Pre-Lawsuit Arbitration and the Resolution of Your RI Car Accident Claim

Arbitration is an alternative dispute resolution tool that sometimes assists people and businesses in resolving their personal injury disputes without going through a more costly and time consuming jury trial.

How Rhode Island arbitration may help your car accident claim
Your lawyer may use a unique Rhode Island law that permits pre-lawsuit arbitration as a useful tool to quickly and efficiently resolves your car accident claim. This may be helpful because if you suffer a personal injury in a car accident, the insurance company may try to lowball your claim. In addition, you may be hesitant to commence a lawsuit against another in the Superior Court system. Arbitration can be better than litigation since it can offer a faster, cheaper, and a more private way to resolve claims. The arbitrator or panel may also have expertise in the subject matter, which can be helpful for complicated claims. The disadvantages of arbitration is that the outcome can be less predictable than in a courtroom, there are few ways to appeal an unfavorable or questionable decision, there is a diminished likelihood that the injured party will recover punitive or other damages, and there is always a possibility the arbitrator(s) may have some unknown bias.

The RI law on pre-suit arbitration of car accident claims.
All insurance policies sold in Rhode Island must allow an injured party the ability to choose arbitration rather than litigation to resolve claims for most kinds of motor vehicle-related damage costing $25,000 or less. During this process, each party submits their arguments to a mutually-selected, impartial person or panel responsible for judging the claim. The person or panel examines all the evidence and then makes a final decision for all the parties involved. The arbitration is non-binding - either party may reject the arbitration's award and proceed to file an RI personal injury lawsuit. Under Rhode Island's pre-trial arbitration provision, either party may reserve their right to a jury trial by providing notice to the other parties by certified mail within sixty days of the arbitrator's award decision. Filing a late notice may be an excusable mistake when you file a lawsuit before pursuing arbitration. However, pre-trial arbitration is treated as a contract, making the disputed arbitration award binding the moment this sixty-day period expires. Once the arbitration process is complete, a Superior Court justice can only confirm or cancel the award.

Why you should retain a top rated car accident lawyer
Having a top car accident lawyer representing your interests in arbitration can be extremely important. Generally, an attorney can help you negotiate and comply with the arbitration system's rules and deadlines, gather and organize vital information, and effectively present your claim to the arbitrator or panel. Your attorney can also help you preserve your legal rights outside of arbitration. Courts consider pre-trial arbitration as a contractual relationship rather than a court-related proceeding. This means that many of the policy and procedural safeguards courts use to protect your rights in the courtroom do not apply to the arbitration process. Without a good accident attorney to preserve your legal rights outside of pre-trial arbitration, you could lose your right to recovery for your injuries if the arbitration does not go your way.

Assisted Living in Detroit

Senior Citizens Enjoy Living In Detroit

Many senior citizens want to enjoy their retirement having fun and experiencing life. They've worked so hard for so long and know that it is time to embrace the fun side of life. Detroit has proven itself to be a city that senior citizens can do those things in. Its wide range of cultural and social activities combined with beautiful neighborhoods make it visually appealing. Its excellent medical facilities and assisted living facilities make it friendly for senior citizens who may have health issues or restrictions. Overall, you cannot find a more welcoming city than Detroit for living your senior years to the fullest.

Cultural And Social Scene

There are many activities that are fun to do in The city. The entire city has really developed a fine appreciation for the various types of arts. Most theatres and attractions also offer senior citizen discounts. That shows how much they truly appreciate the patronage of senior citizens and the value they bring to the cultural and social setting of the city. Some of the best places you can go to for cultural or social events are:
• Detroit Cultural Center
• Sporting events
- Watch a Tigers baseball game
- Experience a Pistons basketball game
- Enjoy a football day with the Lions
- Have a hockey outing with the Redwings
• Henry Ford Museum
• Motown Museum
• There are over forty great museums in the city. Each one is educational, unique, and interesting.
• Detroit Film Theatre
• Detroit Opera House
• With its love of the performing arts, the city has over twenty-eight theatres in the city that show that appreciation.

No matter what your tastes, style, or preferences are you will find it in the local cultural and social scene. People in their golden years have discovered the joy of experiencing the arts in Detroit.

Beautiful Neighborhoods

Detroit has always been known for its beautiful homes in wonderful pockets of the city. Many of the neighborhoods are part of annual luxury or holiday tours. They have parks and boulevards that match the beauty of the classic homes. Senior citizens find that there are few moments more enjoyable than those spent strolling through some of the historic, beautiful neighborhoods. If they cannot stroll, there are also driving tours mapped out so you can enjoy their beauty. A few of the most highly regarded neighborhoods are:

• Indian Village
• Boston-Edison & Arden Park
• Palmer Woods
• North Rosedale Park
• Corktown

The amount of time you can spend touring these beautiful, historic neighborhoods will depend on if you choose to go it by foot, vehicle tour, and how many homes you would like to tour on the inside. The inside tours of homes are one of the most unique things about the area and the way they welcome people. Senior citizens will find that they are having new memory making moments on these historical tours.

Medical Facilities

You do not have to research medical facilities for long to discover that Detroit is home to some of the best doctors and specialists in the country. The various medical facilities in the city are state of the art and give everybody the reassurance they need for both preventative and emergency health care. Detroit Medical Center is the premier private employer in the city. They have 9 hospitals in a five county area. Two other medical facilities that are highly regarded are the Henry Ford Medical Centers and the St. John Providence Health System. One thing is for sure, Detroit has a reputable, state of the art medical system in place.

Assisted Living Facilities

Assisted living facilities are the latest option that help people in their senior years enjoy life, freedom, and independence for a longer time. Detroit has really been a leader in providing top line, eloquent living facilities for senior citizens who need a little assistance. Some of the most highly regarded facilities offer tours, advice, and seminars on how they can help people make the most out of their years. If you are considering your living options and want to find out more about how some truly reputable assisted living facilities operate don't hesitate to contact one today. Some of the most highly regarded facilities in the area are Detroit Assisted Living, Fox Run, American House, and Crystal Creek Assisted Living. That competition weighs in favor of the senior citizen because the facilities truly want to earn your business.

In today's world there are more options for ever for senior citizens. Another phase of life can just beginning. Never before have there been so many cities and communities that offer senior citizens the valuable care, attention, and enjoyment they deserve. Detroit has always lead the way in helping people live their lives to the fullest - from beginning to end. If you are looking for a way to enjoy your retirement years or just want something new and different in your life you owe it to yourself to investigate Detroit. Detroit has a very active, lively, and talented cultural and social setting. Whether you enjoy plays, music, or sports you will find satisfaction at one of the many venues available. Health care needs and concerns are certainly not uncommon as we all get older. Make sure you remember Detroit's highly acclaimed medical field and community. The medical community in Detroit can handle every procedure that needs to be done professionally and with care. With the wide variety of neighborhoods and assisted living options in Detroit you can find the perfect place to consider a second home. If you have reached that age where you can go out and enjoy all of life's amazing opportunities at your convenience - congratulations. If you are considering Detroit, that is more exciting. Once you investigate all your options you will find welcoming arms from the city of Detroit.

Medicaid Planning with an Irrevocable Trust

You know that you, your spouse, or a parent is facing a nursing home stay. It's not tomorrow, but it's not 20 years away, either. Is there a good technique to protect your assets so that the nursing home won't wind up with your life savings? Actually, yes...it's called an "irrevocable trust." Let's take a look at how it works.

An irrevocable trust is one that cannot be revoked, amended, or changed once it is signed. Do not confuse this with a "Living Trust" done for probate avoidance purposes; that type of trust is revocable and will not work for Medicaid planning. Your elder law attorney would draft the trust for you and then assist you in transferring some portion of your assets into the trust. (I am omitting many details of how the trust is to be drafted, set up, and funded. For a detailed discussion of such trusts in the Medicaid planning context, see my book, "How to Protect Your Family's Assets from Devastating Nursing Home Costs: Medicaid Secrets.")

A transfer into such a trust is considered a gift for Medicaid eligibility purposes. Thus, the usual "penalty period" and "lookback period" rules apply to the gifts into the trust the same as they would with an outright gift.

For example, assume you create your new trust and immediately transfer $180,000 into the name of the trust, leaving you with only minimal other countable assets. Assume you do this on January 1 of Year 1. Also assume that the state you live in has a "penalty divisor" of $5,000, meaning that there is one month's penalty for every $5,000 worth of gifts.

Here's how the rules play out:

Penalty Period. Since the amount of the gift was $180,000, if you went in to apply for Medicaid the next day, there would be a "penalty period" (i.e., period of time that you would be disqualified from receiving Medicaid assistance) of 36 months ($180,000 / $5,000 = 36).

Lookback Period. For any gift made on or after February 8, 2006, if you apply for Medicaid within 5 years of such gift, there will be imposed a penalty period. So in our example, if you apply for Medicaid at any time before January 2, Year 6, you will be faced with a 36-month penalty period that begins on the date you apply! That's right---even if you make the gift today and apply for Medicaid in 4 1/2 years, you will have to wait another 3 years because of the penalty! "Gee, I could have just waited another 6 months and I'd be out from under the lookback period and have no penalty!" Exactly. So be careful of applying too early!

But what if you might need nursing home care prior to Year 6? All your money is tied up in the trust, so how can you pay for the nursing home? Essentially, your family members will have to pay your expenses for that period of time. (It may be possible for the trust to be drafted so that money in the trust can be distributed to your family members for this purpose, but this must be very carefully done in order to avoid serious trouble.)

