March 16, 2012; 9:19 AM
Too busy training to blog much! Spending so much time in the classroom assisting in teaching and, of course observing. Still constantly on the lookout for anyone infiltrating in an attempt to steal this franchise’s “secret sauce,” (my code words for our formula for finding and outfitting awesome CAREGivers). Exciting newest addition to the training line up is CARE—Changing Aging through Research and Education…an intense curriculum designed for CAREGivers working with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. I like that CARE utilizes video, activities, role play and discussions, not just lecture. New skills and techniques are learned and practiced; even CAREGivers with years of experience benefit from the seven sessions. Getting to hear the encouragement and support the CAREGivers share with each other is one of my favorite parts of this new training.
June 23, 2011 3:36PM
Well I was able to get some down time and was relaxing in front of the TV and who pops up on the news but Sandy, our General Manager and Janay and Craig, our community service representatives out in the field. I grabbed my phone to try and get a picture of Sandy on the TV but I could only get a shot of Janay and Craig. Need to re-group and learn how the following information got by me. Anyway, their appearance peaked my curiosity and I learned that Sandy was an expert speaker at this American Red Cross Event. It was an annual event to help prepare seniors for emergencies and to learn preventative skills to keep them safe. Brings back memories of my days preparing other agents for emergency situations with top gun responses. I don't get out in the field much now, but I was interested in this new program Sandy introduced called, "Answering the Call". Home Instead put together this great Senior Emergency Kit and you can go to this website www.SeniorEmergencyKit.com or call the office at (225) 819-8338 to receive this intel. I try not to show my softer side, but it really got me thinking that I need to speak with my parents about all this. I don't know any of their vital information, if they have a Living Will, Power of Attorney or even what medications they take. I have prepared many missions, but I need to approach this with similar tactics. I guess watching a little TV did help me learn something new. Now, I must learn how this information got by me. Until next time - get prepared!
June 9, 2011 4:18PM
So busy training have not reported. Did CIT III today, most interactive class. Love the open access to CAREGivers; makes surveillance easy. Detected no signs of industrial spies. Surprising, considering the number of ideas and innovations HISC uses. Note to self: investigate. Has cover been compromised? Am I too good/intimidating? Allowed CG's to refine skills in advanced bathing techniques, transfers--Hoyer Lift practice. Practical and impressive. Loved the attitudes.
April 21, 2011 4:45PM
Sat in on CIT II today. I don’t help with this class but get into listening to the interaction. First half of the class was about activities—Adriann told the class that an activity is anything you do with a client…meal, craft, outing, whatever. Cool to hear all the brainstorming and see CAREGivers react to the bazillion ideas presented. Tons of resources shared! The whole thing affirmed the idea that it’s not just about “babysitting,” it’s about benefiting clients on multiple levels.
Second half of class was spent talking/teaching about conditions really common in seniors. Learned cool stuff about everything from diabetes to sleep apnea!
April 8, 2011 1:54PM
Some exciting Stuff around the office today. The Caregiver of the Month came to the office to accept her award. We were able to capture her on video receiving her award too. You can Watch it by Clicking Here. Ms. Mary is a excellent custodian of the Home Instead brand and the staff was thrilled to be able to celebrate her for what she has done to improve the quality of life for her clients... Careful though Mary, I've still got my eye on you... EV posted this video to our Facebook Page so please feel free to comment on the post and let Ms. Mary know how important she is to her clients!
April 4, 2011 9:41AM
Adriann (Training Coordinator) hosted CIT I Class this morning--required class completed by all new-hire HISC CAREGivers before in-home placement with senior. Note to self: training is required irregardless of previous training or experience—mark as part of secret sauce success recipe.
Observed participants for suspicious behavior. Stoked to do this; been highly trained for just this sort of mission. Note: office runs background checks after extensive interview process; reference checks always run, too; but, seriously, I have been trained to pick out telltale behaviors missed by average population. Scanned for possible spies. Listened to interaction. The Human Resource team nailed it, though, like always. This was another good crop. For sure, CG’s committed to making a difference for clients. All seem eager to come in for CIT II class.
