Thanks in part to a grant from the Williamsburg Community Foundation the Senior Services Coalition (SSC) of Williamsburg hosted two “Hands-on Caregiver” classes this fall for those caring for a loved one. SSC Executive Director,Diane Hartley, says that more than 90% of older adults are cared for in their home by family members and friends, but that few of these caregivers have received training in the proper procedures to transfer, bath and feed their loved ones.
SSC collaborated with Thomas Nelson Community College (Historic Triangle Campus) to develop the Family Caregiver Training Program which is the first of its kind in Williamsburg. The two-day training session was offered on October 6 and 13, 2012. It will be offered again next spring. Thomas Nelson is providing all training space, including the use of its state-of-the-art training facility, which includes hospital beds, wheelchairs, mannequins and lifts. Respite care is provided so the family caregivers will know that their loved ones are cared for when they attend the training sessions.
If you would like more information on the Senior Services Coalition of Williamsburg, you may visit their website at SeniorServicesCoalition.org or email them at [email protected] .