A Social Managed Care Plan is an organization that provides the full range of Medicare benefits offered by standard Managed Care Plan’s plus additional services which include care coordination, prescription drug benefits, chronic care benefits covering short term nursing home care, a full range of home and community based services such as homemaker, personal care services, adult day care, respite care, and medical transportation. Other services that may be provided include eyeglasses, hearing aids, and dental benefits. These plans offer the full range of medical benefits that are offered by standard Managed Care Plan’s plus chronic care/ extended care services. Membership offers other health benefits that are not provided through Medicare alone or most other senior health plans.

Current Social Managed Care Plan Sites

There are currently four Social Managed Care Plan’s participating in Medicare and each Social Managed Care Plan has eligibility criteria. These Social Managed Care Plans are located in: Portland, Oregon; Long Beach, California; Brooklyn, New York; and Las Vegas, Nevada. Listed below are the four plans and the criteria for joining each plan.

1. Kaiser Permanente, Portland Oregon
   The enrollee must be 65 years of age or older, must have Medicare Part A and Part B, must continue to pay the Part B premium and must live in Kaiser Permanente’s Social Managed Care Plan service area. The enrollee cannot have end-stage renal disease, or reside in an institutional setting. In order to receive the long-term care benefit, an expanded care resource coordinator will visit you at home to determine if you qualify for nursing home certification based on criteria established by the State of Oregon Senior and Disabled Services. These criteria may include needing daily ongoing assistance from another person with one of the following activities of daily living: walking or transferring indoors, eating, managing medications, controlling difficult or dangerous behavior, controlling your bowels or bladder, or the need for protection and supervision because of confusion or frailty.
2. SCAN, Long Beach California
   The enrollee must be 65 years of age or older, must have Medicare Part A and Part B, must continue to pay the Part B premium and must live in SCAN’s service area. The enrollee cannot have end-stage renal disease. In addition, in order to receive extended home care services, members must have a Nursing Home Certificate which indicates that the members informal support system , such as a family member or care giver, is not sufficient to keep the member out of a nursing home.
3. Elderplan, Brooklyn, New York
   The enrollee must be 65 years of age or older, must have Medicare Part A and Part B, must continue to pay the Part B premium and must live in Elderplan’s service area. The enrollee cannot have end-stage renal disease. In order to receive chronic care benefits, the enrollee must meet state nursing home certifiable criteria.
4. Health Plan of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada
   The enrollee must be at least 65 years of age, or may under 65 if they are disabled. The enrollee must have Medicare Part A and Part B, must continue to pay the Part B premium and must live in Health Plan of Nevada’s service area. The enrollee cannot have end-stage renal disease. For the long-term care benefit, the beneficiary must meet certain criteria based on established medical, psychological, functional, and social criteria as well as needing to be medically necessary.

Your Cost

Each plan has different requirements for premiums. All plans have co-payments for certain services. To obtain cost and benefit information, please visit our Medicare Options Compare tool for specific details. Before making any health plan decisions, you should contact the plan directly using the phone number listed in the site.

Source: Medicare
Copyright © 2008 RetirementConnection.com. All rights reserved.

Anyone at any age can have a drinking problem. Great Uncle George may have always liked his liquor, so his family may not see that his drinking behavior is getting worse as he gets older. Grandma Betty was a teetotaler all her life-she started having a drink each night to help her get to sleep after her husband died. Now no one realizes that she needs a couple of drinks to get through each day.

These are common stories. The fact is that families, friends, and health care professionals often overlook their concerns about older people’s drinking. Sometimes trouble with alcohol in older people is mistaken for other conditions that happen with age. But alcohol use deserves special attention. Because the aging process affects how the body handles alcohol, the same amount of alcohol can have a greater effect as a person grows older. Over time, someone whose drinking habits haven’t changed may find she or he has a problem.