In that case, the big question is, when do you apply for Medicaid? Of course, you must actually have a medical need for nursing home-level care in order to apply. But if you require nursing home care in Year 1 or Year 2 and apply for Medicaid at such time, there will be a 3-year penalty period from the date you apply. In other words, you will be eligible to re-apply for Medicaid in Year 4 (if you apply in Year 1) or Year 5 (if you apply in Year 2). Obviously that is better than waiting for the expiration of the entire 5-year lookback period, which won't occur until Year 6.

However, if you don't need nursing home care until at least Year 3, you are better off not applying for Medicaid until after the complete expiration of the lookback period, i.e., in Year 6. That's because if you apply in, say, June of Year 3, you will still be disqualified for an additional 3 years, i.e., until June of Year 6 (instead of only until January of Year 6). And if you apply in Year 5, you won't be eligible until some time in Year 8!

It's important to remember that the numbers above only apply to this particular example. You must work out the details with your elder law attorney, since the optimal time to apply will be governed by your health, your other (non-trust) assets, your family's ability to cover your expenses, the amount you gifted into the trust, your state's penalty divisor.

Nursing Home Do's and Dont's - How to Recognize the Warning Signs of Abuse and Neglect

In 1996, the Knight-Tribune News Service reported, "thieves often use Vaseline to ease wedding rings off of the hands of sleeping patients in nursing homes. One case cited an eighty-six year old woman who awoke inconsolable one morning when she discovered her finger had been stripped of her last two life's mementos: a diamond ring inherited from her mother and the engagement ring her husband slipped on her finger during a romantic canoe ride. She was heartbroken! Nursing home administrators often cover up for the employee doing the stealing by either denying that the theft occurred or by insisting to the victims' families that their employees' are honest; not dishonest. Because of this "hear no evil, see no evil " policy police departments are hardly ever notified or asked to get involved in such trivial matters as a few missing blouses or pieces of jewelry valued under one hundred dollars. If caught, employees are usually fired, but they are not made to make restitution. As a result, neither the facility or the victim's family criminally prosecutes them.

In July of 2001, CBS news reported a story about Helen Love, an elderly woman who was attacked by a caregiver at a Sacramento, Ca. facility because she soiled herself. "He choked me and went and broke my neck and broke my wrist," said Love. According to additional reports, Love's assailant received a year in the county jail. Further articles by the same newspaper revealed that three other employee's employed by the same facility were convicted for abuse as well. Yet, none of them were ever kept from working in any nursing facility. So why has the nursing home network ignored the need for stiffer background checks? According to the CBS news report in 2001 and articles written by reporters employed by national and local newspapers, most reported abuses are physical, sexual, and verbal.

A congressional report written by Waxman, a top democrat on the house Government Reform Committee, which oversees spending and other operations, said he is introducing a plan that would require criminal background checks on nursing home staff and impose tougher standards on homes with violations. But, what do we call tougher standards when we allow older felons recently released from our prison system, with a history of sexual assaults or violent crimes to work and live in nursing homes, to victimize our senior citizens or disabled children? Congressional reports written between January 1999 and 2001 by Waxman report that over 30% of our nursing facilities were cited for abuse and, the violations were serious enough to cause actual harm, immediate jeopardy of death, or serious injury."

Charles H. Roadman II, president of the American Health care Association (AHCA), a nursing home trade group that represents 12,000 non-profit and for-profit centers and homes for the elderly and disabled, stated to CBS news in an article written on July thirty-first, 2001 that he believes that "the great majority of long term care in our nation is excellent." Reading articles such as these, makes me wonder if any of the congressional representatives, senators, governors, other than Jeb Bush, have ever taken time out of their busy schedules to personally visit any of the facilities that have been cited for these alleged abuses, or personally met any of the victims' families screaming for justice and reform? When it is all said and done there are many simple warning signs that we should look for whenever we are faced with seeking short-term or long-term care. The list that I have provided in my booklet called "Nursing Home Do's and Dont's, by Brooke Jennings, is an easy read for the average layperson. Therefore, if you are considering placing your friend or a precious member of your family into the hands of strangers, I recommend getting a copy of Nursing Home Do's and Dont's @ brookesden.com

Certified Nursing Assistant, AL

Alabama has approved its own Nurse Assistant Certification programs ever since Congress passed the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act in 1987. The law is in place so states can oversee the standards of care in long-term care facilities like nursing homes.

The Alabama Department of Health approves CNA training programs throughout the state and maintains the registry list of CNAs that are legally allowed to work in long-term care facilities.

Requirements to work as a CNA in Alabama:

• Successfully complete a state-approved training program


• Pass the CNA State Exam (both writing and skills portion)


• Have a clear criminal history background check
  
  

Salary Average for Certified Nusing Assistant AL

• $21,000


• $10.00/hour

Training program criteria in Alabama

Each program will differ from the next but all programs have to keep up with standards set by the State of Alabama

• 75 hours of training


• Classroom Learning


• Hands-on Learning

Applying for reciprocity in Alabama

If an approved CNA moves to Alabama from another state they must first be employed by a long-term care facility before they can apply for reciprocity. At this time they will be places on Alabama's registry

List of State-Approved Training Programs

Below are a few training programs in the sate of Alabama. For a complete list of training programs please refer to the Alabama Department of Public Health or contact them at:

Alabama Certified Nurse Aide Registry

Alabama Department of Public Health

Division of Health Care Facilities

The RSA Tower, Suite 600

201 Monroe Street

Montgomery, AL 36104

Phone: (334)206-5169

Fax: (334)206-5219

Easter Seals Central Alabama
2125 E. South Boulevard

Montgomery, Alabama 3611

Phone #: (334) 288-0240

Fax: 334-288-7171

• 
  Tuition is $1,150 and includes:
  
  
  
  • 
    Five week intensive training
    
  
  
  • 
    Instruction by a qualified R.N.
    
  
  
  • 
    2 uniforms, 1 lab coat, 1 pair of shoes
    
  
  
  • 
    Watch
    
  
  
  • 
    Stethoscope
    
  
  
  • 
    Textbook
    
  
  
  • 
    Fee for CNA exam
    
  
  
  • 
    Background check, TB test, drug screen
    
  
  
  
  

Gadsden State Community College
1001 George Wallace Dr
Gadsden, AL 35902-0227

Phone #: (256) 549-8257 (For Nursing Assistant Adviser)
Phone #: 256-549-8200 (For general inquiries)

• Two semesters of 25 credit hours
  


• 
  Program covers: Nursing Assistant, Phlebotomy and Medical Unit Clerk
  


• Only 10 student allowed per semester


• Cost of tuition + fees

J. F. Drake State Technical College
3421 Meridian St N

Huntsville, AL 35811

Phone #: 256.551.3156 (For nursing secretary)

Phone #: (256) 539-8161 (For general inquiries)

Fax #: (256) 551-1704

• 10 day program 8 hours a day
  


• 
  Cost $445

Reid State Technical College
I65 and Hwy 83
Evergreen, AL 36401

Phone #: 251-578-1313, extension 124

• Estimated cost: $2500


• One semester

Shelton State Community College
The Martin Campus
9500 Old Greensboro Road
Tuscaloosa, AL 35405
C.A. Fredd Campus
3401 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd,
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Phone #: (205) 391-2457
Office: 3613 Martin Campus

• thirteen (13) credit hour program per semester
  


• 
  Total Cost $ 1,908

Tips When Hunting For The Best New Graduate Nursing Job

Looking for the right job can be very taxing. Even nurses who are supposed to be secured when job hunting are thinking twice in this kind of economy. That is why new graduates now are trying their best to land the very best job that they could possibly get. They are now competing with the experienced nurses in getting that ideal job based on their criteria and requirements.

When looking for any kind or any type of job it is best to be prepared. It is not bad to look or be overly ready for any job interview. Let us take a look at some helpful tips when hunting for the best new graduate nursing job.

You Are Your Resume
This is really true. Your resume will speak highly of you if done correctly. If not, then the opposite will be the result. Make sure that your resume is well prepared. You have probably heard this a million times already but it is really true. You have to check and re-check your resume. Make sure it is free from spelling and grammar mistakes. No typo errors please. Employers are easily turned-off when they see resumes which were done haphazardly.

If you are lucky and you have passed the initial resume screening the interview will come next. Initial interviews are usually what you written on your resume. Make sure that you know all about what you have put in there otherwise they will think that somebody other than you wrote your resume.

Details Are Important
There are several other things that can be written on your bio-data or resume that employers are actually interested in knowing. Some HR experts say they are happy when they see job applicants who know how to play musical instruments. You might want to list that on one of your hobbies. That is why even the simplest thing can be very important. Make sure you put everything in order and as briefly as possible. You should include all the trainings you have attended especially first aid and the like.

The Dreaded Interview
There different types of interviews but the most commonly used are one on one interview and panel interview where you will face people not lower than 3 and as many as 10 interviewers. No matter what kind of interview that may be, you should come prepared. Do not be nervous. Experts will call you back if they are interested in what you have to offer. Otherwise, they would not have asked you to come. Rehearse and stay focused.

