Avoid Stupid Mistakes on Facebook

photo courtesy of Adriano Gasparri

Facebook. Whether you use it daily, or just enough to keep in touch with family, there's a good chance that you have a Facebook account. There's also a better than average chance that you're making a few "stupid" mistakes. From sharing too much personal information to being overwhelmed with friend requests, there are many ways to put yourself in a tight spot with Facebook. Here are six "stupid" mistakes you can avoid (and how to fix them), courtesy of the personal productivity blog, Lifehacker. Be sure to check out the additional tips at the end of the article to help make your Facebook experience even better!

The Stupid Things You Do on Facebook (and How to Fix Them)

Kelly Clarkson's "Stronger" at the Seattle Children's Hospital

Recently, a group of nurses, and their patients fighting cancer, got together and performed an inspiring version of Kelly Clarkson's "Stronger". The video went viral on the internet and BoingBoing compiled a great story on it including a message from Kelly to the stars of the video. Read the full story on BoingBoing, and check out the video below.

The True Cost of At-Home Caregiving

The demand for in-home care services is growing by leaps and bounds, and more people are making the decision to become caregivers for aging relatives rather than placing family members in managed care facilities. Each family has its own dynamic and reasons for choosing at-home care over a facility, and the media is finally beginning to cover this trend. A recent series on NPR took a closer look at "Discovering The True Cost Of At-Home Caregiving". It's a deeper look at the financial, lifestyle, and emotional costs that caregivers face.

While most of our students work as professional caregivers, many also care for family members outside of work hours. That's when our online learning options are best. They allow you to increase your skills and knowledge while keeping on top of duties in the home. It's also an example of how training--like the classes we offer at WeCareOnline--can help family members who suddenly find themselves being caregivers. From a basic introductory class like Medical Terminology to the comprehensive Certified Nurse Aide program, our online learning options can help new at-home caregivers make sense of the demands of at-home medical care.

Six Simple Ways to Avoid Burnout

Stress is a constant in many people's lives, but when you work as a caregiver, it can be even worse than usual. It takes a lot of energy to always put other people's needs before your own, and burnout is all too common. "The Simple Dollar" blog offers a few suggestions for making sure you're taking care of yourself! Click on the image below to see it full size, or click here.

Source: TheSimpleDollar.com

National Nurses Week

It's National Nurses Week! From May 6-12, the American Nurses Association encourages people to celebrate nursing and promote the profession. This year's theme is "Advocating, Leading, Caring," and the ANA web site has many suggestions for commemorating the week. You can read about the history of Nurses week here (History) and find a list of activities there, too (How to Celebrate Nurse's Week). Since many of our students begin their nursing careers with our Certified Nurse Assistant classes, and since we have Registered Nurses among our teaching staff, we know how important this recognition is to you, your families, and co-workers. Thank you, RNs, for all you do.

Alternative Methods, Remarkable Results

This is the remarkable story of a former military paratrooper and how he went from walking with crutches and leg braces to sprinting un-aided. When conventional medicine failed, he turned to yoga for solutions. It's a wonderful reminder of the power of the human spirit, and of the benefits of non-traditional healing methods.

Life's too Short for Regret

A former palliative care nurse now writes a wonderful blog called "Inspiration and Chai". Recently, she wrote a piece reflecting on the top five regrets she heard from the patients in her care.

"People grow a lot when they are faced with their own mortality. I learnt never to underestimate someone's capacity for growth. Some changes were phenomenal. Each experienced a variety of emotions, as expected, denial, fear, anger, remorse, more denial and eventually acceptance. Every single patient found their peace before they departed though, every one of them. "


It's a reminder to live our own lives to minimize regret. But even more than that, it's an insight into what might be going through the minds of the people we care for everyday. As she writes in the blog, "Life is a choice. It is YOUR life. Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly. Choose happiness."

Read more here: Regrets of the Dying

Avoiding Caregiver Burnout

Photo courtesy of aktivioslo

 For most healthcare workers, the caregiving doesn't stop when you leave work. You have children, parents, and even pets that demand your time and attention. There are always meetings and appointments, and never enough hours in the day. In all the hustle, it can be easy to forget to take care of yourself, and start to burn out. But sometimes something as simple as a checklist can help you remember to slow down and take a few minutes to catch your breath. You may only have five minutes to yourself, but it's enough to run through the list and make sure you're not forgetting your basic needs. Use the link below to get an online or printable version of the list, and make sure you're taking care of YOU, too!

Fill Out This Daily Checklist to Avoid Neglecting Your Personal Needs

The Changing Face of Alzheimer's

For years, Alzheimer's has been closely linked to dementia and the elderly in the public's perception. Thanks to recent treatment options, and a greater understanding of the disease, this is beginning to change. Early-onset Alzheimer's has grabbed media attention and is showing everyone a different side of the disease. It's no longer limited to frail, elderly individuals in managed care settings. This article from the Chicago Tribune shows how many Alzheimer's patients are continuing to live fulfilling lives while managing the symptoms of the disease.

"Alzheimer's can progress at different rates, with many younger onset patients remaining engaged and enthusiastic for years after the diagnosis, experts say. That message got a major boost when Pat Summitt, 59, the University of Tennessee's legendary women's basketball coach, recently announced that she had symptoms of Alzheimer's but pledged to continue coaching.

