Great new guide for when you leave the hospital

Too often we spend a lot of time thinking about going into the hospital but no time thinking about coming home. The hospital discharge process is when patients are vulnerable to misunderstandings and errors. The patient is feeling sick and not able to listen to the instructions, the loved one may or may not be there, and the nurse rushes through the crucial information. If you can, make sure you have a loved one beside you when the nurse goes over the discharge instructions. If you have questions, ask until you get the answers you need. You can even ask the doctor to tell you what you will need to be prepared for when you go home when you are talking about the upcoming surgery or procedure.

Here is a guide to review and use before you think about going to the hospital.

http://www.medicare.gov/publications/pubs/pdf/11376.pdf

Have a kind and respectful day.

Empowering Caregivers to Make Good Decisions Event in Thousand Oaks – June 12

Grand Oaks Senior Living Proudly Presents – Viki Kind, MA

Author of The Caregiver’s Path to Compassionate Decision Making: Making Choices for Those Who Can’t

A Free Educational Seminar for Families and Caregivers
“Empowering Caregivers to Make Good Decisions”

When:
Saturday, June 12, 2010, from 1:30PM to 3:30 PM
Where:
Grand Oaks Senior Living
2177 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
(Note: Please park on Thousand Oaks Blvd.)

Viki’s book will be available for purchase and she will be on hand to sign your copy!
A percentage of proceeds will be donated to the Hospice of the Conejo

Refreshments will be Served
RSVP by June 10, 2010 to 805-370-5400

Have a kind and respectful day.

National Nursing Home Week – This Year’s Theme – “Enriching Every Day”

Thank you American Health Care Association for these wonderful ideas about making this week special at your local nursing home and making sure we don’t stop there but work to enrich every day. http://www.ahcancal.org/events/national_nursing_home_week/Pages/Activities.aspx#specialservices

Enrichment through Words…

Grab a Pen and Make a Friend! Do you like to write and receive notes? Then Grab a Pen and Make a Friend! Having a pen pal club is a great way to learn about others and start an enriching relationship through the sharing of stories and interests. All you need for this activity is a pen, paper and “pal.” Of course, pen pal writing could also occur on the internet with e-mail. The activity could be small, with residents writing to other residents or staff. Take it a step further by partnering with another facility, local high school, volunteer group etc. At the end of the week, encourage residents and other participants to reflect on what they learned (or hope to learn) about others. Consider Grab a Pen and Make a Friend a part of every week throughout the year and watch relationships blossom and grow! Don’t forget to order the official 2010 National Nursing Home Week® pens!

Poetry Reading A literary art, poetry can bring deep reflection and comfort, inspire a conversation and enlighten the mind. With a focus on enriching, the act of poetry reading can illuminate the atmosphere of a nursing home through spoken words. Consider hosting a poetry reading at your facility. Have an “open mic” where anyone is welcome to read a poem they select or share their own poem! Family members, friends and others from the community can also listen and share their poetry too. Make it a memorable event with tea and cookies and invite everyone to attend and participate. Afterwards, have a question and answer session or an open discussion.

Don’t forget to advertise this event in the community section of you local newspaper. See the PR Tips for more information.

“Thank You” Note Scavenger Hunt Thank you notes not only show gratitude, but also add a personal touch that can be cherished and remembered for years. This week, encourage residents to write a note of thanks to their favorite staff person or fellow resident. Have them reflect on a characteristic that makes that person unique and put it into words. During the week, ask residents to post or tape the notes all over the facility and have staff members find them and read them out loud to share with everyone during a Staff Appreciation Lunch. Staff can even write a thank you note back!

Share Stories with the Veterans History Project Do you have a veteran in your facility? Consider honoring him or her during NNHW by sharing their story with the rest of the world. The Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American veterans. Stories can be told through personal narratives, letters, photos and other ways. Stories and materials submitted to The Veterans History Project will be archived and housed within the Library of Congress online database and available to Congress and researchers who visit the Library of Congress. Visit the Library of Congress for more information, registration and tips for hosting a community event in honor of your veteran. To share your veteran’s story online, consider uploading a video on YouTube and sharing it on Facebook!

