Working with Registered Dietitians

Many people think of registered dietitians as individuals who work only in school or hospital settings. Did you know that a dietitian can help you improve your overall nutrition; maintain, gain or lose weight; or manage the symptoms of a chronic illness like irritable bowel syndrome or kidney disease? Since many older adults suffer from nutrition problems, including unhealthy weight gain or loss, dietitians are a valuable resource for our clients and their families.

A registered dietitian (RD) is an individual who has at minimum earned a bachelor's degree with coursework that has been approved by the American Dietetic Association (ADA). Specific areas of study include: food and nutrition sciences; sociology; biochemistry; and physiology. An RD student must also complete an approved practice program at a health care facility, community agency or food service company. To become a registered dietitian, one must also pass an examination and seek continuing education credits. According to the ADA, over 50% of Registered Dietitians hold advanced degrees. They may also earn specialized certification in areas such as pediatric nutrition or diabetic care.

What is the difference between a nutritionist and a registered dietitian? Different states have varying requirements regarding who can call themselves a "nutritionist," however, the "RD" credential is a legally protected title that can only be used by practitioners who are authorized by the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the American Dietetic Association.

I recently became aware of the benefits of working with registered dietitians through personal experience as well as with one of my clients. I worked with an RD to obtain and analyze lab results that revealed vitamin deficiencies; determine my Body Mass Index (a reliable indicator of body fat); and create a meal plan to help me reach my nutrition goals. I referred one of my clients to an RD to help address gastrointestinal symptoms including constipation, gas and upset stomach. The dietitian recommended specific foods, as well as nutritional supplements and digestive enzymes to help ease my client's symptoms. She has also provided ongoing education and support to my client and her care team.

To find a registered dietitian near you, and to read more about nutrition and disease prevention, you can go to the website of the American Dietetic Association.

Elder Abuse and Insurance

Elder abuse comes in many forms and is often accomplished by individuals who ingratiate themselves with their victims. As in any business there are trustworthy professionals and there are those who scam the public.

Many elderly have savings that they wish to safely invest for their future needs but they can be swayed by those they trust to give over their savings for investment purposes created by their "friendly" insurance agent.

There is an article that was brought to my attention, written by Elizabeth Furnari, Deputy District Attorney - Insurance Fraud Division of the San Diego District Attorney's Office. She points out that being aware of the different types of insurance and annuity scams is the first step in protecting yourself. http://www.sdcda.org/files/conartists.pdf. Also the The California Department of Insurance (CDI) has created a "Senior Insurance Bill of Rights" which provides a list of precautions to take when purchasing any type of insurance policy and the regulations that protect those rights. http://www.insurance.ca.gov/

There is so much information being provided for the protection of the general public but so many times it is ignored or missed altogether. We at Elder Care Guides try to provide this forum as another way to share information and in doing so we can enlighten and hopefully protect someone from becoming a victim.

Elder Care: An Employee Benefit

Until recently, day care for children and personal illness have been the major recognized reasons employees need to take excessive time off from work. But what about elder care? Here comes that word again, the sandwich generation, where adults are not only caring for their young children, but their aging parents as well. Being pulled in many different directions affects employees health and well-being, which has a negative impact on productivity, motivation, and health care costs to an organization. Additionally, employees who provide elder care contribute to work interruptions, and unpaid leave. Experts estimate 60% of Americans providing care for someone 50 or older are employed.

Federal law mandates a leave to care for an ill family member, known as the Family Medical Leave Act, and employers are now looking at elder care benefits as a retention tool, in preparation for economic recovery and the accompanying employee turnover expected over the next few years. Many companies have employee assistance programs, which now include more elder care friendly options, such as help with legal and financial issues related to elder care, medical decision support, and even geriatric care management assistance.

Other retention strategies that encompass elder care are those more commonly thought of for child care, but make the transition easily. These strategies include flexible scheduling, paid personal leave days, telecommuting, and job sharing. So, if you find yourself struggling to balance work and elder care, suggest some of these options to your employer, and stress the benefits to the business they will bring. If your employer values retention and high employee morale, these options should be strongly considered.

Caregiver Retention and Turnover: Are You Ready for the Recession Rebound?

The caregiving profession is notorious for turnover. The nature of the business dictates it, and human resource professionals hear every day "I need to work." Although we do our best to keep good employees with as much work as they'd like, it isn't always possible. Due to the recession, however, caregivers have stayed with their employers as active, steady clients have been few and far between for all home care companies. The total employee turnover rate in the U.S. was 16% in 2007, and only 8% in 2009.