"I love it that people like (Summitt) are out there saying they have it," said Nicole Batsch, director of early stage services at the Alzheimer's Association-Greater Illinois Chapter in Chicago, supporting patients going through the first phase of the disease. "It will help reduce the stigma. For patients, it will help them recognize symptoms."

Read more here: Younger Onset Alzheimer's Patients Stay Active.

Best Jobs in Healthcare

Photo courtesy of Lower Columbia College

The healthcare industry continues to grow, and now is a great time to start or advance your career. Thanks to the popularity of home health care options and outpatient therapies, it's now easier than ever to find a job that will fit your schedule and commute. Salary.com has a fresh review of the hottest jobs here: http://www.salary.com/hot-jobs-in-health-care/

The first four are all counseling-related, so if you have ever considered formal training for this, now is a good time to act on that. Medical assistants and physician's assistants continue to be in demand, too. Two of the best jobs for salary and schedule flexibility are Pharmacy Technician and Home Care Aide, respectively. We Care Online offers comprehensive training in both. Home Health Aide is a 20 hour class which is available to Kansas residents. Our Pharmacy offerings start with the 45-hour Pharmacy Assistant class which is available everywhere and will prepare you for an entry level job in a pharmacy setting. The comprehensive Pharmacy Technician program is much more in-depth and even includes a working "externship" in a real pharmacy. This class will give you the skills you need to go from the online classroom to a career.

The Power of Music, part 2

Photo by Arlington County

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about a recent story in which a patient with Alzheimer's "comes alive" when he listens to music from his past. (Click here to read the story). This week I have a follow-up story. That video clip was part of a film called Alive Inside which follows social worker Dan Cohen and his interactions with people in elder care facilities. In it, he creates personalized playlists of songs for the people he works with, and connects with them in ways that many healthcare workers did not think was possible.

For Elders With Dementia, Musical Awakenings has more about this remarkable story and includes a list of Mr. Cohen's tips on music and the elderly. It's amazing what you can do with a little handheld music player! If you have a chance to try any of his tips, we'd love to hear from you in the comments.

National Nursing Home Week

The National Health Care Association is celebrating National Nursing Home Week (NNHW) from May 13-19 this year. As their press release notes, "NNHW 2012 recognizes residents in long term care settings who live life to the fullest and the dedicated staff who care for them. This observance is a perfect opportunity to involve families, community members, youth and others in a community-wide show of support and respect for these individuals and the staff who provide the care or provide support services."

For a list of activities and ways your facility can participate, please see the National Health Care Association's guidebook at http://www.ahcancal.org/events/national_nursing_home_week/Documents/NNHWeb.pdf.

For a complete list of resources and activities, see their web site: National Nursing Home Week

Forever Young at Heart

Here's another great video that's going around this week. A 90-year old woman dances with a troupe based out of Salt Lake City, Utah. Not only is she still dancing up a storm at 90, but...well, watch the clip and you'll see! Some people say, "you're only as old as you feel," and she's living proof.

Job Hunting Resources

Photo by Ian Lamont

Are you still using the newspaper classifieds to find your next job? It seems like most people are turning to online sites for job listings, but with so many out there, where do you begin?

Job sites like careerbuilder.com and jobing.com can be a great resource, but they post listings from potentially thousands of employers a day, so it can be hard to separate the good from the bad. If you're searching online, your best bet is to go directly to the web site of the company that's hiring. Sometimes that's a particular nursing home or assisted living facility and sometimes it's a web site for a corporation that owns several types of health care facilities. If you don't know the web address of the company, you can type their name into any search engine and find the site quickly. It's not a foolproof method, but it'll help you limit your searches to local companies.

Where I live, most of the assisted living facilities hang banners outside their buildings when they have a job opening. In the past week, I've seen at least three different homes seeking CNAs and Restorative Aides. In this case, it's worth the effort to dress up a little and drop off your resume in person. If possible, call ahead and ask to speak with the hiring manager. That way you can meet the person responsible for hiring and not just leave your resume with a receptionist. It's even better if you can bring a cover letter to accompany your resume. That way the hiring manager will know you're serious about wanting a job, and you'll help your resume stand out from the crowd. This cover letter is for a Registered Nurse, but it's a good guide you can use for your own letter. http://media.newjobs.com/mm/usen/content/pdf/cover-letter-nurse.pdf. If you need tips on brusing up your resume, this site has a great list - http://articles.chicagotribune.com.

And don't forget the We Care Online forum! It's small, but growing, and is the perfect place to find current listings from companies and individuals who are seeking We Care Online students. 

The Power of Music

"To watch Henry—an elderly man who has spent over ten years in a nursing home, barely able to answer yes or no questions—come alive when listening to music from his past is a reminder of the powerful, inspiring, and affecting power of music." This is a recent article from Time magazine that is making the rounds on the internet. It's a touching story and probably a familiar scene to many of you who work with patients with cognitive disabilities.

Read more and watch the video here: http://newsfeed.time.com

Spring Celebrations for your Facility

flickr photo by tiaragwin

With Easter right around the corner, stores are full of chocolate bunnies and jelly beans, and Spring is in the air. This is also a very special time for both Christians and Jewish members of the community. To bring some of the holiday spirit to your residents, I've included a couple of links to festive activities.

