No business this week. Let's Talk Football

The Super Bowl is a distraction this time each year to many people.  It is no different for me.  Let's just say football is a distraction.  I share season tickets for the 49'ers and tried to attend as many home games as I could.  Would have loved to see them in the Super Bowl.  My daughter is also a football fan, so it was no surprise to me when she forwarded the following article to me.  You see, the quarterback for the Green Bay Packers is a bit of a local hero around our hometown.  He went to high school here at Pleasant Valley High, as did my kids, and keeps close contact with the community.  That's right, Aaron Rodgers is a Chico local hero.  Check out the article HERE.

 

Next week we'll be back to business.  What would you like to talk about? 
Email me at:  communitycareoptions@usa.net

California ARF & RCFE Orientation Update

RCFE and ARF Orientations are back underway and it looks like business as usual.  If you are not on a current waiting list for orientation you can now get on your local area list.

You can get more information for orientations by calling the respective Orientation Information Lines.  We called two local units and the information is below.  Please see the link at the bottom for a list of more offices.
 

Sacramento Local Unit:

ARF call 916-263-4803

RCFE call 916-263-4804

Please call for very specific information on how to attend and pay.
 

February 8th Orientation for RCFE is booked in full.  The next Orientation for RCFE is scheduled for March 8th.  Orientations are on the 2nd Tuesday of each month unless it is a State holiday.  Orientations for ARF may still have availability.
 

Rohnert Park Local Unit:

(Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Napa, Solano, and Sonoma Counties) 

ARF call 510-286-0379

RCFE call 707-588-1407

Please call for information on how to attend and pay.

Please CLICK HERE for a list of CCL Regional Offices. 

If you have a question that you would like to have answered on Tuesdays with Tom send him an email.  Use the subject line Questions for Tom in your email. 

Email Tom at communitycareoptions@usa.net

Employee Fingerprint Clearance

Just a quick tip this week with regards to fingerprint clearances.

 

A common question I receive in classes and in consulting is how can you get quick results on a fingerprint clearance?

 

Naturally, the clearance itself may take a while, but once it clears it is posted on the California Background Clearance Listing.  If a name shows up there then the individual is cleared to work in a community care facility.  Most often you will see the name of the individual listed twice.  Without this second clearance listed you need to wait for a clearance letter from the State.  If the individual's name appears twice then you can hire them immediately.

 

We've created a shortcut to this listing.  Go to our website at www.communitycareoptions.com and look for the Fingerprint Clearance link at the bottom left.  This link will take you directly to the search page and you can bypass all of the CCLD pages.  You can also click HERE to view it.

 

 

If you have a question that you would like to have answered on Tuesdays with Tom send him an email.  Use the subject line Questions for Tom in your email. 

Email Tom at communitycareoptions@usa.net

Generating Positive Emotions for Alzheimer's Patients

Happy New Year!  While making your New Year Resolutions, it might be worthwhile to consider the attached article when you are caring for your dementia residents.  Remember, if you have an Adult Facility with clients with Down's Syndrome you will most likely be dealing with Dementia when they get into their fifties.

This is a great article and talks about some non-medical techniques that include using food, scheduling, art, music and exercise to generate positive emotions; engaging patients in activities that salvage fragments of their skills; and helping caregivers be more accepting and competent.

Click HERE for the NYTimes article.
If you have a question that you would like to have answered on Tuesdays with Tom send him an email.  Use the subject line Questions for Tom in your email.

Update on RCFE Orientations

There have been some rumors floating around about California Community Care Licensing Division reinstating the RCFE orientation classes in January 2011.  While it is true that some licensing offices throughout the state have made this admission, there is no definite word from C.C.L.D. regarding this action.  I have heard from only one individual that they have been contacted and asked to appear for their orientation class in early January.  We have made contact with several licensing offices and have had mixed messages regarding a schedule.  It sounds like we may nearly be back to business as usual.  You should check with your local licensing office for more information.