The economy is going to recover though. Economists predict a slow, steady recovery, and we have already seen signs of hope. The last piece to regain strength will be employment, but employers need to get ready. Two-thirds of U.S. employees are expected to turnover as the recession deminishes, and that number is even greater for professional caregivers. All those caregivers who have been faithfully sticking by their employers, will start looking elsewhere if they can't get a steady case. Do you want to keep your key employees? What can you be doing to ensure good caregivers don't seek employment at the agency down the street?

We have spoken in this blog before about employee engagement and satisfaction. It's time to start developing a company culture that makes caregivers want to stay, because the economic impact of losing solid, top employee is too great. The most successful retention strategies encompass many factors, including employee engagement, high employer communication, and decentralized management involvement. When employees hear consistent and constant feedback from all levels of the organization, it creates a high sense of belonging and in turn, reduces the desire to seek employment elsewhere. Do your employees know what the company mission and vision is? Are you soliciting ideas from your caregivers on how they can help the growth of the company? We have all heard of exit interviews, but how about STAY interviews?

Employee retention and turnover is a process, not an event. Making sure employees know how essential they are in the success of the business will undoubtedly make them feel valued. Caregivers who are treated as professionals and feel valued and a senses of belonging are the ones that will stay.

National Flu Vaccination Week

January 10th - 16th has been declared National Flu Vaccination Week. The Department of Health and Human Services has reported that in 2009 there were:

• 47 million cases of H1N1
• 200,000 hospitalizations
• nearly 10,000 deaths

Thankfully, the number of flu cases has declined in recent weeks, however experts warn we should get ready for a third wave of H1N1. National Flu Vaccination Week was named to remind Americans to get vaccinated. Vaccinations are now open to everyone in most parts of the country. You can find more information here.

In San Diego county, US Healthworks Medical Group clinics are now offering flu vaccinations for $15. We encourage you to use the link above to learn more about patient eligibility and find the clinic nearest you. If you have your own doctor and insurance, inquire about a special rate for flu vaccinations this week and take charge of your health!

Holiday Night at Liberty Station

Elder Care Guides was happy to participate in the Holiday Night event at Liberty Station this weekend. It gave us the opportunity to contribute to our fellow Liberty station residents, and serve the Point Loma community with a craft activity for the families. Being a tenant at Liberty Station allows us a central location to our clients, and a giving community of restaurants, retailers, and businesses alike.

Holiday Night was filled with crafts for the kids, a tree lighting ceremony, and a visit from Santa. On stage were dancers from San Diego Ballet, gymnists from San Diego Gymnastics, a karate demonstration from US Karate Academy, and the dancing waitresses from the Corvette Diner.



Elder Care Guides enjoyed having children draw a picture of their grandparent, then take a craft sheet home to interview their grandparent about what life was like growing up for them. We made an effort to bridge the generation gap, and children really enjoyed the activity. We hope you will join us at the next Liberty Station community event.

National Home Care Aide Week

November is National Home Care and Hospice month, and although Elder Care Guides is not a home care company, we want to recognize and illuminate our wonderful employees, the professional caregivers. The National Association for Home Care and Hospice has named November 8th - 14th National Home Care Aide week, with the theme "Home Care Aide: Loving Hands and Compassionate Hearts." This special month and week was announced to bring attention to and celebrate those to spend their lives caring for others. A noble profession, caregiving doesn't often get the attention it deserves. Care Management support, a personalized care plan, and the expert care of a professional caregiver is what allows the growing elderly population to stay at home much longer than originally thought possible.

There are many ways to contribute to and acknowledge that special caregiver in your life, and we encourage you to branch out this month to increase awareness of this much valued career.

• Educate yourself about Care Management and Caregiving by requesting books and materials on the topic at your local library.


• Pass out small gifts or tiny treats to volunteers and caregivers at a local assisted or independent living retirement communities.


• Talk about Care Management with your neighbors and friends who may be struggling in the sandwich generation and don't know where to find help.

As you go about your days in November, stop and notice all the caregivers that surround you. These amazing people are sitting with an elderly person at a restaurant, helping them with their meal. They are reaching for an item on a high shelf at the grocery store for a person in a wheelchair. Every day, they are giving of themselves physically, emotionally, and spiritually, all to assist another person to live with dignity and purpose. To the professional caregivers, we salute you. Happy National Home Care Aide week!