First off, Easter Story Cookies. The link includes the recipe and a list of bible passages that accompany each ingredient in the cookies. This is directed at children, but can easily be changed into a devotional exercise / bible study for your adult residents. Each step of the cookie mixing gives you a chance to read a bible passage and reflect upon its meaning. The cookies bake overnight and give you a fun Easter surprise in the morning!

flickr photo by Lawrence

Also significant is the the Jewish festival of Passover, which runs from April 6-14 this year. This is a time when members of the faith celebrate the liberation of Israelites from Egyptian slavery (as recorded in the Biblical book of Exodus). Passover is traditionally marked with a "Seder" dinner in which every part of the meal is linked to scripture and guides the participants in prayer and reflection. To learn more about Passover, visit chabad.org. For more about the Seder, see this link about the Passover feast: http://christianity.about.com/od/biblefeastsandholidays/p/passoverfeast.htm.

Need New Activities Ideas?

As an Activity Director, it can be a challenge to come up with new and interesting activities for your residents. Activities are always a popular topic in the Activity Director class discussion board and many facilities have the same activities in common. Bible study/devotions, Bingo, and group memory games are the tried and true favorites, but if you're looking for something a little different, I have a good web site for you - http://www.notjustbingo.com/

Since April is just around the corner, here's a link to their April suggestions - http://www.notjustbingo.com/activity-calendars/april-calendar.html.

Tin can herb pots? Broadway musical bingo? Zodiac social? These are all fun and unique twists on popular themes. Hopefully this can help you bring some excitement to your activity planning!

National Statistics for Your Job Title - How Does Your Job Size Up?

Job hunting is hard work, and when you're choosing a career path and not just a temporary position, it can be even worse. There are so many unknowns. How can you possibly know what positions will be in demand in the future, or what jobs could lead to further opportunities? Are you receiving a fair wage for the work you do? I don't have all the answers, but I did want to share a great resource with you. The Bureau of Labor Statistics regularly reviews positions across the spectrum of employment and has a wealth of information available on their website. To save you some clicking, I have linked to all the job titles that are relevant to We Care Online classes.



Home Health Aide - http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes311011.htm
Pharmacy Technician - http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292052.htm
Medication Aide - http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos164.htm
Health Unit Coordinator - http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos151.htm
Restorative Aide - http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos166.htm
Certified Nursing Assistant - http://www.bls.gov/soc/2010/soc311014.htm
Mental Health Aide - http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos059.htm

Spring Has Sprung

photo credit: Shane Kemp

Today is the first day of spring. It's a time to look forward to warmer temperatures and the end of cold, gray days. It's also a great time to get organized and have a jump start on summer relaxation. If you're a clerical or Unit Coordinator employee, this is the perfect time to take stock of your desk or work area and do some spring cleaning. You might already have a clean work space, but is it cluttered? It's amazing how much stress you can eliminate by just tidying up and decluttering your desk.

If you're a CNA or Restorative Aide and share a workstation with others, you can ask everyone on your team to take a couple minutes to straighten up around your area. It's the perfect time to take home the extra winter clothes, or take the old coffee cups to the break room for washing. Have any stray decorations sticking around from the holidays? Now's the time to file away or discard items.

If you work directly with residents, you can also help them with a bit of spring cleaning. You might find a sweater that's been draped over a chair and unused for months, or a spare blanket that could use a trip to the laundromat. Maybe there's a pile of Christmas cards or family photos that need sorting and organizing? Sometimes something a simple as rearranging pictures on the wall or photos on a dresser can bring a fresh change to a room.

Take advantage of this season of change and renewal and get out of the winter blahs. Say hello to Spring!

Virtual Vacation: Hawai'i

photo credit: Sarah Ackerman

While most assisted living residents aren't housebound, many are unable to travel very far from their homes. Exotic vacations are a thing of the past. Luckily, with a little planning and an internet connection, you can easily bring a mini vacation directly to your residents.

Who doesn't love an excuse for a social gathering? Even better, you can use it as an opportunity to encourage everyone to share stories about trips they've taken in the past. It's a present day party and a remembering game all in one!

Having just returned from a vacation myself, I'm picking Hawaii for the first virtual vacation. There are thousands of beautiful images of flowers, beaches, and the ocean online, but if you want to bring a little more fun, check out an inexpensive party shop like Oriental Trading Company for all your luau supplies.

Nothing says Hawaii like traditional music, and there are several radio stations online that stream Hawaiian music 24/7. Plug a set of speakers into your computer or smartphone and queue up your favorite station.

Food is a must for this vacation, too. Fresh fruit and drinks are plentiful on the islands, and if your residents have a sweet tooth, a pineapple upside-down cake is the perfect treat. It can easily be prepared as a sheet cake to serve many, or as cupcakes for individuals. If you have residents who need to watch their sugar intake, a bowl of sugar-free tropical punch is a must (just mix a tropical-flavored drink mix with club soda to add extra sparkle). Top drinks with a festive paper umbrella to complete the image.

Aloha!

How to be a Positive Person

cc licensed ( BY NC ND ) flickr photo by m.a.x

We've all seen this person at work: the sourpuss. The complainer. The "bad case of the Mondays". A little negativity can spread like wildfire and soon everyone is feeling grouchy. No one wants to be around that kind of attitude, and no one wants to get pulled down. What can you do to keep things upbeat? How can you be the kind of person that everyone wants to be near? Check out what Michael Hyatt has to say on the matter - 7 Steps to Becoming a Happy Person Others Want to be Around.

Pets in Assisted Living Settings

Does your facility have any resident pets? If not, have you thought about adding a cat, dog, or even birds or fish to the community? This video from ourparents.com is a quick look at things to consider when adding
permanent pets to the mix.

