forget to save the seeds for roasting! There are several recipes for pumpkin seeds, but two of my favorite are here. The first is for lightly salted seeds, and the other is for a more spicy, savory variation.

If working with real pumpkins is too challenging for some residents, provide them with orange construction paper pumpkins and black or yellow paper to create their spooky faces. You can even cut out some shapes ahead of time and give your crafters a selection to chose from. Pumpkin painting is an easy option, too. The mini pumpkins and gourds you can find at the grocery store are just the right size for everything from a reception desk to a resident's room. You can find several pumpkin carving patterns online, or visit Nursing Home Activity Resource for a long list of halloween recipies and craft ideas.

Since parties are always a big hit, consider scheduling a day when residents, staff and visitors can show off their Halloween costumes. For even more fun, encourage families to bring their children in costume and have them go trick or treating at the resident rooms. Residents could even prepare popcorn balls or cookies beforehand. It's a great activity to bring all generations of residents and visitors together.

November 11th - Veteran's Day

This is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the service of any military servicemen and women in your facilities. Encourage residents to show off their military uniforms, medals, stories and photographs. Ask residents and families to contribute pictures of themselves while they were enlisted and display the pictures on an "Honor Wall" that everyone can see. If your residents have children or grandchildren currently in the service, ask for those pictures, too. Residents can write letters to those currently serving, or assemble care packages. Three great websites are Operation Gratitude, Soldiers Angels, and Adopt a Platoon.

Have idea we haven't covered here? Feel free to leave a comment below.

Considering a Pharmacy Career? We Have You Covered!

As we noted earlier this week, the Kansas Board of Regents has approved our Pharmacy Technician class and we're accepting student applications now. The course is available nationwide. Pharmacy jobs are growing by leaps and bounds, and entry level salaries and benefits can be quite generous. It's also a stable profession and with continuing education opportunities (usually paid by an employer), you can expect to make a career in the field.  Our inaugural class starts October 18th, so sign up now to jump start the next stage of your career!

If you're not quite ready to take the plunge as a Pharmacy Technician, we also offer Pharmacy Assistant training. This 45-hour class will prepare you for an entry-level job in a pharmacy setting. It's a great way to test the waters and see if pharmacy work might be something you would enjoy. It's also a good stepping stone to the Pharmacy Technician class. The Pharmacy Assistant class is open enrollment, so you can start as soon as you order your textbook and are ready to begin. From that point, you'll have 90 days to complete the course, and you may access it any time that is convenient for you. This is perfect for full-time workers or parents who want to increase their earning potential and need the flexibility of an online class.

Both Pharmacy classes make you eligible to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (PTCE.) Candidates that pass the PTCE are permitted to use the Certified Pharmacy Technician credential, "CPht." The PTCB certification program is the only pharmacy technician certification program accredited by the National Commission of Certifying Agencies (NCCA). What are you waiting for? Get started on a pharmacy career today!

cc licensed flickr photo shared by RambergMediaImages

Pharmacy Technician Course Now Approved!

Good things come to those who wait, right?  Well, our Pharmacy Technician program is now approved by the Board of Regents!

The Pharmacy Technician course offers a comprehensive introduction to the knowledge and skills pharmacy technicians need for successful practice. Key areas of concentration include the role of the pharmacy technician in the pharmacy setting, an overview of medications used to treat specific body systems, a breakdown of the different classifications of drugs, and a review of the basic sciences at the core of pharmacy practice. It also offers helpful PTCB examination review, as well as information on career opportunities for pharmacy technicians with advice on getting a job and advancing in the profession.

This is a 160 hour course with 16 hours of externship.  All to be completed in a 3 month period.  The course is taught by Amanda Quelland, who received her doctorate in Pharmacy at the University of Arizona in 2000. She spent a year in residency at the University of Arizona to gain some teaching and clinical experience then worked at the University Medical Center on the University of Arizona campus after completing her residency. She has also facilitated case discussions, given lectures and evaluated students at the university. 


The median expected salary for a typical Pharmacy Technician I in the United States is $32,011. This basic market pricing report was prepared using our Certified Compensation Professionals' analysis of survey data collected from thousands of HR departments at employers of all sizes, industries and geographies. (from salary.com)

Residents' Top 5 Complaints About Nursing Homes: #4

Thank you My Better Nursing Home for the great blogs!  Visit her blog for more great posts!

Complaint #4: Nighttime disturbances

The main culprits:

• TVs blaring into the wee hours
• Agitated neighbors
• Loud conversations between workers

Steps toward improved sleep hygiene:

• Implement a TV curfew and require night owl viewers to use headsets past the curfew
• Encourage night shift workers to report resident sleeplessness so sleep/wake cycle disturbances can be reversed and medications adjusted if necessary.
• As part of inservice training, address ways in which night staff can communicate with each other to avoid disturbing sleeping residents.

