Essential Oils - 3 Great Reason Why Holistic Nurses Need to Be Certified Aromatherapists

Holistic nursing is now a nursing specialty and holistic nurses embrace the concepts of holism and healing. Having recently attended the annual conference of the American Holistic Nurses Association, I am reminded once again of my love for nursing and what it offers to the world in the form of healing. Holistic nurses can be found in many venues like hospitals, nursing homes, private practice, hospice, home health care, clinics, doctor's offices and many others. Holistic nurses embrace not only holistic principles in their nursing but also gather many certifications in various healing modalities so that they can better offer their patients and clients ways to improve their life, restore balance and heal physically, emotionally and spiritually. Here are three great reasons why I think holistic nurses need to become certified aromatherapists.

Aromas Enhance a Sense of Well-Being
Positive healing thoughts can produce healing reactions in bodily processes. Research shows that a pleasant aroma will enhance a greater sense of well-being more than an unpleasant aroma will detract. Hospitals, clinics and nursing homes are infamous for offending smells. By diffusing the right therapeutic grade oils, nurses can enhance healing by raising one's positive sense of well-being. Examples include: neroli, orange, petitgrain, lemon, lavender, Roman chamomile and many others. Think about the smell of chemotherapy-for many patients the smell of these agents seems to come out of their pores and in their urine and stool. Patients describe it as a disgusting odor. Nurses can help by using pleasant aromas to assist the patient to tolerate the chemotherapy treatments.

Therapeutic Grade Oils Can Promote Rest and Relaxation
Again research has overwhelmingly shown that certain essential oils high in terpene alcohols, particularly the florals, and oils high in esters can have a relaxing effect on the body physically, emotionally and spiritually. They also can influence brain rhythms helping the person to drop down into a variety of lower levels of brain activity: alpha indicating a quieting of mental chatter and theta and delta indicating the mind going into reverie with intuitive flashes. Examples include chamomile, orange, bergamot, lavender and melissa.

Therapeutic Grade Oils Can Help with Stress Relief
Whether it is the stress of being a patient or client who is not in balance or the nurse who is harried with many duties to perform, aromatherapy can help stimulate parasympathetic action in the body. Oils like clary sage, lemongrass, mandarin, myrtle, orange, chamomile, marjoram, frankincense, neroli, sandalwood and ylang ylang are known for their ability to quiet racing hearts, lower blood pressure, promote digestion, and prepare one for sleep. Parasympathetic stimulating oils would be relaxing to the mind, improving to the digestive system, countering emotional stress responses and assisting with sleep. Essential oils classed as "balancing" will not stimulate a person to either extreme but rather to a balance in the autonomic nervous system. After all-we want to achieve a balanced autonomic nervous system with neither system-parasympathetic and sympathetic-totally governing the body. Examples of balancing action oils include bergamot, grapefruit, niaouli, tea tree, cypress, hyssop, lavender, ravensara, cedarwood, myrrh and rose.

Aging at Home With Assistive Technologies - What's New in 2012

These are exciting times! As technology advances the health care industry continues to benefit and the area of senior care is no exception.

As the option to age at home is a more desired option by many seniors, than retiring to a care facility, developments in technology are making it more feasible for the elderly to remain in their homes. Here are some of the advancements and trends in technology that will benefit senior care in the new year.

Brain and Heart Health Tracking

An iPhone and iPad application called BrainyApp is designed to help improve brain and heart health. This app created by Alzheimer's Australia and Bupa Health Foundation lets users keep track of brain and heart health by working through a Brain Health survey to arrive at a starting score. This starting score is sent to your own email and subsequent scores will be used to compare and track increases or decreases. The BrainyApp will monitor diet, exercise and lifestyle habits and suggest activities to help improve brain and heart health. BrainyApp is based upon research that links brain health and a reduced risk of dementia to the health of heart and cardiovascular system.

Vigilan Administrator for Charting and Recordkeeping

A time saving software application by Vigilan, a senior living software provider, is designed to help nursing staff save time-spent record keeping and charting of data. The Vigilan Administrator app will be an easy to use, HIPAA compliant tool that runs on the iPad and will be available in March 2012.

Robots as personal assistants and household companions

The Health Care industry is one of the primary targets of Nao Robot from Aldebaran Robotics. The Nao robot has an imbedded Intel processor that allows it to run at a high level of performance and remain relatively cost effective. The Nao Robot is capable of assisting with mundane tasks; it can also dance, sing and recognize faces and voices.

The Nao Robot is capable of teaching basic concepts and is particularly useful in assisting children with autism. There are also valuable ways that a household robot can assist with senior care for example, Nao Robot can take out the trash and fetch things, it can help someone who has fallen with getting back up and remind people to take medications. Appointment reminders may be programmed as well as times to start dinner or notes that a guest is expected.

Pearl the Nursebot, developed at Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Institute is valuable with reminding people to take medications, helps with opening jars and escorting them to appointments and to dinner.

GeckoSystems' CareBot is a valuable assistant to elderly individuals as a companion and is equipped with a video link so that the monitoring person will be alerted in the event of an emergency or the need for additional assistance.

Because the personal assistant robots have an embedded computer, they can collect and store data about the individual such as heart rates and blood sugar levels.

There are a variety of gadgets and technologies available to caregivers of seniors who wish to age at home such as monitoring systems, GPS, Smart Home technologies and computer systems that assist with guiding people through every day activities. Canadians are adopting the aging-in-place technologies slowly but as the baby boomer age the acceptance of assistive technologies is expected to increase as well.

Intracranial Hematomas

Even when the skull itself is not damaged, the brain can suffer serious injuries which can be permanent. In fact, head trauma is the leading cause of disability and death in adults. One type of head injury is an intracranial hematoma, which can affect different areas of the brain with varying severity.

Intracranial hematomas (ICH) occur when a blood vessel ruptures in or around the brain. This can cause a buildup of blood and swelling in the brain, and the pressure caused by this can make for permanent brain damage. You can suffer from an ICH from the same things as basic head injuries, which include:

Auto and bicycle accidents

Slip-and-falls

Car-pedestrian accidents

Construction site accidents

Blunt force trauma

Physical abuse

Severe shaking

ICH are categorized by location, which determine the severity of the injury. The main types of ICH include epidural, subdural, intracerebral, and diffuse axonal injuries (DAI). Epidural hematomas occur when the bruising is beneath the skull, but still above the dura, or the tough lining of the brain. The problem with epidural hematomas is that they can keep growing, which places pressure on the brain. This pressure can eventually cause a person to lose consciousness. Epidural hematomas are also associated with skull fractures.

Subdural hematomas occur slightly deeper than epidurals. The dura, mentioned above, is actually composed of three layers. When a contusion, or bruise, happens within these three layers but still above the brain, it is called a subdural hematoma. Like an epidural, pressure placed on the brain from prolonged bleeding can cause a person to lose consciousness.

There are three types of subdural hematomas: chronic, subacute, and acute. Chronic contusions bleed very slowly, which means that you may not even notice the injury at first. Subacute injuries can also take several days or weeks to notice, but the bleeding is still more severe than chronic hematomas. Lastly, acute bruising occurs pretty much immediately. The bleeding is so severe that signs are almost instantly obvious. The level of bleeding makes these the most life-threatening subdural hematomas.

Intracerebral ICH, or intraparenchymal, are when the bruising happens to the brain itself. Not only does the brain suffer damage at the site of the injury, but the momentum of the brain can make it slide slightly in the skull and strike the opposite site. This results in axonal tearing, which destroys nerves' ability to communicate.

Lastly, diffuse axonal injury, or DAI, occurs when multiple areas of the brain are bruised. This is closely related to intracerebral hematomas, and they are often caused by strong shaking.

If you have suffered from an intracranial hematoma or other such brain injury due to someone else's negligence, you may be able to hold that party liable for their actions. For more information, check out the personal injury attorneys from Habush Habush & Rottier, S.C., today.

How Do Assisted Living Caregivers Help Patients Suffering From Alzheimer's?

Because Alzheimer's is chronic and progressive, victims are totally dependent on others and often receive care from relations, which can be both a mental and physical burden for families. As conditions worsen and memory loss progresses, caregivers must devote more time to loved ones. Assisted living care providers can assist families with elderly loved ones suffering from Alzheimer's disease and make a huge difference in the well being of individuals suffering from Alzheimer's. The following article discusses how caregivers can provide help.

Assisted living caregivers must have patience, understanding, and experience to compassionately work with Alzheimer's patients-many elderly care providers complete courses for accreditation in Alzheimer's and Dementia before working with care recipients. Elderly care for Alzheimer's patients includes carefully planning the daily schedule of a loved one to reduce stress, orientate them to reality, simplify surroundings, and avoid fatigue. Assisted living caregivers and elderly care providers specialize in providing care for seniors with Alzheimer's, and offer the following suggestions:

Reduce Stress: It's well known that stress can worsen the symptoms of most illnesses, Alzheimer's disease included. Take care that your loved one is protected from any potential sources of stress, including rapid routine changes, changes of surroundings, and care provided by different caregivers. Additional sources of stress include an overdose of stimuli, fatigue, and illness.

Establish a Routine for Your Loved One: For elderly loved ones with Alzheimer's, establishing a routine and keeping daily activities stable can be very comfortable because patients can relax and respond automatically. It's important to make a schedule for your loved one's daily care, and include any recreational activities he or she enjoys. Before sleep, establish a bedtime ritual to promote relaxation and better sleep. Stick to the daily schedule you've created as closely as possible, and provide copies of this schedule to any other caregivers who look after your loved one.

