Resident Care Attendant's role must include Diabetes Awareness and Training
	By: Danny Debrasco
	Posted on : November 17, 2009   Views : 1425
Victoria, BC (PRLEAK) November 15, 2009 – A significant increase in Type 2 diabetes over the last 10 years in North America presents an alarming trend that is likely to continue. An increasing number of the elderly are being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. However, the UCW Academy of Health has introduced Resident Care Attendant (RCA) training programs to help practitioners recognize early warnings and symptoms so that they can provide the best care to their clients. According to Patricia Hitchens, Director of Nursing at UCW Academy of Health, Resident Care Attendants are the ones that deal with clients the most since they deal with their daily routines and hygiene. Therefore, it is possible for them to notice any signs of Type 2 diabetes first. They can be relied upon to report these symptoms to a nurse or physician, thereby helping clients receive timely treatment. Resident Care Attendants need to be well versed with Type 2 diabetes because of the kind of clients that they deal with. Ms. Hitchens explains that this is the starting point of their training. The RCA training program focuses on teaching students the underlying causes of the disease and methods by which they can identify the condition. Students are taught how to test blood glucose levels. The program includes symptom reporting, basic assessments, treatments, and interventions. Ms. Hitchens also stressed on the importance of RCAs knowing the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, and the steps needed for timely intervention, which will help keep diabetics free of any risks that may prove fatal. Hitchens added that RCAs need to understand their roles in the whole process as well as others on the health care team. This will enable everyone involved to communicate better in order to create a safe healthcare environment for his or her clients. Children and middle-aged adults are also vulnerable to Type 2 diabetes because of their unhealthy diet and lack of exercise. However, Ms. Hitchens reiterates the fact that with proper medication and a change in lifestyle, this condition can be avoided. Applications for the Resident Care Attendant program in Victoria and Richmond are now being accepted by the UCW Academy of Health. For further details log on to http://www.academyofhealth.ca About UCW Academy of Health The academy conducts career oriented training programs for students that are looking for an entry point to the competitive job market through skill-based education. UCW Academy of Health's programs enable students to master the tools, techniques, and technologies in their chosen fields. The academy's main objective is to maintain excellence in healthcare related training. The curriculum is prepared based on recommendations from consultants and experts in the field of healthcare.