This lesson on Restless Legs Syndrome includes a complete training packet. Each in-service packet takes approximately one hour to complete and fully meets the Medicare in-service training requirements. As aides need training, you can make as many copies as you want - there's no restriction when used with aides assigned from your office location. Remember that Home Health Aides must have 12 hours of in-service training every year. LESSON OBJECTIVES Upon completion of this program, the home health aide will be able to: Verbalize a basic knowledge of the nervous system and common diseases Define Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) Identify symptoms and problems caused by RLS Explain ways to provide support to a patient who has RLS, and Verbalize problems related to lack of sleep. OVERVIEW Neurological disorders and diseases affect approximately 50 million people in the United States. Since the nervous system controls all parts of the body, a disorder or disease in any part of the system will have some effect on the body's ability to function. Some neurological diseases primarily affect the lower extremities. Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is one of those. While it's estimated to affect 12 million people in the United States, RLS has not been well known until recent years. RLS can have serious effects on a homecare patient's well being and ability to function, making it difficult to recover from other illnesses. This in-service provides an in-depth look at RLS and the role aides can play in helping patients manage their problems.

Contractures are a common complication of neurological and musculoskeletal conditions and are characterized by a reduction in joint mobility. No muscle is completely relaxed while the body is in a conscious or non-paralyzed state. Muscle tone keeps the bones in place and allows us to maintain posture. When there is a shortening of a muscle or tendon, this results in moderate to severe dysfunction in ROM it is called a contracture. The most common contractures are found in the ankle/foot, hip, knee, elbow, and wrist/hand/finger areas of the body. LESSON OBJECTIVES After completion of this program, the home health aide will be able to: Define a contracture Describe the four different types of joints Differentiate between the different types of range of motion (ROM) Identify three injuries or diseases that predispose patients to contractures Identify the general guidelines for ROM exercises Contents of this lesson: A clearly written fact sheet A 10-question post-test to measure understanding of the subject matter An answer sheet with a place for the instructor's comments and signature An illustrative, homecare-specific case study Suggested supplemental learning activities An attendance log and certificate of completion

This lesson on Role of the Social Worker includes a complete training packet. Each in-service packet takes approximately one hour to complete and fully meets the Medicare in-service training requirements. As aides need training, you can make as many copies as you want - there's no restriction when used with aides assigned from your office location. Remember that Home Health Aides must have 12 hours of in-service training every year. LESSON OBJECTIVES Upon completion of this program, the home health aide will be able to: Describe two signs of elder abuse Identify three types of services a social worker may provide to a patient Describe two situations to report that may indicate a need for social services OVERVIEW Knowing when to seek the services of a social worker can be an important aspect in a patient's recovery. Oftentimes it is a home health aide who first sees a situation where a social worker might be needed. Therefore, it is important that home health aides understand the many situations in which social workers can help, and when to report the signs and symptoms indicating a patient may need a social worker's support. This in-service reviews the role of a social worker in home health. It also offers examples of when social workers could be called upon. Finally, it reviews the home health aide's role as being instrumental in making sure social services are appropriately and fully used. In the best circumstances, social workers help patients and caregivers by supporting care.

This lesson on Spinal Surgery includes a complete training packet. Each in-service packet takes approximately one hour to complete and fully meets the Medicare in-service training requirements. As aides need training, you can make as many copies as you want - there's no restriction when used with aides assigned from your office location. Remember that Home Health Aides must have 12 hours of in-service training every year. LESSON OBJECTIVES Upon completion of this program, the home health aide will be able to: Name two common types of spinal surgery List three restrictions patients with spinal surgery may have Identify three complications that could occur after spinal surgery, and List three occasions when the aide should contact the supervisor. OVERVIEW The American Academy of Spine Physicians reports that four-out-of-five adults suffer from back problems at one time or another. Not all back problems require surgery and many conditions can be improved with conservative measures such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, epidural steroid injections, improved body mechanics, and weight loss. Some common conditions that occur with aging, such as degenerative disc disease, which causes the wearing away of the cushion (disc) between the vertebrae, may cause lower back pain. This condition cannot be treated with conservative measures and requires a spinal fusion. Osteoporosis may also cause weakening of the vertebral structures and result in the need for spinal fusion. Kyphosis, scoliosis, and spondyliothesis may also precipitate the need for spinal surgery. Some patients may require home health care following spinal surgery. Home health aides may be assigned to assist with bathing, dressing, and household activities.

This lesson on Quadriplegia includes a complete training packet. Each in-service packet takes approximately one hour to complete and fully meets the Medicare in-service training requirements. As aides need training, you can make as many copies as you want - there's no restriction when used with aides assigned from your office location. Remember that Home Health Aides must have 12 hours of in-service training every year. LESSON OBJECTIVES Upon completion of this program, the home health aide will be able to: Name two complications from quadriplegia. List three signs and symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia. Explain aspects of the home health aide's role in providing care to the quadriplegic patient, and Identify two of the most common causes of quadriplegia for young and older patients. OVERVIEW Quadriplegia occurs as a result of an illness or injury to the spinal cord and refers to paralysis below the shoulders. Approximately 750,000 people in the United States suffer from spinal cord injuries with the predominant cause being motor vehicle accidents. Quadriplegia in older patients usually occurs as a result of a fall or disease process. The most common cause of death among these patients is respiratory ailment. After extended hospital or rehabilitation facility stays, about 90% of quadriplegic patients return to their homes and require extensive assistance with care throughout their lifetimes. Many are referred to homecare services and will need assistance with their extensive personal care needs. Home health aides need to know as much as possible about quadriplegic patients because of their needs and possible complications.

Clinical Case Studies for the Family Nurse Practitioner is a key resource for advanced practice nurses and graduate students seeking to test their skills in assessing, diagnosing, and managing cases in family and primary care. Composed of more than 70 cases ranging from common to unique, the book compiles years of experience from experts in the field. It is organized chronologically, presenting cases from neonatal to geriatric care in a standard approach built on the SOAP format. This includes differential diagnosis and a series of critical thinking questions ideal for self-assessment or classroom use.

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