Diabetes Awareness and Training Important to Resident Care Attendant Role

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Because RCAs work the closest with clients by assisting them with daily activities and hygiene, they most often notice a problem first

Victoria, BC (Vocus) November 15, 2009 –

The number of people with Type 2 diabetes has steadily increased over the last 10 years in North America with the condition becoming a common diagnosis among the elderly, often complicating treatments for other conditions. Thankfully, Resident Care Attendant (RCA) training programs, like that offered by UCW Academy of Health, prepares practitioners to recognize the signs and symptoms of diabetes in order to keep their clients safe.

“Because RCAs work the closest with clients by assisting them with daily activities and hygiene, they most often notice a problem first,” says Patricia Hitchens, Director of Nursing at UCW Academy of Health, “They’re relied on to report it quickly so a nurse or physician can intervene and keep the client safe.”

The frequency of diabetes in settings where RCAs practice means they must be knowledgeable about the condition. According to Hitchens, this starts with their training. The UCW Academy of Health RCA program teaches students about the underlying causes of the disease and the symptoms they should watch for. They also learn about symptom reporting, blood glucose testing, basic assessments, treatments and interventions.

“It is very important to know the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, as well as the immediate steps to intervene, in order to keep insulin-dependent diabetics free from serious or even fatal outcomes,” adds Hitchens. “It is also important that RCAs understand their roles, and everyone else's on the health care team, to ensure clear lines of communication in order to maintain a safe care environment for their clients.”

Type 2 diabetes has also spiked markedly in both children and middle-aged adults, which is largely attributed to lifestyle factors such as improper diet and lack of exercise. Yet, according to Hitchens, the condition can improve with medication, lifestyle changes and education.

UCW Academy of Health is now accepting applications for its Resident Care Attendant program in Victoria and Richmond. More information is available on their website.

About UCW Academy of Health

UCW Academy of Health (http://www.academyofhealth.ca) provides accelerated market-driven career training programs to students seeking a skills-based education as an entry point into a competitive job market. UCW Academy of Health strives to be a center of excellence for health care related training where students master the tools, techniques and technologies used in their chosen career fields. Health services curriculum is developed based on recommendations and input from consultants, professionals and practitioners in the field to ensure that graduates develop the specific skill sets that the industry demands.

For more information:
Warren Mailey
Communications Manager
(604) 915-7288, ext 2130

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