The Want Ads
If you still haven't found the right job try looking at other newspapers, magazines and search over the internet. There are so many avenues now where employers are advertising career opportunities in their companies. You should always check them out. Make sure you read the job description carefully. Keep track of all the hospitals you've applied to because you might get confused. Employers expect to be remembered. Applicants who failed to address the company correctly are not considered for the job anymore. Make sure also you research the hospital thoroughly so that you'll be able to learn more about them.

Referrals And Reputation
It is certain that you have a relative or a friend like your classmates or school mates from your previous nursing school who are already working. Try to contact them and ask if they are happy at where they are right now. They will be your very best source of information about the hospital they are working at.

Whatever it is that you are looking for in job, make sure you put yourself out there for everyone to see. When job hunting, your resume and your ability to dazzle them during the interview are your greatest tools. They will help you identify the best employer and the best job.

Nursing Home Resident Gift Ideas

Every year caregivers in nursing homes and assisted living facilities must deal with the challenge of gift ideas to their resident's. In an attempt to make this task a little easier for you, here are some ideas for gifts as well as a few ways in which you might consider distributing the gifts to the resident's in your facility.

Give each resident a paper cut out Christmas picture (tree, bell, angel, star) and ask them to write on the back, their name and a few items they might like to receive, maybe some things they need. These can then be put on a wall, bulletin board, or a Christmas tree and staff can pick them and use them to buy gifts for the residents.

You might want to have a dollar limit of $10 or so, or this could get quite expensive. A list should be kept as well, of the resident's names and the staff member who picked them. You don't want to find, at the last minute, that some residents were missed. It could be helpful to have the purchased gifts brought in a few days before you are handing them out, just to go through your list and be sure everyone is accounted for.

If there is a possibility that staff may not want to buy for some specific residents, for whatever personal reasons, maybe picking names anonymously would be better. They could draw names out of a hat. To take the anonymous idea one step further, you could simply have staff choose male or female and then each resident gets whatever is gifted for their gender, rather than items specific for them. It might also be an idea to have a few of these types of gifts available for new residents arriving to your facility who came after your lists were made up. You really don't want anyone missed.

If there are just too many residents for the staff to purchase for, consider asking local churches or organizations like Boy Scouts to participate.

Another gift idea is to put together some beautiful baskets that can be raffled off. The raffle tickets can be easy enough to make with a computer and printer, then stapled together. The baskets could be themed such as "Beauty" with lotions and soaps, or "Movies" with popcorn, candy, a movie DVD, etc. The tickets could be sold for a dollar or two to resident's families as they come to visit, or the boy scouts could sell them for you. The money could be used to help buy gifts for the residents as well, or pay for some of the Christmas party.

The gifts can be taken to each resident's room, or handed out by Santa at a Christmas Party.

You could also have some extra fun distributing the gifts at a party if you had a large plastic dice the residents could throw, taking turns. If they throw a number you have chosen specific for the game, such as a 4 for example, they can choose from the gift wrapped gifts under the tree. These should be labelled male or female. Then some time could be added after the gifts were all chosen and before they are unwrapped, for a swapping round. If another particular number is rolled on the dice, the resident can choose to swap with another person or keep what they have. Game over when the time is up.

Gift ideas

These are also good gift ideas for senior citizen's that are not in a care facility.

Inexpensive gift ideas:

• stuffed animals


• clothes


• pyjamas


• sweaters


• shoes


• socks


• slippers


• scarves


• hats


• gloves


• underwear


• nail polish


• books (fiction, history, hobby specific, large print, audio, picture)


• magazines


• puzzle books (word search/crossword)


• jigsaw puzzles


• box of greeting cards (they can use throughout the year to write to friends)


• stationary


• pens


• games


• music CD's


• craft items


• tissues


• lotions


• soap


• candy


• chocolate


• cookies


• coupons


• deck of cards


• plaques


• calendars


• grooming items


• personal photo album


• costume jewellery


• craft kit

Pricier gift ideas:

• disposable camera (and developing)


• audio books (if you can find or download inexpensive ones)


• DVD's (old TV series such as Gunsmoke, I Love Lucy, etc)


• CD's (nature sounds, old time radio shows like Jack Benny, Bob Hope, George Burns, etc)


• purse


• wallet


• Bible


• Robe


• lap robe


• jackets


• afghan or blanket


• magnifiers


• reading lights


• bird feeders


• Decorative or ornate box for special items or jewellery


• picture frames


• radio


• clocks

If you don't find the exact gift idea that works for the resident or senior you have in mind, these can be a help to get you started. Many of these gift ideas can also be personalized to make them a little more meaningful.

The Critical Importance of Recreation For Senior Citizens

As our population ages, there is increasing emphasis on teaching and learning lifelong recreational skills. Research has shown that recreation is an important part of an individual's social behavior. Recreation plays a critical role in the lives of older adults by contributing to an improved quality of life. People who participate in recreational activities as senior citizens report significantly more life satisfaction than those who do not.

Physical recreation is especially important. Engaging in physical activity reduces almost every risk of disease, including heart disease, high blood pressure, colon cancer and diabetes. Participation in recreational activities improves mental health, as well. Again, research shows that older individuals who participate in recreational activities have better coping behaviors in response to stressful life events and daily frustrations. They learn that social support is important, and available, through these activities.

Unfortunately, we have come to view our older years as a time of diminishing activity and social interaction. As a result of these expectations, aging folks often assume they are incapable of recreational activity or that it will not be available to them. They often cite scarce financial resources, lack of transportation or declining health as reasons for avoiding these important activities. Although there is some validity to these concerns, we often overlook the increasing resources that are being dedicated to wellness among senior citizens. Some of these resources are:

• Travel programs. Fees are usually required, but deep discounts for seniors are often available.


• Volunteering. Seniors bring valuable experience, wisdom and compassion to others


• Elderhostel. A world-wide travel program bringing affordable adventure and learning to seniors


• Theme parks. Senior days! Special entry fees!


• Entertainment and arts. Museum and theatre tours often provide discounts and transportation to seniors


• Local parks and recreation programs. Great outdoor activities


• Community Gardening. Check with your local parks and recreation office


• Senior citizen centers. Free or reduced price meals and more!


• Book clubs. Reading and socialization are a potent therapeutic combination for the brain

It is important for senior citizens and those who care for them to seek out recreational activities even at this time when they may be reluctant to do so. Research indicates that seniors who participate in these kinds of activities tend to remain active once they begin.

Western cultures sometimes view their aging populations as economic and social liabilities. In fact, when they are nurtured, they become assets. Recreational activities can provide help and motivation that seniors require to enable them to contribute their valuable time and wisdom in return for that nurturance.

How A Hidden Security Camera Caught Elder Abuse

I read a story the other day about an incident that happened recently in an Alabama nursing home. The daughter of one of the residents was finding unexplained bruises on her near 90-year-old mother. She started asking questions at the nursing home and got nowhere. So she made calls to state officials and got nowhere. What a shock getting nowhere in the bureaucracy!

The daughter decided to take matters into her own hands and installed a hidden security camera in her mother's room. As it turned out her mother died a few days later. It was only a few weeks after her mother's death that she had a chance to look at the video and what she saw made her sick to her stomach.

She saw her mom's caregiver at the nursing home repeatedly assaulting, abandoning and neglecting her mother. The caregiver was caught on video removing her mom's oxygen mask without authorization and hitting the victim repeatedly.

About two months ago in Cleveland, Ohio when a son was visiting his sick mother in a nursing home he happened to ask her mother about her medications. The mother pleaded ignorance and said that she didn't get any medications. When he asked the staff at the nursing home they of course confirmed that she was supposed to be getting medications

He was curious so he installed a hidden camera in the room to find out what was going on. He found that the attendant was pocketing the medications that were supposed to be given to his mother.

These scenes are repeated across the country in every kind of nursing home, long-term care facility, assisted living facility and others. Elder abuse has been documented to occur in six out of every 10 facilities that are supposed to care for seniors. Is also further been documented in a recent GAO report that nine of every ten nursing homes have employees with a criminal record.

Physical abuse is actually the easiest type of elder abuse to document because there are signs of physical trauma that can be investigated. Neglect and emotional abuse are much more difficult to document. That is why the slightest change in mental state or physical appearance should not be ignored.

The two best ways to prevent elder abuse are to install a hidden camera in the room and/or have family members and friends make frequent visits to the patient in the nursing home to keep a watchful eye on subtle changes.

Keep an eye on your elders in a nursing home with a hidden spy camera.

Home Appliance Dangers

Over the past century, there has been no lack of new innovations to make our lives supposedly easier and more efficient. By extension, of course, our lives are supposed to be better off for the advent of these varied household appliances and their technical wizardry. Though this is typically the case (for those who actually make use of the devices instead of letting them gather dust), it is with regrettable frequency that both small and large home appliances cause members of a household to suffer serious or even fatal injuries.

While many of these devices come with instruction manuals that outline some of the specific dangers that a particular product may hold, these written materials often fail to fully express the range of potential hazards. They certainly lack any direct engagement with the real world circumstances in which the appliances are likely to be used and deployed, instead covering only those elements that are required by law or regulation. Depending upon the full facts of the situation, it may be appropriate to consider filing a lawsuit against the manufacturer of a home appliance that causes you or your loved one to suffer injury when it is used as intended.

Sources of Household Injury  

Perhaps the most alarming thing about the threat posed by household appliances is that it comes from both the objects that seem relatively harmless and also from those that are obviously coupled with some degree of inherent danger. It is incumbent upon the owner or operator of a device to be aware of the hazards that are to be expected and to use it as prescribed by the directions and common sense. There is little planning that can be done, however, to avert disaster when design defects, manufacturing defects, or malfunctions present themselves in the form of an accident.

