Monday, May 13, 2013

FREE SEMINAR





Please Join Us
A FREE Informational Seminar:
Understanding Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
With Guest Speaker:
Jackie Verdoorn, RN, MSN, BSN, CMC
Licensed Geriatric Care Manager, geriatric nurse, personal care provider,
and an advocate for the elderly
Tuesday, May 21st
6:30-7:30pm
Westbank Community Library
1309 Westbank Drive, Austin, Texas 78746
Hosted by the Westbank Community Library District
For additional questions contact refdesk@westbanklibrary.com
                               For additional information check www.westbanklibrary.com

Monday, November 19, 2012

Vocational Nursing Career Fair



Austin Community College

Vocational Nursing Career Fair

Wednesday, December 5th 2012


It is that time of the year again for the VNG Career Fair at Austin Community College, and  Hill Country Care Providers will again be participating at the fair.
The Career Fair is focused on graduating LVNs and GVNs.  The fair is an excellent way for companies to connect with students for all positions, from entry-level to advanced, and internship opportunities as well. 
Hill Country Care Providers has found the career fair very worthwhile – they made the new graduates aware of businesses that are available in the community as well as unique opportunities in caring for the upcoming largest population in the United States – the baby boomers.

Monday, October 15, 2012

FREE EDUCATIONAL SEMINAR



Primary Caregiver's Inner Struggles & Guidelines for Preventing Burnout

A Free Educational Seminar

When:  Thursday, November 8th
                                  Time:  6:30 – 7:30pm
                               Where:  ACTS Church Lakeway
                            1304 RR 620 N. Austin, Texas 78734

Featuring Guest Speaker: Jackie Verdoorn RN, MSM, BSN, CMC  
                                            Owner & Director of  
                                            Hill Country Care Providers


                                        RSVP by November 2nd: Lisa(512)263-8175
                                     For CEU Credit Information Contact 512-402-1119


                                                                                                                               Note:  Seminar may be cancelled depending on level of interest

West Nile Virus



This information has been provided from the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services.

There still continues to be a higher than normal incidence of West Nile virus infection this year in Texas and across the United States.  To date, most of the Texas cases have been located in the North Texas area.  The incidence of West Nile virus activity in Texas varies from year to year but it usually is more common in late summer to early fall.

West Nile virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.  About 80% of the people do not become ill when they are infected.  However, about 20% will have mild symptoms including fever, headaches and body aches.  Other individuals may experience skin rash and swollen lymph glands.  The more severe infection known as West Nile neuro-invasive disease is much less common (1 in 150 persons infected), and the symptoms can include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, and/or paralysis.  People older than age 50 and people with weakened immune systems from chronic illnesses or transplants are at the greatest risk for the more severe symptoms.

To review some precautions if you have not heard them already:
·         Apply insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus to exposed skin and clothing.
·         Dress in long pants and long sleeves if you need to be outside.
·         Avoid being outdoors at peak mosquito times – around dawn and dusk.
·         Eliminate standing water near your home and throughout your neighborhood to decrease the breeding grounds.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Senior Networking


Traditional social gatherings, church attendance, meetings, dances and other activities keep many older people active but these activities are often dependent on the availability of transportation.  Socialization is the key for these individuals, and outings give them something to look forward to.  However, many seniors have switched to different modes of communication in order to stay connected to each other as well as to their families.
Based on research the 65-year old of today has been using the Internet at work for more than 12 years.  And seniors older than 65 will be a larger and growing segment of the US Internet culture, increasing from 17.7 million in 2006 to 25.3 million in 2011.
These days more and more seniors are moving into retirement communities and own their own computers.  They are able to communicate through numerous programs.  One way is through the use of Twitter® which we are all fairly familiar with.  Statistics have shown that in the United States 10% of Twitter users are between the ages of 55 and 64.  FACEBOOK® is also being used.  There are also informational sites geared specifically for older adults.  Silver Planet® has a forum and offers its members helpful information on health, money matters, and information for those seniors who want to age in place by providing services and products related to aging at home. Growing Bolder® has great human interest stories and discusses the importance of aging “your way.” 
Additional sites with helpful information and communication-connect capabilities are available, and many of these programs are relatively easy to learn.  You may want to look into them for your family member so they, as well as you can stay connected!