Monday, November 28, 2011

How Caregivers Can Help Keep Seniors Safe in Their Homes



Potential Dangers Around the House

Written By : Tina Sherman


To those who are in the business of caring for seniors learning ways to prevent falls is a must. May people are still not aware of the fact that there are just as many fall hazards to seniors in the home but with the proper measures it is easy to prevent falls so that seniors are safe from the life altering effects of having a tumble and here are a few ideas that you can implement in the home.

• When in the kitchen, do you leave your counter top appliances such as mixer, coffee maker, mixer, and toaster on your countertop? Move them out of the way they might fall as your elderly companion does his or her cooking.

• Many seniors easily feel tired when standing for prolonged periods so anything that concerns food preparation should be done sitting down at a table to lessen the risks of falling and of course to prevent the senior from feeling fatigue.

• Clutter on the floor is oftentimes ignored but they are potential hazards because the senior has the potential of tripping on those things scattered on the floor... Continue story here

Posted by Wee Care Companions


Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving Day!


Wee Care Nanny wants to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a happy & healthy Thanksgiving Day! Stay Safe and have a wonderful holiday.

Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Proposed Laws in California Regulating Nannies, Companions and other Household Workers are Misguided and Need Further Consideration



As an Association of Premier nanny Agencies (APNA) board member, we are helping draw attention to some important issues facing our industry today. We are concerned that well intentioned efforts by CA legislators to protect household employees are actually misguided, and may actually end up hurting household workers, and make families less safe.

Below is the press Release from the APNA:

Proposed Laws for Household Workers

Risk to safety, business climate & tax collection

(November 15, 2011) – Recent legislative activity in New York and California is shining a spotlight on labor laws for nannies and other household employees, reinforcing the presumption that in-home workers are frequently mistreated. “The California laws under consideration (AB889) go too far and if passed, could result in an increased underground of illegal domestic workers – putting them and those in their care at greater risk – and potentially driving businesses from the state,” explains Daryl Camarillo, president of the Association of Premier Nanny Agencies - A Household Staffing Alliance (APNA).

One example of what California’s AB889 would do would be to require families to supply an additional caregiver to relieve a nanny for a documented 30 minute meal break and two, 10-minute rest breaks each day. “Families who fail to do so would have to pay their nanny more or risk being sued by their nanny and finding themselves liable for lawyer’s fees, fines and court costs,” says Denise Collins of San Francisco’s Aunt Ann’s In-House Staffing. “It’s impractical on so many levels. It almost defeats the purpose of hiring an in-home caregiver by adding additional costs and administrative duties for the family – not to mention, who will they find to take a job for 50 minutes a day – spread out throughout the day?”

“If these laws pass, parents could also be fined or sued for infractions such as failing to provide the nanny’s requested foods – even if a child in her care is allergic to one of the foods,” adds Camarillo. “The lawmakers’ intentions are good, but we predict passage of AB889 as it stands now would result in so many additional duties, risks and costs for families that many will resort to hiring under the table.”

Illegal hiring can drive down wages and reduce employment opportunities for legally-hired domestic employees. In addition, California’s business climate could suffer if it’s harder for parents to work because of burdensome childcare laws.”

A climate that encourages underground or “do-it-yourself” hiring also creates dangers people can’t foresee. “A perfect example is background checks. Most people don’t understand that the inexpensive ‘nationwide’ background check offered by many online listing services for nannies and babysitters isn’t really nationwide and isn’t very thorough,” says Camarillo.

“We’ve been working for years to sound the alarm that a proper background check involves human vetting, time and some cost. Quality agencies hire professionals to screen candidates before sending them on interviews. People who are hiring nannies, personal assistants, elder companions and housekeepers often don’t even consider that they should check for a criminal record – and they should.”

Respected household staffing agencies safeguard families and domestic workers by educating both sides about salaries, employment and tax laws that can vary widely from state to state, industry norms, and the importance of written work agreements.

“Legal, household employees are already well protected by existing state and federal laws governing human rights, disability, work conditions and overtime. Most earn more than minimum wage. In California their salaries range between $15 and $30 an hour which is taxed and contributes to their ability to collect social security, unemployment and other social safety nets tied to legal employment.”

California is often at the leading edge of social issues, so we want to communicate to its lawmakers, and those nationwide, that proposals such as AB889 might appear to increase worker protection, but unless the laws are carefully crafted, they could result in unintended consequences.”

Contacts:

•Daryl Camarillo, APNA President, (650) 462-4580 or apna@spnannies.com

•Denise Collins, APNA Vice president, (415) 749-3650

•Mellisa Peckham, APNA Treasurer, (203) 359-8410 or mellisa@weecarenanny.com

•Go to www.theAPNA.org to find an APNA agency in your community and valuable information for families and people seeking household employment

APNA is a self-regulating organization that helps set the bar for industry standards and practices. APNA member agencies have their contracts, applications and business practices scrutinized by peers to ensure they know and follow all applicable laws. You are dealing with a quality household staffing service when you see the APNA seal.


Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Healing Hearts Family Fundraiser of Stamford, CT


Wee Care Nanny Agency is proud to recognize and support Healing Hearts Pediatric Therapy Center in Stamford, Connecticut. Two of the key administrators and founders of Healing Hearts are good friends, and wonderful and caring individuals. Tom Bacha and Kimberly Colletto dedicate their time, energy and resources to make a profound difference in the lives of children with special needs. The Healing Hearts special needs therapy center provides 10 types of therapy, including, occupational, speech and physical therapy. Healing Hearts provides specialized therapeutic treatments for children with cerebral palsy, autism, motor-development delays and other neuro-motor disorders.

We hope you and your family will take the time to stop by, learn more and participate in the day's fun events.

Heal your heart by helping
“Healing Hearts” a Non-profit 501(c)(3) organization (social and recreational division) that helps children who have various disabilities.
Saturday, November 19, 2011- 3:00p.m-6:00p.m.
Admission is free, donations will be kindly accepted!

This event will be full of fun activities for all ages and abilities.
Free demos
BOXING CAPOIRA
YOGA BRAZILIAN JUI-JITSU
FENCING MMA CONDITIONING
KRAV MAGA TUMBLE TIME
HYDRO MASSAGE MUSIC TOGETHER
FACE PAINTING BOOT CAMP
ZUMBA TECHNOFIT
Free Food & Beverages & Free Babysitting will be provided
BGC Live Entertainment & Raffles
Heavy Hitting Boxing and Fitness presents White Collar-Boxing Matches
Boys & Girls Club of Stamford will be assisting and helping the cause!

BREAKTHRU FITNESS
48 Union Street
Stamford, CT
203-355-9395
Healing Hearts Family
www.healingheartscenter.org
Fundraiser OF STAMFORD

Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Medication Tips For the Caregiver

We thought our experienced caregivers, who may be licensed as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Home Heath Aide (HHA), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Personal Care Assistant (PCA) would find the article below helpful.


Medication Tips For the Caregiver
Written By : Rebecca Colmer


Did you know that the average senior takes two to seven daily medications? As we age our bodies change, affecting the way medications (and foods) are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted.

All of these can create a greater risk of drug interactions and side effects. The more medications the care-receiver takes daily, the easier it is lose to track of how many to take and when they should be taken.

Caregivers should use a medication organizer for their care-receiver.
Consider these other tips: Continue article here

Posted by Wee Care Companions