Due to the growing number of older adults living at home independently, it’s increasingly important to make sure they continue to stay safe at home. You and your elder loved ones should be aware of the many potential dangers that can be present in the home and prepare accordingly. Falls, burns, and poisonings are a few of the most common accidents involving older adults. To help prevent these accidents, here are a few tips to follow. Keep emergency numbers handy. Always keep a list of emergency numbers nearby the phone. Write the information legible and large enough so that it can be read easily when hurried or frightened. Important numbers to include are: 911, Poison control, close family member or friend, healthcare provider’s office. Prevent falls. Make sure hallways, stairs, and paths are well lit and clear of objects such as clothes, shoes, and rugs. Use night lights at night. Use rails when going up and down stairs. Tape down all area rugs to the floor so they do not move when you walk on them. If you use a cane or walker, use it at all times instead of holding onto walls and furniture. When walking on smooth floors, wear non-slip footwear with rubber/non-slip bottoms. Don’t rush to a phone when it’s ringing. Carry a cordless or cell phone or let the answering machine pick it up and return the call. Always get up slowly from a bed or chair, and make sure you have your balance before you begin walking. Remove electrical cords and telephone cords from traffic areas. Avoid using slippery wax when cleaning floors. Clean up spills promptly. Avoid standing on ladders or chairs. Ask a family member or neighbor for assistance. If you have fallen before, think about buying a med alert necklace that will call emergency services for you. Protect against fire related dangers. If there is a fire in the home, don’t try and put it out. Call 911 immediately and know your exits. Don’t wear loose clothing or long sleeves when cooking. Replace appliances with frayed or damaged electrical cords. Don’t put to many electrical cords into one socket. Install a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector and keep the batteries replaced at least twice a year. Never smoke in bed or when tired. Never leave candles burning in an empty room. Make sure heaters are at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn such as curtains, bedding, or furniture. Avoid bathroom hazards. Leave a light on in the bathroom at night to help visualization. Set the hot water heater thermostat no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent scalding. Make sure cold and hot water faucets are distinguished clearly and label if necessary. Use grab bars in the shower and near the toilet to assist with standing. Put rubber non-slip mats in the bathroom to prevent slipping and skid proof the tub. Ask for assistance in getting a special tub chair or toilet seat if getting up and down is hard. If possible, bathe when there is assistance. Prevent poisoning. Never try and heat the home with a stove, oven, or grill since these give off carbon monoxide. Keep medications in their original containers so they don’t get confused or mixed up. Ask your pharmacist to put large-print labels on your medication bottles. Bring all medications to every doctor’s appointment to verify them. Dispose of old and unused medications. Check with your doctor before mixing prescription and non-prescription medications as some may have side effects. Never mix bleach, ammonia, or other cleaning liquids together when cleaning. When mixed, some may create deadly gases. Protect against abuse. Keep windows and doors locked at all times. Do not let strangers inside the home. Do not give into telephone or email offers and scams. Speak with a family member before signing up for anything or sending money to anyone. Do not be pressured into making purchases, signing contracts, or making donations until discussing with a family member. Never give out personal information such as banking information or social security number. Kitchen safety. Keep floors clean and uncluttered. Illuminate work areas. Mark on and off position on appliances clearly. Store sharp knives in a rack. Use a kettle or coffee pot with an automatic shut-off. Store heavy objects at waist level or on the counter. Store hazardous items separate from food. Make sure food is rotated regularly and check expiration dates. Source: http://www.aplaceformom.com/senior-care-resources/articles/home-safety-tips-for-seniors http://www.healthinaging.org/resources/resource:home-safety-tips-for-older-adults/