Facts About Alcohol and Aging

• Some research has shown that as people age they become more sensitive to alcohol’s effects. In other words, the same amount of alcohol can have a greater effect on an older person than on someone who is younger.
• Some medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, ulcers, and diabetes, can worsen with alcohol use.
• Many medicines-prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal remedies-can be dangerous or even deadly when mixed with alcohol. This is a special worry for older people because the average person over age 65 takes at least two medicines a day. If you take any medicines, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you can safely drink alcohol.
  Here are some examples:

• Aspirin can cause bleeding in the stomach and intestines; the risk of bleeding is higher if you take aspirin while drinking alcohol.
• Cold and allergy medicines (antihistamines) often make people sleepy; when combined with alcohol this drowsiness can be worse.
• Alcohol used with large doses of the pain killer acetaminophen can raise the risk of liver damage.
• Some medicine, such as cough syrups and laxatives, have a high alcohol content.

Effects of Alcohol

Even drinking a small amount of alcohol can impair judgment, coordination, and reaction time. It can increase the risk of work and household accidents, including falls and hip fractures. It also adds to the risk of car crashes.

Heavy drinking over time also can cause certain cancers, liver cirrhosis, immune system disorders, and brain damage. Alcohol can make some medical concerns hard for doctors to find and treat. For example, alcohol causes changes in the heart and blood vessels. These changes can dull pain that might be a warning sign of a heart attack. Drinking also can make older people forgetful and confused. These symptoms could be mistaken for signs of Alzheimer’s disease. For people with diabetes, drinking affects blood sugar levels.

People who abuse alcohol also may be putting themselves at risk for serious conflicts with family, friends, and coworkers. The more heavily they drink, the greater the chance for trouble at home, at work, with friends, and even with strangers.

How to Know if Someone Has a Drinking Problem

There are two patterns of drinking: early and late onset. Some people have been heavy drinkers for many years. But, as with great Uncle George, over time the same amount of liquor packs a more powerful punch. Other people, like Grandma Betty, develop a drinking problem later in life. Sometimes this is due to major life changes like shifts in employment, failing health, or the death of friends or loved ones. Often these life changes can bring loneliness, boredom, anxiety, and depression. In fact, depression in older adults often goes along with alcohol misuse. At first, a drink seems to bring relief from stressful situations. Later on, drinking can start to cause trouble.

Not everyone who drinks regularly has a drinking problem, and not all problem drinkers drink every day. You might want to get help if you or a loved one:

• Drink to calm your nerves, forget your worries, or reduce depression.
• Gulp down drinks.
• Frequently have more than one drink a day. (A standard drink is one 12-ounce bottle or can of beer or a wine cooler, one 5-ounce glass of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits.)
• Lie about or try to hide drinking habits.
• Hurt yourself, or someone else, while drinking.
• Need more alcohol to get high.
• Feel irritable, resentful, or unreasonable when not drinking.
• Have medical, social, or financial worries caused by drinking.

Getting Help

Studies show that older problem drinkers are as able to benefit from treatment as are younger alcohol abusers. To get help, talk to your doctor. He or she can give you advice about your health, drinking, and treatment options. Your local health department or social services agencies can also help.

There are many types of treatments available. Some, such as 12-step help programs, have been around a long time. Others include getting alcohol out of the body (detoxification); taking prescription medicines to help prevent a return to drinking once you have stopped; and individual and/or group counseling. Newer programs teach people with drinking problems to learn which situations or feelings trigger the urge to drink as well as ways to cope without alcohol. Because the support of family members is important, many programs also counsel married couples and family members as part of the treatment process. Programs may also link individuals with important community resources.

Scientists continue to study alcohol’s effects on people and to look for new ways to treat alcoholism. This research will increase the chance for recovery and improve the lives of problem drinkers.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, part of the National Institutes of Health, recommends that people over age 65 who choose to drink have no more than one drink a day. Drinking at this level usually is not associated with health risks.

Source: National Institute on Aging

Provided by: The Staff at www.RetirementConnection.com
For more information: www.nia.nih.gov
Copyright © 2008 RetirementConnection.com. All rights reserved.

Taking care of your aging parent is never easy – especially when he or she needs extra help recovering from a hospital stay. An important part of your loved ones’ recovery is making sure they get the proper care once they return home.

Visiting the hospital is a difficult time for both you and your parent. Whether your relative is in the hospital for a few days or for an extended stay, it will be easier if you know what to expect when they are ready to leave.

