A hearty welcome to all our new readers. We're glad to have you along on this up and down ride!  Remember, there's no such thing as a dumb question, and none of us know what we don't know.

Home Caregiver Training

Did you know that there are no national training requirements for in-home elder caregivers? Nor, for that matter, are there any State training requirements for many kinds of caregivers.

A recent study by The Caregiving Project For Older Adults identified a misperception among those surveyed that could create serious misunderstandings for families looking for experienced caregivers. It appears that, although 78% of the people surveyed believed that their caregivers had received a recognized level of training, in fact there is no such thing.

A licensed or certified aide (depending on your State) has received training in a specified curriculum and has passed a standardized certification or licensing exam. The fact that a caregiver has a current  "license" or "certificate" does verify that she received this training and did complete any annual required continuing education.

An "aide," "companion" or "sitter," on the other hand, may have no formal training at all. If this caregiver is employed by a professional agency, he or she may have received some amount of training from the agency. But not necessarily and not to any particular standardized curriculum.

If a caregiver is working for you privately, it may be that your caregiver has simply had some on-the-job experience with families who came before you.

Why is this important? As our older loved ones become more frail or have increased dementia, the special skills that caregivers need will increase. A caregiver who manages in the beginning with a little common sense and physical strength may find herself in water completely over her head as her client's needs increase.

Does this mean you shouldn't ever hire an uncertified or unlicensed caregiver? Not at all. There are thousands of perfectly competent, experienced caregivers who have never been certified or licensed because they never worked in a medical homecare agency or care facility that required it.

What it does mean is you should never take it for granted that any caregiver has had formal training unless he or she is working as a licensed or certified aid or nurse. You have to ask. If your elder has an illness or behavior that calls for a caregiver with particular experience or training, ask for evidence before you hire. You are always within your rights to ask to see the caregiver's current certificate or license.

If you are using caregivers supplied by an agency, when you ask about experience be sure to also ask about licensure or certification. Many agencies will have caregivers both with and without this level of training. 

Blechhhh!

If the following information may well make you swear off your kitchen for life. It most certainly sounds like a much more dangerous room than I ever imagined. If your elder or anyone else in your family has a compromised immune system you may want to keep them at the other end of the house!

What is absolutely the dirtiest, most bacteria-ridden thing in your home? According to Dr. Philip M. Tierno, Jr., Ph.D of New York University Medical Center the single dirtiest thing in any home is the kitchen sponge.

According to Dr. Tierno, the dirtiest room is not the bathroom, as I would have expected. "The dirtiest room is the kitchen, the dirtiest spot is the sink, and the worst culprits are the sponge or dish towel. Bacteria colonies with a total population exceeding 50 million can live on a single dirty sponge. And that’s what you use to wipe down countertops, forks and drinking glasses. Blecch."

It seems that the best thing to do is to stay away from kitchen sponges and towels completely. Air dry the dishes, and use paper towels to dry your hands and to wipe counters.  Don't ever use the dish rag or towel to wipe anyone's face or hands.

If you really want to cut down on paper products, then use dish cloths instead of sponges (lots of them, not just one fresh one every couple of days) and wash them with hot water and bleach.

If you're really hooked on your sponge, soak it in a bleach and water solution (1 oz. of bleach to a quart of water) after each use. Or boil it for three minutes. Apparently microwaves have "dead" spots and aren't all that reliable. And the water in the dishwasher is rarely hot enough to kill bacteria.

My theory on housework is, if the item doesn't multiply, smell, catch on fire or block the refrigerator door, let it be. No one cares. Why should you? ~ Erma Bombeck

Elder CareTip SuperPole

Does your elder's toilet sit inches away from the tub or shower, with no available wall to put a sturdy grab bar? Is he or she a little wobbly on getting in and out of bed, but certainly not ready for hospital type bed rails? Is it getting harder and harder for him to get out of his chair without something firm to grab?

The SuperPole may be your answer. This sturdy pole doesn't need a wall. It extends between the floor and the ceiling wherever you want to put it. Using a SuperPole often means that a senior won't be using flimsy towel racks or furniture for support when getting up and down. It can keep a senior independent, when without it you would have to be there with a steadying arm to prevent falls.

The SuperPole doesn't require holes in the walls, floors or ceilings or a professional installer - although you mother might appreciate a hand. It's made quite a difference for several of my clients who need support in places where it was difficult or impossible to put grab bars.

Healthcraft Products in Canada makes the SuperPole, but they don't sell it directly. I've finally found a retail source that is quite a bit less expensive than most SuperPole retailers...firstStreet Online now carries the SuperPole and even with shipping it's less expensive than it would be from the only retail outlet in my area. Give it a look. It's the SuperPole and I personally think it's super.

Veteran Headstones & Markers

Another benefit for American Veterans is a headstone or marker for the grave of any deceased eligible veteran in any cemetery around the world. For all deaths occurring before September 11, 2001, the VA may provide a headstone or marker for graves that are not marked with a private headstone.

Flat markers in granite, marble, and bronze and upright headstones in granite and marble are available. The style chosen must be consistent with existing monuments at the place of burial. Niche markers are also available to mark columbaria used for inurnment of cremated remains.

You can get more information on VA markers and headstones directly from the VA

Life consists not in holding good cards but in playing those you hold well.  ~ Josh Billings