Good sleep hygiene on an individual basis can reduce irritability, improve memory, and promote healing. Good sleep hygiene on a unit-wide basis is good customer service that can benefit the physical and mental health of residents and reduce conflict between residents (it's hard to be friendly toward someone who's kept you up all night).

Dance Therapy Improves Seniors' Balance

From Who Moved My Dentures? Essential Information for Boomers on Healthcare, Aging and Caregiving

Two recent studies conducted by University of Missouri researchers found that participation in dance-based therapy can improve balance and gait in older adults. Improved functionality among seniors can decrease their risk of falling and reduce costly injuries.

The researchers used a dance-therapy program called The Lebed Method (TLM), which includes a combination of low-impact dance steps choreographed to music. Sessions were led by certified TLM instructors and adjusted to fit the specific needs of the seniors who participated. The study included 18 dance sessions offered throughout a two-month period. Participants reported that they enjoyed the sessions and wanted to continue the program.

Read the rest of Anthony's blog: Click Here.

Other links:
Healthy Steps Home
Seniors in Motion
Dance and Therapy for Elders
Dance Therapy Improves Seniors Gait and Balance

HIPAA For Activity Directors

In the past year and half, one of the scariest words for activity directors has been… HIPAA! Throughout my travels, I have seen many of my colleagues shudder at the thought of a new set of rules and regulations.

Relax…

The good news is that HIPAA is not as scary as it has been made out to be. I have written this article specifically for activity directors and activity personnel. Since most of us are the makers of calendars, newsletters, banners, bulletin boards, etc., we need to know about the HIPAA policies.

The following article will hopefully ease your mind about HIPAA regulations. That way, you will be able to have your calendars, banners, bulletin boards and posters, while being in full compliance with all of the regulations.

What is HIPAA?

Read more at the Activity Directors Network Blog - click here...

Residents' Top 5 Complaints About Nursing Homes: #3

The patient lift is a machine used to transfer a resident from their bed to their wheelchair and back. No resident I've met likes using one, and I suspect the reason is the combination of loss of control, the frightening feeling of being suspended, helpless, in midair, and a lack of training which makes the procedure more alarming and uncomfortable than it needs to be.

When I was in grad school, all psychologists-in-training were required to undergo psychotherapy. Similarly, aides could gain perspective from a ride in the lift as part of their orientation or ongoing training.

Read the rest of the My Better Nursing Home Blog - Click Here.

Using the Internet to Your Advantage - In Your Facility

While most of us use the internet in our personal lives, it doesn't always occur to us to share it with people outside the home. For long-term care residents, the facility is their home, but how many enjoy the same internet access we all take for granted? Does your facility have internet-connected computers available for the residents, or high speed internet connections in resident rooms? If not, you're missing out. The internet can be a great source of entertainment, learning, and human interaction. Wait - human interaction? Yep. Read on!

Generally speaking, older residents are less likely to be computer literate than facility staff or volunteers. The adage "if you don't know how to use electronics, ask a teenager" is popular because it's true, and pairing teenagers with residents can bring a lot of life and vitality into your facility. Many high schools encage their students to volunteer, sometimes offering school credit for volunteer hours. For our purposes, though, any computer literate, patient volunteers will do. Got your volunteers? Great! Here are some ideas for how volunteers can help residents enjoy all the fun and entertainment the internet holds.

Email and Communication
To the mobile phone generation, email can seem pretty dated, but it's still one of the fastest, best ways people have to stay in touch with others. Everyone loves to receive mail--whether it's a paper letter or an email note--and helping residents access email is a simple but rewarding task. If a resident has limited mobility, a volunteer can take dictation and type letters. For visually impaired residents, a volunteer reader can be a big help.

A common problem for residents is that their family members live too far away to visit frequently. Various internet services can help bridge the gap between visits. At the most basic level, email is a great way for residents to stay in touch with relatives, and to exchange pictures and web links. If you have a headset with microphone available, residents can also use Skype to make video or audio phone calls. It's free to contact other Skype users, and less expensive than traditional long distance service to contact users outside of Skype. Even sites like Google now allow video chat for free. You just need a web camera, speakers, and a microphone (or an inexpensive all-in-one headset). There's nothing quite like chatting with long distance friends or family to put a smile on a resident's face.

Fun and entertainment
Many seniors enjoy doing research on their ancestors and the internet has several resources for genealogy research. This is also a great activity to share with volunteers. Ancestry.com is one of the most popular genealogy sites. It requires subscription fees, but offers a 2-week free trial to new members.