Below is a list of tips to help prepare you for your aging parents’ recovery:

1. Learn About Your Loved Ones’ Condition

• Find out as much as you can about their medical condition, treatment, and expected level of functioning after complete recovery.
• Ask about any signs or symptoms that you should watch out for and find out what you should do in case problems arise.
• Learn about your parent’s ability to do everyday activities such as climbing stairs, preparing meals, going to the bathroom, and other important daily tasks.

2. Plan Ahead for Their Return Home

• Make sure their home is set up to help with any physical limitations they may have, such as installing grab bars in the shower or lowering shelves in closets for wheelchair bound family members.
• Before leaving the hospital, write down the names and telephone numbers of health care professionals you can contact if you or your senior parent has any questions or their condition worsens.
• Arrange for an in-hospital assessment to determine Medicare or insurance eligibility for elder care services, such as visiting nurses or home care aides.

3. Get to Know Your Parent’s Medication

• Ask for a complete list of medications he or she will be taking at home and make sure you understand the directions for taking the medicine.
• Determine if there are any foods or beverages that should be avoided when taking medicines.
• Find out about the medication’s side effects, such as causing dizziness or an upset stomach, and what should be done if your parent experiences symptoms.

4. Find Out About Follow-Up Care

• If your loved one needs special equipment, such as a wheelchair or walker, make sure you and your loved one know how to use it, where to get it, and if it’s covered by insurance, Medicare, or other health plan.
• Ask for directions about physical exercises your parent may need to perform. Have a doctor, nurse, or physical therapist provide a written “plan of care.”
• Find out about any follow up doctors visits or tests that need to be scheduled and make sure transportation for your parents is in place.

As a reminder, be realistic about your caregiving abilities and remember to take care of yourself during your parent’s recovery. Don’t be afraid to ask for outside help – from other family members, a senior care agency, or local support groups.

There are also many helpful web sites and organizations available for family members who are taking care of their loved ones’ after a hospital stay. These include:

• Caring News, www.caringnews.com
• Administration on Aging, www.aoa.gov/caregivers
• National Alliance for Caregiving, www.caregiving.org
• AARP, www.aarp.org/families/caregiving
• Right at Home, www.rightathome.net

Source: Right at Home Managing Director, www.RAHcares.com 503-574-3674
Provided by: Right at Home Managing Director- Portland 2008
For more information: www.RAHcares.com, 503-574-3674

About Right at Home

Right at Home offers in-home supportive care and personal care assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently. Right at Home directly employs all direct care provider staff, is bonded and insured, and carefully pre-screens all caregivers prior to their entering a client’s home. All ongoing care is monitored and supervised by local independent owners. Select offices provide skilled nursing home care as well. Right at Home’s national office is based in Omaha, NE with offices throughout the United States, including Portland. For more information on Right at Home, visit the company’s website.

Copyright © 2008 RetirementConnection.com. All rights reserved.

What are Adult Day Services?

Adult Day Service centers provide social activities and health care services for adults with physical disabilities or cognitive impairments. People who attend an Adult Day Service center usually live at home or in the home of a family caregiver. Centers usually open early and stay open late during the week to help working caregivers, and some have weekend hours. Adult Day Services can improve the quality of life of those who attend and help each person function at their best. Adult Day Services cost less than in-home care and the intensity of therapeutic activities and social contact is also greater. Plus, caregivers using adult day services feel less depressed and more confident in their role as caregiver.

Is Adult Day Services For You?

If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, adult day services will benefit both you and your loved one.

• Do you worry about your loved one’s safety at home alone?

• Do you worry that your loved one is unhappy or bored sitting at home all day?

• Do you worry about the health of your loved one?

• Do you want help to be able to keep your loved one at home as long as possible?

• Does your loved one seem depressed and have no one to talk to?

Who Should Use Adult Day Services?

• Adults who require supervision or assistance to live at home and to do day-to-day activities.

• Adults who can’t attend a senior center due to their need for assistance and supervision.

• Adults who are considering moving to a nursing home.

What Can Adult Day Services Offer?

Adult Day Service centers offer a wide range of services such as nursing care, meals, personal care, recreational activities and rehabilitation services.

