Dementia Caregiver Training Opportunity

As more and more of our clients are dealing with dementia or Alzheimer's challenges, we have been looking for training resources to help prepare you for those assignments. In order for you to have the best caregiving experience, we believe you need access to helpful and appropriate training. Being confident that you can provide good care is essential to your experience with us.

I have two options to share with you:

1. Care Training Resource video program sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association.

This online program offers individual training in dementia care, as well as individual certification by the Alzheimer's Association to recognize those who complete the program and demonstrate knowledge of quality dementia care practices.

essentiALZ Dementia Basics: This certification can be earned after taking the approved prerequisite training, CARES® Dementia Basics (4 hours). The essentiALZ Dementia Basic exam covers the basics of Alzheimer’s and dementia care, understanding behavior, communication and person-centered care.

We have prepaid for several courses and will gladly offer a $40.00 bonus to each person who successfully passes the exam and becomes certified. Please call the Office to get started with this course.

2. If you are already familiar with Alzheimer's care and just need a refresher, or do not currently have any Alzheimer's client and want to start learning, this is a very helpful brochure you can print.

Alzheimer's Behaviors Brochure for Caregivers, click here.

TOP PHONES FOR SENIORS

Smartphones that are worth a second look

I was listening to a radio program recently where the topic was smartphones for seniors. It was a call in show, so several recommendations were made and helpful hints offered. This show prompted me to do more research on my own. Since so many of our employees are often buying their first smart phone, I thought I would share what I learned with you.

The 2 phones that I repeatedly saw recommended were the Doro 824 Smart Easy and Jitterbug Smart. PC Magazine has the most impartial review and I've included a link to it here.

Doro 824 Smart Easy - features:

Affordable. Easy-to-navigate software. Great call quality and volume. Well integrated Emergency Alert button and Helper feature. Includes a charging dock.

Jitterbug Smart - features:

Affordable. Simplified interface with ability to switch to standard Android layout. 5Star Urgent Response integration. Good call quality.

Neither have great cameras, but that is not the biggest need when you are buying a simplified smart phone. If you have either phone, I would love to hear what you think about them.

DO YOU KNOW ABOUT EASY MODE?

There is a setting you can turn on in both Android and Apple phones to make it easier to use 

I recently learned of an option available in most Smart Phone to simplify the user experience. It is called Easy Mode. You get there from your Settings option on your home page. You can try setting it yourself or stop by your wireless phone company and they will be able to help you. I have attached a link with some instructions if you are feeling brave. It removes clutter and enlarges the images and letters.

While I didn't change my phone to Easy Mode, I did enlarge my keypad. It seems like I am always hitting the key on the side of the letter I want, so this seems like a good option to try for a while. My son, Thomas, uses the color blind display which helps him see the pictures and icons on the phone. My cousin, who is deaf, uses her smart phone with several voice to text features. There look to be dozens of other settings to assist you.

If you are finding something challenging on your phone, stop my your carrier store and I bet they can help you make adjustments. 

Turn Your Steps into Prizes at ArtPrize Nine

Take the Art Meets Heart Steps Challenge at ArtPrize Nine and enter to win fantastic prizes!

As part of the ArtPrize Health and Wellness programming, the Art Meets Heart Steps Challenge encourages you to walk around Grand Rapids and explore the event and our city. Track your steps on your personal device -- when you reach 10,000 steps on any given day during the event, enter a weekly raffle for the chance to win exciting prizes, including gift certificates to purchase a new pair of kicks, portable phone chargers, water bottles and more!

Health fact: Did you know after each hour of regular activity you get, you gain back about two hours of additional life expectancy?

Where to Start:

Start the Challenge on any of six Pantone Pathways that ArtPrize has to offer. The Pantone Pathways presented by X-Rite Pantone are planned walking routes that highlight the character of their respective neighborhoods while helping you navigate through downtown Grand Rapids. Each Pathway is 2.4 miles or less, and will take you past nearly 90% of ArtPrize Nine venues.

Find the Pathway routes in the ArtPrize Event Guide, which is available at any of the ArtPrize HUBs located around the city.