These caregiver training courses took place in 2012. But be sure to check out the site for Boulder County Area Agency on Aging for current information.
Boulder County Area Agency on Aging is offering summer training courses for family caregivers. Courses are starting soon and there’s still time for caregivers to enroll. Caregiver courses are open to any Boulder County resident caring for an older relative, partner or close friend who is 60 or older, or of any age if the person has dementia. They’re free (donations appreciated) and financial assistance is offered for respite care during class sessions, if needed.
These courses are designed to help family caregivers feel more confident about their caregiving skills and help ensure that they take care of themselves, too. Your help is appreciated in letting family caregivers know about these opportunities for training:
National Caregiver Training Program
Tuesdays, June 26 – August 7, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. in Longmont, CO
This course taught by a registered nurse, helps family caregivers acquire the skills needed to provide safe, confident home care for frail older loved ones. Topics include:
- Caring for someone on bedrest
- Providing personal care (bathing, etc.)
- Lifts and transfers
- Infection control
- Medication management
- Taking vital signs
- Safe wheelchair use
- Fall prevention
- Nutrition
- Reducing caregiver stress
- Using local resources
There’s plenty of time for questions and individual skills practice – all in a relaxed, no-pressure environment with fellow caregivers. Caregivers who’ve taken the course say, “I feel so much more confident about being a caregiver now” and “I highly recommend this course to every caregiver!”
Powerful Tools for Caregivers
Wednesdays, July 11 – August 15, 1:30 – 4:00 p.m. in Lafayette, CO
This course provides family caregivers with tools to increase their self-care and confidence. Topics include:
- Changing negative self-talk
- Clearly expressing needs to others
- Communicating more effectively in challenging situations
- Dealing with difficult feelings
- Making tough caregiving decisions
- Using local resources
There’s a lot of sharing among caregivers in the course, and the instructors help every person feel safe and comfortable in a confidential, non-judgmental environment.
Caregivers who took the premier course rated it “Excellent” in all categories and said, “I have loved this and been deeply nurtured” and “Now I know I can do this [caregiving] and still be ME!”
For more information or to register, caregivers should call 303-678-6116 or email InfoCaregiver@bouldercounty.org
