Boulder County, Colo. – The National Caregiver Training Program, sponsored by Boulder County Aging Services, will be offered twice in early 2011. The 21-hour course, taught by a registered nurse, helps family caregivers acquire the skills needed to provide safe, confident home care for older loved ones.

Upcoming courses:
• Wednesdays, Jan. 12-Feb. 23, 1:30-4:30 p.m., Calvary Bible Church, 3245 Kalmia Ave., Boulder
• Thursdays, March 10-April 21, 1:30-4:30 p.m., Lafayette Public Library, 775 W. Baseline Road

Classes include detailed instruction, take-home materials, demonstrations, and hands-on practice, and cover the following topics:
• Caring for someone on bedrest
• Personal care
• Safe wheelchair use
• Medication management
• Taking vital signs
• Infection control
• Nutrition
• Fall prevention
• Reducing personal stress
• Local resources

The courses are open to Boulder County residents providing unpaid care for a relative, partner, or friend who is 60 or older (50 and older if the person has dementia). Registration is free; donations are welcome. Financial assistance for respite care (substitute elder care) during class periods is available.

Pre-registration is required. Please contact Emily Cooper at 303-678-6116 or ecooper@bouldercounty.org for more information.
SOURCE: BOULDER COUNTY PRESS RELEASE