Many facilities are adopting pets beyond common cats and dogs. A nursing home in Oregon welcomes therapy rabbits, and a retired pastor in upstate New York trains a herd of therapy donkeys! The sky's the limit when it comes to love and "fuzz therapy".

Spotlight: Certified Nursing Assistant

One of our most popular classes is the introductory Certified Nursing Assistant class. Many students use it as a stepping stone to further education (often as a Registered Nurse), but many choose to build their careers as CNAs. It's a challenging, but rewarding, job and this video does a great job of shedding some light on what a day in the life of a CNA is like. See anything familiar here?

Are You Dehydrated?

We've all heard that we should drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day to maintain proper hydration, but how many of us really take the time to measure our fluid intake? It can be even worse for residents in nursing homes and managed care facilities. Many residents are on multiple medications, and these can have profound effects on the fluid balance in their bodies. There may also be behavioral or physical obstacles to getting enough water. Dehydration is a serious issue in managed care settings, and it's worth the extra effort to make sure that both you and your residents are staying hydrated.

"It's winter and cold outside so no one is sweating," you might say? It's true that you're not sweating like in the summer heat, but even in cold temperatures, we lose water through sweat. Also, home and commercial heaters dry the air significantly. It's very tough to stay properly hydrated when you are surrounded by such dry air. Dehydration can contribute to everything from decreased cognitive abilities to an increased risk of urinary tract infections. The Nursing Home Abuse Blog has a great article on the subject.

Need another reason to take dehydration seriously? A recent study showed that, in women, "dehydration caused little reduction in cognitive ability, but did cause significant fatigue, tension and anxiety." (from Scientific American).We all have enough stress in our lives. Those eight glasses of water might go a long way towards keeping you healthy and happy. Do it for your residents and for yourself! 

 cc licensed ( BY NC SD ) flickr photo shared by Bill Ruhsam

Making Health Care More Accessible

Now that internet access is available to almost everyone, many people turn to online resources for information and advice. But many more still prefer to get their information from books and turn to their local libraries for help. An innovate program at one Arizona library is taking this service to the next level. They have hired a full-time registered nurse to assist library patrons with their healthcare questions and issues. She spends her time at six different library locations throughout the city and helps people with everything from diabetes information to referrals in domestic abuse situations. As anyone who works in healthcare knows, care is never limited to just a doctor's office or a managed care facility. It's interesting to see new and creative options like this!

Mardi Gras Celebration

This year's Mardi Gras fell on Tuesday, the 21st. Mardi Gras is celebrated around the world, but most famously in Brazil's Carnival and New Orleans's series of parades and parties. It's a chance for people to indulge before entering the Christian Lenten season, a time of reflection and fasting. While the heavy indulgence and wild parties are too excessive for an assisted living setting, you can still capture the spirit of Mardi Gras and make it a fun celebration for residents. Mardi Gras is all about good food, bright colors, and merriment--who doesn't like that?

Perhaps one of the most iconic items associated with Mardi Gras is beaded necklaces. In New Orleans, these trinkets are tossed from floats in the parades. Many online shops offer large quantities of these necklaces at affordable prices. It's easy to stock up and have several on hand to share with residents. Another fun part of Mardi Gras is the wild and colorful masks worn by revelers. Making masks is a great craft project. All you need is paper plates for the base and glitter, ribbons, or other baubles for decoration. This tutorial shows a quick and easy way to make masks.

Don't forget the King Cake. This is a sweet confection that comes decorated in the traditional Mardi Gras colors, purple, gold and green. A small plastic baby is hidden inside the cake, and the person who finds the baby is supposed to carry on the fun by hosting the next party. There are many recipes for king cake online, and it's an easy way to add a festive touch to your celebration.

Take your cue from this Kentucky nursing home and bring the fun and festivity of Mardi Gras to your facility.

cc licensed ( BY NC ND ) flickr photo shared by Galveston.com

Best of the Best: Nursing Homes

U.S. News & World Report just released their list of the best nursing homes in the U.S.-- did your facility make the cut? Over 15,500 facilities were evaluated for this report, and of those, only 39 scored high enough to be considered the best of the best. While the list focuses on the best facilities from the residents' perspective, it's also a good indicator of hard-working, compassionate employees, too. Congratulations to the "honor roll" facilities that made the cut!

cc licensed ( BY NC SD ) flickr photo shared by karathepirate

Love at 91

Just in time for Valentine's Day comes this heartwarming story from the Today show. Lifelong friends tie the knot at age 91. Love knows no bounds!

 

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

End of Life Decisions: The Rise of Hospice Care

As the demand for assisted living and elder care rises, so does the need for end of life and hospice care. There are many crossovers between assisted living and hospice care, and this means there are many opportunities for career growth and changes. This overview, just over a year old, paints a very optimistic picture for healthcare workers with an interest in end of life care. CNAs and Home Health Aides can expect to see more employment options than ever before. As the article notes, "Like so many other senior care industries, the hospice industry is expected to boom as aging Baby Boomers seek palliative care in increasing numbers." It also notes that the hospice is largely "underserved" and that individuals were unable to find hospice services in their immediate areas. More facilities and organizations are springing up to fill this need, so there will be a steady demand for qualified workers. There is a lot in this article to interest people working in healthcare or considering a career in the field.

  cc licensed ( BY SD ) flickr photo shared by ulrichkarljoho

Is There Hope for a MRSA Vaccine?

