Training for In-Home Supportive Services Caregivers in an Underserved Area

Despite the complexity of care associated with older adults who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, many in-home paid caregivers receive little to no training in competent care for these older adults. The In-Home Supportive Services program in California provides care for elderly, blind, and disabled people with the goal of ensuring the care recipients may remain safely in their own homes. Yet, these caregivers are not required to receive training in any specific disease or condition prior to providing caregiving services. A Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program and the Riverside County Department of Social Services jointly developed and implemented three different interactive, community-based, knowledge and skills-based training courses for IHSS caregivers. Analysis of pre/post course evaluations across all three courses demonstrated statistically significant gains in knowledge and self-rated skills among the participants.