Counting your Blessings

We're heading into the last days of summer. I don't know about you, but global warming (or something) has given us one of the nicest summers we've had in years. I've taken less time off this summer than usual, but I think I've enjoyed it more. Work has been exciting and fun (and weirdly, it has been where I want to be this summer); and evenings have been spent with family and friends, enjoying the unusually balmy, long summer twilight.

I have focused this summer on counting my personal blessings, of which I have many. At the same time, I consider some of the other things I'm thankful for:

• People who come to work every day, excited about their jobs and invested in the outcome.
• Entrepreneurial operators willing to venture into the unknown to help them achieve big goals of being the best in senior care.
• Reminders that success comes in many forms, not just in the bottom line.

And finally, I'm thankful for the many people who work quietly and steadily, making this world a better place for my mom, for my in-laws, and for all the folks who are simply seeking a little comfort and joy in their waning years.

Blessings,

Sharon

Sharon K. Brothers, MSW

President and CEO

Sharon@aQuireTraining.com

Corporate Training in State of Transformation

Corporate training is undergoing a transformation. Resources are getting a little tighter, and expectations are higher. The focus is on employee engagement, retention and building the dream team that will carry the company to success. In the process, Corporate America has its eyes on training. "Much of the daily chaos [in senior care] can be decreased when carefully selected staff receive proper orientation, training and ongoing education," notes culture change expert Susan Gilster in her recent article published (with Jennifer Dalessandro) in July/August Advance for Long Term Care Management. Gilster goes on to list some of the positive effects of focusing on training: better care, better decision-making, better family relations, improved feelings of job security. As training starts to get increased emphasis, other transforming forces are changing the way employees are being trained: Increased requirements for training and documentation. No longer is a "read and sign" inservice considered adequate. Most states are moving toward requiring "evidence of learning" (read "test") and a documentation of passing the test. Meeting these new, higher standards requires extra time, money and staffing on the part of many companies. Many companies are urgently looking to solutions that can help them meet 100% compliance, while not increasing their bottom line expenses. Increased risk of lawsuits. Missing training documentation is a big red flag for lawyers. Sign-in sheets are worth a little; individual training records, complete with test scores and certificates are worth considerably more. With assisted living increasingly in the sights of wrongful death, elder abuse and similarly focused attorneys, evidence of staff training that meets and exceeds requirements is essential. Increased OSHA inspections. How well is safety training being done? OSHA has begun targeting senior care facilities for inspections - and violations of standards come with hefty, mandatory fines. Increased access to technology. Not only is e-training more affordable than ever, but internet connectivity is more accessible. New hires often come with skills in using computers, email and the internet; computer equipment is affordable to even the smallest provider. Suddenly, what seemed a technological barrier is now an approachable - and substantial - resource. If it's time for a transformation in your company, take a close look at training. The benefits are significant and the access to quality resources is better than ever before. aQuire Training Solutions - when it's TIME for truly effective staff training. Interested in seeing more? Contact us and we'll be happy to give you a tour!