Therapeutic Activities:

• Physical and mental exercises to improve functioning

• Creative expression via music, art and dance

• Community programs for cultural enrichment

• Activities with youth

• Socialization

• Support with activities of daily living

• Physical, occupational and speech therapy

Nursing Services:

• Monitor vital signs and observe health changes

• Administer and monitor medications

• Injections

• Wound care

• Tube feedings

• Respiratory treatments

• Continence re-training

• Assist with personal care (e.g. dressing)

Family Support:

• Integrate goals of family, participant, health and social services into a care plan

• Caregiver support groups

• Education on managing behavior and home care

• Counsel and refer to caregiver support services

• Convenience services – bathing, hair and nail

National Family Caregiver Support Program Resources care, hair dresser, extended hours, podiatrist

Finding An Adult Day Services Center That’s Right For You

Places to call to locate centers:

• Area Agency on Aging (AAA) 1-800-677-1116 for the AAA in your area

• National Adult Day Services Association, Inc. Phone: (800) 558-5301 or (703) 435-8630 E-mail: info@nadsa.org

• Health care providers: physicians, hospital or nursing home social worker, home health nurse

• Telephone book yellow pages or blue pages, see “Adult Day Care” or “Aging Services”

Steps in Selecting a Center:

• Call for information. Request written material be sent to you so that you can review it when you have quiet time.

• Ask questions. Adult Day Services staff should welcome inquiries, and want to help people fully understand their services.

• Visit the center. Make an appointment and visit more than one center to compare and find the best “fit”. The checklist to the right will help you decide which Adult Day Services center is right for you.

• Try it out. Give your family member the opportunity to try Adult Day Services. It can take you and your family member a little time to feel comfortable. Once that happens you can both feel good about your decision.

Site Visit Checklist:

* Did you feel welcomed?
* Did someone spend time finding out what you want and need?
* Did someone clearly explain what services and activities the Center provides?
* Did they present information about staffing, program, procedures, costs and what they expect of family caregivers?
* Was the facility clean, pleasant and free of odor?
* Were the building and rooms wheelchair accessible?
* Was there sturdy, comfortable furniture?
* Loungers for relaxation? Chairs with arms?
* Was there a quiet place for conferences?

Checklist Source: Courtesy of: National Adult Day Services Association, Inc.,Herndon, VA. Toll Free Phone: (800) 558-5301. www.nadsa.org

Source: Adapted from materials submitted by Mid-County Senior Services, Newton Square, PA., Administration on Aging, Washington, DC. www.aoa.gov

Provided by: The Staff at www.RetirementConnection.com
For more information: www.aoa.gov
Copyright © 2008 RetirementConnection.com. All rights reserved.

The Administration on Aging (AoA) was created in 1965 with the passage of the Older Americans Act (OAA), and is a lead partner of the National Aging Network (Network), which consists of 56 State Units on Aging (SUA), 655 Area Agencies on Aging (AAA), 239 Tribal and Native organizations, 29,000 service providers, and thousands of volunteers.

What is the Mission of the Administration on Aging?

AoA’s mission is to assist elderly individuals maintain their independence and dignity in their homes and communities through comprehensive, coordinated, and cost effective systems of long-term care, and livable communities across the U.S. AoA works in close collaboration with the Network in developing comprehensive and coordinated systems of home and community-based long-term care.

• Empowering adults as they age with reliable information and access to the care they need.
• Enabling individuals who are at high risk of nursing home placement to remain at home.
• Building disease prevention into community living through the use of low-cost, evidence-based programs.

Who is Eligible to Receive Services?

All older Americans are eligible to receive services. Specific attention is given to those individuals who are in the greatest economic and social need as determined by the OAA and it’s supplemental reauthorizations.

What is the Goal of the Older Americans Act?

The Older Americans Act authorizes grants to states for community planning programs, as well as for research, demonstration, and training projects in the field of aging. The Act also authorized grants to Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) for local needs identification. Included in the OAA 2006 reauthorization was AoA’s Choice for Independence (Choices) initiative. This strategy offers a new forward-looking paradigm for improved integration of health and long-term care systems at the national, state and local levels. The framework will: (1) give people greater choice, control and independence as they grow older and (2) enhance our ability to address the future of long-term care in this country. Choices builds on and integrates the best practices of other recent HHS initiatives including: the Aging and Disability Resource Center Initiative, Own Your Future Long Term Care Awareness Campaign, Cash & Counseling.