Are you afraid to go to sleep at night because mom or dad might wander alone outside? Are you scared to go to the store with your autistic child because they might run off in a split second? One of the biggest concerns of caregivers who care for people with cognitive problems is how to prevent them from wandering. Wandering is a risk associated with many conditions, such as Autism, Down Syndrome, and the most common of them being dementia (which can result from Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, head injuries, and Parkinson’s disease). Diseases like dementia rob the person of the ability to recognize familiar places, faces, and understand certain situations. They may come to a point where they cannot even remember their own name, or the need to eat, and some even lose the ability to speak. Everything around them confuses them, even in every day routine surroundings and, therefore, to regain control of their situation, they go in search of something reassuring- a behavior called “wandering”. This situation can be extremely dangerous if a loved one wanders on a busy street or is not dressed appropriately for extreme weather temperatures. No one can watch another person every second of every day, but the following tips can help caregivers reduce the risk of wandering. Secure your home. Do what you can to make your home safe and secure. Place locks on doors and windows out of the normal line of vision and that can’t be unlocked easily. Depending on your situation, you may also need to install bars on windows. Place locks on gates, fence in the patio or yard, install alarms or chimes on doors, or buy motion detectors to alert you when someone opens an outer door. A simpler solution to prevent wandering: Hang bells on the doorknobs. Make sure the person always carries ID. It won’t prevent wandering, but making sure your loved one has ID at all times is very important. Keep in mind that keeping an ID in a person’s wallet isn’t enough, because they could remove it. Medical ID jewelry like a bracelet or pendant is a good idea. You could also consider sewing identification into your loved one’s jacket. Dress your loved one in bright clothing. If it’s reasonable and your loved one doesn’t mind, consider dressing them in clothing that’s easy-to-see from a distance. This can be a good way to prevent wandering if you’re planning to be in a crowd. Put up a fence. It can be expensive, but putting up a fence with secured gates can prevent wandering while allowing your loved one a way to get some fresh air. Put up signs. Sometimes, just hanging a sign inside a door to the outside that says ''Stop'' or ''Do Not Enter'' can be enough to prevent your loved one from wandering. Use familiar objects, signs and pictures on other doors and night lights to help guide them where they need to go such as the bedroom or bathroom. Increase movement and exercise. This advice doesn’t apply to everybody, but some experts believe that getting physical activity during the day can help prevent wandering at night. Even a supervised walk around the block before dinner may be enough to reduce nighttime agitation. Focus on sleep. Some conditions linked with wandering are associated with poor sleep quality. Wandering itself could result from sleeplessness. So do what you can to practice good sleep habits with your loved one. As much as you are able, get them on a regular schedule of going to bed and waking up. To help prevent wandering, reduce napping during the day and cut out caffeinated drinks. Consider if there’s an underlying cause. In many cases, a loved one’s wandering may not have a reason. But sometimes, caregivers come to understand that there’s a motive behind it and figure out ways to prevent wandering. If a parent with dementia becomes agitated and wanders at night, maybe it’s initially triggered by something simple such as being thirsty or hungry. Leaving a glass of water or a few crackers by the bed could help. A child with autism might have a fixation with certain sounds or objects and tend to wander off to investigate them. If you can predict what will attract his/her attention, you may be able to avoid situations in which wandering is a real risk. Communicate. Regularly remind and reassure your loved one with Alzheimer’s that he/she is in the right place, and is safe. Introduce your loved one to your neighbors so they get to know their face. Tell them that your loved one is prone to wandering and that they should let you know if they see him/her out alone. Give neighbors a number where you can be reached. Let them know the seriousness of the situation if your loved one is out alone as many people are naturally inclined not to get involved. Some police departments will keep a photo and fingerprints of people with Alzheimer’s on file. Have the