Fingerprints

I've been getting this same question about the Background Clearance Listing page on CCLDs website lately.

The question is "I'm used to seeing two clearances for people, what if I only see one?"

The answer is that only one is required because those clearances posted have been reviewed by CCLD and are therefore cleared to work.  Please review the Background Clearance Listing page for a complete explanation.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

Depression and the Holidays

We're all aware of it.  We hear about it, we take classes about it, but we forget to do anything about it.  Depression.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that nearly 13.5% of older adults receiving some kind of residential or home health care are depressed.  In contrast, only 1% of older adults in society are depressed.  What does this mean?  People who live in our facilities are at a higher risk of becoming depressed.  It means that we have our work cut out for us.   What do we do? 

Clinical depression can set in over time do to biological changes in the brain.  Look for weight loss, talk of being worthless, extreme changes in appetite, or talk of dying for starters.  When it does seem like depression then the best advice is to seek medical attention.

Before depression sets in we can help prevent "the blues" by considering these ideas:

• Help residents feel needed or that they have a purpose.
• Look them in the eye and tell them why they are important to you.
• Share a special memory with them.
• Seek their advice or opinion on holiday plans
• Smile

Maybe you and your staff have some additional good ideas to share.  Join us on Facebook and leave your comments or ideas.  

Good information on Depression HERE.

More Holiday Tips! Something to Share with the Families of Your Dementia Residents

We're going to stay on theme with the Holiday Season.  I just wanted to share another resource that could help your families adjust to their loved ones and make the season more enjoyable.

According to ALZ.ORG there are two main considerations:

1. Adjust your expectations.
2. Include the person in the festivities.

This is a great page from the Alzheimer's Association.  Please share it with you staff as well.

Alzheimer Families and the Holidays: Tips to Enjoy the Season

5 Tips for Families to Help Seniors Enjoy the Holidays

Some residents go home with family for the holidays.  When the senior is able to do so it is generally a good idea.  However, sometimes in the hectic holiday activities, seniors become fixtures in a chair instead of participants in the festivities.  Help your residents family members and your caregivers by sharing these tips.

1. Plan Ahead.  Whatever the activity, outing or event is, make plans to accommodate the elder.  Consider food, location, seating and restrooms.
2. Be Inclusive.  Try to include everyone in holiday preparations.  Examples are decorating cookies, folding napkins, setting out dinnerware, or arranging flowers.
3. Share Memories.  Get out the old photo albums, listen to nostalgic music, tell stories, and ask about the old days.
4. Make New Memories.  Tradition is fine but mix it up a little.  Don't forget that elderly folks look forward to new things just as much as the rest of us.  Try a party game or karaoke.
5. Monitor Alcohol & Medications.  It's easy to make the mistake of filling the wine glass to often without consideration of your loved one's medications.  Know what medications are being taken and be familiar with the alcohol interactions.

There are many other ways to make the holidays fun and safe for seniors.  Consider having a staff meeting where your staff can brainstorm for new ideas.

Have a very happy and safe Holiday Season!

Thanksgiving Food Safety

It's the start of another holiday season so to get it going in the best way possible let's talk about food.

We all love to enjoy a holiday feast but when food is not prepared with care the feast can cause foodborne illnesses that can be severe or life threatening to our elderly or frail residents.  According to the FDA there are 4 things to remember to prevent foodborne illness.

1.  Keep it CLEAN! - Make sure hands, utensils and prep surfaces are constantly kept clean.

2.  SEPARATE Foods! - Do not allow bacteria to cross contaminate from raw foods to prepared foods.

3.  COOK it Through! - Make sure cooked foods, especially meat and poultry, are cooked to the proper temperatures.  Turkey should be 165 degrees internal temperature.

4.  Don't Forget to CHILL! - Refrigerate leftovers quickly!  Bacteria grows fast at room temperature. 

One more tip.  Do not stuff your turkey.  Stuffing is the leading cause of foodborne illness on Thanksgiving.  Why?  This is classic cross contamination.  In most cases the stuffing does not reach 165 degrees so it's an ideal spot for bacteria to grow.  It's safer to cook your stuffing in a casserole dish.  Here's a recipe and a related article.

When the food is on the table have a glass of wine.

For more Food Safety info click these links!

1. Countdown to Thanksgiving 
2. Food Safety for Older Adults 
3. Don't Cross Contaminate 
4. Cooking for Groups 
5. Don't Forget the PIE! (Safety related - because it's not safe for the cook to forget the pie.  There could be a revolt.)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!