The National Caregiver Training Program, sponsored by Boulder County Area Agency on Aging, a six-week course, held for three hours each week, is designed to help family caregivers learn the practical skills necessary for providing safe, and informed home care for older loved ones in need.
Whether you are caring for someone in your home, from across town, or from farther away, this course can guide you in giving support with confidence. Hundreds of family caregivers have taken the course, and their comments about it include, “Thank you for a very informative, as well as enjoyable, caregivers’ class. I’ve learned so many valuable things over the weeks that I know will be useful, and the notebook and book will be wonderful resources in the future.” The course is taught by a nurse with experience in hospital, home care, hospice, and facility settings. One of the best things about this program is that there is time for hands-on practice of skills in a relaxed atmosphere. Usually participants even find themselves having fun! The skills covered include managing medications, managing infections, preventing falls, taking vital signs, caring for someone who is primarily in bed, safe use of a wheelchair, and providing personal care. Each class participant also receives resource information, useful handouts, and the book Quick Tips for Caregivers, an easy-to use home reference guide. The next course, starting October 25th, is hosted by Balfour Senior Living in Louisville and held on Thursday afternoons. This class is open to Boulder County residents caring for a relative, partner, or friend who is age 60 or older, or of any age if the person has dementia. There is no charge for the course, though donations are welcome. Financial assistance for respite care is available. Registration is required, at 303-678-6116 or Info-Caregiver@bouldercounty.org
~ Juliette Jonjak Kershner is Caregiver Initiative Coordinator with Boulder County Area Agency on Aging, a Division of Community Services. For more information on BCAAA caregiver services, call 303- 678-6116 or email InfoCaregiver@ bouldercounty.org.