For More Information

AoA recognizes the importance of making information readily available to consumers, professionals, researchers, and students. Our website provides information for and about older persons, their families, and professionals involved in aging programs and services. For more information about AoA, please contact: US Dept of Health and Human Services, Administration on Aging, Washington, DC 20201; phone (202) 619-0724; fax (202) 357-3523; Email or online at www.aoa.gov.

What Services are Available under the Older Americans Act?

There are four core services funded by the Older Americans Act and include:

1. Support Services activities target both the home and the community. The intent is to assist aging individuals in maintaining their independence in the community for as long as effectively possible. Services include assistance with transportation, in-home care, community-based services, such as adult day care and information and referral assistance.
2. Nutrition Services gives older Americans the option of receiving balanced and nutritious meals at home or at a congregate setting such as a senior or adult day care center, church or another community facility. Home delivered meals, commonly referred to as “Meals on Wheels,” are often pre-packaged and ready to eat. Meals for seniors who gather at communal sites are typically prepared on site.
3. Preventive Health Services programs are designed to promote healthy lifestyles through physical activity, appropriate diet and nutrition and regular health screening, and to educate older persons of the benefits of including these activities in their daily routine.
4. National Family Caregiver Support Program recognizes the extensive demands placed on family members and friends who provide primary care for spouses, parents, older relatives, and friends. Its goal is to help ensure caregivers have the assistance and support to fulfill their obligations as best as possible with the least amount of adversity. The program offers individual and group counseling, and training for caregivers and respite care. This program also provides support to the growing number of grandparents caring for grandchildren as well as caregivers of persons 18 and under with mental retardation or developmental difficulties.

Reaching your Local Area Agency on Aging
Your local Area Agency on Aging is the primary resource for information. In a few states, the State Unit or Office on Aging serves as the AAA. You can locate the appropriate AAA or local service provider through Eldercare Locator, the AoA-supported, nationwide, toll-free information and assistance directory. The Locator is reachable at 1-800-677-1116, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time. For 24-hour access to the Locator, visit www.eldercare.gov.

Source: US Dept of Health and Human Services, Administration on Aging, www.AoA.com
Provided by: The Staff at www.RetirementConnection.com
For more information: www.aoa.gov
Copyright © 2008 RetirementConnection.com. All rights reserved.

There are basically 3 ways of accessing private caregivers in Oregon. Each has its benefits.

1. Licensed In-Home Care Agencies (“Agency-directed models of care)” These companies employ and supervise its caregivers.

Features include:

• Licensed by the State of Oregon
• Agency manages working conditions between caregivers and clients
• Agency payrolls its caregivers
• Agency covers workers compensation and payroll taxes
• Agency may provide benefits such as paid vacation or health insurance
• Agency usually provides ongoing education and materials
• Agency screens and trains its caregivers
• Lines of accountability: Adult Protective Services, Department of Human Services, company liability insurance, worker’s compensation, criminal background checks. May include bonding for theft and drug screening

By far, the most common type of model (over 40 in Portland; eg.Addus, Adeo, Express Home Help, Home Instead, Caring Heart, Visiting Angels, Making Life Easier, etc.)

BENEFITS: agency directs terms between caregivers and clients, and provides supervision; agency employs, trains and performs background checks on caregivers

• Average cost to clients: $18 to $24 per hour
• Average caregiver wage: $9 to $14 per hour; caregivers earn 50-60% total fee

2. Registry or Referral Services for Independent Caregivers (“Consumer-directed models of care)” These services refer-but do not employ-caregivers.