If you've worked in health care for any length of time, you know how important it is to prevent the spread of germs and disease. This is particularly crucial in a hospital or care setting where you have individuals with weakened or compromised immune systems. Along with preventing things like the common cold, routine cleaning also reduces the risk of passing or acquiring potentially deadly pathogens like MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). 

Now, thanks to recent medical research, there might be hope for a MRSA vaccine. This article in Scientific American delves deeper into the issue and explains how "A study by staff at the CDC's Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion estimates that an S. aureus vaccine given to vulnerable groups could reduce the number of serious MRSA infections by 24,000-34,000 cases per year." Wired Magazine has more on this important development, and links to several in-depth resources where you can learn more. Both articles are worth reading!


cc licensed ( BY NC SD ) flickr photo shared by PNNL - Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

User Forum for Past and Current Students

Big news from We Care Online: we now have a forum available to all current and former students. It's at http://www.wecareonlineclasses.com/forum.html and only takes a moment to register.

Here you can check for the latest news about classes and events, and talk with your fellow students about your coursework, your job, or anything else that strikes your fancy. Most importantly, we're also posting job announcements on the forum.

If you or your facility know of any job openings in the Long Term Care, Assisted Living or Pharmacy fields, this is the place to announce it. If you're looking or a job or want to find the next step in your career, be sure to check out the forum.

Let's talk!

Check out the forum

Will You Be Mine?

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and this holiday of love and sentiment is the perfect time to do something special for the elderly in your care. While most families make a special effort to visit their loved ones over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, Valentine's Day is generally reserved for couples. This can be an especially rough time for people who have lost a spouse or friends due to age and illness. What can you do to help?

The traditional option: Buy a greeting card.

Better? Make a card. Turn it into a craft project with your children and their friends. Cut out images from old magazines or catalogues or use bright pieces of construction paper. Even plain white paper with a handwritten message can be special. As long as it comes from the heart, it'll be appreciated.

The traditional option: Buy candy or cookies.

Better? Bake something special that's personalized for the intended recipient. While Valentine's Day revolves around chocolate and sweets, any treat or meal can be special. Not everyone has a sweet tooth, and due to dietary restrictions, candy might not be the best option. A warm meal in a take-and-serve container can be every bit as special as a tin of cookies. A hearty vegetable soup is easy to make on the stovetop and travels well. Be creative, and tailor your "treats" to the tastes of the receiver.

The traditional option: A bouquet of flowers.

Better? Look for a potted plant that's a good size to fit your recipient's room. Flowering plants are nice, but might trigger allergies. A potted plant with an interesting leaf pattern can be every bit as colorful as flowers and, unlike cut flowers, it'll last a lot longer than a week! Balloons are a nice option, too. Go for the foil/mylar balloons because once they stop floating, they can still be taped to a wall and enjoyed as decorations.

No matter what you choose to do, you can make Valentine's Day a special day for someone in your care!

 
cc licensed ( BY NC ND ) flickr photo shared by Angelina Cupcake

2011 By The Numbers

2011 was a great year for We Care Online and we'd love to give you a behind-the-scenes peek at what made it so special. For starters, over 2,000 health care professionals trusted us with their learning and continuing education needs. While the majority of students are based in Kansas, we have students in almost every state in the USA. Most of our classes are available in all states, and we continue to attract students in diverse locations. November was the busiest month with over 300 students in both our scheduled and open enrollment classes. We have trained 1,334 CNAs since 2007 and over 650 were in the last year alone! In addition, the Medication Aide Update class continues to be one of our most popular. Just shy of 600 students did their update with We Care Online last year. We added new  Spanish for Healthcare Providers and Pharmacy Technician classes, and expanded Medication Aide training to four new states (Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, and Nebraska). We have a lot more planned for this year, so be sure to sign up for our monthly newsletter for all the latest on class schedules and learning opportunities!

Five Minute Vacation

Here's something everyone can appreciate: a tour of some of the most scenic and exciting places in the world in five minutes. Whether you need a few moments of quiet time, or want something fun and exotic to share with your residents, this short video has it all. See the world without leaving your desk!

An Insider's View: Nursing Home Staff

You know the opinions and culture in your own workplace, but have you ever wondered what employees in other long term care facilities are saying about their workplaces? The 2011 Nursing Home Survey on Patient Safety Culture: 2011 User Comparative Database Report sheds some light on things.  While it's not representative of the entire scope of nursing homes, the survey gathered data from over 16,000 employees and over 200 facilities. This Eavesdropping on the Nursing Home Staff article summarizes some of the highlights of the study. In particular, it showed that employees of non-profit facilities tended to be happier about their jobs, and felt that residents received better care. Survey respondents were asked about the size of their facilities, the quality of resident care, and of general issues they encountered on the job. It's an interesting peek inside the world of nursing home care...from the inside.

Exercise and Alzheimer's

Everyone knows it's a good idea to make exercise a part of your daily routine, but finding the time or energy can be tough. Here's some great motivation, if you need it: a new study indicates that getting at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise five times a week can reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease in some people.

Scientists are starting to identify genetic traits and triggers for the disease, and in individuals with a certain genetic inclination to the disease, exercise can mitigate the effects of the gene and bring their risk back down to that of a person without the genetic trait. It's a good idea to exercise for overall health, but the possibility of reducing Alzheimer's risk should make it that much more appealing to get out for a walk! It's an interesting study that could advance the cause of early detection and even prevention.

