WANT TO BECOME A PROFESSIONAL CAREGIVER? OR UPDATE YOUR SKILLS?

MAC's Free Care Provider Training Program can help!

Salisbury, Maryland - Are you interested in becoming a professional caregiver? Or would you like to update your caregiving skills?  MAC's Care Provider Training Program can help!

Participants learn how to care for individuals with Alzheimer's and dementia. The training is designed for caregivers interested in private care, registering with a home health agency, or working at an assisted living facility. The next class begins Aug. 5.

To be registered with a home health agency, care providers are required to have four hours of Alzheimer's or dementia training before they can go into a client's home, said Susan Hill, the program supervisor.

"MAC developed this free training program to help address the shortage of trained entry-level caregivers," Hill said.

The training would also benefit family caregivers who want to sharpen their skills and gain a deeper understanding of how to care for someone with dementia, helping to make it a more satisfying experience.

The training is open to anyone 18 and older who lives in Wicomico, Worcester, or Somerset counties; there is an emphasis on attendees 50 and older.

Program participants:

• Earn certifications in CPR and First Aid
• Learn fall prevention strategies
• Complete Alzheimer's and dementia education
• Learn how to deal with difficult client behaviors associated with dementia and aging in general
• Learn critical skills for communicating with the patient and family

Topics added to the training include palliative and end-of-life care, and a nutrition component with a demonstration.

Participants get on-the-job training, working with clients in MAC's Life Bridges Dementia Day Program and Connections senior center activity program.

In addition, the program's job developer will:

• Help participants get a real feeling for the caregiving occupation
• Help participants find opportunities and funding for additional education if desired
• Market the individuals to prospective employers

The program partners with the American Job Center and offers information on writing resumes, brushing up on interview skills, and conducting an online job search.

The program's funding comes from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) through the Tri-County/Lower Shore Workforce Alliance.

For more information or to register for the upcoming session, call Susan Hill at 410-742-0505, Ext. 147, or email her at shill@macinc.org.

MAC is a member agency of the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore.