By Emily Cooper
The National Caregiver Training Program, sponsored by Boulder County Area Agency on Aging, is an 18-hour course designed to help family caregivers learn the practical skills needed for providing safe, confident home care for frail older loved ones. Hundreds of family caregivers have taken the course, and their comments about it include, “The instructor was wonderful. What a great service to the community to offer this course,” and, “I’m so glad to have taken this class. I’ve already recommended it to others I know who are caregivers.”
The National Caregiver Training Program is taught by a registered nurse with many years of home care experience. The course provides detailed instruction, demonstration, and hands-on practice of skills including caring for someone on bedrest, providing personal care, using a wheelchair safely, managing medications, taking vital signs, preventing falls, and more—all in a casual, relaxed setting. Each participant receives resource information, helpful handouts, and the book Quick Tips for Caregivers, a handy home reference guide.
The course will be held on Thursdays, October 12 – November 16, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m., in Longmont. It is open to Boulder County residents caring for a relative, partner, or friend who is age 60 or older, or of any if the person has dementia. There is no charge for the course, though donations are welcome. Financial assistance for respite care (substitute elder care during class sessions) is available. Pre-registration is required, at 303-678-6116 or InfoCaregiver@bouldercounty.org .
Learning essential skills can enhance the care you provide to your loved one, and it can help you feel more comfortable as a caregiver. We invite you to join us for this informative and fun course.
~ Emily Cooper, Information and Referral Specialist for Caregiver Programs 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 .