Hot Weather Is Just Around the Corner

While we are enjoying beautiful spring weather, hot days are ahead.  Are you ready?  Residents need access to out of door areas that are protected from excessive sun and heat.  Now is the time to make sure your residents will be comfortable and safe.  Remember that some medications (e.g., certain psychotropics, antibiotics, etc.) our residents [...]

Everyone Can Answer the Call

I heard a great, simple care suggestion while participating on the CARF International Standards Advisory Committee last week in Washington, D.C. that I wanted to share with you. The suggestion came from Karen Schoeneman, a Senior Policy Analyst with CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) who said that research shows that the majority [...]

The Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables

Research shows that fruits and vegetables are an important piece in promoting good health.  They provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fibers that may help protect you and your residents from chronic diseases.  When compared to people who consume small amounts of fruits and vegetables, those who eat more generous amounts as part of their diet [...]

Inspirational Hospice Care

I have had the pleasure of conducting a number of hospice classes statewide. I always find after any I class I lead that learning is a two way street. I could never put a value on the knowledge, care techniques and innovative practices I have learned in classes. Generous providers often share [...]

Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness

As summer temperatures approach, we will all deal with soaring temperatures.  It is again time to take precautions to avoid dangerous health conditions such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and overexposure to the sun.  Below are a few bulleted items that will help you prepare:

New Fall Safety Law

On April 23, 2008 the President signed the Safety of Seniors Act that will expand research and public education on senior safety, particularly falls.  The federal law directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to expand research, demonstration projects, and studies of falls and the effects of falls on health care costs. 

Food Facts

While recently writing the new Food and Nutrition class that Community Education, LLC will be offering as part of our recertification courses, I came across a few interesting facts that may be helpful to those of you who help to prepare meals for your residents. 

Medication Refusal and Physician Notification

It is not uncommon for residents to refuse medication.  Some are “chronic refusers” while others refuse only rarely.  Licensing expects us to notify the physician of every missed medication.  While this is certainly ideal, in the real world it can be challenging.  It is not unheard of for a physician to even become disgruntled with [...]

Importance of Hydration

Summer will be here soon.  However, irregardless of the time of year, appropriate hydration is important, especially for those who care for people who cannot self monitor their fluid intake. 

Substance Abuse and Treatment

Community Education is very excited to offer our participants new online courses as they are available. Substance Abuse and Treatment was just recently approved for 3 hours of continuing education credit. Unlimited Access members can now access this course with their annual membership.