Training for Caregivers in North Carolina
Training is so important. With training, caregiving responsibilities can be so much more effective and easier to manage. As a caregiver, tasks may not seem as formidable with the understanding and experience of how to correctly and safely perform them.
Training comes in many forms. Hands-on training is always preferred. Why? Because there is a trained professional available to answer your questions and to watch you practice techniques. Tips and assistance can be given immediately to reinforce the learning. And, you are often able to meet other caregivers who are in your situation.
However, sometimes, hands-on training isn't practical. There are other forms. There are online videos, forums, and educational materials. There are manuals, books, CDs and DVDs available for purchase. And, there are caregiver handbooks and guides in various formats.
Regardless of which type of training you choose, any of them are preferred to no training at all. So, find what works for you.
In North Carolina, we are fortunate to have a variety of hand-on trainings available. National "training for trainers" has given local agencies the skills and tools needed to offer small classroom sessions to family caregivers on a variety of caregiving topics. Two of the most widespread are:
Also, in North Carolina, the Red Cross sometimes offers hands-on caregiver training. Contact them directly to find out what they may be offering. |
To find out what is available in your area, contact your Caregiver Specialist.
Find My Local Red Cross Chapter
Find My Caregiver Specialist
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There are also several caregiver handbooks/manuals developed with North Carolina caregivers in mind. |
| Alzheimer's Association's "Accepting the Challenge" |
| Caregiver Handbook for North Carolina |
| Duke Family Support Program's Caregiver Newsletter |
| Duke Family Support Program's Tool Kit for Alzheimer's |
| Family Caregiving in North Carolina - A Guide for Family Caregivers |
| North Carolina Bar Association's Senior Citizen's Handbook |
Alzheimer's Association's "Accepting the Challenge"
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The Eastern North Carolina Alzheimer's Association has put together a training DVD called "Accepting the Challenge". It provides interactive classroom lectures and demonstrations, as well as on-site interactions with Alzheimer's patients. |
Caregiver Handbook for North Carolina
The Gerontology Program at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, in cooperation with staff from the North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services developed a handbook (1997-98) to help guide caregivers as they make decisions for their family members. (Note: Materials of this type are useful no matter when they are written.)
It is intended as a resource for family members who are involved in caring for older adults in North Carolina. Its purpose is to help the family caregiving experience to be as successful as possible by providing basic information on caregiving, normal aging changes, and community services which might be partners in caring for a family member. The "language" of caregiving (terms that are used by professionals) will be introduced as well as the kinds of services that are available in many communities in the state to help caregiving families.
Unless a person is the only family member available to give care, family dynamics may be an important concern, and family members may not agree about how much assistance is needed or who should provide it. The Handbook contains suggestions and perspectives about working together with all of the other parties involved.
Duke Family Support Program's Caregiver Newsletter
The Duke Family Support Program offers information and/or consultation to caregivers in North Carolina, as a free service. Call 1-800-672-4213 to talk to a representative. The program has a focus on the caregivers of people suffering from Alzheimer's Disease and/or dementia.
The program offers a free caregivers newsletter to residents of North Carolina. Read it online or call 1-800-672-4213 for a print version.
Duke Family Support Program's Tool Kit for Alzheimer's
Based on twenty years of experience, the Duke Family Support Program developed a resource designed for caregiver specialists and Information & Assistance professionals to help them help family caregivers of people with memory disorders. There is a section designed to allow the professionals to share helpful information with family caregivers. The link below takes you to that section.
Family Caregiving in North Carolina - A Guide for Family Caregivers
North Carolina’s network of caregiving service organizations designed this guide to help caregivers access needed resources. The guide was published in 2008. This guide provides a general overview of areas of interest to caregivers of older family members.
North Carolina Bar Association's Senior Citizen's Handbook
Published by the Law and Aging Committee of the Young Lawyers Division of the North Carolina Bar Association, this handbook is intended to be a brief overview of some of the laws affecting North Carolina’s senior citizens. This online resource provides basic information about the rights and opportunities of older adults and warns of dangers they may confront. There are sections on: Money Matters, Health Care, Rights and Protections, Planning for the Future, and Legal services including referrals for both regular legal assistance and pro-bono legal assistance.