Some of the household appliances that may prove dangerous and some of the potential adverse effects that a person might experience include:

• Toasters and Convection Ovens - May cause electrical shock or start fires


• Garbage Disposals, Food Processors, and Trash Compactors - Can start due to electrical surge and lead to amputations or severe lacerations


• Gas Stoves and Water Heaters - Improperly built gas lines can cause gas to leak, creating an explosive danger and the possibility of poisoning; poorly functioning water heaters can lead to scalding burns


• Space Heaters - If unstable they may tip over and cause fires, also pose electrical risk

Product Liability Professionals

If you have suffered injuries that have required you to seek medical attention, then it may be in your best interest to contact a skilled and experienced attorney. The Phoenix product liability lawyers of Haralson, Miller, Pitt, Feldman & McAnally, P.L.L.C. are happy to assist you with all your legal needs as you seek to recover.

Great Gifts For Grandma - The Top 10 Best Gifts For Seniors in Assisted Living Care

What do you get the woman who has everything? For the first 40 or 50 years, you were probably able to come up with great, personal, gift ideas that your Mom truly treasured. But let's face it; times and needs change. Mom may now be in a nursing home or assisted living facility. After a while we run out of good gift ideas find ourselves to be gift-giving challenged!

Just as you might recall the holiday you really wanted "Abby Road", and instead you got your very own fruit cake, it's your turn to rethink gift-giving for "Gram".

It's likely Grandma deals with chronic in pain, has lost a lot of physical flexibility, and can't see well. Opt for resents that provide comfort, simplicity, and independence; ten thoughtful suggestions sure to be well received.

Gift ideas for that special elder:

1. Back Scratcher: Seniors can't bend, twist, and stretch like they could when they were younger. Back scratchers offer welcome relief for those hard-to-reach areas that itch and when there's no one around to offer to "scratch their back."

2. Shoe Horn: Eliminate Gram's need to bend over to get her heels completely inside her shoes or slippers with a good metal shoe horn. Look for one with a long 8-10" reach.

3. Walker Basket Attachment: It's impossible to carry anything while using a walker. Attaching a pouch or basket, specially designed for walkers, frees up hands. It's practical and a boost to feelings of independence and self-sufficiency.

4. Smart Night Lights: Falling is a serious matter when it happens to a senior. Bones become brittle, break easily and heal slowly. Motion detector lights aren't just for outdoor use; they can safely light the way when Grandma gets up in the middle of the night, greatly reducing the likelihood of tripping and falling.

5. Telephones with Sound Amplification: Telephones with cords often provide better sound than cordless. They also operate during power outages, while cordless phones only work with electricity. Cordless phones offer the safety and convenience of access throughout the house. Look for cordless phones with outstanding amplification features "Sound amplified" or "extra amplification"will be listed as a key feature in the on-line description, or on the box or display feature list. Phones with those features are becoming much more widely available; consider one of each, for the best of both.

6. Big Button Telephone: Large, easy-to-read buttons make dialing easier for arthritic fingers or for anyone who can't see quite as well as they used to.

7. Slipper Bottom Socks: People with cold feet often like to wear socks to bed. Yet socks can be a slippery safety hazard when stepping out of bed, especially on uncarpeted surfaces. The solution? Warm socks with sticky bumps on the bottom keep Grandma's feet warm in bed and also prevent falls by grabbing the floor surface when they get out of bed.

8. Soap for Sensitive Skin: Older skin is often dry, fragile, and sensitive. Look for soap that is free of irritating additives and designed for very sensitive skin. Health food and medical dermatology stores are a good resource. Consult your local pharmacist for any special order items.

9. Silky Nightwear: Fleece-lined silk is warm and cozy for the wearer. And for caregivers, silk makes it easier to roll over or reposition someone in bed. But there is a downside to watch out for. Beware that Grandma and Grandpa don't slide right off the bed and get hurt, seriously, this is true!

10. Easy Remote Control: For seniors who can't or don't want to fumble with multiple, microscopic-size buttons, go for the specially designed three-button TV remotes. Make TV-watching simple and pleasurable with a large, easy to use 3-button remote control device.

Where to Look:

Out and about shopping: Most of these gifts are readily available in your local hardware store, local pharmacy, health food, home health division of your local hospital store, specialty shoe stores, better department stores. Radio Shack

is a great source for affordable items for seniors.

On-line: The Alzheimer's Store, Maxi Aids, Walgreens and other stores that sell independent living aids

Before You Buy:

It's always a good idea to discuss products with Grandma's caregivers to be sure they're safe for her particular situation.

The Best Gift of All:

More than anything, most of us want to be loved and remembered. If you can, give your gift in person. If you can't, then call, write an easy to read personal note, check in. Even if your gifts may sometimes initially be an unwanted reminder of the consequences of aging, letting your Mom know you care and are doing your best to promote her independence and keep in touch, will go a long way in helping maker her golden years just that. PS., all of these ideas can be enjoyed by Grandpa too!

Attorney Talks About Nursing Home Abuse

Each year millions of our parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and family loved ones are victimized by the very people that are entrusted with their care. Nursing home abuse is far more prevalent than most of us would like to think. Exact statistics are very difficult to come by showing the number of citizens aged 65 and older that are exploited, abused, neglected or mistreated each year in the United States but even the most conservative estimates put that number at over one million. Some experts estimate that for every one incidence of elder abuse that is actually reported, there may be as many as five that go unreported. Much like the victims of child abuse, victims of elder abuse may be afraid of reprisals if they report the abuse or may be in a deteriorating mental state and unaware of the abuse that they are suffering. Elder abuse can happen anywhere, in any setting, and be perpetrated by any type of caregiver. Sadly, the nursing homes that we depend on to take care of our elderly loved ones are one of the most common settings for elder abuse.

For most of us, the decision to put an elderly relative in a nursing home is not an easy one. Weeks, months, even years can be spent debating what to do with an aging relative. Many people choose to bring the relative to live with them only to find that they can't give them the attention and security that they need in their twilight years. Taking care of an elderly loved one can be physically, emotionally and financially draining. Even with the best of intentions, many people eventually come to the conclusion that they must put their elderly loved one in the care of a nursing home. The idea, of course, is that they will be safe, secure and comfortable in a nursing home. You have been assured that their health will be monitored on a daily basis, they will be able to interact and socialize with other seniors and all their practical concerns will be attended to by the staff at the nursing home. Ideally, this is how a nursing home works. Sadly, sometimes instead of treating our loved ones with the care and respect they deserve, they are mistreated, neglected and even abused in the nursing home that was entrusted with their care.

So what can you do if you suspect that your loved one has been mistreated, neglected or abused by the staff at a nursing care? There are a number of government agencies that are involved in the regulation and investigation of nursing homes. In California, you can call the Adult Protective Services for the county that your loved one resides in, as well as contacting the California Long Term Care Ombudsman. If you feel that legal action is warranted, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the nursing home for injuries that your loved one has suffered.

Sharing the Love - Caring For Our Elderly Parents in Our Home

One day you realize that mom or dad can no longer live in their own home alone. It seems like yesterday your parents made all the decisions and cared for you. Suddenly, you are faced with caring for them. You want your parent to stay happy and comfortable. together you made the decision not to move them into an assisted living or nursing facility. After discussing living options with your parent, you decide that mom or dad should move in with your family.

This is no easy task. Many choices have to be made. You have to understand that many changes will take place in everyone's lives. Many changes will take place in your families schedule and living arrangements. No matter how good your relationship is with your parent, living together will at times become uncomfortable and difficult. It can bring on added stress, tension and conflicts.

Rearranging your family household and way of life will not be easy. Staying calm in trying situations is the best thing to do. Separate your emotions from the situation that may be bothering you. Remember this is just as stressful, if not more stressful for mom or dad. Make them feel involved. Let them help, if they can, with easy tasks around the house. Invite neighbors and friends to visit, giving you some time for you. Help them retain their dignity and make them feel comfortable like they did in their own home. Years of their own way of life have just been turned upside down. Now they have to depend on someone else. For years they were independent. Now they need a helping hand. Reaching out and giving them that helping hand means the world to them.

Set up some boundaries. Give everyone their own space. Make sure that everyone has private time. This will help the whole family feel more comfortable. Most important, keep the lines of communication open between you and your parent. By simple communication you can always address issues that arise that may be bothering you or your parent. Retain a sense of humor, or at least try. Always treat each other with respect and love. It is always good to get things in the open instead of keeping it inside.

If mom or dad needs supervision, it may be more difficult on your family. Days may have to be rescheduled to ensure that someone is always home. If you find that you are having a difficult time handling the situation, in-home care services are a good option to assist in the care of a parent. Home care can reduce some of the burden on you and your family. In home care can help you maintain your way of life, your scedule and let you continue to live your live like you used to. Don't allow yourself to become physically and emotionally depleted. Supplemental in-home care can help families overcome some hurdles when caring for a loved one. In-home care is a more affordable option to a nursing facility as well.

As oppose to assited living or nursing facilities, a loving family home provides the much important social setting our elderly parents need to continue living a healthy, comfortable, joyful way of life. Sharing your home with a parent is the most caring, loving and rewarding experience you will ever have. Even though you may feel crazy, emotional, depressed and angry at times. The great memories you are making will last for the rest of your life.

