MAC offers free Care Provider Training Program

Two successful sessions of MAC’s new Care Provider Training Program are now in the books. 

   This new free training program is for those interested in becoming a professional caregiver, and those who would just like to update their caregiver skills.

     Marilyn Bryant, 65, was among the students who completed the inaugural session.

“I wanted to further my education, and improve my knowledge of being a care provider,” said Bryant, who cares for her mother and is also a part-time caregiver in Berlin. “It has helped me to be more understanding and compassionate, especially with those with Alzheimer’s and dementia. I learned to put myself in their shoes, to become more patient and understanding of what they go through.”

Participants in the new program learn how to care for individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia. The training is designed for caregivers who are interested in private care, registering with a home health agency, or working at an assisted living facility.

   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 in response to the rise in staffing shortages among in-home and congregate facilities,” Hill said.

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

    Anyone age 18 and older who lives in Wicomico, Worcester or Somerset counties can register for the training; there is an emphasis on attendees aged 50 and older.

   Program participants:

• Earn certifications in CPR and First Aid
• Learn fall prevention strategies
• Complete Dementia Live training, which gives a real insight into what someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s is experiencing, and to learn how to engage with the individual most effectively.
• Understand how to deal with difficult client behaviors associated with dementia, and aging in general
• Learn critical skills for communicating with the patient and family

   Participants also 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 to determine if it is truly for them
• 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, with information on writing resumes, brushing up on interview skills and conducting an online job search.

The program is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), through the Tri County/Lower Shore Workforce Alliance.

MAC will offer sessions throughout the year. The next session is scheduled to begin May 8.

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