Enrichment through Music…

American Senior Idol Do you think your residents have what it takes to be the next American Senior Idol? You don’t have to turn on the television to watch stars be born, just look to the talent at your facility! This week, invite residents (and staff too) to sing songs that enrich the heart and the mind. A little healthy competition is always a good way to generate interest and participation in an activity. Everyone can earn a reward for participating (see pages 11-14 for NNHW themed products). Make your American Senior Idol a fun competition by getting other residents and staff involved as judges and inviting the community at large to attend. You can ramp up the excitement by inviting your local high school glee club or show choir to “open” the competition with a performance. Many high schools have a community service requirement in their student curriculum. Check with your local school system for details.

“Senior Prom” A good way to keep up the momentum during NNHW is to have a “Senior Prom.” Bring back those treasured high school memories or create new ones. Try partnering with local high schools to participate in their Prom or host one right in the facility. Allowing young and old to mix and mingle gives new meaning to the phrase “Senior Prom.” This event can create long lasting memories that will be talked about well after graduation!

Don’t forget to advertise this event in the community section of you local newspaper. See the PR Tips page for more information.

Enrichment through Images…

Take Pictures As the activities and fun continue throughout the week encourage residents and staff to make these memories last by taking pictures. Equip them with disposable cameras and encourage all to take a snapshot of their favorite moments. Once you develop the pictures put your creative thinking cap on. There are several ways to use the photos.

You can:

* Post photos in resident rooms and throughout the facility;
* Put together and display a facility-wide collage of all the pictures for all to see;
* Make a slide show and display it in the cafeteria or activity room for as long as you like;
* Encourage residents to share their favorite photo during a group activity; or
* Have a contest to turn the best pictures into a 12 month calendar.

Don’t forget to post your pictures on the NNHW Facebook Fan Page!

Enrichment through Crafts…

Quilt A timeless activity for residents and staff is quilting. This popular pastime allows all participants to chat and learn more about each other while unleashing their creative ability through fabric. Most likely, you already have a quilting superstar in your facility who can help everyone get started. If not, check your local newspaper to contact your nearest quilting club for assistance or get started on your own by visiting How to Make a Quilt. The quilt can be donated to a local library, a homeless shelter, or it could be kept in the facility as a token from the week. A lap quilt is another great idea! Don’t have time to make enough for everyone? Have everyone help to make a smaller number of lap quilts and raffle them off to residents during the “Senior Prom.”

Birthday Boxes Everybody has a birthday, and NNHW is a great time to remember them. Birthday Boxes are a simple idea that can bring tons of cheer throughout the year. During NNHW week, ask residents to decorate their own Birthday Box. These can be tissue boxes, shoe boxes, or any small box with a lid. After the decorating is done, have residents and staff write down special notes about everyone else and put them in the respective Birthday Box. As an alternative, write birthday notes during the birthday week. After all notes are collected in the Birthday Box, read them aloud. Residents can then put their notes in a scrapbook or on their own wall for all to see!

Enrichment through Special Services…

Staff Appreciation Day Make one day all about the staff. Honor staff that strive to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Plan a special lunch in honor of them, invite families and have volunteers from the community serve them. During the lunch have residents tell why their closest caregiver is so important to them. Encourage resident families that have a special bond with staff members to show their appreciation with flowers or gifts. You can even reach out to your local media contact and encourage them to profile an outstanding staff member in a local publication or news cast.

Prayer Service A prayer service can enrich the spirit as well as the heart. During this special week, invite all to attend a special service celebrating the members of the nursing home “family” and to remember those that have passed on. Consult with your facility’s spiritual advisor to arrange the details of the service. This serves as a perfect prelude to a Mothers and Fathers Brunch.

Mothers and Fathers Brunch This Mother’s Day, kick off NNHW by hosting a Mothers and Fathers Brunch. Show all mothers and fathers just how special they are by preparing and serving a delicious meal in their honor. Plan a three course brunch menu, complete with hearty breakfast foods, tasty cheeses and meats.

Complete the brunch with a savory dessert. Involve local boy or girl scouts by having them perform a special salute and then serving all mothers and fathers. It’s a great way to nourish the body while enriching the heart!