Features include:

• Clients hire caregivers and control terms directly with them
• Clients pay caregivers directly with private funds; or sometimes thru an escrow or 3rd-party or government billing process, ie State of Oregon’s registry for Medicaid recipients
• Caregivers are responsible for their own taxes, insurance, and other expenses, such as ongoing education
• Caregivers may classify themselves as independent contractors, but usually qualify more closely as domestic employees of clients
• Caregivers are not covered by workers compensation (unless clients wish to cover this)
• Registries are not licensed by the State of Oregon
• Lines of accountability: Adult Protective Services, Criminal Justice System, criminal background checks by registry, client homeowner insurance; may include caregiver liability coverage, bonding, drug screening, or clients/caregivers may acquire these on their own

Examples of for-profit registries in Portland include Caregiver Connection, Inc. and Auntie Faye Agency

BENEFITS: clients/caregiver autonmomy and control; registry performs background checks, and for-profit models include personalized matching service. Caregivers earn greater percentage of total fee

• Average cost to clients: $18-$24 per hour
• Average caregiver wage: $14-$20 per hour; caregivers earn 75%-85% total fee

Caregiver Connection, Inc. is a local, private caregiver registry that has been in business in the Portland-Metro area for 10 year. Owner Micki Carrier says, “Our model is a sort of hybrid that offers consumers another option to the full-service in-home care agency model or local classifieds. We incorporate the best features of both-security plus choice over who comes into your home.”

The simplicity of our registry model, in which clients and caregivers control terms, leads to a high degree of satisfaction for both parties,” states Carrier. “Our referral fee is just $3.50/hour (up to $45/day), and caregivers are required to provide their own bonding and liability insurance and ongoing training, co-op style.”

3. Independent Caregivers, Listing Services. (Includes classifieds, Internet or non-profit listing services)

Features include:

• Caregiver/client autonomy; clients hire and pay caregivers directly and control terms
• No agency fees
• Caregivers are generally not supervised except by client, family or visiting nurses
• Caregivers are minimally screened or not at all
• Generally training is not required or is minimal
• Caregivers may carry own bonding, liability or worker’s comp, but usually don’t
• Lines of accountability: Adult Protective Services, Criminal Justice System, client homeowner insurance; caregivers may be voluntarily bonded or insured
• Examples include Legacy Caregiver Services, Senior Citizens Council (Clackamas County), Craigslist, Oregonian, etc.

BENEFITS: cost containment (no agency fees); clients/caregiver autonomy.

• Average cost to clients: $12-16 per hour, generally; caregivers earn 100% of fee

Article Provided by:
Caregiver Connection, Inc.
503-246-4672

Copyright © 2008 RetirementConnection.com. All rights reserved.

A Career in the Long Term Health Care Continuum

In Health Care, the human touch still makes a difference. You can unlock your inner resources with a career in long term health care.

Why consider career in long term health care?

* Join These Growing Industries: Nursing Homes, Hospitals, Home Health, Assisted Living, Hospice Care, Adult Day Programs, Group Homes
* Your Skills Will Always be in Demand
* You will Find Opportunities for Career Advancement
* Flexible Schedules
* Benefits–child care, transportation, health & life insurance, holiday pay
* Specialize in Your Areas of Interest: Rehabilitation, Psychiatric Care, Geriatrics, Hospice Care, Alzheimer’s, Developmental Disabilities

Consider becoming a Certified Nurse Aide (CAN). Did You Know?

* Certified Nurse Aides (CNA’s) provide the majority of direct care to residents in nursing homes and other health care settings.
* Certified Nurse Aides are Health Professionals: CNA’s must be certified by the State Board of Nursing (BON) of the state they reside in. To become certified, you must take and successfully complete courses that teach you to deliver personal care, recognize the mental health and social services needs of your clients, help people regain their skills and independence, and know the rights of residents and patients.

You will also learn communication and interpersonal skills; infection control procedures; safety and emergency procedures; and how to encourage and promote residents’ rights and independence.

* Certified nurse aides work as members of a health care team.
* They monitor clients and alert others when there are changes in condition.
* They participate in care planning for the people they work with.

Often, certified nurse aides develop very close relationships with their clients and family members by providing companionship and care.

How To Become A CNA?

* Classes: Take CNA training courses. These are offered by nursing homes, community colleges and vocational schools, and by private contractors. Pass both oral and written tests.
* Application to the your State Board of Nursing/Criminal Background Check:
Submit an application to your State Board of Nursing. Along with your application for certification, you must submit a Criminal Background Check performed within 90 days before your request for certification. Call the Board of Nursing to find out which state agencies have been approved to conduct the background check and contact one of them. There is a fee for background checks, but some facilities may reimburse you.*
*Some regulations may vary in some states.
* This background check must show that you have not been convicted (found guilty in a court of law) of felonies such as abuse, theft or fraud.