Elderly people live a healthier and better quality of life when they are surrounded by their family. Grandchildren can spend precious time with grandma or grandpa that can never be replaced. Always remember they are your parent. They are reaching out to you now. They love you very much. Let them continue to share their love with you and your family.

Making the Most of Corner Shower Enclosures With Limited Space

Corner shower enclosures are perfect for bathrooms that are limited in space. When some people decide to renovate their bathrooms they look at several important factors and one of them is space. Unless a bathroom is going to be expanded, it is best to work with the amount of space that is already given. It does not mean being uncomfortable or cramped; it simply means to be sensible and creative.

Full size bath tubs and humongous showers are not necessary nor do they make the bathroom look elegant. In fact, what it does is take up space and leave little room for the imagination. The corner designs can be customized to fit any dimension. They can be built from a railing around the wall or straight to the ceiling.

The doors can betake on any design; tri-fold, bi-fold, or swing door. Frameless corner showers are also popular among health care facilities especially hospitals and assisted living homes. The reason why corner showers are in demand is because of the ease and simplicity of putting them together or installing them.

Some units come complete with only 3 pieces and are constructed from the best material around. They are crack resistant, peel resistant, and practically indestructible. They have a high glossy shine that is smooth and interlocking joints without any seams. The modular designs are easier to care for, inexpensive and the most preferred.

The fact that they are used for both private and personal use makes them the most sought after bathroom fixtures on the open market. New homeowners look at corner enclosures as a real art of beauty. They do not see half a bathroom; they see a luxurious and uniquely designed room that is comfortable, affordable and adorable. These features are important to homeowners who are looking for an expensive look at a very inexpensive price.

For instance, take the MAAX Rain Forest Acrylic Corner Shower this enclosed shower is absolutely gorgeous. It come with chrome and brass fixtures, halogen lights, pulse action shower massager with 12 jets, a sliding glass door, see through tempered glass panes, on the sides draining system, deep seat with a shelf, and six multi jet body sprays. This particular model comes with a lifetime warranty and is 44 翹 inches x 44 翹 inches x 93 inches plus it comes with a 4 function diverter and a volume control valve and 95 gravity flow outlets and an adjustable hand held shower.

The style of corner unit a person chooses will determine how much they pay. These enclosed shower units can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. Anyone who is set on buying a corner shower unit should compare prices at various online shops or at brick and mortar stores.

It is more than possible to get an expensive, classy, and updated shower installed at an economical price. Bathrooms can be designed and constructed so many different ways. Installing a radio or music system inside the bathroom makes taking a shower just simply divine.

What Is A Spinal Cord Injury? Common Causes and Types of Paralysis

A spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage to the spinal cord as a result of trauma, inducing lack of function, mobility and/or feeling in certain parts of the body. Spinal injuries are often serious conditions which have long term implications for those directly affected and also those close to them. The effects are varied and depend on the level of severity of the injury.

Up to 1,200 spinal injuries occur every year in the UK and there are approximately 40,000 people managing the effects of a spinal injury. According to statistics, those deemed most at risk are people aged between 15 and 25. Medical advances coupled with patient management at the scene of an injury mean survival rates have improved. However, injuries still often result in permanent paralysis signifying the need for a wheelchair on a full time basis and very often meaning returning to work is not an option.

Types of paralysis

Paraplegia is when a person has two limbs which are paralysed as a result of a spinal cord injury and Quadriplegia (Tetraplegia) is when all four limbs are affected.

'Complete' injuries are when total loss of sensation and movement occur below the level of the injury and 'incomplete' injuries are when there is partial loss; these can vary greatly with no two cases identical. When outlining the specific type of paralysis the below terms can be used:

• Quadriplegia, incomplete

• Paraplegia, complete

• Paraplegia, incomplete

• Quadriplegia, complete

The majority of spinal injuries are as a result of a broken neck or broken back which has resulted in damage to the spinal cord inside the spinal column. This type of injury is more commonly referred to as a 'traumatic' spinal cord injury.

Common causes of traumatic spinal cord injury

• Traumatic Spinal cord injuries account for the majority of SCIs and road traffic accidents remain the major cause worldwide. There is a diverse number of ways a road traffic accident can cause a spinal injury, with one of the primary causes being whiplash in a vehicle collision.

• Motorbikes travel at high speed and when they collide with large moving objects like trucks or coaches, this can result in different parts of the spine being damaged. For example, the lumbar spine area is the lower part of the spine, which if seriously jolted, can mean acute damage.

• Sporting injuries also contribute to the spinal injury figures with over 92 % ending in Quadriplegia. Commonly related sports are rugby, horse riding, diving (the most common), skiing, wrestling and surfing.

• Work place accidents - if your job requires a high level of physical activity then you are more at risk than others. Cracked vertebrae or slipped discs often occur in this type of working environment.

• Falling or tripping accidents can also end in spinal injury, particularly if you are an older person. Often this is not the fault of the person who has fallen but is down to the negligence of someone else.

• Medical/ clinical negligence spinal injuries are also not unheard of. Mistakes during operations do occur whether the procedure is routine or not.

In addition to traumatic spinal cord injuries, there is also the non-traumatic spinal cord injury.

This happens in the following instances:

• Interruption of blood supply to the spinal cord
• Spinal Nerve infection
• Pressure on the spinal cord because of cysts or tumours
• Congenital medical conditions affecting the make-up of the spinal cord

Compensation for Spinal Cord Injuries

UK law states that the deciding factor for compensation levels lies with the nature of the resulting spinal injury and not how the injury was caused. The amount of compensation for this type of personal injury is at the higher end of the scale because of the likelihood of serious long-term implications and costs, e.g. on-going rehabilitation.

Certain situations where high levels of compensation can be recompensed are injuries which have damaged the function of the bladder, bowel or sexual performance.

Any compensation rewarded should mirror (as much as is possible) the level of distress and affliction endured and any future losses likely, e.g. adaptation of a home, transport costs and lack of earnings.

CNA Training - Increase Your Portfolio

Presently, there is a big demand for certified nurse's assistants (CNA's) in America predominately due to an aging population that is correlated to those "baby boomers" born between 1945 and 1962. With the advent of technological improvements, discoveries of new drugs which can battle previously incurable diseases and a definite switch towards healthier lifestyles and food choices, people are living longer but with this ability to fight disease and death comes the debilitating effects of extreme aging. Occupations in the medical field are naturally thriving in the United States due to this demographic restructuring and nursing assistants are predicted to be much sought after by employers in the medical field.

If you plan on moving to the United States and want to pursue a career as a nurse's aide, there are some things you should know that will help you initiate your desire to work as a CNA. First, you should know that as a potential certified nursing assistant, you will be trained in caring for physically or mentally disabled individuals, many of whom will be the elderly who have been confined to nursing homes. You will also learn the basics regarding human physiology, commonly used medications, taking a patient's vital signs such as their heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature, and giving injections. Other duties of a nursing assistant in the U.S. include bathing and feeding an incapacitated individual, and patient rehabilitation services. As a certified nursing assistant, you will be an indispensable member of a team consisting of other CNA's, licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, and doctors

CNA training in America consists of enrolling in a two year college or a vocational school that offers accredited nursing aide programs. Such programs will take approximately six to nine months to complete, after which you will have to pass a comprehensive exam in order to receive your credentials. Some nursing homes or other long-term care facilities will offer such a program for free but with the stipulation that you must remain employed by that facility for up to a year after passing the program.

There are certain requirements that must be met before enrolling in CNA training in America. You must be at least eighteen years of age, and possess a high school diploma or a general equivalency diploma (GED). You cannot have any prior felony convictions, nor can you be a carrier of any infectious diseases. A good place to start your search for certified nursing aide training is the American Red Cross, which has a training program that is broadly available in 36 cities across the United States.

American Red Cross CNA programs satisfy federal requirements regarding what constitutes a certified nurse's assistant, with each individual Red Cross procedure for implementing their nursing programs being specifically geared toward their states' requirements regarding practices and hours needed. A partial list of cities in the U.S. carrying these chapters of the Red Cross which offer CNA training include Los Angeles, California; Tampa Bay, Florida; Cambridge, Massachusetts; and Detroit, Michigan. If you are interested in this type of program, you will easily find contact information on the internet for these Red Cross cities.

Government Grants For Assisted Living For Seniors

As the country is dealing with harsh times, it's becoming harder for the elders of our society to find homes that have the ability to take care of them. Not only are many assisted living facilities deteriorating in their standards of comfort and care, the seniors who need to live in these homes are finding it harder to pay for their high costs. Fortunately there are government grants for assisted living for seniors that are intended to counteract these hardships.

The quality of a senior center and care facility is incredibly important since so many people are relying on the services they provide. The standards a person should expect to find in an assisted living facility include, but are not limited to, properly trained nurses and aids, clean rooms, healthy food, and well kept living spaces. Sadly there are many of these facilities that are not up to par since they can't afford to hire a good staff or keep up with repairs. Many government grants are available to these facilities to help them improve on their business and make their facility a better place for the people who live there.

Another problem people notice when it comes to assisted living for seniors is that there just aren't enough places that provide it. Some areas don't even have any kind of senior citizen home and families are forced to send their loved ones out of town just to get the care they need. The government has created grants to meet this problem too. There are grants at the ready for people and organizations willing to take old or unused buildings and turn them into a brand new facility.