Memory Garden Springtime is a perfect time to commemorate the passing of loved ones or friends with a memory garden. Planting a memory garden is a beautiful exercise that can heal the heart. Engage residents and staff in this unique activity by involving them from the get-go. Choose a sunny spot where several people can gather. Personalize the flowers or plants that you select by reflecting on those individuals to be remembered. You may select their favorite flowers or favorite scents. You could also select a plant that symbolizes them in a unique way. For example, a chrysanthemum expresses wonderful friendship while magnolias represent dignity. Forget-me-nots are beautiful flowers that can be planted throughout the garden. You can also include small statues, objects or plaques that carry special meaning.

Join me at Circle of Care Leeza’s Place 4th Anniversary Party – Book Signing and Fundraiser

Join me at the Circle of Care Leeza’s Place 4th Anniversary Party!!! May 14th – 3-5PM

Come and celebrate another wonderful year of giving and receiving at Circle of Care Leeza’s Place in Sherman Oak, on May 14th, from 3-5PM. Viki will be signing books and donating a portion of the sale of her new book, The Caregiver’s Path to Compassionate Decision Making – Making Choices for Those Who Can’t to this terrific organization.

Circle of Care Leeza’s Place
5000 Van Nuys Suite 110, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
818-817-3259 F 818-817-3263

Circle of Care Leeza’s Place is an intimate and safe setting where caregivers and loved ones recently diagnosed with any memory disorder can gather for education and support, and to prepare themselves for the challenging journey ahead. Developed in response to the challenges Leeza Gibbons and her family encountered while seeking specific and needed support, and funded in full by the generosity of our community through the Circle of Care Foundation, Circle of Care Leeza’s Place offers new supportive settings for the purpose of
Educating, Empowering & Energizing.

All programs are FREE OF CHARGE & held on site unless otherwise noted.
Please feel free to contact Stefanie Elkins at 818-817-3259 or selkins@leezasplace.org.

Have a kind and respectful day.

National Healthcare Decisions Day Set for April 16, 2010

National Healthcare Decisions Day Set for April 16, 2010

KindEthics.com, along with other national, state and community organizations, are leading a massive effort to highlight the importance of advance healthcare decision-making—an effort that has culminated in the formal designation of April 16, 2010 as National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD). As a participating organization, KindEthics.com is providing information and tools for the public to talk about their wishes with family, friends and healthcare providers, and execute written advance directives (healthcare power of attorney and living will) in accordance with your state laws. These resources are available on the KindEthics.com Resource Page.

For a free handout about advance care planning and advance directive forms, email Viki at viki@kindethics.com

“As a result of National Healthcare Decisions Day, many more people in our community can be expected to have thoughtful conversations about their healthcare decisions and complete reliable advance directives to make their wishes known,” said [List spokesperson name, title and organization]. “Fewer families and healthcare providers will have to struggle with making difficult healthcare decisions in the absence of guidance from the patient, and healthcare providers and facilities will be better equipped to address advance healthcare planning issues before a crisis and be better able to honor patient wishes when the time comes to do so.”

For more information about National Healthcare Decision Day, please visit www.nationalhealthcaredecisionsday.org.

Have a kind and respectful day.

National Social Worker’s Month — Thanks from Viki

I want to send out a big hug to all the social workers out there making a difference in people’s lives. Thank you for doing all that you do to make sure people get what they need, are protected and empowered to live their best lives. This may be the last day of National Social Workers Month but the value of social workers lasts all year long. If you are ever in the hospital and need a person to help you get what you need, the social worker is your best ally.