following information ready in case of an emergency; the person’s age, hair and eye color, identifying marks, blood type, medical conditions, medications, dental work, allergies, and jewelry. Be Prepared for Other Modes of Wandering. Although most wandering takes place on foot, some people with Alzheimer’s have been known to drive hundreds of miles. Prevent this problem by keeping keys out of sight, or disabling the vehicle. Keep easy to eat snacks and water on hand and within view. Often those with Alzheimer’s and related dementia wander because they are looking for something, such as food or water. Avoid noisy and busy places, such as the mall, that can cause anxiety for someone with Alzheimer’s or related dementia. Often they will try to walk to somewhere that is quieter and has less stimulation that can cause agitation. If you are not able to keep mom or dad at home and worry they may wander away while you are at work or at the store, then you might want to consider assisted living facilities and skilled nursing facilities that offer Memory Care. In these facilities, there may be aides and registered nurses who are trained to provide care to your loved one with dementia and they also provide a living area that is locked to prevent outside wandering. Recently at Mitchell-Hollingsworth, we have undergone an entire renovation to our facility where we will now be offering Memory Care services and a locked, safe community for your loved one. We now have bed availability and are scheduling tours. If you have any questions about this service or are inquiring for a loved one, please feel free to contact us. Our number is 256-740-5400. Source: http://www.alz.org/alzwa/documents/alzwa_resource_safe_tips_to_reduce_wandering.pdf http://www.webmd.com/brain/10-ways-to-prevent-wandering#2

Pneumonia vaccines help prevent developing pneumonia, a lung infection, commonly caused by a bacteria called Streptococcus. When the lungs become infected with this disease, breathing becomes very difficult. Although the vaccine cannot prevent all cases, it can lower your chances of catching the terrible disease. Even if a patient still contracts pneumonia from this germ, it can prevent complications from the pneumonia, such as requiring life support ventilation. Pneumonia vaccination is usually given to babies younger than two years old and to two groups of adults. First, those 65 and older are eligible for the vaccination, as we know that in senior individuals, the body’s defenses begin to weaken and make it easier to catch pneumonia and fight it off. Second, it is offered to adults younger than 65 who have certain medical conditions that make it easier to develop pneumonia. This includes diabetes, heart disease, asthma, COPD, tobacco use, heavy drinking, cancer, chemotherapy patients, organ transplant patients, people getting over surgery or severe illness, and people with HIV or AIDS, among others. When your immune system is weak because of illness or injury or because it’s helping you recover form surgery, it can’t fight off germs as well as it normally can. Not everyone needs to get the vaccination. If you’re a healthy adult between the ages of 18-64, you can probably skip the vaccine. You also should skip the vaccine if you are allergic. Do not receive the vaccine while you are pregnant or feeling under the weather. Unlike flu season, there is no pneumonia season. You cannot get pneumonia from receiving the pneumonia vaccine either. The shot does not contain the actual bacteria that causes the illness. Mild side effects from the shot may include: swelling, soreness, redness at injection location, mild fever, sore muscles, irritability, or loss of appetite. If you believe you may be eligible for the pneumonia vaccination, please speak with your primary care provider. Second doses may sometimes be given 5-10 years later, depending on your certain circumstances. Source: http://www.webmd.com/lung/pneumococcal-vaccine-schedule#2

July is National Wheelchair Beautification Month! This celebration was established by author and illustrator, Horace Knowles, who has started a tradition that has taken off beyond what he had imagined. The idea behind the month long celebration is to give the wheelchair user the opportunity to show off his or her personality in a device that can look a bit impersonal. It’s a great time to have fun and take a break from seeing wheelchairs as a cold piece of metal. Knowles first started this by attaching a florist’s water tube to the chair, which he would then fill with a flower to brighten his day and the days of anyone and everyone who came in contact with him. Here are some fun ways to brighten up those wheelchairs.