Benefits of Being A Certified Nurse Aide:

* On-the-Job Training: Some nursing homes teach their own CNA courses and provide you with on-the-job training. You receive a salary and gain work experience while learning. The State Board of Nursing has a list of the nursing homes that provide CNA training. State law allows you to work as a nurse aide in a nursing home for a maximum of four months while you are training and receiving your certification.
* Child Care: Nursing homes and other health care facilities may offer on-site child care or help pay your child care costs for off-site day care.
* Flexible Schedules: Nursing homes and other health care settings need CNA’s around the clock. Many are willing to work with you to develop a work schedule that meets the mutual needs of the employer and employee.
* Ongoing Education and Training: Ongoing education and training classes are offered. You can learn new skills while at work!
* Career Ladders: Health care facilities want to keep good people. Many now offer “career ladders” where you can earn more money as you take on more responsibility and new skills. Health care providers appreciate employees who make a commitment to stay with them.
* Your Choice of Locations: Do you prefer rural, urban or suburban environments? Choose where you would like to live and work. There are thousands of health care providers throughout the state, located in all types of communities and geographical areas.
* The People You Work With and For: If you are a “people person” and want to make a difference in somebody’s life, work as a CNA.

Starting Your Journey to a Career in Health Care:

Visit a nursing home or health care facility in your area. It is best to call ahead. Explain that you are interested in becoming a CNA and would like to visit their facility.

Source: Long Term Care Advisory Committee to the Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment in cooperation with the Colorado Health Care Association, the Colorado Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, the Colorado Board of Nursing and the Office of the State Ombudsman. www.cdphe.state.co.us

Provided by: The Staff at www.RetirementConnection.com
For more information: www.cdphe.state.co.us
Copyright © 2008 RetirementConnection.com. All rights reserved.

 

 

5 Easy steps to care for yourself

Few of us care for ourselves, as well as, we care for others. So here are a few easy steps to better care for ourselves.

Exercise – Personally I cringe every time I hear that word, it sounds so hard and tiring and when I get off work I’m tired and I don’t want to exercise. Don’t get me wrong, I want to be healthy and I like it when I have more energy…I am just not going to get myself to the gym everyday. So I pull my blinds, turn on the music and dance. I time it and after 5 songs or 20 minutes I stop, stretch a bit and go on with my evening. Sometimes I make plans to go bowling or in the summer I play softball on an old ladies recreational team. Yes, sometimes I drag myself to the gym to get some weight training in and to go swimming. The point is to do something active almost every night. It is a great way to rid your body from the daily stresses you endured that day. It also will help you sleep better and of course burning calories is always a plus.

Eat Right – The foods you ingest will come back to haunt you. Now I am no doctor but I know exactly where the doughnuts I eat end up, usually my thighs. So how do we get to eat on the run and make it healthy and most importantly make it good? This one takes a bit more practice and some preparation but once you get it down the results will inspire you to continue. Get to know your foods; are you eating enough vegetables and fruits? I have found that if I plan my week for food I do much better eating right at work and I definitely feel the difference when I forget my lunches and eat on the go. Cut up vegetables, nuts, and yogurt are a great replacement for doughnuts and bear claws. Caffeine free tea is much better than a mocha and it doesn’t cost $4.00.

Smoking and Drinking – We all know smoking is a killer so don’t smoke…enough said. Drinking is another danger that some ignore until it is too late. Drinking feels great at the time and in moderation is a nice relief to a hard day HOWEVER drinking in excess leads to health issues, psychological issues and dependency. None of these are good.

Laughter – there has been a lot of research as of late stating that laughter leads to better lives. So I recommend laughing whenever appropriate it makes work better and is evidently very good for you so let the belly laughs begin.

The bottom line is we as healthcare workers preach to our patients everyday to get healthy and take care of themselves to enjoy a healthy long life. I challenge each of you to take your own advice; be healthy and enjoy and long and happy life.

Source: American Medical Response, www.amr.net 503-793-8240

For more information: www.amr.net 503-793-8240

Copyright © 2008 RetirementConnection.com. All rights reserved.