Here is some information from the National Association of Social Worker’s website: http://www.naswdc.org/

* Social workers inspire community action to improve lives.
* Social workers are integral parts of a vibrant community.
* Social workers know the full range of challenges facing families of every description.
* Social workers advocate for inclusion, fairness and non-discriminatory access to services that help people reach their full potential.
* Social workers make a wide range of social contributions throughout their careers.
* Many social workers work to resolve systemic issues that negatively affect a community. Some work in education or research, and others work as elected officials, in government or as heads of nonprofit organizations to create positive sustainable change in communities.
* Most social workers serve individuals and families. Working through private practices, agencies and organizations, they provide resources and guidance that support social functioning.
* People who become professional social workers believe that there are no limits to human potential and use their talents to help others lead rewarding lives.
* Social work is a profession of hope, grounded in practical problem solving expertise.
* Social work is a desirable field of study for bright and socially engaged people of all ages.
* Professional social workers have a bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate degree in social work from a program or school of social work. Social work practice is guided by the NASW Code of Ethics.
* Social workers are employed in schools, courtrooms, drug treatment clinics, hospitals, senior centers, shelters, nursing homes, the military, disaster relief, prisons and corporations.
* Social work is relevant to the successful functioning of American society.
* Social workers are on the front lines, developing social programs that are responsive to such human needs as homelessness, poverty, family break-up , mental illness, physical and mental disability, alcohol and substance abuse, domestic violence and many other issues.

Have a kind and respectful day.

http://www.pallimed.org/ — For Great Palliative Care articles

I would encourage you to read http://www.pallimed.org/ if you are interested in up-to-date information about Palliative Care.  The writers bring new insights and updates about the good, the bad and the ugly of end-of-life care.  Today’s article about the media’s portrayal of cancer (and it’s lack of talk about cancer and end-of-life care) is startling but true. What I really like about this site is it commitment to facts. The writers are palliative care specialists who are dedicated to bringing you the latest in research, best practices and stories about the humanity of patients, families and doctors facing end-of-life situations.

Thanks Pallimed.org for being such a great resource. Thanks Dr. Christian Sinclair.

Have a kind and respectful day.

Seeking Family Caregivers of Veterans for a New Study – (thanks for the update – The California Coalition of Caregivers)

The National Alliance for Caregiving is Seeking Family Caregivers of Veterans for a New Study

This study will provide an opportunity for caregivers of Veterans to be heard and improve services for caregivers and Veterans now and in the future. If you are a family caregiver of a Veteran or know of one, and wish to take part in this study, please sign up at: www.gwsurvey.com/caregiversofveterans.html

The National Alliance for Caregiving is seeking participants for a new study of family caregivers of Veterans. This study is intended to determine how caregivers of Veterans are coping and what community and VA services, resources, and programs would support and assist them with their caregiving activities.

Caregivers are defined as those providing unpaid assistance, such as personal care, bathing, dressing, feeding, help with medications and other treatments, transportation to the doctors’ appointments, and arranging for services. Caregivers of Veterans from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War through the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan will be included in the study. Caregivers include relatives and friends.

The study will use discussion groups, telephone interviews, and an Internet survey of caregivers of Veterans. The National Alliance for Caregiving is recruiting many family caregivers of Veterans from across the United States, and especially caregivers for the discussions groups living in or near: San Diego, San Antonio, and Washington, DC.

Cash incentives will be available for study participants and Veterans who refer them. Information obtained from the discussion groups, telephone interviews, and Internet survey will be confidential and will not be connected to the individual caregivers participating in the study.

Thank you for your consideration to participate in a study that could make a difference in the lives of caregivers of Veterans. Please contact Kathy Cameron at kathleen56@caregiving.org for more information.

This project is funded by a grant from the United Health Foundation.

March is Brain Injury Month. For more information: www.biausa.org

Thanks to the Brain Injury Association website http://www.biausa.org for the following information: Check out their site for more information and resources.