Study after study has shown that some form of active socialization can have a positive affect on one’s health. Unfortunately, as many of our elderly loved ones age, they begin to lose many of their social contacts. First, they lose their ability to drive which limits their access to friends, family, and social activities. Then, a spouse becomes sick which makes the other spouse more homebound to care for their loved one. And finally, as we age, many of our friends pass away which also reduces potential contacts. Failing to maintain social interaction can have serious effects on one’s health causing poor emotional health and depression, high blood pressure, decreased physical health and a greater risk for death. The need to maintain social interactions, and thus good health, is strong and here are more reasons why. According to an article by Gary M. Skole, Elderly in Home Care Doesn’t Mean a Lack of Socialization, Ezine Articles, January 5, 2010: Those elderly folks who get out and interact and spend more time with people during cold/ flu season actually get fewer colds and illnesses than those who spend their time alone. Those folks with a companion pet to interact with have fewer illnesses than people who do not have a companion animal. Those who often use the words “I”, “mine”, and “me” during casual conversation are more susceptible to heart attacks than those who do not focus on themselves. Our natural immune system is negatively affected by social isolationism. With these things in mind, here are a few tips for increasing social activities with the elderly loved ones in your life: Encourage them try and learn a new skill such as joining a knitting group Promote a sense of purpose by encourage them to volunteer at a local hospital or nursing home Encourage them to join social groups such as at a local senior center or church Find out local senior activities that might be available such as senior conferences Encourage them to get fit by joining a local gym where interaction is more prevalent then sitting at home Assist with transportation or encourage them to use NACOLG buses Encourage them to maintain attendance at their place of worship Encourage hearing and vision tests, and attending regular physician appointments so that they do not avoid social interactions due to a health concern Make adaptive technology available such as hearing aides Notify neighbors or declining social interactions and have them assist in visits Encourage dining with others such as a weekly dinner with friends Address incontinence issues to avoid embarrassment or isolation Social interaction can give a sense of belonging, enhance self-esteem, improve physical health, increase cognitive function, and give purposeful living. Whatever the change may be, encourage them to get up, get out, and truly live by interacting with others! Source: https://www.visitingangels.com/how-important-is-the-socialization-of-the-elderly-weekly-message_16

It can happen suddenly; you receive a phone call in the middle of the night from your elderly mother or father who has fallen and hurt themselves. Or most often, it happens gradually; you begin to notice piled-up bills, neglected housekeeping, or dents in the car. However it happens, when a loved one needs help it can change your life. Are you assessing your loved one’s personal independence? As our loved one’s age, they begin to struggle with what used to be routine activities. Some seniors may not realize they need help or may be reluctant to ask for help because that would mean admitting declining abilities, losing independence, and possibly becoming a burden to family. The first thing to do is figure out what kind of problems your elderly loved one faces. Are there specific disease processes that should be addressed? Maybe problems can be addressed with new glasses, or the assistance of meals on wheels. If your loved one hasn't seen a doctor recently, this would be a good place to start. There are also a few things you can start looking at a little more closely to become aware if mom or dad needs a little more assistance at home, or possibly it is time to start looking into assisted living or long term nursing home care. Use this checklist to see where needs need to be met. Have they had a decline in driving skills? Notice dents in car, not keeping up with oil changes. Have they decreased or stopped participating in activities that were previously important such as playing cards, participating in a book club, dining with friends, or attending religious or other social meetings? Can they take care of all shopping needs independently, make small purchases, or do they need to be assisted? Have they made unusual or more frequent purchases such as buying more than one magazine subscription of the same magazine, entering an unusual amount of contests, buying large amounts of money orders, or increased usage of purchasing from television advertisements? Can they operate telephone on their own including looking up and dialing numbers, etc.? Have they exhibited forgetfulness