For those people that can't afford to live in assisted living facilities, grants are available to help with costs. Please check government websites for more information.

Hospice FAQ - Caring For an Aging Parent at the End of Life

What is hospice?

The idea is rooted in the ages-old idea of hospitality, which allowed travelers to rest after a long journey. Hospice services are designed to ease patients and their family into the final stage of life.

Hospices offer management of pain or disease-related symptoms and spiritual and emotional support. Some providers also offer respite care as well as elder caregiver support. Care can be provided in the hospital, at the patient's home, or in special hospice facilities. Frequently considered an elder care solutions option, hospices help anyone who is reaching the end of life, regardless of age.

What kind of professionals work at hospice?

Hospices take an interdisciplinary approach to the end of life, which means they care for the patient's body, mind, and spirit. The staff might include a medical team, pharmacists, clergy, and funeral directors. It will work closely with everyone involved in a caring for aging parent plan.

Hospice centers typically offer counseling services for patients and for those caring for an aging parent. Be sure to find out exactly what sort of professional is counseling patients and families. Some facilities offer counseling through chaplains or social workers. While this can be appropriate for some families, consider looking for a center that offers counselors with special training in grief management and end-of-life issues.

The doctors say Mom is ready for hospice care. How do I break the news to her?

First, don't let your Mom guess the poor prognosis by watching whispered conversations between you and her doctors. Experts recommend having a straightforward conversation in which you explain that while you and the medical team is hoping for the best, it's time to start planning for the worst. Suggest that you, she, and the doctors have a discussion about hospice elder care solutions.

I feel guilty about even considering hospice. Does hospice mean I've given up on Momma?

As someone who's caring for an aging parent, your feelings are completely normal. If your mom is terminally ill, death will come whether you provide hospice care or not. By making the decision to entrust Mom to a good-quality hospice program, you're allowing her to live her remaining time in comfort, making it an important part of an elder care solutions plan. The staff will provide as much medical and emotional support as is needed to guide your mother on her final journey.

Remember that hospice professionals are not replacements for regular caregivers. Think of hospice as an extra set of hands, eyes, or ears. If you're caring for an aging parent, they'll hold mom's hand while you slip away for a shower, they'll monitor her physical condition, and they will listen to concerns you or she may have. They are there to support you, not replace you, making them an important part of your family's elder care solutions.

How do I know when it's the right time for hospice?

You won't need to consider hospice elder care solutions until your parent has been given less than 6 months to live and has stopped trying to cure their condition. As you're caring for aging parents, it's likely a doctor or medical professional will suggest the right time to consider this elder care support option.

If Mom suddenly gets better during hospice care and doctors say she's on the rebound, simply discontinue end-of-life services and return to elder care solutions designed for her full recovery.

I know Dad needs hospice care, but I'm afraid of the cost!

Medicare and many insurance companies pay for part or all of hospice. Check with your loved one's plan to find out exactly what hospice elder care solutions it covers. If your dad is not eligible for coverage, talk to the hospice center about other options. Some facilities will not turn patients away-even if they cannot pay.

Mom is extremely ill, and I want her to live her last days at home. Can hospice come here?

Absolutely. In fact, most hospice services are provided in a patient's home or anywhere you're caring for an aging parent. This allows your mom the opportunity to receive all the benefits of an end-of-life care professional while surrounded by family, friends, and memories.

When the time comes for Mom or Dad to pass on, hospice can be a compassionate part of any family's elder care solutions plan. If you're caring for an aging parent who is terminally ill, talk with your doctor about the right time to begin hospice services.

Aging Advice - Things to Do For Those Living in Assisted Living Facilities

If you are in charge of finding some creative things for seniors who might live in an assisted living home, you probably want to make sure that the things you plan for them to do are going to be fun and not something that is going to bore them to tears. After all, just because they are older doesn't mean they no longer can have fun.

First thing you should do is get a group of seniors together that are really going to want to get together and do some arts and crafts. Don't force this onto anyone. Make sure you ask each person if they would like to sit down and do some creative and fun things to pass the time. Once you have done that make sure that you get enough supplies for the amount of people who have agreed to participate. Then you need to make sure you have enough tables and then set up each table with the supplies and the different directions for the type of craft they'll be working on.

The best way to choose the right activity is to make sure you ask them questions that will help you decide on the activity that might be the most fun and interesting for them to get involved with. Never force an activity on someone if it's not what they are interested in doing. It should be up to them if they want to learn something new or if they want to apply skills they already have like crocheting, sewing or even scrapbooking.

Some things that you might consider offering as ideas for your group of seniors might be the following.

Gardening for one is one that might be enjoyable. You could give each person some soil, seeds and a pot and have them plant their favorite vegetable or flower in the pot and keep these pots in a specific area until it is time for them to be planted outside in the spring or summer. Part of this activity could include decorating their individual pots with painted flowers or other things to embellish their individual pots.

Since seniors tend to have acquired a lot of photos over the years, scrapbooking might be another fun craft to get them involved with. You can supply them will a lot of different colorful papers, special scrapbook stickers other items used for scrapbooking. Make sure each person has enough paper and their own scrapbook to complete.

Have a session where they all get together and make their own greeting cards. Supplies you could use for this would be cardstock paper, different kinds of pens and markers, photos, rubber stamps, a variety of stickers and other kinds of self adhesive embellishments that they could use to make their own individual and unique greeting cards.

If your seniors love to paint then think of buying some already made ceramic pots, figurines or other objects and give them paint and paint brushes to paint the ceramic objects they are most interested in painting. Clay is another craft material that is fun and relatively inexpensive to purchase. Let them have fun with the clay by allowing them to use their creative side to make a variety of different items.

Most seniors at one time or another probably learned how to knit or crochet so this is always a great craft for seniors. Even if they have never done it before, it's never too late for them to learn this fun and useful craft.

Helping seniors who live in assisted living facilities with things that will keep them getting bored and will help them to socialize and to have fun is helping to also provide them with a better quality of life.

A Few Tips Before Building Granny Flats

If you are thinking of not sending your folks out to a nursing home, then, it is a must to provide them with a decent flat to live in. It may be easier to just let them stay within your home, but this might not be the best option. Talking it over with your parents or grandparents can help you decide on whether or not to get them their very own granny flat. However, you need to know a few things even before you search for one.

First of all, you need to look at the available extra space within your residential lot. If you are eyeing your backyard, then, it is one are to consider. You must measure the dimensions and draft a sketch of your extra space in order to determine the ideal size and shape of the granny flat you will build within the area.

Next is to know the council policies in your area. The local government office is one place to check with such council regulations that are specific on building homes and similar constructions. You may need to talk to a city planner and building engineer in order to secure the proper documents needed for your granny flat.

The company where you'll get your kit can help you with the building permit and they may also have this service, so it's best to ask them right on before you purchase anything. The company may also provide you with the much-needed info and advice regarding securing permits.

The next thing to do next is to find a few granny flat options for your folks. Take note of their preferences, but also discuss with them the best possible options based on the measurements you took earlier. Some families go for the cabin type with a single story because most elderly folks find it difficult to climb up the stairs. Consider the safety and convenience of your parents or grannies first and foremost, so you'll end up with an ideal flat for them to enjoy and benefit from.

Ensuring the comfort and safety of your parents or grandparents should be your top priority when choosing a granny flat for them. You should also consider the possibility of hiring a nurse or caregiver in the future, so it is essential to look for a flat that can accommodate at least three people.

Involve your folks in the selection of the style of their future flat. Just remember all the necessary guidelines to ensure your folks' safety and comfort are always prioritized.

Homecare Services Ensure Medication Compliance

Medication compliance is important for everyone taking prescription medications, but it is especially crucial for the elderly who generally have more difficulty with adherence. Why? Because the elderly are far more prone to noncompliance due to overuse and abuse, forgetting, and altering schedules and doses.

As a parent or other loved one, it can be difficult to be available every day to monitor adherence to medications, so hiring a homecare services agency to oversee medication compliance can ensure the daily safety of your loved one. This is critical, because decreased compliance to prescribed medications almost always leads to symptoms worsening, health declining, the need for additional treatment, hospitalizations and, most drastically of all, death.

The prevalence and consequences of noncompliance are alarming:
--Approximately 125,000 Americans pass away every year due to poor medication compliance
--As many as 25 percent of hospital and nursing home admissions are due to people being unable to take their prescriptions as directed
--As many as 40 percent of people do not follow their prescribed treatments and up to 20 percent of all new prescriptions go unfulfilled

A homecare services agency can make sure loved ones avoid becoming a statistic and enable them to live happily and safely in the comfort of their own homes. Proper medication compliance involves:
--Seniors understanding which medications they are taking and why they are taking them. They must also understand that their medications need to be continued as ordered by their doctor regardless of whether they feel better. Adherence is important for every medication, but especially for high cholesterol medication, antibiotics, and high blood pressure medication.
--Ensuring medications are refilled on time and throwing out expired prescriptions. Expired medications lose their efficacy and can cause toxic side effects.
--Making sure all medications are correctly labeled. If the senior is taking several prescriptions, it may be easier to remove the pills from their containers and put them in a daily pill organizer. A homecare services agency can refill the pill organizer each week and monitor daily use.
--Establishing daily routines, such as taking the first medications of the day with morning coffee, taking midday medications at lunch, and taking evening medications before bedtime. Knowing when they need to take their medications is often one of the biggest barriers for seniors to overcome.