Orient Your Loved One - Reality Orientation: It's a good idea to remind your loved one during the day, "Good morning, it is Thursday and a beautiful spring morning. Let's eat breakfast."

Avoid Fatigue: When planning activities, take into consideration that morning is typically the most energetic time for elders. During activities and outings, keep in mind that your loved one will need frequent breaks to re-orient himself/herself and avoid becoming overtired. Assisted living care providers know that Alzheimer's patients lose the ability to concentrate for long periods of time, especially as the disease progresses. Schedule longer breaks with less activity if this is the case.

Simplify Surroundings: If you're planning on an outing with your senior loved one, don't bring them to a busy and crowded environment. Avoid malls and opt for a quiet, serene space such as a park. He/she will feel more relaxed. If necessary, use illustrations to guide your loved one's actions, for instance, place an image of a toilet on the bathroom door for clarification.

Patience: Be patient with your loved one and don't pressure them, be demanding, or expect too much. Each Alzheimer's patient has his or her own unique set of needs, feelings, and limitations. Demanding behavior will only create stress and frustration. Provide help when necessary and reorient your loved one whenever necessary to reduce frustration.

According to the Alzheimer's Association in Chicago, 10 million American's struggle to care for relatives and loved ones with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia, and are prone to overworking themselves and possibly developing anxiety and depression. If you're currently providing care for a loved one, learn more about assisted living caregivers and elderly care providers. They help out with household chores, assist loved ones, and provide personal care services.

Experienced assisted living caregivers are available to provide in elderly care 24 hours a day to allow elderly individuals remain in their own homes and improve the quality of their lives. Assisted living caregivers and elderly care providers offer joyful companionship, meal preparation and diet monitoring services, errands and shopping, and many other services. Learn more about how an individualized elderly care program can improve the life and health of your loved one.

Read About the Importance of Car Accident Lawyers

Accident lawyers mainly deal with cases which involve injuries sustained by an individual as a result of accidents. They mainly defend the victims of the accident. The accident victims alone cannot handle court proceedings. For this reason, it is necessary for them to hire an experienced accident lawyer. An experienced accident lawyer is the person who has good knowledge in handling all sorts of car accidents. Therefore it is advisable to hire only a skilled and experienced lawyer who will work in favor of you.

Accident lawyers do handle all sorts of car accidents. It could be either a car to car collision or car to truck collision or accidents which involves other vehicles. Sometimes pedestrians will also fall prey to the accident. You can anticipate various types of losses following road accidents and this includes personal damage to your property as well as injuries. Only a highly competent car accident lawyer is capable of handling these situations so as to defend the victims.

Car accident lawyers will have to face a number of obstacles when they are called for help by people who are responsible for the accident. During this instance, the lawyers safeguard the culprits and try to put the blame on the victims of the incident. They carefully analyze the matters and come with solutions to secure the culprits of the accident. With regard to this, it is quite important that the victims of the accident must contact their lawyer right after the occurrence of the incident so that he or she will have the fresh details of the accident. The accurate details of the accident will help the lawyers to investigate on the matter carefully as well as make adequate follow-ups in order to claim for accident compensations.

Highly competent lawyers will critically analyze the events that had led to the occurrence of the accident in order to establish viability of the case for the victim. They indulge in serious discussions with their clients and draft right procedures in order to handle the court proceedings. In addition to this, they may advise their clients to contact their insurance company to ask for satisfying compensation which perfectly commensurate with the injuries sustained and property damage. This way, the lawyers help their clients to avoid complicated processes which involve a lot of tedious paperwork. If you are involved in a car accident all you have to do is to present your accident story to your lawyer and wait till he/she makes follow-ups.

8 Disadvantages of a Nursing Home

During this time of change these people are experiencing one of the most difficult periods of their lives. Not only is it difficult for the person making the move, but also for that person's family and friends.

Here are more disadvantages:

1. The person is usually very sad. This is quite justified since they are usually leaving the only home they have known for years -- including all the memories.

2. Most fear a nursing home because they consider it the final step before death. This is usually true since once there, they usually do not return to their own home.

3. Loneliness is a continuing problem with many. For some visits from their loved ones are few and far in-between.

4. Once in a home, you lose your independence. This in itself gives the feeling that their life is over. Along with loss of independence, they lose their self-esteem too. Now, anything they do is part of a scheduled activity.

5. Freedom is missed. They now have to eat what is served or do not eat at all. The following freedoms no longer exist:

a. To cook for their family or friends
b. Showering can only be done with the help of nurses on the nurse's schedule
c. Laundry is done with everyone else's laundry
d. TV watching is done only when allowed.

6. No longer can they attend their own church; but, instead attend the service provided by the home.

7. Lose their own personal doctor; and, instead one is provided by the home.

8. They may become very angry at their child or children for putting them there. This causes all kinds of heartache in the family.

Sometimes there is no choice and a loved one must enter a nursing home. That is understandable; however, all situations are different. If I had to do it all over again for my mom, I would definitely consider at home care.

Tips on Wandering Alzheimer's Patients

It is suggested that nearly 70% of people with Alzheimer's disease will wander away from home and get lost. Wandering is one of the biggest risks for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and is a common but dangerous symptom of the disease. A wanderer is someone with a disease such as Alzheimer's who has wandered away on their own free-will from their caregiver. The risk is evident in the 31,000 Alzheimer's patients who researcher Robert J. Koester estimates wanders per year. When someone with Alzheimer's disease wanders, he or she is disorientated and unable to judge potentially dangerous places and situations. People suffering from severe Alzheimer's disease are more at risk and the incidence of wandering increases.

Alzheimer's patients may suddenly walk off and become lost, frightened or confused. Generally if a patient is found within 24 hours they are returned safely, but after a longer time span the survival rate drops to nearly 50 percent, according to recent studies. It is evident that wandering behavior can be a life threatening incident.

Koester's research provides more insight into wandering in Alzheimer's patients. Those with Alzheimer's disease leave their own residence or nursing home and usually start to wander along roads. Eighty-nine percent of wandering patients are usually found within one mile from the point last seen. If the patient is not wandering along the road (14%), they are usually in a creek or drainage (28%), or caught in bushes or shrubberies (33%). But, the Alzheimer's patient is frequently found wandering a short distance from a road. Unfortunately there are some wanderers who eventually give in to the environment and develop hypothermia or dehydration (35%), or are found deceased (19%).

It is important for you to know that you can help prevent incidents of wandering even though you cannot always guarantee total prevention. If you are aware of the causes of wandering you can minimize the risks of someone with Alzheimer's disease becoming lost. Although wandering remains a risk, there are several things that you can do to help prevent wandering in an assisted living center, long term care facility or at home to ensure that the family's loved one remains safe.

1. Install locks on doors- That is the first place to prevent a wanderer from leaving. However, in the earlier stages of Alzheimer's disease it is more likely for a patient to wander because they usually still remember how to unlock the current locks. Placing hook and eye latches on the outside screen door is proven to be very effective, especially if placed either very high or low on the door. Another method is to place a double key lock on the inside door, but be aware that the patient may begin to panic if they cannot open the door from the inside.

2. Install locks on windows- In general, most people would not consider exiting a building though a window, but an Alzheimer's patient who feels the need to escape would consider. Even windows on the upper levels of a house or facility should be secured. If there are windows that open by sliding side to side, consider placing a piece of wood on the track to keep the window from fully opening. Windows that slide up and down can be protected by putting a nail or screw in the tack to prevent it from completely opening also. If the window uses a crank, consider removing the crank each time after using it to open or close the window, and then hide the crack in an undisclosed place.

3. Build fences and gates- A fence is not as restrictive and offers patients an alternative place to go in relative safety. Chain link fences should be avoided because elderly patients still have the capability of climbing them rather easily. Also, stay away from building a fence with brace beams facing into the secured area because the support beams can provide a foothold for climbing over the fence. In general, a farm fence with square openings too small to be used as footholds is a very good option. Don't forget that it is important that the fence is at least six feet tall so a patient will not try to physically pull themselves over it.

4. Use emergency IDs- Even with safeguards and precautions, patients still could break free. You can make sure that a label with the elderly patient's name and phone number is worn on their clothing at all times. This is important because you can never depend on the patient to carry their ID when they wander, but it is vital that the wanderer can be identified immediately and returned quickly if they go astray.

5. A Patient Wanderer Security System- Accutech's Wanderer Security System (www.Accutech-ICS.com) can provide an assisted living or long term care facility with the security solution needed to monitor and care for their Alzheimer's patients and to help prevent wandering. By use of a Cut Band system, a gentle band and tag is placed around the patient's wrist. Then staff is able to be notified if the band is tampered with or removed and if the patient leaves the room or facility. Such systems are a great way for facilities to help prevent an Alzheimer's patient from wandering.

6. Dress patients in bright colored clothing- It is known that bright and distinct clothing can be spotted from a distance. Dressing in clothing that is easily spotted in a crowd is helpful when taking a patient out of the home or facility and to a public area. It is very easy for an individual with Alzheimer's disease to become separated especially when there is a crowd. It can happen within seconds.

