"i could never get the hang of Thursdays."

Looking for a "theme day" i have to go by what i know and there is a Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy quote:

 "i could never get the hang of Thursdays." by Arther Dent.

i understand; it's the day that's just far enough into the week to have hope, but not close enough to the weekend to celebrate. What do you do with the day beyond enduring? Come up with something new. New idea, new education,something to think about, or something to use. So to start i've got some information on a hopeful bill hitting legislation from Senator Wicker.

EUREKA BILL



photo from WILOX on ABC  -  http://www.wlox.com/story/30090226/legislation-to-help-alzheimers-researchers-win-prizes-for-breakthroughs 

*News that's new is the Eureka Act which stands for "Ensuring Useful Research Expenditures is Key for Alzheimer's" was brought to legislation as a bill this Sept. 22, 2015. This new bill aims to establish prize challenges to researchers for acheiving milestones such as: 

• Identification of Alzheimer's biomarkers
• Development of non-invasive and cost-effective early detection diagnostic tools
• Repurposing of existinng drugs to address Alzheimer's disease
• Development of new tools and approaches to care for persons with Alzheimer's disease

This 'to do'  list was quoted from the article linked with Eureka and exactly what Senator Wicker said himself as he presented this plan to end Alzheimer's within the next ten years when he spoke on the house floor. This bill does not take away from any other current funding, but adds an incentive for researchers to actively compete, as americans are pretty good at doing. It is also pointed out in the video accompanying this link that this prize deal for research is not limited to Alzheimers only, but is ment for Lewy Body, Frontal Tempal Lobal, and any other category of dementia. "Progress is progress and we will take it and embrace it." says Ian Kremer the executive director of Leaders Engaged on Alzheimer's Disease.

9 free on-line classes
*I'm lucky to have come across two new things today so i'll say one is late from last Thursday and one is early for next Thursday. I know choppy beginings, but that can only lead to better:)

Then I was sent this cool link for your own personal advance and interesting training.

How about this interesting science class possiblity - 9 free on-line classes to take from top schools - check it out.

                                                                                                                                               

Remember each other, those who are served and those who serve.

Image by Kerry Ann Sandsmark

We as nurse's aides have hardships and possible joy everyday. Just because we work a steady aide job does not mean that all things are in order. We work for less pay then all the other medical staff we work with not to mention most maintance, some housekeeping and dietary staff as well. We won't even discuss the sit down jobs as regardless of any pay comparison these ladies and gentleman are off the hook every weekend. Our families are usually without us on major holidays and what seems to be any other time we're needed at home. I know i've been accused a few times by my family of caring for my residents more than them. As we have jobs that are usually in 24 hour facilities our breaks never seem like breaks - doubles, mandated time, calls of  'please help' are constant. Our job is to care for people who can not care for themselves and our goal is to make a better day. 

The idea of making a better day is originally meant for the patients as an aide goal however this idea would benefit us and those we work with if it can be used to help each other thru our shifts as well. Kind words, helping hands, and respect for each other. It would help to first remember that whenever we show up to our jobs we are agreeing to the terms set for that job; pay, hours, responsibilities; and all that that entails. We have agreed to work with the people who are with us and make things better for our residents so long as we are there.

There are ways that we can work together that best serve, including shared decision making and taking part in care plans. The voice of a good aide is powerful and insightful to the possiblities of resident care. As nursing aides are being asked to do more and more - equal to that we need to be listened to in the planning of care for our residents. Aide's incorporate a great deal of the contact hours for people who are cared for and deserve the extra training, explanations of why our organizations run the way they do, and respect for our profession with which no one else would have a job if we didn't do ours.

About this blog.

 I have worked as a nurse's aide in home care, nursing home, and assisted living settings. I have a firm believe that when you commit to taking care of someone you need to consider that person's wishes always. This is easy in home care, but in larger facilities presents some challenges. One particular disturbing case to me was of a women who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and resided in a 300+ bed nursing home facility. She was in a stage where she was confused and looking for her family. She spent her days crying sofly all day for years because no one knew what to do to help her nor did they have the time. Now sadly enough her situation was known by not only the employee's, but she had family members who were employees at this facility. Knowing now so small actions that could have made this person's life joyful it is sad to think how ignorant I or any of us were then. This women was physically cared for, but had lost any meaning to her life. We can do much better now.

"I did then what I knew best, when I knew better, I did better."  Maya Angelo

It is a well accepted theory that we need to take care of ourselves before we can help someone else. Changing the culture in healthcare is not going to be easy, but it can be shown that it will benefit individual facilities both in production and revenue.

Here i will share what i've found in the way of education and resources in healthcare that is not easily found within our licensure, facility we work in, or in annual training. My focus is in dementia as i believe it is possible through continued education for everyone involved to improve this situation greatly as we are all connected. I would love to hear about new research along with books and inspiring articles that others can find. Together I am hoping to build a solid knowledge base that is free and is as independent as our licenses can make us.