resulting in unopened mail, piling newspapers, not filling their prescriptions, or missed appointments? Can they maintain the house alone or with occasional assistance? Have they mishandled finances such as not paying bills, losing money, paying bills twice or more, or hiding money? Can they do personal laundry completely or with assistance and not giving reasons for wearing dirty clothing? Have they neglected personal hygiene resulting in wearing dirty clothes, body odor, bad breath, neglected nails and teeth, sores on the skin? Have they had physical problems such as accidents, burns, or injury marks resulting from general weakness, forgetfulness, or possible misuse of alcohol or prescribed medications? Have they exhibited inappropriate behavior by being unusually loud or quiet, paranoid, agitated, making phone calls at all hours? Have they changed relationship patterns such that friends and neighbors have expressed concerns? Can they plan, prepare, and serve adequate meals independently? Have they altered eating habits within the last year resulting in weight loss or gain, having no appetite, skipped meals, or hiding food? Are they exhibiting symptoms of depression? Are they forgetting to take medications or not refilling important prescriptions? Can they dress, undress, and select appropriate clothing from their wardrobe? Are they able to toilet themselves completely with no incontinence or need to be reminded or help in cleaning self? Can they bathe themselves (tub, shower, sponge bath) without help? If the answer is no to any of these questions, then there is a need and it is time for that need to be addressed. Solutions for needs can be simple or they may be a little more difficult. A few solutions may include: Make sure mom or dad go to their physician regularly to make sure there are no undiagnosed or untreated health issues Increase visits or contact to make sure needs do not go unaddressed and constantly assess for further decline Set up home-delivered meals through the local senior center or meals on wheels Increase social contact with friends such as having them join their local senior center or church groups Assist with household chores and bills or hire homemaking or household services to assist Apply for home health or hospice services to assist with medical services Look into alternative housing options such as assisted living or nursing home Source: http://allcarenavigators.com/senior-independence-day/ http://www.sageminder.com/Caregiving/CaregivingBasics/ADLAssessment.aspx

Each year on July 4, the United States celebrates its Independence Day. Independence Day is considered one of our most important national holidays and is a symbol of patriotism. The tradition of celebrating the 4th of July as our country’s “Independence Day” dates all the way back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. Our national holiday commemorates a time when men representing the 13 colonies came together after struggling against Great Britain’s rule and dared to ask a controversial question: Could they declare their own independence? On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of the declaration. Just 2 days later on July 4, delegates of the Congress adopted and ratified a historical document drafted by Thomas Jefferson that declared all men are “endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights” and that “to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” After establishing at length that the king had been destroying these rights, the document concluded that “these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown.” This life-changing document was our Declaration of Independence. It was monumental. From that day forward, the 4th of July has signified the birth of America’s independence. The Declaration of Independence marked that the American people would not just be fighting against certain policies of the king, they would be fighting for something: liberty, and a nation of their own. These Americans placed a high value on freedom, and they were willing to pay for it. Of course, those who paid the highest price were the men who took up arms and became soldiers. Without the ideals expressed in the Declaration—and people willing to sacrifice for those ideals—there would have been no cause for which to fight. This is why we remember the adoption of a document, not a military victory, as the moment our nation was born. In July 1776, there was only an estimated 2.5 million people living in our newly independent country. By 2013, that number had grown to 316.2 million people. (www.census.gov) The 4th of July often comes with the opportunity to enjoy time with family, cookout, and enjoy firework displays. American flags proudly fly and The United States national anthem can be heard at events and organized celebrations. Independence Day is particularly important to seniors, as most elderly men fought in a branch of the military and their wives spent long months hoping for their safe return. Patriotism is important to seniors. They value the concept of freedom and often paid the ultimate sacrifice to promote it. It’s this sense of pride that led people from all points of the globe to migrate to this country. As we celebrate Independence Day this year and for years to come, let’s take the time to keep the details of our country’s journey alive. Children and grandchildren should know about the struggles and accomplishments our senior loved ones experienced in search of freedom. After all, every family plays a role in America’s own unique story. Source: https://www.livhome.com/independence-day-a-source-of-pride-for-seniors/