7. Keep all keys in an undisclosed place and out of reach- An individual with Alzheimer's disease may still be able to recognize a key and understand how it is used. A patient that gets a hold of a car key or is able to let themselves out of the home or facility can be gone for miles before being noticed. This does happen and it happens more often than thought.

8. Never leave an Alzheimer's patient alone in the car- According to several surveys each year the number of times an elderly patient is left in the car while the caregiver runs quickly into the store, bank, etc. has significantly increased. Even though you might only think you will be gone for only a few minutes, the Alzheimer's patient is often left in the car for more than15 minutes. You must remember that it only takes seconds for a frightened or panicked individual with Alzheimer's disease to get out of the car and quickly wander away.

9. Avoid leaving an Alzheimer's patient home alone- Determining when an individual with Alzheimer's disease is no longer to be left at home alone for short periods of time can be difficult. This makes it very challenging for someone who is the sole caregiver for a person with Alzheimer's disease. Still, there are several ways to find assistance. One, alert neighbors to keep an eye out for the wandering patient or have a neighbor visit when you are going to be gone for more than a few minutes. Two, use the idea of a babysitter and have a young adult stay with and care for the elderly patient while you are gone. Three, ask for help. Churches, high schools, Boy/Girl Scouts, community centers, senior citizen centers, local Alzheimer's Association chapters and any other group you can uncover could be willing to assist you in caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease.

10. Find other useful materials to help- You often have to be creative to keep an individual with Alzheimer's disease safe by using house hold items. For instance, baby monitors or motion detectors that turn on lamps or radios to alert if a patient is moving around or trying to leave are both items that are either easily found at home or at a store. Another idea is to look through a child safety center for more items to help keep track of an Alzheimer's patient. For example, the elastic bands mother's attach to their wrist and their child's wrist can be a great help when taking an elderly patient into a crowded area. Also, hanging bells on a door can also be a useful alarm.

The risk of wandering in individuals with Alzheimer's disease is very great. You can take precautions to keep patients safe, but even the best caregiver or nurse will have experiences with wandering patients. Take reasonable precautions, don't panic and enlist others to help you care for patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Adapted from New Research & Perspectives By Robert J. Koester M.S. Virginia Department of Emergency Management Appalachian Search & Rescue Conference,

Malnutrition and Dehydration

A healthy diet is a crucial part of every person's health. Denying a person of the food that they need for a healthy and happy life is a cruel form of abuse. But unfortunately, this type of behavior does occur in nursing home facilities. Malnutrition is a huge concern for many elderly adults. Many different medical conditions that affect a great number of elderly adults require that they have assistance eating. If there are not enough staff members, or those staff members are negligent in their responsibilities, these adults may suffer from malnutrition and dehydration.

Malnutrition and dehydration are serious concerns for nursing home occupants. Many of these elderly adults are dependent on their caregivers to make sure they are getting the nutrition they need. If a person is not receiving the sustenance that they need, any other medical conditions they may suffer from can be worsened.

Malnutrition and dehydration can contribute to many dangerous medical conditions. For example, anemia is a dangerous effect of malnutrition that can make any existing health condition even worse. Also, malnutrition affects the nutrients in a person's body that allow for growth which can result in tooth decay and fragile bones.

A study funded by the Commonwealth Fund reported that up to 85% of patients in a nursing home may be malnourished based on the number of staff members in most facilities. This is a serious issue that can affect any nursing home patient. If it occurs over a significant length of time, the effects may be very detrimental.

Security Camera Surveillance - Protects Elderly Kin

Turning to security camera surveillance as a way to protect elderly relatives probably never crossed the minds of most families 10 years ago. Today, the practice is almost routine.

Every 10 seconds another baby boomer reaches retirement age. That growing elderly population, along with an entirely new set of threats facing elderly family members, has made increased attention to personal safety a necessity for sons, daughters and caregivers of elderly family members.

For post-retirement parents and family members with the extra challenges of chronic illness, Alzheimer's disease and dementia, the threats are even more prevalent, whether care is given at home or in a nursing home. For them, security camera surveillance can add an extra layer of safety and security.

When the Unthinkable Happens
A recent news article told the story of three men who knocked on the door of an elderly woman's condo and talked the dementia sufferer into going with them to several local retail stores.

Unaware of what was happening, the woman obliged, and by the end of the day the men had persuaded her to apply for credit accounts in each of the stores. Then the men went on a shopping spree that ended up costing the woman more than $10,000.

When the bills started arriving, worried family members were only able to piece together the details of what happened by using security camera surveillance video from the stores where the accounts had been opened.

The story both highlighted the vulnerability of many senior citizens, as well as the value of having the safety net of security surveillance videos.

Elderly Facing Multiple Risks
The potential for health emergencies, elder abuse, stolen prescriptions, identity theft and general mistreatment or under attention has given rise to a new generation of family members turning to security camera surveillance as a solution for ensuring the health and security of their loved ones.

The National Research Council Panel to Review Risk and Prevalence of Elder Abuse estimates that between 2% and 10% of seniors in nursing homes have been victims of abuse or theft.

Being able to keep an eye on loved ones via camera feeds has given concerned family members both peace of mind and the ability to maintain work schedules while still providing the needed attention.

In-Home or Care Center Situations
An at-home security camera surveillance system installation can provide peace of mind when family members want to feel security in their part-time, in-home caregiver's service. An in-home system can also alert family members with remote monitoring capabilities to health emergencies with ample time to respond.

These in-home systems also allow family members more information in the event of an ill or infirm relative who wanders off or leaves the premises.

Before installing a security camera surveillance system in an elderly relative's room in a care facility, you'll want to first be sure you've reviewed any contracts and spoken with an administrator first.

In some states, it's legal to possess a camera that's in personal belongings that stay with the elderly person, such as a stuffed animal, pen or wristwatch.

Also, some states, such as Texas, have already passed legislation that allows these "granny cams."

When in doubt, be sure to ask someone in a position of authority in any care center you've contracted with.

Make an Educated Decision About Choosing the Best Recliner Chairs for the Elderly

Let's face it: growing older is a difficult process and a bit tough to cope with. Not only do the elderly experience varying levels of immobility as they age, they grow to be less able to doing a number of things on account of their deteriorating health and energy levels. For this reason it is very important be sure that the elderly be as comfortable as possible at all times. Recliner and lift chairs for the elderly can surely help.

A little bit of background would be useful before you begin shopping around, since there are such a lot of choices and features. Here are some essential considerations when choosing recliner chairs for the elderly.

Recliner chairs are motorized to rise slowly and tip slightly to enable the individual to stand. They provide independence and comfort to people who face difficulties in rising from a sitting position. Available in several sizes, styles and performance, they are vital and permanent fixtures in most elderly assisted living facilities. Many chairs can be reclined to various degrees for optimum comfort. They are good for people affected by arthritis, muscle ache, back or hip problems, and different associated conditions.

These special chairs are designed to carry almost anybody's weight and come in many fabrics and styles. They are inexpensive on almost any funds; when they're a requirement to offer comfort to the aged throughout the day, they're priceless. When deciding on the correct chair it's possible you'll think about necessary elements equivalent to the weight of the person who will use it, the height of the user and the amount of time the chair will probably be used every day. Recliner chairs for the elderly are expertly crafted with a quiet and smooth lift system that will not be intrusive or disturbing to anyone. The variety of reclining positions might be the most important factor in selecting the fitting chair. Here is an explanation of the three basic reclining options:

- Two Position Recliner Lift Chairs: Two position chairs are probably the most economical and are perfect for a user who won't be spending a considerable amount of time in the chair. It provides the basic sitting position, 45 degree reading position and lifted position to assist the user to get out of the chair safely and easily.

- Three Position Recliner Lift Chairs: The three position is often the most popular because it presents multiple positions such as normal seated, napping position and of course the lifted position to assist the user out of the chair.

- Infinite Position Lift Chairs: The infinite position is ideal for users who will spend most of their day in the chair. It offers probably the most variety and variations, all the standard positions of the three position, such as seated, napping, and lifted. Nevertheless, in addition it has the option for the fully flat bed position and trendelenburg position for individuals who need their legs raised higher than the rest of their body, perhaps with a view to scale back swelling and enhance circulation within the lower extremities. With their independent leg and back controls, the infinite position lift chairs provide the maximum positioning customization for the user.

In addition to the reclining options, there are a number of weight and seat size considerations too. For instance, heavy duty chairs are more massive than regular ones, and have sophisticated lifting and tilting features. They accommodate people standing over 6" tall. They have wider seats and can hold up to seven hundred lbs of weight. On the opposite end, petite reclining lift chairs are great for folks 5'3" or under who weigh under 250 lbs. Petite chairs with broader seats are also available.

Another sensible tip is to contemplate all the other specs that make these chairs even more appealing. Options like arms that flip open for storage, lumbar support, leg extensions, wall huggers, transfer arms, pillow back seat, heated seat/back, warmth and therapeutic massage, separate leg and back controls. These certainly present the last word in relaxation, therapy, and safety. Materials options include fabric, vinyl, fake suede, micro fiber, and blown fiber, bringing folks quite a lot of style choices.

A singular, innovative and sensible possibility is a battery backup, giving confidence to the chair's lift and reliability in the case of a power outage.

The bottom line is that reclining lift chairs are quality investments that assure security and help reduce the risk of injury. They are important to help senior folks lead a comfortable and independent way of life for as long as possible. Now you can make an educated decision about buying a recliner chair for your self or somebody close to you. Choose a custom chair that's designed only for you or a chair with standard options that's good the way it is. Most chairs are available online, so browse through all the pictures and specs and imagine how glad you or the one you love will be in the finest one of your choosing. Order one right this moment!

