Home care services for seniors and the disabled that make life easier
Alzheimer's / Dementia care training
Our team of professional caregivers completes training on Alzheimer's/Dementia care. During orientation they learn how to better care for each of our clients needing this type of specialized care. The following training addresses each of the topics below so our employee can have a better understanding of our clients needs. This training provides each caregiver the tools to help each client maintain comfort and safety in their home.
*Caregiving
*Aggression and Anger
*Anxiety and Agitation
*Depression
*Hallucinations
*Memory Loss and Confusion
*Repetition
*Sleep Issues and Sundowning
*Suspicions and Delusions
*wandering
Skin Breakdown
There are several reasons skin breakdown occurs and training our caregivers to watch for the signs of breakdown is important. Healing skin breakdown at this stage of serious illness is not always possible. The goals now are to focus on comfort, prevent infection and lower the risk of worsening breakdown. During our training caregivers receive training on
Why does skin breakdown happen?
Who is at risk for skin breakdown?
What can be done to prevent skin breakdown?
SWALLOWING
Swallowing difficulty often occurs in older people, those who take medications that make them very drowsy, or people with an end-stage neurological disease, stroke, weakness, confusion or dental problems. During Egan's training, each caregiver is taught the three stages of swallowing and ways to improve swallowing for our clients with these types of issues.
Phase 1: ORAL
Phase 2: PHARYNGEAL
Phase 3: ESOPHAGEAL
Range of Motion
Range of motion is defined as the full movement potential of a joint. Stiff joints can be painful and make it hard for a person to do things for themselves. Range of motion (ROM) exercises keep joints flexible and may reduce pain or discomfort. They are to be done slowly and gently. Do not force movements and stop if they cause any pain. Our caregiver training details the following
KNEE – Flexion /Extension
ANKLE – Dorsiflexion /Plantar Flexion
TOES – Flexion /Extension
SHOULDER – Flexion / Extension
SHOULDER – Abduction /Adduction
ELBOW – Flexion /Extension
WRIST – Flexion /Extension
WRIST – Radial-Ulnar Deviation
FINGERS – Flexion /Extension
THUMB – Flexion /Extension
HIP – Flexion /Extension
HIP – Abduction /Adduction
Terminal Agitation
Terminal agitation, also referred to as terminal restlessness, is a common symptom in dying patients. Sometimes those who are usually calm can suddenly and unexpectedly become agitated, restless, and confused. Family members may also notice a rapid change in personality as some may become angry, making irrational accusations and demands. While the cause for this sudden change isn't completely understood, it is important to remember that it does not indicate a true change in the patient's feelings about their family or caregiver. Terminal agitation is typically seen during the hours or days before death and can be distressing and overwhelming for caregivers. Egan's detailed training on signs, symptoms and malmanagement of these symptoms allows our caregivers to address these types of situations with empathy and quality care.
Sadness & Anxiety
Experiencing difficult emotions can be common for people living with a terminal illness, from diagnosis through end of life. These emotions may show in various ways for each person, including sadness or anxiety. Sadness can be a feeling of distress caused by loss or disappointment. It is a normal emotion, a natural part of life, that may come and go with time. It can serve as a reminder of what matters or gives meaning to one's life. Sadness that does not decrease or go away over time may be a sign of depression. The importance of knowing these signs and symptoms helps our caregivers to better manage the care for our clients.