Maximize your employment options by doing meaningful work with meaningful pay. Advanced Health Care’s ProCare Academy prepares people to be competent Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) and opens the way to valuable and compassionate careers. You can earn this in-demand certification in about a month. Teaching centers in Tacoma and Olympia are regularly graduating students, many who have jobs in the field before their training is  even finished.

Certified Nursing Assistants provide basic care and assistance for many daily activities for those who require help. The tasks can vary greatly, depending on the needs of the client. It might be assisting with preparing food or bathing or being a companion for activities or appointments. There are jobs at hospitals, care facilities, and in-home settings. Though being a CNA is a gateway to nursing and other medical professions, many find it a fulfilling career.

ProCare welcomes people from all walks of life. Past students have ranged in age from 16-years-old to 72-years-old. Many are in college. ProCare’s varied class times allow full-time students to do both. Employment for a CNA usually allows for flexible hours. It is possible to have a part- or full-time work with the hours that suit your life, because care providers are needed at all hours on all days.

Students enrolling in the program come with unique agendas. A few take the course because they are the primary care providers for a spouse or other loved ones whose needs have become increasingly greater as time passes. Initially the training was a way to augment their skill set and be more effective at home. It wasn’t about getting a job. However, as these students gain newfound confidence in their abilities, they often decide to do the state testing and become officially certified. It is impressive to hear about the number of people who enter the workforce after the family member passes away. Their personal understanding and experience with end-of-life care brings a deep connection with their care recipients.

Some people are already on the path to becoming a nurse, a physician, or have plans to enter a specific medical profession. Getting your CNA certification is an excellent stepping stone. Others find their lives moving in new directions, such as children growing up and out. Those with limited or no professional training but want to work, find becoming a CNA an excellent fit.

Each group of students varies greatly in age and intentions, but each time strong bonds grow within the class. Everyone is learning and moving forward together. Nancy Matthews, a Registered Nurse (RN) and teacher for ProCare, cites this as one reason she loves to teach. Two and a half years ago, she moved to Olympia to be close to her aging father. She stopped by Advanced Health Care for part-time work. Matthews happened to mention that she really wanted to teach. Over her 45 years as an RN, she’d worked in a hospital, a doctor’s office, a clinic, a school, and a camp. Julie Ferguson, Advanced Health Care co-owner and administrator, was within earshot and needed a teacher. Matthews has been teaching ever since.

“It’s fun, energetic and very healing,” Matthews shares. The teaching staff at ProCare is made up of nine nurses. Each teacher brings their expertise and experience to the students.

Ferguson loves to see the fresh faces of incoming students. “They start scared, build confidence, and pass the test,” she says. She added that frequently graduates come to work for AHC.

CNA’s learn the 22 skills required for certification. ProCare Academy has a classroom and a practicum room with beds and a mannequin. Students also receive seven hours of HIV education and CPR training. Outside of the classroom, students complete 40 clinic hours at actual care sites under the supervision of their instructors. Upon successful completion, students receive a diploma and are ready for the state written and practical examinations.

There is a class schedule to meet your needs. Weekday classes meet for four weeks from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Evening classes run from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and take six weeks to complete. There is also an eight-weekend option. Classes usually have 15 to 18 students. Tuition, books, scrub top, and gait belt (all the things you need) cost $749. Home Care Aides (HCA) who desire to become a CNA can take the bridge program through ProCare. You can check the current schedules to see what will work for you.

ProCare Academy has locations in Tacoma and Olympia. Enrollment is ongoing. Call 1-888-960-2553 and find further information on their website. ProCare Academy is located within the Advanced Health Care’s offices. Talk with the helpful people at AHC to find the personal, compassionate care for those dear to you.

View Original Article.

Lynessa Stone
Advanced Health Care
Lstone@advanced-healthcare.com
253-475-7744

Fabulous music rocked the building at Garden Court on August 11th, 2018. Our first annual Senior Summerfest had arrived, bringing with it, the 18-piece Microsoft Jumpin’ Jive Orchestra, vendors and more.
Red and gold balloons filled the livingroom, concessions stands were assembled.

Residents and guests filled the chairs to celebrate the music playing. The orchestra, composed current or past employees of Microsoft had played during the holidays. Band member Jim Glass said, “We love playing at Garden Court.”

Vendors and Garden Court staff gave away door prizes to over 10 lucky winners! Vendors included SASH, Silver Creek Dental and Vision, Hear USA, Doug Miller of Edward Jones, Solie Funerals, Hospice of the Northwest, Alpha Nursing Services, Everett Center, Right at Home, Retirement Connection, Transitions in Senior Living, Moving Forward and Effortless Vitality.

Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate summer and have a good time! Special thanks to Denise and everyone in the kitchen for the strawberry short cakes, corn dogs and other fair food.

Rebecca Boehm
Garden Court
rboehm@artegan.com
425-438-9080
https://www.gardencourtretirement.com/

After a chef-prepared breakfast with new friends, the residents of Aegis Gardens gather in the upstairs loft for some coffee and tea.  In the background, the calming views of the lake fill the wall of windows.  Later, residents greet the instructor for morning tai chi and move from pose to pose throughout their class. Some are seated for better balance but are able to still participate with modified moves.  Afterwards, residents meet up in the mahjong room for some friendly competition before a dim sum lunch, while others attend a seminar on the benefits of acupuncture at the adjacent Stan Head Cultural Center. This isn’t your typical senior housing experience, or at least one that you might picture.

Aegis Gardens is an example of a growing niche in the assisted living and memory care industry—affinity senior living communities. These communities are designed to cater to individuals who share religions, cultures, and backgrounds. An affinity assisted living community offers seniors a smoother transition to senior housing.

Aegis Living opened their first Chinese culturally-designed community in Fremont, California in 2001.  This past year, Aegis Gardens opened a second location in Newcastle, Washington.  The details and commitment that went into planning Aegis Gardens has created an experience with a profound respect for the Chinese Culture.

Life at Aegis Gardens is made better by the engaging traditional activities, authentic Chinese cuisine, and the multilingual care staff who ensure that residents can clearly communicate with someone who understands their language. “In a standard assisted living community, the residents might feel disconnected if their English is not very good,” says Aegis Gardens General Manager Meng Lo. “Being able to communicate in your native language strengthens friendships within the community and with their caregivers.”

Affinity senior living communities are different from other senior housing options in that they focus on creating a culturally-sensitive experience.  However, these communities are not exclusive.  Anyone who is open-minded or would like to retire in a place with an international flair are welcome.

Affinity communities may also include housing for military officers, university alumni, and LGBTQ seniors.  It is natural to want to be yourself, practice your beliefs freely and be among people who support and understand you. Many new LGBTQ senior housing communities have been built across the U.S.  The goal of the LGBTQ communities is to create welcoming homes that are discrimination-free.

With over 10,000 baby boomers turning 65 every day, the demand for senior housing is growing exponentially.  Affinity senior communities will also need to expand to meet that demand.