Read more here: How Exercise May Keep Alzheimer's At Bay.  



cc licensed ( BY NC ) flickr photo shared by sparkle glowplug

What Are You Grateful For?

Every day we're bombarded with numbers and statistics about the world's population, but it can be hard to make sense of it all. This short video boils it down to an easy to understand summary by showing how things would look if the world were made up of 100 people in a village. I found this link on literary agent Rachelle Gardner's blog and I think it's worth repeating her question: What are you grateful for today?

New Year's Resolutions

Now that the holiday season is behind us, many people have turned their thoughts to New Year's resolutions. The new year is a great time to take stock of things and set yourself on the right path to achieve your goals over the next 12 months. What about the residents in your care? The best ways to stick to a resolution are to enjoy what you're doing and to have people hold you accountable. Who better than the people you see every day? Find out what your residents' goals are, too. If they can't think of anything, you could suggest something like attending two group activities a week, or making a point of calling or writing a letter to a family member. It'll give you something to talk about, and you can support each other in your new routines. Whether you want to add 30 minutes of exercise to your day, or read a book a month, you can make it fun and easy to achieve by sharing accomplishments and encouragement with your coworkers and residents.

Need more ideas? Check out these links for more.

Top 5 New Year’s Resolutions for Seniors & Caregivers (and how to achieve them)


New Year's Resolutions for Seniors


Top Five New Year’s Resolutions for Seniors and their Families


cc licensed ( BY NC ND ) flickr photo shared by Captain Kimo - "Back in Florida"

It's a New Year at We Care Online

As the new year begins, we here at We Care Online want to take a moment to thank everyone who has been a part of our online and in-office family for the past year. We have seen a lot of changes, and have grown quite a bit, and we sincerely appreciate everyone who has been along for the ride. 2011 brought us new staff, a beautiful new office in Kansas, and saw the addition of several new classes to our roster. Our Certified Nurse Aide and Medication Aide classes are now available in even more locations, and we continue to add valuable topics to the open enrollment class list--most recently the Pharmacy Technician course and Spanish for Healthcare Providers. Thank you, students, for choosing We Care Online for your healthcare education needs. We wish you all the very best in 2012--here's to jobs you love and opportunities to work with people who enrich your lives!

 
cc licensed ( BY NC SD ) flickr photo shared by Ludie Cochrane

Dementia From a Family Member's Perspective

As caregivers and assisted living specialists, we see the challenges of dementia and other age-related issues on a daily basis. In many cases, we don't even get to know individuals until their dementia has progressed to a point where they can no longer live independently. That's why this essay, Joining The Dementia Network, And Finding Gratitude, caught my eye. It's a thoughtful piece from a daughter who has watched her mother's decline and has had to learn to reconcile the mother she knew growing up with the dementia-affected mother she now sees. It's a look at dementia and care from the other side of the coin, and a good reminder of the rich, vibrant people behind the symptoms of dementia.

More Holiday Cheer

In the rush to the holidays, it's easy to forget how important the little things can be. This lovely short film is a reminder of how tiny acts of kindness can equal remarkable change. Happy Holidays and a very Merry Christmas to you from everyone at We Care Online!

Big News for CNAs

You asked for it, and We Care delivers! Starting in January, our Certified Medication Aide classes are expanding to include four new states. If you're a CNA and want to expand your skills and employment opportunities, this is the class for you. Certified Medication Aides are qualified to do everything a Certified Nurse Aides does, but with the added opportunity to pass medications. Our CMA class will teach you everything you need to know about medications, herbal supplements, drug interactions, and how these things work in the body. The class is currently available in Kansas and South Dakota, but in the new year we'll have it available for CNAs in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and Montana. Start your new year off right, and come join the first Medication Aide classes in four new states!

A little holiday cheer

Here's a cute clip of pets singing "Deck the Halls." Perfect for spreading some holiday cheer on the job and at home!

Holiday Gifts

In all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it's often easy to overlook relatives who live in managed care facilities. This, coupled with the general stress of the holidays, can make it an especially lonely time for residents. Today's blog is directed more at the friends and families of residents than the caregivers. If you absolutely can't get away for a visit, but want to get something special for your friend or relative, this article has a fantastic list of inexpensive suggestions: Holiday Gifts for Nursing Home Residents.

If you have time to do more than send a gift, but can't quite make it over for a visit, consider doing something a little more involved than just sending a car. Record an audio or video message instead. You can pick up a digital voice recorder at any major electronics store (or online) for around $30. With that, you can record a greeting, let your kids sing a carol, or any number of fun, silly things. If you have access to a video camera, or have a webcam on your computer, you can step things up and record a video greeting. Either option will give your loved one a gift they can play and replay--so much nicer than a card!

Of course, the best gift of all is the gift of your time. Visiting, chatting, or even taking your friend/relative out for a nice meal (if possible). The best gifts are from the heart, and you can never go wrong by showing someone you care.

cc licensed ( BY NC SD ) flickr photo shared by Travis Jon Allison

Emotions and Cognitive Skills

I came across an interesting article and thought it would appeal to many of our readers. Recent research has shown that, while cognitive skills decline as we age, our emotions can help make up the difference. The article, from Scientific American magazine, can be found here: How Seniors Can Get a Cognitive Boost.