Beware of Nurse Burnout

Every nurse who has ever worked in an acute care hospital, or nursing home, is probably familiar with nurse burnout. You may not have experienced it yourself, yet, but you most likely will eventually, unless you are vigilant, and take precautions.

There is a common thread that tends to permeate the personalities of almost all nurses. This trait is the same one that is familiar to mothers of young children. The trait is that of the martyr; The one who sacrifices herself for the good of others; The one who doesn't take care of herself, because she is too busy caring for others.

Mothers of young children have done this since the beginning of time, and they usually make it through OK, but many nurses do not. Of course, mother's of the very young are not in that phase of life for very long. Within 5 years, the child has grown enough to go off to school for a large part of each day. Even if a mother continues to have many children over her childbearing years, this stage of life only lasts, at most, 15 years or so before she has no really young children at home all day long. Nurses, on the other hand, may stay in this relentless sacrificial martyr mode for 20 years or more over the span of their career. And in no other career but the medical field are you dealing with potential life and death situations every single day.

Nurses are givers. They have to be, or they wouldn't have entered into the profession in the first place. Sometimes we just don't know when it's time to stop giving, and start taking time for ourselves. Intellectually we know. At 3 o'clock, or 7 o'clock, or whenever our shift is supposed to be over, we know that we are supposed to be done with our jobs. But then the call light goes off, and someone is in pain, or someone needs assistance to the bathroom, or another patient's IV is leaking. How many of us are able to just go on about our business and leave it to the next shift, especially when no one is available to care for the needs of the call light because other patients have already called. Does this new patient on the call light deserve to have to wait even longer because she was trying to be patient, or because blind luck caused the IV catheter to slip out at that exact moment? Of course not. So we stay, again, long enough to make sure that everything is stable and calm, and often after we've already clocked out. After-all, we'd want others to so the same for us, right?

In our schools of nursing we are taught to always put ourselves in the patients shoes. We would not want to be left in pain because our nurses shift was over, and the next shift is already busy. We are compassionate, loving beings, but if we go on like this day after day, often going home to others who need us too, we will surely burnout.

We have got to take care of ourselves if we are to continue to care for others. It is not selfish, it is mandatory. It is analogous to the start of an airplane flight when the stewardess comes over the PA system instructing everyone on what to do if there is an emergency. If you've ever flown, you probably know this by heart. Parents, and anyone who is physically able, are instructed to always put their oxygen mask on first, before trying to help to put the oxygen masks on their children, or others who are unable to do it for themselves. This makes sense and we know it.

If you are feeling worn down and burned out, treat yourself to some TLC. If it 's gone too far for too long, do some thing about it. Get in touch with employee health. Believe me, they will not think you are weak, they see it every day. Most employers of medical facilities offer some type of employee assistance program. This type of program allows you to get counseling or other needed services without any expense to you. The counselors are not hospital employees, but usually a completely separate entity which the hospital pays to confidentially take care of their employees when needed. There is no way for your employer to find out about what happens there. Patient confidentiality is in place.

If you don't think you need that type of assistance, take a break. Most institutions would rather you take some time away to rejuvenate yourself and come back fresh, that to have you go off the deep end trying to be super nurse and super employee.

You're a nurse, your special. Now act like it by taking care of yourself!

Working at a Senior Care Facility Versus Being a Live-In Caretaker

If you've been looking into senior care jobs, you're not alone; many people are interested in assisted living jobs, especially in today's floundering economy. Like many people, you may be struggling with deciding whether to work in a nursing home or as a live-in caretaker. There are pluses and minuses to both scenarios. In order to make the best decision possible, it's smart to weigh the pros and cons of a nursing home job versus a job as a live-in caretaker; highlights are outlined below.

• Leave Your Work at Work - When you're a live-in caretaker, you never really leave work. Sure, you'll have days off - but the vast majority of the time, you'll be living where you earn your pay. With an RN job at a senior care facility or nursing home administrator jobs, your work is finished as soon as you step out the door. In other words, your free time is truly yours when you work in a senior care facility.

• Foster Long-Term Relationships - If you're eager to really get to know your clients, you may feel that a position as a live-in caretaker is the only real way to do so. And it is definitely true that when you become a live-in caregiver, you do truly become a part of the patient's family. However, assisted living jobs also provide many opportunities for getting to know your clients. In fact, you'll be able to interact with a larger variety of people at a senior care facility, which will prepare you for many different situations in the future.

• Hone Your Skills - If accumulating as much experience as possible is important to you, then senior care jobs in senior care facilities should be at the top of your list. An RN job at a nursing home exposes you to many different situations, allowing you to learn many valuable skills. In fact, you're better off accumulating skills through a nursing home job and using them as a live-in caretaker later on. That way, you'll be prepared for just about anything.

• Enjoy Variety - If you're looking for a fast-paced environment, then you should cross being a live-in caretaker off your list. As a live-in caretaker, you are typically focused on one individual so for that reason alone, there will typically be less variables to the caregiver role. Hospice jobs and assisted living jobs involve a lot of interesting and changing situations; each day on the job is completely different from the last. One thing's for sure: You'll never get bored with nursing home jobs.

• Compensation - Because the scope of the roles are different

• Make Connections - Finally, everyone knows how important networking is. With assisted living jobs, you'll be working with many different professionals and creating important connections; this will serve you very well in the future.

Elderly Homes and Assisted Living for Baby-Boomers

Assisted living or elderly homes, are set up to assist seniors that are disabled, paralyzed incapacitated or simply just not capable of caring for themselves in their old age.

Those that are capable of taking care of themselves, are provided and independent apartment with cooking, cleaning and housekeeping services available if required. Assisted living facilities are not as expensive as nursing home due to the fact that they do not provide the medical attention that nursing homes do.

Assisted living facilities room approximately 200-300 seniors citizens and offer activities and facilities for the tenants to stay active. Being assisted living facilities are much like a community, they can find friends that share common interest which can relieve the amount of stress on them.

Before committing to a particular facility, make sure that you make at least two visits to be sure that the patient care and property maintenance is consistent.

Before choosing a facility make sure that you are sure that that particular facility offers the services and amenities that are needed. This can be a challenge for those that want to maintain their way of living after relocating.

Whatever special needs or requirements that are needed for the tenant can be alleviated with options offered by the facility.

Some of the best elderly homes offer recreational activities which helps reduce loneliness and boredom. Assisted living facilities are a benefit for those that need their services. There are task that are just too difficult for some that are in their later years.

Turn the Supermarket Into a Classroom

Learning is an adventure and the universe is the classroom. Parents who hold this belief are able to turn the supermarket into a classroom and, indeed, turn every situation and circumstance a child encounters into a learning experience.

The supermarket is a great learning experience. With some imagination, it becomes a place where children can reinforce in a practical way some of the most important concepts they learn in the classroom. The supermarket allows them to relate the concepts they learn to real life. As we shop for food and teach the concepts of mathematics, geography and nutrition, a powerful link is made with learning and living.

The supermarket provides the opportunity to demonstrate the principles of mathematics in real life. Children, depending on their age can learn the concepts of division by watching and helping their parents make change. Helping their parents select items, total their costs and make change, make the concepts of addition and subtraction real to children.

There are fantastic opportunities in a supermarket to teach the concepts of consumer mathematics. Sales and discounted items help children to understand percentages and variations in prices and profit margins. These mathematical concepts can be tailored to the age of the children and allow them to have fun whilst they learn. Involving the children in supermarket shopping is also a great self-esteem builder.

Games built around the origin of foods are a great way to teach children geography. Grapes from California, olives from Spain, wine from France and yams from Africa can all be found in a supermarket. Parents can use the opportunity as they select food items, to teach children in a fun way, why certain foods grow in specific areas. This presents opportunities for simple to complex explanations on climate, transportation and other aspects of geography.

One of the most important lessons to be learnt in the supermarket is the importance of checking food ingredients. This presents an ideal opportunity to teach children about nutrition. Children will often be attracted by bright packaging and other attractive gimmicks. Parents will have the opportunity to teach children to look out for essential ingredients and to identify the ingredients that are bad for their health. As they teach children what to look for in healthy food, parents are well on the way to establishing sound life-long principles to good, healthy living.

Parents can turn the supermarket into a classroom by teaching fun games on categories and classifications. The goods in a supermarket are generally divided into categories according to types, prices and other classification. This is very similar to the way nature organizes species and groups of animals. Once again, age appropriate games can be developed for children.

Supermarkets are great classrooms. Parents with imagination can benefit greatly from developing creative games for their children as they do grocery shopping. The lessons that can be learnt from the supermarket range from basic to complex and can lay the groundwork for important subject areas in the life of a child.

The Benefits Of Working In A Nursing Home

If you are looking for a career that offers more than just a paycheck, working in an elderly care center may be the right option for you. Many people want to go to work each day and return home feeling as if they have made a difference in the lives of the people around them. Though this can happen at any place of employment, some people need a more concrete way to give to society and feel as if they are enriching the lives of others. Nursing home jobs provide an opportunity to care for a part of the population that needs it the most. Having a nursing home job is a very rewarding experience. If you are comfortable working with elderly people and you really want to feel as if you are making a difference and giving back, work like this may be great for you.

