Feb.13, 2009

AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES

Safety in the landscape after recent storms

FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCE

Helping older adults living in residential facilities cope with transfer trauma

4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Host families needed for 4-H International programs

Safety in the landscape after recent storms

Source: Bill Fountain, extension horticulture specialist

Kentucky has been through it recently. From the shock and destruction of the recent ice and snow storms to the out-of-season, spring-like storms that brought damaging winds to already vulnerable landscape trees, residents are reeling trying to figure out where to start the cleanup process.

Storms like we just had result in the sales of anything that resembles a chainsaw. Many of these saws are purchased by individuals who either never owned or used a saw before or have only minimal experience with them. The chainsaw is the most dangerous piece of equipment homeowners are likely ever to use. It only takes a moment for a fatal or devastating accident to happen.

The rate of chainsaw accidents is not tracked for nonprofessionals, but the profession of arboriculture is the second most dangerous profession in the United States. Only commercial fishing is more dangerous. Every year, the percentage of injuries and deaths per worker exceed those for firemen and police, making tree care the most dangerous job in town.

Professionals that homeowners hire for cleanup work are required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to wear hardhats, ear and eye protection and, while working on the ground, are required to wear chaps for leg protection. Homeowners are not required by law to use protective equipment, but are foolish not to use the above protective items.

If you hire someone to do cleanup or pruning work, you should insist they show proof of insurance. If something goes contrary to plans and results in damage to your property, or the property of others, the property owner is responsible if the hired worker does not carry liability insurance. Likewise, it’s essential that homeowners insist that everyone working on the site be covered by workman’s compensation insurance. If a worker is injured on the job, the property owner who is acting as the employer thus becomes responsible for the cost of injury, rehabilitation and support until the injured worker is able to return to work. Hire competent, insured professionals to aid in your landscape cleanup. It may be wise to hire an individual who is an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist.

For more information on storm cleanup safety, contact the (COUNTY NAME) Cooperative Extension Service.

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

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Helping older adults living in residential facilities cope with transfer trauma

Source: Amy Hosier, UK extension specialist for family life education

Like many people, older adults living in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and retirement communities develop comfortable routines. Such routines may include eating, taking medications, visiting with friends and family or attending social functions within the facility. These routines along with the trust of the facility’s staff and nurses often helps residents adjust and minimizes the stress of the environment, declining mental or physical health, or diminishing sense of independence. When these routines are altered and residents are forced to move due to a facility closure or natural disaster, some older adults may have trouble adjusting to the new environment.

While minor changes in a routine can be emotionally and physically upsetting, a major move from one location to another—even if only temporary--can often be the final straw for a person’s well-being.

When older adults’ surroundings and schedules are altered through a move, the disorientation and despair that can follow may cause intense emotional and mental anguish and even serious illness or death. This stress or trauma due to a change in surroundings is called transfer trauma. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of transfer trauma to help friends and relatives better cope with transitions.

There are many signs and symptoms associated with transfer trauma. These signs can be seen immediately during the transfer or days, weeks or months after an evacuation or relocation. Confusion is the most common sign of transfer trauma. Research has shown that about 60 percent of nursing home residents experience some form of confusion within 28 days after being relocated. Other signs and symptoms of transfer trauma include depression, agitation, withdrawn behavior, increased falls, weight loss, crying, helplessness, hopelessness, anger, distrust, non-compliance, physical or verbal abuse. Residents with cognitive impairments may experience hallucinations and delusions.

Formal caregivers, family and friends can do several things to help an older adult who has been evacuated or relocated. Within the facility, staff should follow the facility’s evacuation or closure procedures. In case of evacuation due to natural disasters, formal evacuation should ensure the facility has adequate staff and volunteers; residents are given identification that includes information about their medication and medical history; families can find residents; personal belongings are protected; beds are available; transportation needs are met; and mental health and grief counselors are available.

Family members should know the facility’s evacuation plan and emergency contacts, including a facility’s ombudsmen. This person will answer questions and advocate for residents during emergencies. If there is time, families should talk to the resident about what is happening and what to expect. If a resident is evacuated, it is important to visit the resident and provide reassurance that their temporary environment is safe. Families may have to rely on and accept help from community resources and programs during a time of crisis.

Recovering from a disaster can be as difficult as living through it. Once the crisis is over, all residents should be assessed because the relocation may interrupt medications and cause problems such as fear, anxiety and physical illness. Residents may have lingering memories of the disaster and be afraid of the dark, have trouble sleeping, or feel disbelief, anxiety, depression, or withdrawal. These feelings are normal and residents should talk to their families or staff about their feelings and symptoms because in many cases the symptoms may be temporary and require no medical attention.

For more information on caring for seniors in residential housing in the aftermath of the ice storm, contact the (COUNTY NAME) Cooperative Extension Service.

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

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Host families needed for 4-H International programs

Source: Mark Mains, 4-H youth development specialist

This summer, 20 young people from Japan along with two adult chaperones will come to Kentucky to learn about American families and culture. A great way for you and your child to take part in this international experience is by becoming a host family for one of these students. Applications are now being accepted.

Not only do 4-H host families get to enjoy helping the Japanese 4-H learn about American families and culture, but they also learn about Japanese culture, customs and history. Many times, international bonds that last a lifetime are created.

The Japanese young people are from two different 4-H programs, Language Laboratory and UTREK.

Youths in the Language Laboratory, or LABO, program are between the ages of 12 and 15. These young people want to experience the life an average American family. They will spend July 22 through Aug. 18 with their host families. Host families must be able to pick up their new sibling on July 22 in Louisville and return them Aug 18 to the same location.

Japanese young people in the UTREK program are between 14- and 16-years-old. They are interested in learning about the natural environments of both the United States and Japan. They will arrive the same day as LABO participants but spend their first few days in the state at a local 4-H camp. There they will experience camp life and take day trips around the state. This year, UTREK host siblings are asked to stay with their Japanese sibling from July 24 to 26 at the 4-H camp. Both will return to the rest of their host families July 26. UTREK participants will stay with their host families until Aug. 18. Like LABO participants, host families must bring UTREK youths to Louisville at this time for their return trip.

There is no cost or language requirement to become a host family, but host families should have a child that is of similar age and gender as the international 4-H’er. Host parents should provide for the Japanese 4-H’er the same way they do their own children. International 4-H’ers should have their own area and bed, but can share a room with their host sibling.

Host families are encouraged not to plan extravagant trips or deviate from their daily routines. The Japanese youths bring their own spending money for any extras they may want to purchase.

Since the program focuses on American culture, the Japanese youths will not be placed in homes of families with the same cultural background. While in the United States, the international 4-H’ers and their host families can participate in 4-H programs at any level in which they are comfortable. However, the family does not need to be 4-H members, and 4-H participation is not required.

If you do not have a child but would like to participate in the program, you can become a host for one of the two group chaperones. The chaperones have good English-speaking skills and will stay with a host family for either a 2- or 4-week period. The chaperones’ main objective is to help with communication and facilitate problems any of the Japanese youths may have.

If you are interested in becoming a host family or receiving more information on international opportunities through 4-H, contact Mark Mains, 4-H International Program coordinator, at 859-257-5961, ext. 231 or . Requesting information does not obligate families to host students this year. Biographies of the Japanese youths can be obtained after an application for hosting is submitted and approved. More information on 4-H International programs can be found at the (COUNTY NAME) Cooperative Extension Service.

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

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