June is National Aphasia Awareness Month! Aphasia is a language disorder that affects the ability to communicate. It does not affect intelligence. It simply impairs the ability to speak and understand others. It occurs due to an injury to the brain, most often a stroke. It can also occur from head trauma, brain tumors, or from infections. It can be mild or so severe that communication is almost impossible. It can affect the ability to retrieve the name of objects or it can affect the ability to put words together into sentences, or even the ability to read. Aphasia is challenging, isolating, and frustrating. We want to increase public education around the language disorder and to recognize the numerous people who are living with or caring for people with aphasia. A great resource is www.aphasia.org. Also, below are some great tips for communication. [if !supportLists]1. [endif]Interact with family. A family’s interaction with a person with aphasia is critical. The interaction with a family member or close friend is important for them to understand the situation and have someone that they can feel comfortable around in different situations. [if !supportLists]2. [endif]Inform conversational partners. A person with aphasia should reveal their condition to anyone they intend to have an in-depth discussion with. It should be a rehearsed message that concisely explains the aphasia. If needed, it can be placed on a business card that is carried in a purse or wallet. [if !supportLists]3. [endif]Provide feedback. For example, when ordering a sandwich, the person behind the counter may talk too fast. Simply ask her to please slow down. From that point on communication can become a success story instead of an example of frustration. [if !supportLists]4. [endif]Use visuals. For the ladies, when ordering cosmetics or lipstick, bring in the empty tube of the color or style last used. When grocery shopping, bring in the empty can or product wrapper and show the employee the wrapper, and a successful experience will follow. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. [if !supportLists]5. [endif]Be polite. Remember, you are the one with the physical challenge, not them. [if !supportLists]6. [endif]Pay attention. This will help you make sure that what you say is what you mean. It is a common symptom of aphasia to respond with a “yes” when what you really are trying to say is “no.” To avoid embarrassment, be sure of what you say or you can end up with some strange things. [if !supportLists]7. [endif]Use communication aids. There are some very good communication aids: a piece of paper with the alphabet on it; pictures of some common activities like mowing the lawn or ordering a cup of coffee. However, the most effective of these is a business card handout. Depending on the amount of speech loss, the business card can help a person communicate when speech fails. It gives the cardholder’s name, emergency contacts, physician’s name and telephone number, and this message: “Aphasia is an impairment of the ability to sometimes use or comprehend words, usually acquired as a result of a stroke. Depending on where and to what extent the brain is injured, each person with aphasia has a unique set of language disabilities. I am not drunk or mentally unstable! It is NOT a loss of intelligence!" For more information and tips, visit www.strokeassociation.org and www.aphasia.org. Source: www.strokeassociation.org, www.aphasia.org

What a wonderful night this was! On Monday, June 12, 2017, Mitchell-Hollingsworth Nursing & Rehabilitation Center officially dedicated our Pavilion to the most deserving, loving, caring, selfless individuals, Jim & Precy Underwood. We are happy to know that every time we drive up to our facility, we can see The Underwood Pavilion and know that it has true meaning forever and always. One amazing day Jim a navy guy met, Precy an Island girl Love was in the air, sparks began to fly And soon Precy bid her home goodbye Exploring the adventure As husband and wife They came to America to start their new life Special talents they were given by God up above To spread joy, laughter, and love Separate or together, life's blessings they share True southern hospitality Leaves none to compare The path they travel filled with unselfish deeds Making people smile and helping those in need As we see their acts of love and kindness Each and every day Let's follow their example in all we do and say.