One of the main benefits is the opportunity to care for people. The residents of your elderly care center will depend on your for whatever you provide. This may be medical care, but it can also be dining, companionship, maintenance of their personal space or information and education. Whatever you are trained to do, it will be helpful to help people during their golden years. Even if you are not skilled in the medical field, you can still work in an environment like this and it can still be very rewarding.

In addition to altruistic benefits, you get personal benefits, as well. Since you will be around seasoned citizens all day, you will be able to share in the wisdom they have accumulated over the years. So many people work with their peers. This means day in and day out, you are spending time with people are just a few years older or younger than you. If you work in an elderly care center, you have a large group of people who have done a lot of living and can share their personal lessons, experiences and wisdom with you. Though not everyone you meet will be up for a long chat about life, there are many who are happy to share their stories and adventures with their caretakers.

Depending on your age, you may be faced with being a caretaker for an elderly person in your near future. People who are middle-aged and younger are on their way to caring for their own parents as they age. This can be a difficult and scary experience for those who have never gone through it before. Working in an elderly care center enables you to have the experience before you are dealing with it personally. Though it will not be the same, you will understand a lot of what you need to do and understand what your parents are experiencing when the time comes.

Finally, working in an environment with elderly people helps you get comfortable with your own aging. Seeing the rich and fulfilling lives the people around you lead will give you ideas for your future. Just because you are aging does not mean you need to stop living. Working in an elderly care center puts things into perspective and helps you cope with emotions.

Compensation for Offshore Injuries

There are inherent risks involved in being a offshore oil or gas worker, a seaman, longshoreman or other maritime worker. These types of occupations are extremely dangerous since they typically involve heavy equipment and machinery, toxic chemicals, and other hazardous conditions. It is not uncommon for a worker to sustain serious and life-threatening injuries while on the job, and unfortunately serious injuries go hand-in-hand with offshore work.

Offshore staff can sustain a vast array of serious injuries and they can even be killed in the line of duty. Because their jobs are hazardous, injured maritime workers frequently sustain injuries to the head, back, neck and shoulders. They can also sustain spinal cord injuries, burns, and broken bones. They can also suffer from toxic exposure from contact with dangerous chemicals, which can develop into serious illnesses. Furthermore, offshore workers are always at risk of a drowning accident, which can and does happen from time to time.

Offshore occupations are extremely dangerous, whether you are a maritime worker or seaman who has been seriously injured while working on a tug, barge, trawler, mobile offshore drilling rig, tanker, semi-submersible rig, or other vessel, you have legal rights under the Jones Act, the Death on the High Seas Act, the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act, or other maritime law.

In any type of the above situations, it is extremely important that you seek legal assistance from an experienced attorney. There have been several laws enacted that are designed to protect offshore workers in the event of a serious injury or death; however, understanding the law that pertains to you can be complicated and confusing. A seasoned attorney will know exactly which law would apply to your occupation and how to pursue compensation on your behalf.

Injured persons have to take the necessary steps to receive maximum compensation for their injuries. In many cases, a seriously injured or ill worker doesn't have the physical capability to navigate through the laws and efficiently file a claim. A knowledgeable attorney will be your best friend during the claims process; they will allow you to focus on healing as they aggressively pursue compensation for your injuries. Oftentimes, maritime workers are the main breadwinner in their household who has a spouse and family relying upon them for financial support. Hiring a lawyer will enable you to seek the proper medical care and it will afford you the best chances of receiving the maximum amount of compensation. If you want to take control of your situation and have the greatest opportunity for coming out ahead in your claim, contact a personal injury attorney without delay!

Education Specialist Degree Online

According to the United States Department of Education, 92 million adults took part in some type of formal education to accommodate new job requirements, earn an advanced degree, keep their skills current or simply to attain a higher education. The education specialist degree program is intended for teachers, supervisors, administrators and counselors in elementary and secondary schools. This degree program offers specialization for teachers who have completed their master's degree, along with in-depth opportunities for enhanced professional growth.

The minimum educational requirement to pursue an education specialist degree is 60 hours of graduate credit, which might include a master's degree. A candidate for the program should have a minimum 3.0 grade point average on their previous graduate work. Furthermore, many educational specialist programs require at least three years of successful teaching in the field, standardized test scores, writing samples and recommendations. Since a specialist level teacher is considered an instructional leader, the education specialist degree program builds upon the teacher's prior education and professional experiences to accomplish this. The specialist program ensures that a teacher who completes the course is particularly knowledgeable about current theory and practice in education.

Specific areas of study can be pursued within the education specialist degree program. Such areas of include curriculum and instruction, administration and counseling.

Curriculum and instruction: Teachers pursuing an education specialist degree with a concentration in curriculum and instruction are involved with the teaching, supervision and curriculum of discipline-centered areas of study.

Administration: Those educators seeking an education specialist degree with a concentration in administration can seek licenses for advanced administrative positions within public and private schools, such as building administrator, administrative specialist, vocational director and district administrator.

Counseling: Teachers taking the education specialist degree program with a concentration in counseling have the opportunity for advanced training and study in specialized areas of interest, such as individual, group or family clinical counseling.

Specializations within each of the three segments of the education specialist degree include literature, art, English, foreign language, science, social education, mathematics and special education. The education specialist degree program encompasses 30 semester hours.

An education specialist degree is intended to develop proficiency and professional among teachers already in service. By earning an education specialist degree online, working teachers are afforded the flexibility to attend classes around their own schedule. Online education makes it easier for teachers to pursue higher education while keeping their current positions and maintaining tenure. Thus, attending an education specialist degree program online enables teachers to remain in the classroom with students while they learn how to enhance the educational experience. Teachers who attain an education specialist degree are useful in imparting leadership skills to other teachers, administrators, colleagues and students. Many such teachers implement school improvement plans, developing and using unique teaching practices right in their own classroom.

So are the longterm benefits of pursuing an education specialist degree online worth balancing time between earning and learning? The U.S. Department of Labor, Career Guide to Industries, 2006-07 Edition states that 1 in 4 Americans are enrolled in educational institutions; this makes the educational services the second largest industry in America. About 13 million jobs exist in education services today and most of them require at least a bachelor's degree. The Guide further offers that, "Wage and salary employment growth of 17 percent is expected in the educational services industry over the 2004-14 period, higher than the 14 percent increase projected for all industries combined. The number of teachers retiring is expected to remain a record high over the 2004-2014 period, so there may be a lack of students graduating with education degrees to meet this growing industry's needs. This makes job opportunities for graduates in many education fields good to excellent."

Education remains an important part of life and school attendance is compulsory the United States, so there are numerous educational establishments to teach at. As technology expands and the economy changes, there will be an increased need for skilled teachers with an innovative approach to dynamic classroom situations. People holding an education specialist degree will have increased opportunities to advance into positions as administrators, specialized counselors or even assist in developing cutting edge curriculum for students. In a Report released in July 2006, The U.S. Department of Labor reveals that school districts report difficulties in recruiting qualified administrators and teachers, especially in urban and rural areas.

According to the Distance Education and Training Council, over 4 million students are enrolled in online universities and schools and that number is growing by 30 percent each year. The convenience of pursuing an education specialist degree online enables teachers to learn while they earn, as well implement the skills they attain in their own classrooms as they go. Thus, education specialist degree online programs are beneficial to both teachers and their students.

Housing Options For Elders - Assisted Living Options

Another housing option for your elders is an "Assisted Living Facility." While these type of facilities have gained in popularity around the country, the term "assisted living" means a lot of different things to a lot of different people. While most states require a facility such as this to have a license, not all state require it.

Living spaces can be as simple as a shared room in a huge complex or as robust as a small apartment with a self contained kitchen in a small facility. A great thing about these type of facilities in general as that there are a number of additional services that can be provided for at an additional cost. Things such as meals, cleaning, helping with bathing and going to the bathroom, laundry can be a big help to many elderly folks. It's important to note that where ever you are located, assisted living facilities can't provide your elder with medical care. However, a staff member will normally be willing to help with medication reminders.

The term "Assisted Living" is more of a marketing term than it is a definitive term that describes the kind of facility it is. When looking at these type of facilities, always be sure to ask if the facility is licensed by the state and what level of support and supervision is provided. Knowing how many staff members are on duty during the various points of the day, if they provide assistance with taking medications, and if residents of the facility are checked on regularly are all things that will help you determine if the facility warrants further review by your and your family.

Your goal is likely to have your elder live as independently as possible, but in a place that is able to provide the additional services and supervision that he or she may need. Continue to ask questions so that your mind is put at ease with the facility you are considering.

Candidates for this type of living arrangement are those who require help and support with daily activities, but don't need any medical assistance or constant supervision.

As with any facility you are looking into for your elder, you will want to know about the pros and cons. In the case of assisted living facilities, there are two very big "pros". Fist, these facilities can extend your elder's independent living. Second, for those that are socially active, they generally find these facilities provide a great opportunity to mix with others

However, there can be some negatives. These negatives usually center around the staffing levels. In these cases, supervision and oversight may not be what it should be. This is why it's critical that you know about their staffing levels before making a final decision to move your elder into an assisted living facility, or any other facility for that matter.

Another negative is that Medicare doesn't chip in for assisted living. More than 90% of the tenants of these facilities pay out of pocket - or that of their family's pocket. Don't be fooled into thinking that just because you have a long term care insurance policy that you are all set. Many policies only pay a specific amount of money towards assisted living. After those funds are exhausted, there will be no money left for nursing home care. Certainly something to consider.