It reminds me of an old Calvin & Hobbes comic strip in which Calvin was grumbling about an unpleasant task and his father reminded him that it would build character. Calvin muttered that he didn't know what he needed all this character for. Well, now we know: A lifetime of experience helps you to make effective decisions intuitively, or from the heart. It's a nice affirmation of all that character building we all go through. As the article says, "...it appears that the higher levels of well-being in older adults is contagious by eliciting positivity in their social partners." We all know this, but it never hurts to have a reminder--Happiness is contagious, pass it on!


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Activity Director Idea: Create a Lending Library

When you work in a facility with many residents, coordinating trips to the library can be a logistical nightmare. How do you keep up with your residents' need for books? Set up an in-facility lending library! All you need is space for a bookshelf or cart, and some books to get things going. You can use standard office supplies to label and keep track of books, or, if you're feeling fancy, get a DIY Library Kit to use.




How to get books
The easiest way to stock your library is to ask for donations. Many residents probably have books already, and you can ask them to donate books once they're done reading. Your fellow employees, and friends and families of your residents can donate, as well. Also, check your local thrift stores. You can usually pick up several books very inexpensively.

While these are good options, you're often left with other people's discards and not necessarily books that your residents want to read. If you're looking for specific authors, or books on a particular subject matter, try online swap sites like paperbackswap.com and bookins.com. These sites allow you to swap out your unwanted books for specific titles you request. They're much more affordable than purchasing new books, and it can be a fun activity for residents to browse the available titles and go "shopping" for new books to read. Plus, the books are sent via postal mail and who doesn't like getting mail?

Electronic options

Electronic "eBook" readers are a popular option today, too. Devices like Amazon's Kindle, Barnes & Noble's Nook, and the incredibly popular Apple iPad, are all wonderful options for finding electronic books. The advantage of these devices is the huge library of available books, and the fact that each user can customize the reading experience by adjusting the size of text on the screen, and many other options. No more scouring the library shelves for large print books. Also, more and more devices are now able to "check out" eBooks for free through local library services. On the down side, eReaders are expensive. Even the low-cost models start at around $100. But if you have one or two in your facility, they can be shared among many residents. Check out Project Gutenberg for thousands of free eBooks and audio books to load on your devices.


cc licensed ( BY ) flickr photo shared by CCAC North Library

More on Music

If you need any proof of the power of music to charm and delight, just watch this short video. An elderly couple was waiting for an appointment at the Mayo Clinic when they spotted this piano in the lobby. What happened next was pure magic.

Instant Holiday Spirit? Just Add Music

In a managed care setting, you have people with various levels of cognitive and physical ability. Because of this, planning holiday activities can be a challenge. Fortunately, there is one thing you can do that has universal appeal: Bring music into your facility. Music can be relaxing, inspirational, and comforting, all at the same time. From sacred music and traditional carols like "Silent Night" and Handel's Messiah, to more modern, secular songs like "Jingle Bells", nothing will get people in the holiday spirit faster than their favorite songs.


Recorded music
The easiest option is to pick up a couple CDs of holiday tunes at your local music store. Most have a variety of classic and modern songs and can appeal to a wide range of people. You can set up a CD player in a common area like an activity room or dining hall. Get your residents talking about their favorite holiday memories and songs, and see if you can find those songs for them. Encourage singing!

Other cultures and traditions
Do you have residents with non-American ethnic backgrounds? Ask their family members to share holiday music in their native language, or use the internet to learn about songs and traditions from other cultures. Also, sharing non-Christian traditions (like the celebration of Hanukkah) makes all residents feel included, and brings something new and fun to your facility's celebrations.

Live music
Look for local music groups that might be willing to perform in your facility. Most communities have choral groups either through a school, community college, or your local churches. Maybe you have a barbershop quartet or an instrumental ensemble available? Use the internet or a phone book to look for musicians in your area. Many will be listed alongside wedding and event planners, but would appreciate the chance to share their music with your residents.

cc licensed ( BY NC SD ) flickr photo shared by Bob_Collins

Holiday Hazard: Choking Risk Among the Elderly

In this season of cookies and family meals, an often overlooked problem can rear its ugly head: choking hazards. Choking is an all too common problem among the elderly, and with so much emphasis on eating at this time of year, it's a good time to remind yourself to be vigilant.

Many elderly residents have difficulty swallowing (also known as dysphagia). As this article notes, "The act of swallowing requires the coordination of about 50 pairs of muscles and nerves." With that much going on, it's easy to see why things can quickly get out of control. In many facilities, mealtimes are very busy. You might be asked to care for ten or more residents, and it can be a real challenge to give everyone the attention they need. Also, with the holidays, you have a lot more visitors and that means more snacks and treats coming into resident's rooms. Hard candies and crumbly, bready cookies can be a real choking hazard.

What can you do? Aside from being as alert as possible to signs of choking, the best thing you can do is to make sure you're current with your CPR training. Whether your facility or job description requires it or not, it's always a good idea to know the latest information regarding CPR. If you need to brush up, check with your local chapter of the American Red Cross. You can find training in your area by clicking here. For more on avoiding choking hazards, visit www.parentgiving.com.

Attention Kansas Medication Aides

Are you looking for a quick and easy way to keep your certification current? Have you lapsed and need to get re-certified? We Care Online can help! Our Medication Aide Update class requires only 10 hours of online learning and can be completed in the comfort of your own home. No need to spend all day at the community college, or find a babysitter, or take time off work. Take the class on YOUR schedule--you have a full week to complete the course, and all fees and materials are included.