This week is National Nursing Assistant’s Week! We want to highlight and honor this wonderful career while also educating those who may not quite understand all of the duties this job contains. Certified nursing assistants are key players in the lives of the people in their care. Their main role is to provide basic care to patients, as well as assist them in daily activities they might have trouble with on their own. In nursing or long-term care facilities, a CNA is often a patient’s main caregiver. Nursing assistants can enjoy this field in many different areas of healthcare and under many different titles. These various titles can include: Nursing Assistant, CNA or Certified Nurse Assistant, Direct Care Worker, Nurse Aide, Care Assistant, Caregiver, Hospice Aide, In-Home Care Aide, ED Assistant, Resident Assistant, Hospice Assistant, Patient Care Assistant, Personal Care Assistant, Geriatric Aide, Restorative Aide, Health Care Assistant, and many more titles. In most areas of healthcare, CNA’s assist patients with daily activities and while some CNA’s have additional responsibilities, the core functions on the job include: Bathe and dress patients Comb hair, shave, clean nails, and brush patients’ teeth Serve meals and help patients eat Take vital signs Turn/ reposition patients who are bedridden; help with transferring/ walking Collect information about conditions from patients, caregivers, nurses, and doctors (always talk to the patient while caring for them to learn more about them and their conditions) Provide and empty bedpans Lift patients into beds, wheelchairs, exam tables, etc. Answer patient calls Examine patients for bruises, blood in urine or other injuries/wounds Clean and sanitize patient areas Change bed sheets and restock rooms with necessary supplies Transporting patients to and from different areas of the nursing home or hospital Setting up equipment for the nurse or doctor Help patients participate in various activities Light housekeeping in patient rooms such as making beds Charting Aspiring CNA’s should understand the job isn’t glamorous and can be graphic at times. Compassion and patience should be of the utmost qualities of a CNA. From dressing wounds to cleaning a patient after an accident to taking care of many patients at one time for many hours, CNA’s are often put to the test on a daily basis. Unlike many other nursing jobs, a certified nursing assistant doesn’t need to earn a bachelor’s degree or higher to practice. However, formal training resulting in a postsecondary certificate or award is required. The training typically combines basic nursing principles with hands-on supervised clinical work. You can find CNA training classes at local hospitals, colleges, technical schools and sometimes even at local nursing homes such at Mitchell-Hollingsworth. Once the course is completed, a state-required exam is to be taken. Becoming a CNA can also benefit you in getting a foot in the door of the health care industry. While you will learn if this is the career for you, you can also find areas of healthcare you enjoy most and begin building repor with industry workers. It is a great stepping stone before becoming an LPN or RN which can also lead to even more career options. As the population ages and those who are disabled and need long-term care, the role of certified nursing assistants has become more necessary. An upside to choosing a long-term care facility is the relationships you make with the patients and residents. We love and appreciate our CNA’s so much and we understand their job is often not an easy one. If you have more questions about becoming a CNA, please reach out to us and let us know. We would love to have you apart of our team! Source: http://www.allnursingschools.com/certified-nursing-assistant/job-description/

Vitamin D, known as the sunshine vitamin, can be produced in the body with mild sun exposure or consumed in food or supplements. It’s important because it helps your body absorb calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphate and zinc. It can also aid in healthy bone growth, healthy teeth, and help muscles move and nerves carry messages from the brain throughout your body. When your body is lacking in Vitamin D, it can develop diseases which can cause brittle and thin bones. Vitamin D has many roles including: Maintaining the health of bones and teeth Regulating insulin levels and diabetes management Supporting the health of the immune system, brain, and nervous system Supporting lung function and cardiovascular health Influencing the expression of genes involved in cancer development Vitamin D deficiency is common, especially in the elderly, infants, people with dark skin, and people living in higher latitudes or who get little sun exposure. In adults, Vitamin D deficiency can manifest as osteoporosis which results in poor bone density, muscular weakness, and often causes small fractures of the spine, femur, and humerus. Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease among post-menopausal women and older men. Vitamin D deficiency is common among seniors because older people are prone to certain risk factors, such as: Decreased dietary intake of vitamin D Less exposure to sunlight Reduced skin thickness Impaired intestinal absorption Seniors who get the recommended amount of Vitamin D each day are more likely to: Prevent falls and fractures Lower risks for osteoporosis and other bone disorders Maintain their physical mobility and independence Decrease risks for cardiovascular problems, diabetes, and some cancers What are good sources of Vitamin D? Fortified beverages – milk, cheese, orange juice and some fortified soy and rice milk Fatty fish – salmon, trout, tuna, mackerel and eel Egg yolks and beef liver Dietary supplements and fortified foods – yogurt, breakfast cereals and certain kinds of mushrooms Moderate sun exposure of 20-25 minutes of direct sunlight three times a week (But don’t forget to use sunscreen or wear protective clothing) Seniors and all adults should talk with their physician before taking supplements to determine if they are necessary. This is important to understand proper dosage and potential interactions with prescription medications. Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/161618.php

