Family caregivers often must provide hands-on care for older loved ones— assisting with bathing, managing medications, lifting and transferring, and more—with little or no training. Not surprisingly, this lack of training can make them feel unsure of themselves, overwhelmed, and stressed—and it can affect the quality of care for their loved ones. Fortunately, Boulder County Area Agency on Aging offers a training course that helps family caregivers acquire the practical skills they need to provide safe, confident home care for their frail older loved ones.
The National Caregiver Training Program is an 18-hour course designed specifically for family caregivers of older adults. Taught by a registered nurse with many years of home care experience, the course provides detailed instruction, take-home materials, demonstration, and hands-on practice on topics including caring for someone on bedrest, providing personal care, using a wheelchair safely, managing medications, taking vital signs, controlling infection, preventing falls, using local resources, and more—with plenty of time for individual questions and group discussion. The course is taught in a relaxed, no-pressure setting that allows caregivers to learn essential skills while supporting and sharing with each other. To help reinforce the in-class instruction, each participant receives a copy of Quick Tip for Caregivers, an easy-to-use home reference guide.
The National Caregiver Training Program is offered on Thursdays, July 21 – August 25, 5 – 8 p.m., in Longmont. There is no charge for the course, though donations are welcome. To enable family caregivers to attend, financial assistance for respite care (substitute elder care during class periods) is available. The course is open to Boulder County residents caring for a relative, partner, or friend who is age 60 or over, or of any age if the person has dementia. Pre-registration is required, at 303-678-6116 or InfoCaregiver@bouldercounty.org .
Come learn caregiving skills that will have you feeling like a pro!
~ Emily Cooper, Information and Referral Specialist, Caregiver Programs, Boulder County Area Agency on Aging. For more information, call 303-678-6116 or email InfoCaregiver@bouldercounty.org/.