Quadriplegia
What Can a CNA do for Your Loved One?
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If you care for a loved one who has mobility problems or who is perhaps, totally bedridden, then you know how important it is to have help with the ongoing tasks of every day care. Many of the health concerns that pose a threat to your loved one can be alleviated with the use of innovative products such as a bariatric mattress, adjustable beds, and sheepskin bedding. Equally valuable, however, is the support and aid of qualified and professional help. A CNA or Certified Nursing Assistant can often be a lifesaver for the overburdened caregiver. Finding such a valuable helper can be a challenge but here are a few pointers that may help.

Keep in mind that each state has their own requirements regarding licensing and certification. The title of CNA may even vary from location to location. The best way to be sure you are working with a qualified professional is to ask for proof of certification. The words certified, qualified and licensed are often used interchangeably, so it is very prudent to know how your area handles this issue.

While the names may vary, the basic qualifications are the same. This person is neither a Registered Nurse, or a Registered Nurse Practitioner, both of whom has taken more education and is more qualified than a CNA.

Although a nursing assistant does not have a say in the actual medical treatment of a patient, they can be a very valuable resource in some of the less medical aspects of care such as bathing, grooming, dressing etc. A CNA will have also had training in the best methods for turning, lifting or moving bedridden patients to ensure good health and comfort. Since this is often one of the most exhausting caregiver tasks, having some help here is well worth the investment.

Although not directly involved with the medical side of things, a CNA is adequately trained and knowledgeable enough to be a great liaison between caregivers and professionals. They have received their training within a hospital setting and are familiar with equipment, terms and procedures, as well as medical terms and conditions that may be confusing to the average person.

A qualified nursing assistant can also help with such tasks changing dressings, monitoring vital signs, and recording any changes in condition. In addition, they can also help with changing linens, observing the condition of equipment and keeping an eye on the overall well being of the patient. Their training and experience makes them alert to little things that might otherwise go unnoticed.

The presence of a nursing assistant is a great aid as well to the registered nurse and physician in charge of a patient because they are free to concentrate on the most important aspects of your loved ones care.

If you are caring for a bedridden patient at home, a CNA can truly be an extra set of eyes, ears and hands to help relieve caregiver stress and increase patient comfort.

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention our Pressure Mattress website as the original source).

Rachel Clarkson

Rachel Clarkson is a bed sores specialist and a big fan and promoter of “The Volkner Turning Mattress”: http://www.Volkner.com
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