The bottom line? All medications must be taken as prescribed, at the dosage prescribed, at the time prescribed, and for the length of time prescribed. Some seniors can manage prescriptions themselves. If they can't and if family members are unavailable, the easiest and most cost-effective solution may be to hire a homecare services agency to ensure safety and medication compliance.

Visit http://www.CambrianHomecare.com or call 877.422.2270 to learn more about homecare services and medication compliance.

Nursing Homes Prison 101, Part Four in a Serious Series About Rehab & Care Centers & Nursing Homes

One day, while visiting in a bad rehab and care center, I saw a woman in a wheelchair. She was complaining to someone (Staff) that she was missing clothing. As usual, staff said that she had to wait (because they were busy), and then they would have to go downstairs to see where her clothing was.

The woman waited, in fact, the woman stated that her clothing had been missing for more than one week, so figure that must be enough waiting, correct? Anyway, time passed and passed and the woman again came back to staff and complained about her clothing but bottom line is that no one went downstairs to get her clothing.

I have a theory here that is probably an explanation of why everyone must wait for clothing and why so much clothing is lost in BAD rehab and care centers. It is a vicious cycle. The staff loses the clothing or it is not returned from the laundry area. Since the clothing is lost, the residents are not dressed properly to go to therapy. Once they are not dressed for therapy, the staff refuses to let them attend therapy-even though it is staff's fault that no clothing is there.

Once they say they can 't go to therapy , the staff marks this down and they mark down that the patient is uncooperative. They mark down that the patient refuses therapy. BUT

HOWEVER, they neglect to mention that staff has taken all clothing out of their room and they cannot attend therapy due to lack of clothing.

It is a cycle that harms patients and staff, because as the staff is permitted to do this, they gain bad reputations. Do you live or temporarily reside in a rehabilitation and care center or nursing home that keeps losing your clothes? DO they leave the clothing out of your room so that you cannot get dressed if you wanted to? You need to write to us and we will do our best to find out whom to complain to and how to get your clothing back.

I saw more than four or five people who were missing clothing, and in fact, one resident was wearing my relative's clothing. If you look around, you will see the residents wearing each others' clothing.

The day that I arrived to find a relative in diapers and no clothing, the staff scrambled to find clothing for the relative and the only clothing they found belonged to someone else.

Missing clothing (lots of it, and many patients missing clothing) is a LARGE RED FLAG! What I have noticed is that in the worst nursing homes and rehabilitation and care centers, they can not keep track of clothing (or people). If your place is losing all your clothing it is for one or two reasons and here they are:

1. IF the staff has an agenda to keep residents and patients in their rooms, instead of allowing them out of their rooms for therapy and other events, the staff will "lose" the residents' clothing. For example, in one place, the staff member wanted the patient to remain in diapers instead of using the bathroom, so the staff LOST all the person's pants (conveniently-not the tops but just the pants). What this does is it makes the patient worried about wetting a pair of pants --since their pants are LOST, and it makes them compliant when the staff politely demands that they wear diapers. In some places, some staff members want the patients in diapers even when some do not medically need diapers. The way they get the patients to comply with their diaper demand is by losing the patient's pants. If you see that your relatives' pants are always missing, you need to put it in writing to the attention of an Administrator or your lawyer--either one might work.

2. If clothing is missing (because staff claims that other residents are stealing it), then this is a LARGE RED FLAG, because what is says is , hey, the staff does not know where their residents are all the time. How can residents be missing in other residents' rooms to steal other people's clothing? If staff claims that other residents are stealing the clothing, you should bring it to their attention that if the staff is permitting other residents to STEAL, then what happens when those thieves become violent? In other words, if a resident is left Unattended long enough to steal, then can't that resident become violent while they are missing long enough to steal? So if residents are stealing from other residents, then this nursing home or rehabilitation and care center is NOT a good place for your relatives to live or temporarily reside.

Think those two things over and you will realize those are plain simple facts.

When clothing is missing, this is a BIG RED FLAG!

Understanding the Effects of Nursing Home Abuse

With advances in medical technology, health and science, American's are enjoying extended life spans. However, as the elderly grow older, they are often times in need of around-the-clock care. When their families can no longer provide the amount of attention and care they need, they will often look for a suitable nursing home or extended living care facility for their loved one.

Once the family finds a suitable nursing home - they typically breathe a sigh of relief. They can finally take comfort in knowing that their loved one will receive twenty-four hour care.

Nursing homes certainly have their function in society - they provide the elderly assistance with their everyday tasks such as cooking, cleaning and shopping. When the elderly can no longer care for themselves, they help with feeding, bathing and medication.

Unfortunately with nursing homes, you have to take the good with the bad. Not all nursing homes are perfect, nor are their staff. Nursing home abuse and negligence is in fact a national problem, plaguing nursing homes across the nation. Even the finest facilities have had reports of abuse or neglect - making it a real concern no matter where you send your loved one.

The causes for nursing home abuse and neglect are broad - and the possibilities are endless. In some cases staff shortages can result in neglect, even with the best meaning caregivers. Other times facilities inadvertently hire sexual predators or dishonest people who financially exploit their prey.

The fact that nursing homes and extended living facilities are a hot bed for corruption cannot be ignored. Even the nicest facilities can mistakenly hire unscrupulous individuals. Therefore, as a concerned friend or family member, you must be informed about potential abuse and how to detect it.

What kinds of abuse occur within the walls of nursing homes and extended care facilities? The common forms of abuse include physical, sexual, emotional and financial exploitation.

Physical abuse can be defined as non-accidental use of physical force against an elderly person. Physical abuse can cause both pain and impairment for the elderly individual; in extreme cases, it can result in death if the injuries are severe or left untreated.

Physical abuse can also include the use of restraints or the inappropriate use of drugs resulting in incapacitation or heavy sedation. Physical abuse is perhaps the most obvious because its signs are apparent, however, other forms of abuse can be much more subtle.

Sexual abuse is non-consensual sexual contact and it happens more often than one might think. Sexual abuse can include unwanted touching or fondling or it can be rape. It can also including forcing someone to watch pornographic material or making them undress without cause.

Emotional abuse can happen in many ways. It can involve shouting, criticism or making threats. Another form of emotional abuse is social isolation which can affect someone's emotional wellbeing. Long periods of isolation can not only damage the person's emotional health, but it can lead to negligence as well.

Financial exploitation is a serious concern in nursing homes. Caregivers are frequently given access to personal checking account information, debit cards, credit cards and even cash. They can steal money in small subtle ways - by taking cash in small amounts or they can be so extreme as to deplete an entire bank account. Another concern is also identity theft. Caregivers can use their patient's social security number to take out credit cards and bank accounts in order to further exploit them.

If your loved one is going into a nursing home, you want to take extra care in making sure they do not become victims in their surroundings. Pay close attention to your loved one's demeanor. Are they happy there? Do they get along well with the caregivers? Look around the room, is it clean? Are their financials in order? If they complain that they are losing money, don't automatically assume that they are being forgetful. Also keep an eye out for unexplained bruising, foul odors or unkempt living quarters.

If any of these warning signs sound familiar, be sure to contact a personal injury attorney who is experienced in nursing home negligence cases. Your attorney will know what to look out for and how to determine legal liability. The health and safety of your loved one should be protected at all costs - the right Houston personal injury lawyer will help you do just that.

Why You Should Explore Becoming a Dialysis Nurse

Nurses of all types are in high demand all over the country. However, if you are a registered nurse and you specialize or become certified in dialysis, then you are going to have well above average job opportunities, pay, benefits, and hours. This is because the dialysis population in the United States alone currently exceeds over 400,000 people and is climbing daily.

What is involved in obtaining dialysis nurse jobs? You must first be a registered nurse (RN), a licensed vocational nurse (LVN), or a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Obviously, the RN is going to demand the most consideration in being hired to work in a dialysis setting. The dialysis nurse specialist must be trained in both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis and obtain all of the necessary education as well as meet all of the requirements to become certified for that position. One of the main requirements is going through an end stage renal disease dialysis facility and working there for at least a year. Then you must pass a test relating to all areas of nursing as well as your dialysis training certification test. Recertification is required once every four years to maintain your qualifications.

Though dialysis nurse jobs can be in many settings including hospitals, home visits, and cruise ships among others, the majority of these positions are in various dialysis clinics located throughout the country. You will find dialysis centers in major cities, medium sized cities, and even in some smaller towns. There is usually one located within a reasonable commute to almost any patient with ESRD who is currently on are ready to start dialysis treatments. No matter what part of the country you would like to work in, with the right qualifications, you will most likely have no problems obtaining a job there.

As a dialysis nurse, your responsibilities will include overseeing technicians working in your unit, maintaining documentation of all activities occurring in the unit, and ensuring top quality patient care. You will coordinate with the facility administrator, the nephrologists making their patient rounds at the dialysis clinic and any nurse practitioners assisting the doctors. It is up to you to make sure that patient records with all vital signs and weight, both pre and post dialysis are posted. Treatment information must be charted on each patient and all equipment and supplies must be working correctly and sanitized after each use. You should also note any condition whether medical, psychological, or dietary that warrants a doctor or the facility manager's attention.

A dialysis nurse's job is not only important but rewarding in many ways. In addition to seeing and interacting with the same patients on a weekly basis, the pay is usually well above average, the setting is typically small and congenial, benefits are usually outstanding, and there is often much flexibility with your work schedule.

