Caregiver Program

 

Caregiver Training Program: Meal Preparation

There are more than 12,000 registered caregivers in Sacramento County. This workforce provides domestic and personal care services to eligible low-income elderly, the blind and adults with chronic disabling conditions, so that they can remain safely in their own home. The In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Public Authority is the employer of record for all of these IHSS caregivers in the county. A survey of in-home caregivers has identified training they need to enhance their skills and knowledge.

 

 
To meet the immediate need for education of caregivers, the IHSS contracted with UCCE in Sacramento County to design, deliver and evaluate a new Caregiver Training Program.

The program is designed to improve the skills and knowledge of the caregiver workforce in three important aspects of living--nutrition, basic activity of daily life and resource management. The participants receive a UCCE Sacramento County certificate upon completion of six hours of instruction in Nutrition, six hours in Activity of Daily Living, and four hours in Resource Management.
 

 
The contractual partnership between UCCE Sacramento County and IHSS Public Authority is a win-win for both agencies and caregivers. To date, over 380 participants have attended the UCCE Caregiver Training Program, enhancing their ability to provide in-home services for Sacramento's elderly and disabled. They have received training in food preparation and safety, care of the aging population and management of chronic conditions such as diabetes and stress. The county's aging population benefits from increased opportunity to remain in their homes with daily assistance from in-home caregivers.
 

 
"This was a very good class - covered material needed to help with clients."

"I really enjoy the training sessions They have improved my skill and thinking."

"I like coming to the class so I can learn to help."
 

Supporting Unit: Sacramento County
 
Gloria Barrett, County Director & Com.Dev./Public Policy Advisor, UCCE Sacramento County, 4145 Branch Center Road, Sacramento
(916) 875-6913 gjbarrett@ucdavis.edu