Chronic illness or a traumatic event can happen to any married couple. One of you will get sick. The other one becomes the caregiver. This is a very hard situation, but it is a reality that it can happen. Here are a few coping strategies to help you cope and help your marriage through this difficult time. Make the best of the situation. Changes are a big thing. Whether they are changes in personality due to a traumatic brain injury, progression of Alzheimer’s/ dementia or physical changes due to a stroke, you have to take it day by day and make the best of the present. Help your partner- and others- understand new limits. You may be learning your partner’s new limitations due to a condition or disease. Other people who you do not often come in contact with may not realize these limitations. Don’t expect more than either of you can give. Help your partner understand and adapt to their new world. Continually educate others. Create a balance between love and independence. If this condition is a new or abrupt one, then remember this is a big change for you both. Let your spouse know you are there for them and show them love like never before. Don’t jump in and take their independence away. One quick way to break someone’s spirit is to make them feel as though they are inadequate or not enough. Seek other champions to support you and your spouse. Your spouse loves and appreciates all you do for them, but it will bring joy to have more supporters. Have the children and grandchildren visit. Do they have a favorite home health or hospice worker that they love to speak to? Know that you can’t always do everything yourself. Accept things you can’t do, things you do not want to do, and make decisions on who will do those tasks. Express frustration in your mind, but not your mouth. If you can, hold your frustrations in or vent elsewhere. Your spouse did not choose this condition or disease. They never wanted to be a burden to you. Don’t ever let them feel like it is their fault or that they are a hindrance. We are humans with true feelings and words cannot be returned. Find support. Reach out for help. You may be living in a new world with your spouse’s new or progressing condition. While you may be the 24 hour a day, 7 days a week caregiver, find support to give you relief. Trying to cope alone can tear your marriage apart. Help can be found through family or community resources. Find someone who can allow you to step away and enjoy “me” time. Even if it is only a walk around the block, it is a time to clear the mind. Find support with someone who can listen to your struggles. Sometimes just letting out frustrations is a big relief. Remember, people may not know you need help or support if you do not ask. Take care of yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Don’t put your own health issues on the back burner because your spouse is ill. You need to be your best for you and for your spouse. It may help to think of your new journey as a spiritual journey. Let go of the past. You have to let go of the past. This is a new world for you both and it is the present. Things in life continually change and as human beings we will must adjust and move on. Find release in your other roles. Changing health issues and constant care giving can put a strain on a relationship. You must find ways to cope and find fulfillment. Take on a hobby. Hire a sitter for an hour or two for your spouse and join a local senior center to spend time with friends or a game of bingo. You can’t give your all to someone if you are exhausted and have built up resentment. You have to find outlets to keep yourself healthy and sane. Pursue things that renew you. Talk with each other. If you can, talk with each other about new roles, responsibilities, fears, frustrations, hopes, and expectations. Don’t assume you know how your spouse feels in every situation. Changing, growing, and learning together is what can truly build a marriage. An illness or condition can present many challenges for your life and marriage, but keep in mind they have the potential to greatly change your marriage. They can either bring you closer together or tear you apart. You both have the choice of how to face each situation. Flexibility and communication is a key factor in maintaining the closeness of your marriage. Never be afraid to seek help. There are many available options out there. If you have any questions about community outlets, please feel free to call us and we can direct you to the appropriate person. Sources: https://www.thespruce.com/cope-when-spouse-has-chronic-illness-2302978 https://www.good-sam.com/resources/coping-with-spouse-health