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month

In recognition of March as Brain Injury Awareness Month and the Brain Injury Association’s ongoing commitment to sports and concussions, BIAA and its nationwide network of 44 Chartered State Affiliates is launching a year-long, nationwide education and advocacy campaign: “A concussion is a brain injury. Get the facts.” The campaign will launch in March with radio and print public service announcements, awareness proclamations and special events. A state advocacy effort to introduce legislation to train coaches and protect youth athletes will continue throughout the year along with ongoing nationwide education.
A concussion is a brain injury period. BIAA believes coaches of every school athletic team and every extracurricular athletic activity should be trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of brain injury, including concussions and second impact syndrome. BIAA also believes young athletes who appear t have sustained a concussion should have written authorization by a health care professional before returning to play.
A concussion is caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head, or from a blow to the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth. Most concussions occur without a loss of consciousness and according to the CDC, a lack of proper diagnosis and management of concussion may result in a serious long-term consequences, or risk of coma or death. Signs and symptoms may be noticeable immediately, or it may take days or weeks before they are present.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 3.8 million sports- and recreation-related concussions occur in the United State each year. Of that estimate U.S. emergency departments treat approximately 135,000 sports- and recreation-related traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including concussions, among children ages 5 to 18.
To support year-long education and awareness efforts, click on the downloadable materials below to distribute throughout your community today! BIAA encourages the use and distribution of these materials throughout 2010.
To learn more about these initiatives or to learn more about awareness and advocacy events taking place in your state during the month of March and throughout the year, or to learn how you can get involved, contact your Chartered State Affiliate today! For more information on media materials contact the Brain Injury Association of America at 703.761.0750, ext. 622.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) an estimated 1.6-3.8 million sports and recreation related concussions occur in the U.S. each year. Concussions occur even if an athlete doesn’t lose consciousness and in fact, is the most common type of brain injury sustained in sports.
What is a traumatic brain injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is defined as a blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the function of the brain. Not all blows or jolts to the head result in a TBI. The severity of such an injury may range from “mild,” i.e., a brief change in mental status or consciousness to “severe,” i.e., an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia after the injury. A TBI can result in short or long-term problems with independent function.
How many people have TBI?
Of the 1.4 million who sustain a TBI each year in the United States:
• 50,000 die;
• 235,000 are hospitalized; and
• 1.1 million are treated and released from an emergency department.1
The number of people with TBI who are not seen in an emergency department or who receive no care is unknown.
What causes Traumatic Brain Injuries?
The leading causes of TBI are:
• Falls (28%);
• Motor vehicle-traffic crashes (20%);
• Struck by/against (19%); and
• Assaults (11%).1
Blasts are a leading cause of TBI for active duty military personnel in war zones.2
Who is at highest risk for TBI?
• Males are about 1.5 times as likely as females to sustain a TBI.1
• The two age groups at highest risk for TBI are 0 to 4 year olds and 15 to 19 year olds.1
• Certain military duties (e.g., paratrooper) increase the risk of sustaining a TBI.3
• African Americans have the highest death rate from TBI.1
What are the costs of TBI?
Direct medical costs and indirect costs such as lost productivity of TBI totaled an estimated $60 billion in the United States in 1995.4
What are the long-term consequences of TBI?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that at least 3.17 Million Americans currently have a long-term or lifelong need for help to perform activities of daily living as a result of a TBI.5

According to one study, about 40% of those hospitalized with a TBI had at least one unmet need for services one year after their injury. The most frequent unmet needs were:
• Improving memory and problem solving;
• Managing stress and emotional upsets;
• Controlling one’s temper; and
• Improving one’s job skills.6
TBI can cause a wide range of functional changes affecting thinking, language, learning, emotions, behavior, and/or sensation. It can also cause epilepsy and increase the risk for conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other brain disorders that become more prevalent with age.7,8

For more resources:

Guide to selecting legal representation for brain injury cases
https://secure.biausa.org/OnlineDirectory/Pdf/SelectingLegalRepresentation.pdf

A Guide to Selecting and Monitoring Brain Injury Rehabilitation Services
https://secure.biausa.org/OnlineDirectory/Pdf/SelectingRehabServices.pdf

Have a kind and respectful day.

February 14th-21st is “Alzheimer’s and Dementia Staff Education Week”

February 14th-21st is ALZHEIMERS AND DEMENTIA STAFF EDUCATION WEEK

This week is designed to bring awareness to the importance of both staff educators and their direct care staff being trained and certified in dementia care. For more information and free Tool Kit (download), visit www.nccdp.org, National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners.

I want to thank all those who take such good care of our loved ones and who strive to be educated and updated about the new research and best practices in dementia and Alzheimer’s care.

Take time this week to acknowledge those experts who are making a difference in your loved one’s lives.

Have a kind and respectful day.

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