Google Maps Street View

Another fun activity is to take a virtual vacation by browsing photos online. Photo sharing sites like flickr.com and photobucket.com make it very easy to search for images by location. Take a tour of sun-soaked Greece, or help a resident take a stroll down main street in his or her home town. Google earth and google street view images give you the perspective of walking or driving down a street, and I have yet to meet anyone who doesn't get excited about zooming in on their home or residential facility on a satellite map.

We can't forget the internet's most popular options: movies and games. Most of the major TV networks allow you to stream recent shows on their web sites. This is a great way for residents to keep up with their favorite shows without having to stick to a viewing schedule. hulu.com is a great place to find the last three or four episodes of current series, and full runs of older shows. For movies, Netflix is the best deal. DVDs can be delivered directly to residents through the mail, and there is no need to run down to the local kiosk or rental store. Also, Netflix has a huge collection of movies and TV series available for instant viewing online. You'll need to pay for a monthly subscription to access Netflix's services (after a free trial), but the fees are modest and there are no contracts. A subscription could make a great gift for a nursing home resident.

When it comes to games, there are hundreds of game web sites and many are free. Unfortunately, many of the free sites are supported by advertising, so the pages can be flashy and annoying. Certainly not a fun experience when all you want to do is play some solitaire. Even worse, some of these game sites prey upon their visitors by packing the games with spyware and privacy- invading tracking programs. Please be cautious when looking for games, and do not download anything from a site you're not familiar with, or a name you do not trust.

Luckily, more sites are realizing that older players don't want all the bells and whistles, and are developing games that will appeal to this demographic. AARP is a good starting point to find user-friendly games on a trusted web site. All the favorites--sudoku, solitaire, mah jong--are here: http://games.aarp.org/

No matter what you choose, the more you get volunteers or family visitors involved, the more personal interaction your residents will have, and that's good for everyone.

Nursing home resident's say 'we love our staff!'

Balloon Man Visits The Nursing Home

Using the Internet to Your Advantage

Work in a medical or long term care facility is very hands on and person-centered, so most people don't think of bringing the internet into the mix, but you'd be surprised how internet resources can make your working life easier. Web sites and search engines make it easy to find information and answers in a hurry, and there are many online tools that can help you stay organized.

One of the easiest tools is Google's calendar. Here, you can list events from both your work and personal life and have them on one page. You can also mix in calendars for family members, roommates, or anyone else with whom you share your time. Since it's online, you can access it from any computer with an internet connection. A mobile phone with internet or a data plan can also be used to view Google calendars.  

Remember the Milk is another great tool for keeping your day in order. It works online or on most mobile phones. RTM lets you set up a simple "to-do" list so that you never forget an appointment, or forget to pick up milk on your way home from work. It's the perfect way to jot down a quick reminder, or to make sure you don't miss an important meeting.

A calendar is great for keeping your tasks organized, but how do you take care of the day to day home tasks that pile up while you're at work? FlyLady to the rescue! FlyLady is a web site that teaches you how to manage every day tasks (like cleaning the bathroom, decluttering a closet, or squeezing in a workout) without losing your mind. FlyLady gives you tips and tricks to keep your house tidy and your stress levels low.

When it comes to on-the-job resources, there are many web sites available. Med Aides and Pharmacy Assistants can use the internet to stay current on medications and their uses. Try http://www.pharmacychoice.com/ (click the Resources tab) the next time you need fast information about a medication. Online classes are also a wonderful way to renew your Med Aide licence or pick up new skills.

Also, most Federal and State regulations and documents are posted online. Find the forms or statutes you use most often and save them in your web browser (Favorites in Internet Explorer, Bookmarks in Firefox). That way you'll always have what you need at your fingertips. No need to rummage through file drawers or stacks of paper on a desk.

Home Health Aides can benefit from online calendars and sites like Remember the Milk to make sure home visits stay on schedule. The National Association for Home Care and Hospice web site also has many resources. If you've had a rough day and need some support or guidance, the forums at http://forums.agis.com/ let you connect with other caregivers. Share your advice when you can, and learn from others when you need some help.

Activity Directors probably have the most internet resources available. You can find almost limitless ideas for activities online. Try these web sites for ideas and support: http://www.activitydirector.net/ and http://www.activitydepartment.com/

Finally, Nursing Assistants have many online resources to choose from. If you want to brush up on a particular skill or technique, this website has several video lessons: http://deptets.fvtc.edu/nursing/index.htm. Nursingassistants.net is chock full of information and tips to make your work easier.

Since most of our students live and work in small communities, it can be hard to find people who understand your work and can offer valuable advice. The sites above let you connect with people around the country (and even the world), and give you access to information you'd never be able to find locally. Take a few moments to search for information, or explore the sites in this article, and see how much the internet can help your working life.

In our next blog post, we'll discuss ways you can use the internet to help your residents and people in your care.