If you are new to caregiving or are entering a phase in which the personal care needs of your loved one are increasing, the National Caregiver Training Program, sponsored by Boulder County Area Agency on Aging, may be just what you need. This six-week course is held for three hours each week. Topics covered include safe use of a wheelchair, providing personal care, use of good body mechanics when transferring and repositioning another, managing medications, checking vital signs, and preventing falls.
Juliette Kershner
Some take this course when they are already in the thick of responding to intensifying care needs, so that they can ensure they are using the best methods moving forward. Others opt to register early in their caregiving journey, so that they will be aware of what’s coming. Still others who provide less direct care, whether due to their care recipient residing in a facility or because they are caregiving remotely, take the course so that they can be knowledgeable care partners when the need arises. Whatever their situation, participants learn from both the experienced Registered Nurse who teaches the course, and from each other. And one of the best aspects of the program is the time allotted for hands-on practice of skills in a relaxed atmosphere.
The next session runs Tuesdays, September 10 – October 15, 1:30 -4:30 p.m., in Longmont. 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. Pre-registration is required, at 303-678-6116 or InfoCaregiver@bouldercounty.org. Or reach out anytime for more information on our classes, caregiver newsletter, or other programs that may be of support to you.
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.
~ 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.