Options for Elderly Care

When an elderly family member falls ill and can no longer live alone, the question of what to do comes up among family and friends. It is a hard conversation to have for most families and rightfully so. It is best to consider all the options in these situations. Think about nursing homes, assisted living centers, live-in care or having your loved one move in with a family member.

Many elderly people have over a dozen pills they take daily. Is your loved one able to care for their medical upkeep needs such as pill taking? What about cooking meals and cleaning the house, getting dressed and taking showers? Consider these things when making a decision about their future care and support.

Nursing homes certainly have a bad rap but they really can provide a great deal of socialization and medical care options that no other living situation does. Unfortunately, nursing homes are also expensive. If you're loved one does not have money saved up for this emergency situation, you will likely have to assume debt to make the transition to a nursing home possible.

When considering options, think about what your loved on needs help with and what they can do for themselves. For instance, an assisted living facility provides community and medical support but with much more freedom and independence than a home. There are also lots of kinds of assisted living facilities so you can choose what level of support, care and freedom is right for your loved one.

Having a live-in medical care professional move in to your loved one's house is often an ideal option. The benefits are many. Your loved one will be allowed to stay in their own home and avoid the suffering and stress of moving.

Live-in care options also let you customize and personalize the care your loved one needs. For instance, you can create the aide's schedule around your own. Having the same assistant day after day will also help the continuity and effectiveness of the care provided. Oftentimes, the live-in aide becomes a good friend of both the patient as well as the patient's circle of family and friends.

If one of your family members or close friends has the space, energy and will to have your loved one move in to their household, this can be another great situation for elderly care. While this option still requires a move, the patient stays within the familiar when moving into a family member's or friend's home. The sense of belonging so often loft in nursing homes is maintained.

There are many, many options when it comes to choosing how to care for an ailing loved one. Regardless of whether the news is a surprise or an expected announcement, don't lose hope that there will be a solution that fits your situation and wallet. Your loved one deserves what will make them happiest and healthier, whether that is a traditional nursing home, a live-in care provider or moving in with a relative.

Important Safety Tips for Seniors Living at Home: Home Care Solutions

Not many relish the idea of getting older-as we age our bodies become less physically fit and able to handle the activities we once took for granted, i.e. running up a flight of steps, and simple things like home safety becomes an issue.However, a few simple safety tips can make all the difference for your parents health and well being in their homes.Home care providers and experienced caregivers offer the following important safety tips.

• Keep all areas of the home well lit, especially stairs and hallways-bright lighting that's free from glare is ideal.


• Hot water temperature should be no hotter then 115 degrees to avoid burns.


• Outfit all bathrooms with slip-resistant decals, and use non-skid plastic mats in bathtubs and showers.


• Install bars in the bathtub and near the toilet-screws should go directly into the studs of the wall to stay secure.


• Install and test fire detectors monthly.


• Put a telephone by your loved one's bedroom in case of emergency.Include emergency phone numbers.


• Kitchen safety is important. Remove all towels, curtains, fabrics, and flammable items from the stove area of the kitchen.


• If there are small rugs lying about, remove them or add a nonskid backing.This can prevent slip and falls.


• Inspect your loved one's house for fraying electrical chords, and ensure they're not located near walking paths, under furniture, or below carpet. You'll be able to avoid tripping accidents and the possibility of a house fire.


• If floors are uncarpeted, ensure they are not slippery.Do not have them polished.


• Night-lights are important, and very useful in hallways, bathrooms, and bedrooms.

Home care providers review safety issues like these with elderly loved ones-it's a good way to build a relationship and ensure the security of your loved one.In addition to home safety, home care providers assist individuals with daily living activities they may otherwise be unable to accomplish.

• Home caregivers assist individuals with maintaining proper personal hygiene, such as bathing, laundry services, personal grooming, and other related tasks.


• Home care assistants help individuals with cooking; everything from shopping for groceries to actual meal preparation.


• Home Caregivers remind loved ones to take their medications on time.


• Private duty caregivers also assist with housekeeping and maintenance around the house.


• Home care aides can transport individuals to events, run errands, and take care of shopping duties.

Home care is an excellent option for seniors who wish to continue living in their community and home to feel secure, despite difficulties they may be experiencing due to diseases such as arthritis.Home care and assisted living care providers work with you and your loved one to create a specially tailored plan to meet the personalized needs and services required-and this plan can be adjusted at any point in time to ensure the proper care is provided, as conditions can change. Learn more about home care and assisted living care and find out if that type of support would benefit your loved one and improve their safety, health, and well being.

Different Categories of Nursing Jobs

Has the thought of becoming a nurse ever crossed your mind? Do you always feel an urge to help people? If you answer yes to these questions, then you should consider becoming a nurse. However, the nursing field has many different type of nurses that range from emergency care to in-home nurse that take care of individuals from the comfort of there own home. In the fallowing paragraphs we will discuss five different types of nursing careers you can choose from.

CNA (Certified Nurse Assistant) - A certified nurse assistant is also known as nurses' aids or healths health aides. These nurses help patients accomplish everyday jobs like bathing, dressing or eating. They work under the watch full eye of a register nurse. They can be found in private homes, hospitals, and nursing homes. Everyday CAN's spend countless hours observing and interacting with patients.

RN (Registered Nurse) - Registered nurses are the most common type of nurses and they cover a large occupation in health care. A few of the jobs RN's are in charge of are providing medicine to patients, changing bandages and they also provide emotional support to patience and families. Registered nurses can decide to specialize in certain areas such as ER care or the care of children.

PHN (Public Health Nurse) - Public health nurses are registered nurses that specialize in the needs of a community. This means that they have the same responsibilities as registered nurses however, they often travel to schools, community centers, and patient homes where they work to improve the medical needs in specific communities.

HHN (Home Health Nurse) - Home health nurse are RN's that provide care in patients homes. The job of a home health nurse is to assist patients that can not leave their homes due to medical reasons.

Nurse Midwife are RN's that have additional training in midwifery, this means that midwife nurse work with pregnant women. This work includes the overall care of women, before, during, and after birth. Sometimes the Midwife's will also help to take care of the baby while the mom recovers from the birth of the baby.

The nursing categories mentioned above are only a few of the different variety of medical nursing. It is important to know that each type of nurse has to go through different training, although sometimes there jobs may over lap. Therefore the length of the time it takes for an individual to become a professional nurse may vary.

Before I close this article I would briefly like to talk to you about a "special" medical nurse that caught my attention. This type of nurse is called a "travel nurse" and just like the name suggests, this nurse travels to different countries wile being paid. Cool, don't you think so? Not only do they get to help people but they also get to see the World while doing so!

Have I spiked your interested in becoming a nurse? I hope so because a nurse career can be fulfilling and challenging.

Over 50 Dating Opportunities for Men and Women Have Never Been Better!

For all you over 50 dating men, it's time to dust off all those trusty pick-up lines. And for all you over 50 dating women, you can play as hard to get as you want.

With more than 21 million single seniors in the United Sates and nearly four million single senior men and women in Canada, as well as tens of millions of Baby Boomers retiring over the next two decades, it's safe to say that dating is never out of date.

The future is bright for the geriatric generation's exploding single population who want to find a date or possibly even a mate. Whether it's casual dating in search of sex, a new male or female friend, romance or even love that you seek, today's seniors have more opportunity to find what they want than any other senior generation in history.

If you are age 55 or older:

• 6% of you are widowed.


• 9% of you are divorced.


• 4% of you are presently separated.


• 9% of you have never married.

That's a lot of single senior men and women available to date. And with 10,000 people retiring every day and more than 40% of them being single, more than ever before, a life of solitude is a matter of choice.

The burgeoning senior populace, along with its increasing political and social influence, means that the world is becoming more senior friendly. As a result, medical advances allow us to live longer and healthier lives and every community throughout North America is providing more senior social activities. After all, 65 is the new 45!

Studies show that seniors who have a small network of friends and engage in a variety of social activities live happier, self-sustaining and longer lives than seniors who keep to themselves or rely primarily on family for interaction.

Seniors are also discovering that the best way to avoid the dreaded assisted living existence and to stay independent are threefold:

1. Be our own best friend by looking after ourselves both physically and mentally by adopting some surprisingly easy-to-do dietary strategies and modest exercises.


2. Surround ourselves with at least three good active friends with diverse interests so that we are continuously exercising our brain and body.


3. Have someone special in our life where sharing and caring are the basis of a close friendship or romance.

A great way to achieve all of the above is over 50 dating. Instead, many aging people look to their senior years with fear or dread and see it as the start of their decline. It doesn't have to be that way at all anymore. More than any other senior generation before us, we have the means and opportunity to live our Golden years as vibrantly and actively as we wish.

The other good news is that women 50 and older are no longer meek kittens waiting for the alpha male to take the lead when it comes to dating. Today's single senior women, just like men, know what they want and are becoming more assertive about taking their future into their own hands. Mature men are just as apt to be asked out as to be doing the traditional asking out.

The sheer numbers of the expanding senior population makes it more possible than ever to find exactly what over 50 men and women want when it comes to interacting with others of the opposite sex.

As a single senior, what are you looking for? Is it:

• Friendship with someone of the opposite gender?


• Romance?


• Sex in the form of a 'Friend with Benefits?'


• Love all over again?

For any and all of the above, the over 50 dating scene has never been better. The only question is: Are you ready to have fun again and turn back the dating clock?