However, some states do indeed provide a limited Medicaid benefit for assisted living residents. But, most unfortunately, the states that do this, generally limit the number of folks who can access this benefit. So - you could very well find yourself in a situation where your elder qualifies for this assistance in their state, but ends up on a gigantic waiting list.

Another downside to assisted living is those who are in charge of the marketing departments at some of these facilities can be very, very aggressive and very light with details. You need to be persistent in getting an itemized cost breakdown for every potential service your elder may need. What's included in the base price? What do meals cost? How many meals are served? What about snacks? Is cleaning provided for apartments? If the rep can't or won't provide answers to these type of questions, go to their boss. If they won't help, go elsewhere.

Retirement Homes in India - Bliss For Aged

Retirement homes give senior citizens a healthy and peaceful environment, where they can simply unwind themselves and live those golden years again.

These homes are privately owned rental accommodations for seniors who are able to manage and pay for their own care. Generally, retirement homes are designed for seniors who need minimal to moderate support with their daily living activities. The settings of these homes enable residents to live as independently as possible, while providing certain services and social activities. Most retirement homes offer meals, housekeeping, laundry, and recreational and social programs. These homes can be an appropriate option for people who do not require 24-hour nursing care. One can live a healthy life with regular exercise, meditation, and healthy food in retirement homes.

With the increase in the spending power, the demand for retirement homes is expectedly on the rise. The financially secured senior citizens want to spend their last years in luxury, with all the amenities they were used to during their working years, and with the added comfort of having medical and other care services at hand.

'Retirement Homes' are also vacation homes for some. As many of these cater to the needs of retirees whose children live outside India. In recent years, several senior Indian immigrants from the US and UK have purchased villas and apartments in India. Some of them have already transferred their residence to India, and some others treat these much like vacation homes, with yearly trips for extended stays in India. Developers are also looking at a big non-resident Indian (NRI) retirement market and building homes for the high-income couples working abroad in the US, Canada, Europe and even the Middle East who will retire in the next 3 to 5 years. This is a big opportunity. There are couples working abroad who would want to spend 3 to 6 months in a year in India. Retirement homes could target them as well.

Though the concept is very western, many Indian developers are also coming up with Retirement Homes. Some property developers from Pune have introduced the concept of "Apartments for the old". They have constructed apartments that will suit the requirements of old people - the interior design and the amenities are built in a manner that will suit their needs. These Retirement Homes offer several advantages like:

The elderly can spend time with people of the same age. This helps them bond better and make lasting friendships with people they can relate to.

They can conduct activities which they can enjoy together - like playing games and going on a picnic.

Medical facilities are offered for its residents. This is especially useful if the individual has no family to fall back on.

Anyone can apply to a retirement home. You do not need to provide medical evidence that you need a minimum level of care. The retirement home, however, may assess your needs to ensure that it can provide you with appropriate support, or that you do not need more support than it can provide.

Besides these amenities, builders feel that it is important to develop these homes away from the crowded city life. Also, the prices of metros are beyond the reach of senior citizens. Some developers like Covai Property Centre feel Coimbatore is a promising option for development of retirement homes. Mr. A. Sridharan, Managing Director of the company has said that Coimbatore has a strong case for becoming a favoured destination of the retirees because of salubrious climate, excellent medical facilities, proximity to famous religious and tourism centres and the availability of direct flights to important international destinations.

Some residents of these retirement homes say that they have chosen to live their by choice and not because of any compulsion. They need their own space like younger generation. It's time for retirees to live life king size.

Discussing Elder Care With a Senior

When it comes time to decide on elder care arrangements for you or your loved one, it's best to get the family involved in the process. Besides giving advice and understanding the situation, they can also provide moral support to the individual who is moving. Family meetings give everyone a chance to get together to air thoughts and share information.

Calling a Family Meeting

If you or a loved one has concerns about an elderly family member, it is time to call a family meeting to discuss his or her situation and future. The best time to call a family meeting is before the situation turns critical and quick decisions must be made. The aging individual has more input at this stage and more options available in terms of elder care. It's smart to put a plan in place even if it is not immediately needed. Hold a family meeting when:

• There a decline in health


• Finances are a concern


• There is medical emergency


• The primary caregiver needs help


• The aging individual asks for help


• There are concerns about him or her living alone

Who Should Attend?

It doesn't matter who calls the family meeting. It could be a caregiver who provides day-to-day support, or an adult child who lives out-of-town and wants an update about what's going on. The importance is communication and making sure that everyone involved is on the same page so that there are no misunderstandings in the end.

Family meetings typically include adult children or grandchildren, siblings, and other close family members or caregivers affected by the situation. Depending on the elderly individual's current physical and emotional being, he or she may attend the family meeting. However, these meetings are for family members to speak candidly about the elderly relative. Therefore, you may not want him or her to attend as to avoid hurting feelings or being offended. Typically, after an initial plan is in place, the affected individual joins the meeting.

What Should Be Discussed

Whoever plans the meeting, should make up an agenda of concerns that can include:

• Information about the individual's health


• Feelings about the situation


• Daily care giving needs (in-homecare vs. assisted living)


• Financial concerns


• Who will make all decisions or given power of attorney


• What roles do family members want to take

Schedule subsequent meetings if all the topics aren't covered. Follow-up meetings are also good to discuss how things are going at that time.

California Job Outlook - Healthcare Workers in Huge Demand

Temperature is right for Healthcare Opportunities

A healthcare career might be just the cure for your occupational woes. Whether it's working with patients, being a key contributor in a medical office team, or opening up your own business, healthcare is a satisfying, challenging and exciting career choice. And there's never been a better time to train for a healthcare position. With the aging of the baby boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964), a shift from inpatient to outpatient care, and the expansion of healthcare centers, the demand for healthcare workers is expected to increase in the years to come, especially in California.

Below are the fastest growing Healthcare Careers in California:

*Dental Assisting*

Average Annual Wage: $31,985

2002-2012 Job Growth: 57%

Future Career Paths: Dental Hygienist, Licensed Vocational Nurse

*Health Claims Examiner/Medical Biller*

Average Annual Wage: $31,772

2002-2012 Job Growth: 41%

Future Career Paths: Medical Coder, Insurance Adjuster

*Massage Therapy*

Average Annual Wage: $36,340

2002-2012 Job Growth: 21%

Future Career Paths: Physical Therapist, Day Spa Manager

*Medical Assistant*

Average Annual Wage: $28,890

2002-2012 Job Growth: 46%

Future Career Paths: Licensed Vocational Nurse, Medical Coder

*Optical Dispensing*

Average Annual Wage: $32,441

2002-2012 Job Growth: 23%

Future Career Paths: Store Owner, Manufacturers Sales Rep

*Pharmacy Technician*

Average Annual Wage: $33,632

2002-2012 Job Growth: 31%

Future Career Paths: Occupational Therapy Assistant, Dietetic Technician

*Surgical Technology*

Average Annual Wage: $40,178

2002-2012 Job Growth: 36%

Future Career Paths: Central Supply Mgr, Asst. Operating Room Admin.

*Diagnostic Medical Sonagraphy*

Average Annual Wage: $60,908

2002-2012 Job Growth: 21%

Future Career Paths: Physician's Assistant, Medical Technologist

** Salaries listed above are average annual wages reported by the Employment Development Department of the State of California and do not reflect entry level salaries for the healthcare positions listed.

Key Success Factors

Do you have a genuine desire to help people? Then chances are you'll be successful as a healthcare professional. The four other critical skills you'll need to succeed in health care are:

o Team player. Healthcare is a group activity, so people skills and teamwork are essential.

o Compassionate and caring. Helping take care of people requires patience and a service-orientated attitude.

o Comfortable in any setting. You might be part of a huge organization or a small staff, working at the local, state, regional or national level. The possibilities are endless.

o Desire for lifelong learning. You'll need to keep studying and learning throughout your career to keep up with the latest developments in the field.

Healthcare provides a helping hand

Healthcare professionals are essential when it comes to caring for the physical, mental, social and emotional wellbeing of individuals. Whether you're a health information specialist or a dental receptionist, all support staff play a vital role in patient care. As an important contributor to the healthcare system, you'll need to be able to establish trust and credibility with fellow workers and patients. Good communication skills, ability to follow directions, and strong listening ability are important, especially if you're working in a clinical environment.

Technical abilities are a must

Technology has altered the practice of healthcare. No matter what the healthcare field, an ability to work with computers and high-tech equipment is a powerful asset. As a medical biller, you will probably be asked to help process some claims electronically. Medical clinical assistants may need to deal with an Electronic Medical Record. Pharmacy technicians often operate automated pill dispensers. But if you're unfamiliar with such tools, don't worry--your all-important career college will help introduce you to these concepts.

Exciting environments

Is it any wonder that shows like NBC's "ER" and "Scrubs," and CBS' "Rescue 911," have been so popular? They show the drama of medicine and the reality of life-and-death situations. Healthcare is filled with stimulating and interesting interactions. Of course, big-city hospitals bustle with activity, but even a quiet suburban assisted living facility, chiropractic office, retail pharmacy, HMO, or medical clinic have everyday drama and fascinating daily interactions. If you like a variety of tasks, work well under stress, and take pride in doing a job well done, then you have what it takes to be a valuable member of the healthcare team.