Medication Aides are Certified Nursing Assistants with additional training that allows them to handle and distribute medications in nursing and long term care settings. By law, Aides must re-certify every two years. Medication Aides must be familiar with the major classes of medications, and know the potential side effects and signs of adverse reactions. It's a skill set above and beyond that of a Nurse Aide.

The course takes no more than a week to complete, and can be done on your schedule. What are you waiting for? Medication Aide Update classes run monthly. (Please allow two weeks for KDHE to process your paperwork after completing the class). If you're not currently a Medication Aide, but would like to become one, we have a class for that, too. Take your career to the next level with advanced training from We Care Online!

Restorative Aide - A New Career Path for CNAs

Recently, we've focused a lot on boosting your career options by improving or increasing your skills. Today I'm going to focus on a more specialized field that's in hot demand.

Many people come to We Care Online to start a career in a nursing home or long term care setting. One of the most common starting points is to train as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). While that's a great way to begin a career, there is a lot more you can do once you have your certification. A popular option right now is Restorative Aide training. Restorative Aides (RA) are specialized workers that not only perform the duties of a CNA, but also assist patients with physical therapy and restorative care. RAs are particularly helpful in home care settings, or with individuals who need short term theraputic assistance after an injury or surgery. RA is a very flexible job description and covers everything from in-home care to facility-based therapies.


We Care Online's Restorative Aide training is available in all states and courses start monthly.  It's a very affordable way to pick up a whole new skillset and make yourself an even more valuable employee. If you're already a CNA and want to take the next step in your career, this is a fantastic place to start. If you're not a CNA, we can help with that, too. Check our website to find CNA training in your area!

cc licensed flickr photo shared by gaspi *yg

Managing Holiday Stress

Halloween has come and gone and that means the fall holiday season is in full swing. For most people, the time from Thanksgiving through the new year is a blur. You're planning meals, shopping for gifts, welcoming relatives from out of town, or traveling to visit family. There are meals to coordinate, events to plan, and a house to keep tidy. All this while balancing your job and quality time with your family. It's enough to drive even the most organized person crazy!

There's a wealth of information on the internet for how to manage your stress, but who has time to sort through all the information? To save you some effort (and your sanity), I've linked to some of the best articles out there. Read on for some quick and practical tips on beating the annual holiday crush.

• 10 Ways to Beat Holiday Stress
• Beating Holiday Stress
• Stress-Proof your Holiday

cc licensed ( BY SD ) flickr photo shared by Benson Kua

A Closer Look at CNA and HHA Workers

Work in the healthcare field can be stressful and involve long hours or challenging working conditions, but it is also one of the most personally rewarding jobs. I hear this again and again from Certified Nursing Assistants, Home Health Aides, and others who work directly with the elderly or those needing special assistance. A common sentiment is "I didn't chose this work, it chose me." Healthcare workers have that unique blend of compassion and a strong work ethic that means that they give their very best effort to those in their care.

As part of the recent Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, a study was conducted to get a better idea of the working conditions and employment trends among CNAs and HHAs. The report, Understanding Direct Care Workers: A Snapshot of Two of America’s Most Important Jobs: Certified Nursing Assistants and Home Health Aides, presents an interesting look at the CNA and HHA fields "by the numbers". A couple of things jumped out at me while reading this report. First was that companies are still struggling to find enough employees in these fields, and that turnover is very high. If you have a passion for working with people, healthcare is an excellent field to work in, and there is a lot of room for growth. The other thing I noticed was this: "The great majority of CNAs and HHAs become direct care workers because they want to help others, suggesting that these workers are not interchangeable with other low-wage workers." Choosing to work in healthcare is a significant decision, and not just anyone can do it. We Care Online provides training and continuing education to hundreds of healthcare workers a year, and we're proud to be able to assist such a diverse, motivated group of people.

It's Not Always About The Money

In my last post, I offered some tips on asking for a raise, but what if that's not your goal? Sure, we can all use a little extra money, but sometimes there are other, more important issues. Negotiating a change in your work schedule, work group, or even your benefits can often be as good as getting a raise. Say you're a mother who wants to be home with the kids after school but you've been assigned a late afternoon work shift. Or you'd like to switch to a 4/40 work week (4 days of 10-hour shifts vs. the standard 5-day work week). Whatever your request, if it will improve your work life, it could be worth discussing with your supervisor.

Talking with a boss or supervisor can be intimidating. Many of us have come to work sick, or missed out on an important commitment because it was easier to say "no" than to ask for time off work. Asking for bigger changes--like a new schedule--can be even harder. Here's how to face the situation without losing your cool.

State your case with logic.

Maybe you need to take a personal day. Maybe you want to work a different shift. Maybe you want to work with a different team, or in a different division? Whatever your request, make sure you have sensible reasons for asking. If you're a morning person, but are working a late shift, you might not be at your peak while on the clock. Take a look at which people are working which shifts. Is there someone in your position that you could switch shifts with? If you can go to your boss and show him or her a simple way to accommodate your request, you'll have a much better chance of success. Make it easy for them. It'll show that you've done your homework and are looking out for the company and your residents' best interests as well as your job satisfaction.

Remember: Your boss is human, too.

Don't be intimidated. Yes, your boss or HR representative is the person responsible for signing your checks, but they're also a person, too. While you want to keep your interaction professional, it's ok to imagine that you're talking with a friend rather than a corporate stranger. As long as you have a reasonable request and can back it up with facts or logic, you'll be fine.