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

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Caregiver Education

Background:

• Older adults with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias require specialized care.
• In-home paid caregivers, such as those in California's In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program, frequently lack adequate training for dementia care.
• Current IHSS caregiver training requirements do not mandate specific disease or condition-related education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement effective, community-based training programs for IHSS caregivers.
• To assess the impact of interactive, knowledge- and skills-based training on caregiver competence in managing dementia care.
• To address the gap in specialized training for in-home caregivers serving individuals with cognitive impairments.

Main Methods:

• A Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program and the Riverside County Department of Social Services collaborated to create three distinct training courses.
• Training courses were interactive, community-based, and focused on essential knowledge and skills for dementia care.
• Pre- and post-course evaluations were administered to measure changes in participant knowledge and self-rated skills.

Main Results:

• Analysis of evaluation data revealed statistically significant improvements in participants' knowledge after completing the training.
• Caregivers reported significant gains in their self-rated skills related to providing competent care for older adults with dementia.
• All three implemented training courses demonstrated positive and measurable outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Interactive, community-based training can effectively enhance the knowledge and skills of in-home caregivers for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
• The developed training model shows promise for improving the quality of in-home care for vulnerable older populations.
• Addressing caregiver training needs is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of care recipients remaining in their homes.