Lifelong learning

Medical-related workplaces have always been settings that support and encourage professional growth and development. Opportunities for on-the-job training and continuing education abound, and often employers will subsidize your schooling. You'll also have lots of opportunities for advancement, so your ambition will serve you well in a healthcare profession. If you're interested in a career like massage therapy, be assured that complementary and alternative medicines are being integrated into conventional healthcare systems, offering you even greater opportunities. No matter what your area of interest, be sure you start out at a school that provides a positive learning environment and is prepared to help you launch your career in this exciting arena.

Reality check

Although not every healthcare professional works with patients, those who do will find that people are sicker, older, and living longer, often with chronic diseases. Keeping a positive attitude is key for maintaining a cheerful office or clinic. Are you up to the challenge? Being a paid caregiver requires confidence, commitment and compassion.
Summary

The clock never stops ticking in the healthcare profession. Perhaps it's time for you to join this financially rewarding, stable and gratifying occupation. One recent study showed that California led other states in the number of advertised healthcare job vacancies, with other regions also showing a strong demand across the nation.

One healthcare worker said it best: "Touching someone's life in a positive way is the most rewarding work that there is."

To request free information about the healthcare career training programs offered in southern California, visit http://www.americancareer.com.

To request free information about the healthcare career training programs offered in northern California's San Joaquin Valley, visit http://www.acicareercollege.com.

About American Career College

For over 25 years, American Career College (ACC) has been helping thousands of students get their start in the healthcare industry. ACC offers nine healthcare training programs at campuses in Los Angeles, Orange County and Norco, California:

Dental Assisting

Health Claims Examiner/Medical Biller

Massage Therapy

Optical Dispensing

Vocational Nursing

Pharmacy Technician

Surgical Technology

Diagnostic & Medical Sonography (Ultrasound)

Medical Assistant

About A.C.I. Career College

At its McHenry Avenue campus in Modesto, CA, the College offers six accredited healthcare training programs:

Health Information Specialist

Medical Clinical Assistant

Medical-Dental Administrative Assistant

Pharmacy Technician

Massage Therapist

Medical Dental Receptionist

Nursing Homes - A Difficult (But Important) Choice

Luckily, I am blessed with independent parents who are in excellent health. My father is turning 70 this July and my mother is only a few years behind (sorry to blow your secret, mom!) While they could both stand to lose a little weight and get a bit more active, they still get around well and certainly don't need my help to make their way in the world. Sadly, of course, time is one race we all lose. Hopefully I won't have to worry about care for my parents for many, many years. This topic comes to mind, however, as I have had several cases come into my firm lately related to abuse and neglect at elder care facilities.

If you come to a point where you are unable to provide care for a loved one at home, you will be faced with some difficult decisions. The fact is, most nursing homes are run and staffed by compassionate and caring individuals. With some effort and homework, you should be able to find a facility where the odds of abuse, neglect or dangerous conditions can be minimized.

A good first step in the process is to obtain several recommendations from the physician providing care to your loved one. You can also ask friends and family members if they have suggestions. You should plan on getting at least three or four names of conveniently located facilities, and plan on visiting each one. When you visit, make sure to make an appointment to visit with the Administrator or the Director of Nursing. Come prepared with a list of written questions. Take careful note of the demeanor of the person you are interviewing. Are they providing direct and clear answers, or do they appear to be hedging or avoiding questions? Are their answers inconsistent with what you have observed on your visit?

On your visit, use all your senses. How does the facility look? Does it appear clean? How does it smell? Do the residents appear well cared for? Are the kitchen facilities (if any) clean? Do the staff seem interested and energetic?

Be sure to ask to see the most recent state survey report. All nursing homes are inspected and surveyed by the state annually. The report will cite deficiencies in detail and will also list facility efforts to correct problems. Be careful if there are excessive deficiencies or if it appears that the facility is not taking adequate steps to address the cited issues. Also ask to see any complaints which have been filed against the facility in the last year, as well as documentation of the facility's response. Also always ask for complete explanations of the facility's policies in regard to chemical or physical restraint. See if these policies are available in writing. Always ask about the incidence of pressure sores (bedsores) at the facility.

Ask about staffing ratios. While the law only requires that a facility maintain "sufficient" staff, the National Citizens' Coalition for Nursing Home Reform has set some rough guidelines for staffing. According to the NCCNHR, during the day there should be at least one direct care giver for every five residents, one for every ten residents in the evening, and one for every fifteen at night. Remember, these ratios will vary depending on the needs and independence level of the residents. Also, keep in mind, the majority of direct day to day care in most facilities is provided by nursing assistants. On your visit, take the time to introduce yourself to a few of the direct care providers and see if you can get a feel for their level of care, skill and compassion. Be sure to ask management about the turnover rate for providers.

If you have more questions about nursing home facilities or possible problems or issues, you should call the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services at (800) 458-9858. Sometimes, despite all your research, you may be faced with the tragic situation where your loved one suffers abuse or neglect at their facility. If this occurs, or if your loved one suffers a serious injury at a nursing home, you and your loved one have important legal rights. In this event, it is important that you contact a qualified attorney to help investigate the matter and assess the situation.

What is Assisted Living, and What Are Its Benefits?

An assisted living facility is very much like a nursing home, but it also provides special care to those who need it. What differentiates it from a nursing home is the very fact that it offers more freedom and independence the person receiving care. There is one more difference - where nursing homes provide their services only to the elderly people, these facilities welcome even the young ones if they are physically disabled and need special care. There are many companies who are specialized in providing special care and housing solutions for both the elderly people as well as those who are young but have serious accessibility problems. Still, in general, these facilities largely cater to senior citizens only.

How Does These Facilities Work?
Unlike what happens in nursing homes, an assisted living facility does not monitor their residents all the time. It provides private apartments for its clients where the staff members make periodical visits in order to provide assistance to those who need it. Some staff members just visit them in order to provide them companionship so that they do not feel lonely. However, meals are not provided to the clients at their separate apartments. The residents have to o to the communal dining halls for their meals. This way, if some of the residents who are disabled or have accessibility problems, they get a chance to go out in the public and interact with people (who are also suffering from similar problems) in a friendly environment. So, they don't feel self conscious anymore.

In most cases, the main objective of the assisted living facilities is to provide an opportunity and platform for the people with disabilities to become self dependent. That is the reason why many facilities also feature handrails, lower countertops and tables, and wheelchair-accessible showers.

How Can One Benefit From These Special Homes?
Assisted living homes make the best option for those who are otherwise self sufficient but need some special care and assistance because of their physical disabilities. These facilities provide them a good platform where they can learn how to live independently and without having any sense of inferiority. These facilities inculcate self confidence in their residents by having a busy schedule of events so that there's no time for worries or develop inferiority complex.

However, it is very important for you to understand that assisted living facilities are not meant for those who are mentally challenged or very frail. For them, nursing home is undoubtedly a much better option. These are the people who need assistance twenty four hours a day and seven days a week, which only a nursing home can provide.

Why Home Care Is Better Than Nursing Homes

For many of us, the time will come when our parents are no longer able to care for themselves. Oftentimes, this leaves us with one of two choices: place our parent in a nursing home or hire Denver elder care services.

Obviously, neither choice is easy: making the choice means admitting to ourselves that the roles have been reversed. Our caretakers now are the ones who need our help.

Still, unless you or a relative are able to pick up and move in with your parent as well as offer them 24-hour care, Denver elder care services may be the ideal choice. When compared to nursing homes, elderly home care Denver offers the following advantages:

Your Parent Will Stay in the Comfort of Their Home: Home, as they say, is where the heart is. Chances are, your parent is not ready to leave it. With Denver elder care home services, your parent doesn't have to. Since home care Denver based agencies work by coming to their home, your parent can stay in the comforts they've grown to love with their cherished belongings around them.

Your Parent Can Keep Their Pet: On average, people who own pets live seven years longer than those who don't. This, along with the cherished relationship your parent may have with their cat or dog, is reason enough to go with Denver elder care home services. With home care Denver based services, your parent doesn't have to say goodbye to a furry member of their family.

Your Parent Will Feel More Independent: The older we get, the harder it is to come to grasps with our increasing dependency. But, with Denver elder care home services, this dependency is not as overt. Your parent will feel much more independent with a companion in their home than they would inside the constrains of a nursing home.

Your Parent Can Keep Their Routine: Your parent may have a routine that is important to them. With elderly care Denver based, they can keep it. Maybe they play bridge every Wednesday or meet for coffee on the third of the month. Whatever their routine, elderly care Denver based agencies will help your parent keep the routine that is important to them.

It is an Easier Decision for the Family: Putting your parent in a nursing home is a difficult decision, one that many people have a hard time dealing with. Going with elderly home care Denver based services, however, is a much easier decision. This is because Denver elder care home services improve the life of your loved one whereas relocating to a nursing home may disrupt it. This makes Denver elder care services an optimal choice for you, your family and your parent.

Nursing Home CNA Training

Nursing home CNA training is training to become a nursing assistant that is offered at a nursing home facility. Continuing care communities often offer training for nursing assistants. The training is sometimes provided for people who have been hired to work for the facility but still need to take training to become certified.

There are times when a continuing care community will provide training for someone already working at the nursing home who wants to become a nursing assistant. This is an opportunity for an individual to change their career if they are interested in working as a nursing assistant.

If a healthcare provider offers you CNA training at no cost to you, they are like to require you to work for their facility for an agreed upon amount of time. It is not uncommon for them to ask you to work for them for at least one year.

You will receive excellent CNA training if you train in a continuing care community. The course will teach you the duties and responsibilities of a nursing assistant. You will learn about patient privacy rights and how to spot and report elder abuse. Your course will teach you some medical information. You will learn how to respond to an emergency situation.

There will be lecture and classroom portions of your CNA Training through a nursing home. You might also have some lab classes. Before you work with real patients, you might do some role playing with other students in order to practice procedures. You will probably also observe nurse and nursing assistants in action. Finally, you will get to work directly with some patients.

Most Nursing home CNA Training courses will last about somewhere between three and six weeks. You might find both full-time and part-time course opportunities in a nursing home setting. Of course, your training will last for a longer period of time if you are only studying a few hours each day.

You will be well prepared for the nursing certification exam upon completion of a nursing assistant training program at a nursing home. Once you have completed all your coursework, you will be able to take the examination. Your instructor will provide you with the details about when you will take your exam and how to prepare. You will also learn what you need to bring with you in order to take the test.

If you are not sure which nursing institutions in your area are offering nursing assistant training, you can contact a few directly. You can also contact the nursing aide registry in your area for information about nursing homes that offer CNA training. If an employer hires you to work as a nursing assistant and has state that they will provide you with all necessary training to become certified, they will provide you with the information you need.

You will be well on your way to a new career working as a nursing aide after completing nursing home CNA training.

Improving Staff Engagement at Your Site Will Improve Patient Outcomes and Your Bottom Line

It is an axiom of business that employee engagement produces many positive results, no matter what the setting-manufacturing or service. This is true for healthcare as well. Employee engagement produces a better product or service. In healthcare, engaged employees produce enhanced patient outcomes. When employees are engaged there is less turnover, which reduces training costs. Engaged employees are problem solvers. These are just a few of the many benefits from engaging employees.

How can management engage employees at healthcare sites? A recent study by Manpower's Right Management emphasized providing opportunities for advancement and opportunities for development. In a survey of a wide variety of organizations it found that in settings where employees felt that there were career opportunities for them, 54% were engaged. In settings where employees felt that there job was a dead end, only 9% were engaged. The same study also showed that employees who had career opportunities were likely to stay much longer than employees who did not think they had good career opportunities. For the former only 5% said they planned to leave their organization in less than one year. For the latter, 22% said they were likely to leave within a year.

Let me share an example of a primary care site which has engaged an employee through development. This site has found that the percent of collections from billed charges has drastically fallen from 75% to 60% in the past year. The practice administrator suspects that there may be several factors which have led to this, including poorer coding and physicians seeing fewer patients. Wanting to be objective, she decided to "go and see" what the real causes are. She talks to several of the staff to get their point of view. She reviews a recent external audit of billing and coding. She finds after a thorough analysis that the primary cause is coding; the percent of collections and reimbursement from first time coding has slipped. She talks to her coders and finds that the new codes are causing problems. With a team of physicians and coders she decides that the best strategy to solve this problem is provide online training to her coders. The coders in turn will instruct the physicians on how to better detail the patient visit so that the coding will be more accurate. This approach soon solves the problem. The coders believe that have played an important part in serving the practice and feel engaged.

Another way to engage employees is to provide them ways to identify and solve problems. The best healthcare sites do this by borrowing from the Lean model of Toyota. For simple problems, such as organizing a storage area that is continually disorganized, making it harder to find needed supplies, the administration has instructed the staff how to quickly form teams to provide simple solutions that can be carried out quickly and cheaply. Other sites, alternatively, may solve its simpler problems by having regular voluntary team meetings of staff in a work area, such as staff of a lab, in which problems are identified and solved in one setting.

For larger problems administration can assemble a team of those affected and use the kaizen approach that Toyota champions. This problem solving approach is carried out over a longer period and is based upon the Plan-Do-Check-Act approach. Before applying the PDCA though, the problem is thoroughly explored by "going and seeing." A detailed analysis of the problem is presented to the kaizen team and agreement is reached that this is the real problem. By doing so, a good solution is much easier to achieve.

An example of using this kaizen approach to engage employees in problem solving is found in a primary care setting that is implementing an electronic health record. Since EHR's are so complicated and multifunctional, it makes good sense to form an implementation team at a site, perhaps one with a leader who is an expert trained in Lean approaches and team building, a consultant if necessary, so implementation is less disruptive as new processes are created to fully make use of the EHR. Sites using such teams see a drop of only 3% or so in patient flow in the short term as implementation proceeds and income actually increases in a very short time. One site team decided to focus on using electronic prescribing features of EHR's first in order to realize benefits right away, both in safety and in freed up time. EHR's virtually eliminate the problems created by handwritten prescriptions-errors in dosing and drug names. This function freed up time for staff who were taking calls for refills and transmitting them to the physicians, time which could be better used for patient care. Interaction of drugs problems were also avoided.

Another example of positive results from engaged employees is my experience with the staff of Baylor Hospital in Dallas, Texas. My mother had to have a pacemaker inserted at Baylor to help with her ventricle electrical pulses. The nursing and support staff worked to make my mother as comfortable and anxiety free as possible. I was able to view this close-up as her room had a pull out bed and I stayed with her for two nights. The nurses were timely in their care and answered our questions with excellent detail. They demonstrated that the quality of her care was of utmost importance to them. They were obviously fully engaged. In fact, the Health Grades web site ranked them as providing excellent care overall.

I hope it is evident that engaged staff can provide superior quality for patients and dramatically improve the bottom line. Engaging staff by providing educational opportunities, by offering opportunities for advancement and by involving them in problem solving are just three ways to make good use of staff abilities. If such benefits are clear why aren't more healthcare sites making use of this approach? I believe one of the reasons lies in the inability of management to let go of the control they have, to trust in the abilities of their staff. I recall just such an occasion with one physician recently. The staff nurse was complaining to me that the office would run much more smoothly if the physician did not try to micromanage every detail and let the staff do its job.

As you can see staff engagement is a Win-Win for all, even though such a transition may be difficult for some management. Taking a gradual approach to integrating staff engagement as a policy at your site will be beneficial to staff, patients and management.

The Advantages Of Elderly Home Care

As your loved one grows much older, sooner or later they will come to a point when they're no longer able to live on their own. When signs that your aging parents need help become obvious, it's time to decide for their future.

Nursing home care is a common option. Although seniors receive round the clock coverage in nursing homes, they also know that is often the final place they will ever stay. Just the thought of leaving their homes depresses many seniors, and this can further deteriorate the condition of their health. This is why it is important to understand that not all seniors have to go to nursing homes. A nursing home may be a great option for seniors with serious dementia who might hurt themselves when left alone. However, majority of our seniors does not need such radical changes. Many seniors only need some help with the chores that they can no longer do on their own and have someone to visit them and make sure they're doing fine.

Elderly home care is a good option for senior loved ones who are not in need of round the clock monitoring and care. Perhaps your senior loved one is not ill but he is not able to do some tasks without the help of another person. Or maybe he is recovering from an illness or from an operation and only needs someone to help him with personal care, light nursing, medication and even some light mental or physical therapy.

Then nurses and other high level medical professionals will visit him only periodically based on how much care he needs, while still maintaining his freedom and independence in his own home. With elderly home care, your senior parent can stay in familiar surroundings which could be the best place for him to recover more quickly. Elderly people who are able to remain in their own home have more self-esteem. In contrast, those who are placed in nursing homes often feel depressed realizing that they can no longer do the things they used to do.

Studies show that elderly home care is the best option for the over-all well-being of seniors. When it comes to hiring elderly home care you have at least two options. Either you get a provider through an agency or you hire a provider directly. Both of them have their own pros and cons. Here's a detailed discussion of them.

Home Care Agency

The advantages to hiring an elderly home care provider through an agency is that the agency handles all the processes related to screening, hiring or firing, pay and taxes, which you need to do yourself once you choose to hire a caregiver on your own. Another advantage is that the agency can send a substitute anytime your care provider is sick. Also, agencies can provide workers with various skills to meet different needs.

Disadvantage to hiring a caregiver through an agency is that because several care givers are used it could be distressing or confusing for the care recipient. Other disadvantages are that your choices of workers are limited and it is usually more expensive than when hiring an individual directly.

Hiring Elderly Home Care Giver Directly

By hiring an elderly home caregiver directly, there is a greater chance of developing a strong one-on-one relationship between the care giver and the care recipient. Also, with this method you have the freedom to choose the person you think can best provide the needs required by your senior loved one. This is also often less expensive than hiring someone from an agency.

Disadvantages include not having to get a ready substitute anytime the home care worker can't be available and you have to directly handle the processes of screening, hiring or firing, pay and taxes.

Interviewing the Applicant

Should you decide the second option, here are some tips you need to keep in mind during the interview process:

A face-to-face interview with all job applicants is not necessary. You may screen them over the telephone. When doing the initial telephone interview, ask the applicants to give a full description of the job, including the number of hours and days they're available. It is also important that you ask the candidate's job history and whether or not she has some preferences. If a candidate sounds suitable for the job, schedule for a personal interview with him. Ask another family member or the care recipient himself, if possible, to participate in the interview. If you think a candidate has the qualities and skills that you require, ask him to sign a work contract for your mutual protection.