Caregiver training is a useful way for family caregivers to build skills and confidence. Many care providers never consider training or certification if they’re not required. But there are many good reasons to complete a course. 

In this post, we’ll correct some common myths about caregiver training and caregiver certification. We’ll then list some of the most important benefits of a training course and tips for finding a caregiver training program. 

Myth 1: Caregiver Certification Is Only For Professionals

Even as a family caregiver, you can benefit from training and certification. These programs are not only for professional home health care workers. You can learn a lot from a certification course if you provide dementia care or general care for a loved one. 

According to the American Caregiver Association, many different types of caregivers complete their course: 

• New and experienced caregivers
• Professional caregivers
• Family caregivers
• Caregivers who need certification to meet insurance requirements
• Caregivers who need continuing education credits
• People who want to improve their caregiving skills

All types of caregivers can learn from a training course. Whether you have experience or not, you can always learn more about dementia and other conditions. You can also learn important skills to help you provide better care. Check if you have free access to Trualta’s training programs and certification offerings. 

Myth 2: Caregiver Certification Is Never Required For Family Caregivers

Family caregivers usually don’t have to be certified to provide home health care. Some situations require training or certification. For example, the patient’s insurance program might have training requirements. 

Medicaid programs and requirements vary by state. Check your state’s program if you’re a family caregiver paid through Medicaid. You might need caregiver training or certification to get compensated. 

Myth 3: Caregiver Certification Courses Take Too Long 

It’s hard to find time in your day with caregiving responsibilities. You might be afraid to start a home care training course because you’re too busy. Caregiver training is designed with this in mind.  

Depending on the course, you can complete a caregiver training program in a few days or weeks. Most are self-paced. You can work on the course at convenient times for your schedule. 

For example, the national caregiver certification course offered by the American Caregiver Association (ACA) is completed virtually. You only need two days to two weeks to complete it. 

Myth 4: Caregiver Certification Courses Are Too General

You can find general courses for caregiving skills. These are useful if you’re new to caregiving. They provide basic skills training for activities of daily living and personal care. 

You can also find caregiver training for specific conditions. For example, dementia care certification teaches skills more specific to dementia, including: 

• The basics of dementia, including types, stages, and symptoms
• How to manage difficult behaviors
• How to communicate with patients with memory loss
• How to keep dementia patients safe
• How to manage medications
• How to communicate with medical professionals about changing symptoms

Myth 5: I Can Learn More From Experience Than A Training Program

Hands-on experience is invaluable. Spending time caring for a family member will teach you a lot. But, you can learn more effective, professional skills from a training course. 

Accredited caregiver training programs are written and led by professionals in the industry. They have years of experience. You can learn by doing, but you’ll also make mistakes that could harm your loved one. It’s better to learn from more experienced professionals. 

Myth 6: Caregiver Training Is Expensive

Many caregiver courses are reasonably priced. A general course may cost $100 or less. Groups offering courses often bundle them together for discounts. For example, you can take a basic skills course and a dementia course for less than the cost of taking each course separately. 

You can also find free resources online. Many of the resources available through groups like the Family Caregiver Alliance are free. They may not meet the requirements for certification, but they’re still useful. 

Myth 7: Taking A Course Is Too Difficult

The idea of going back to school might make you nervous, but caregiving courses aren’t too difficult. Most importantly, you can learn at your own pace. There is no rush. Take your time to learn the lessons to make sure you understand them. 

Certification programs usually require passing an exam, but don’t let that scare you. Most allow you to take the exam more than once. You may even be able to use all your notes and resources. 

What Are The Benefits Of Caregiver Certification? 

There are many good reasons to consider completing a national caregiver certification course: 

• Become a better caregiver. Caregiving isn’t always intuitive or natural. Caregiving requires important skills that you can learn. A training course teaches you these skills. They help you be a better caregiver for your loved one. 
• Gain confidence. Being a caregiver can be overwhelming. You might feel unprepared or unable to handle some of the challenges. A training course will help you feel more confident in your role. 
• Improve your mental health. Mental health symptoms are common in caregivers. The role can be challenging. It causes a lot of stress. Learning more about dementia and gaining skills will help you feel more capable and less stressed. 
• Improve family relationships. Family care can strain relationships. Training will teach you better communication and relationship skills. Being more confident and skilled will also help you relate better to your loved one with dementia. 
• Improve patients’ health. Your loved one’s health depends on the level of care given. When you’re empowered to provide better care, they benefit. 
• Delay assisted living. Family members often provide care so their loved ones can live at home longer. Training can help you provide the best care. With good care, you can delay the transition to assisted living. 

How To Find Caregiver Training

There are many options for caregiver training. National programs, like those offered by the ACA, are the most widely recognized. Other organizations with high-quality caregiver training programs include the Alzheimer’s Association and the Family Caregiver Alliance. Check if you have free access to Trualta’s training programs and certification offerings. 

Not all courses lead to certification. They can still be useful for learning caregiving skills. If certification is required for your position, choose your program carefully. You may need to complete a specific course. Make sure you know the requirements before beginning any course. 

Myths about caregiver training shouldn’t stop you from completing a course. The benefits are too great to miss out on a learning opportunity. Choose a course that meets your need to become a better caregiver. 

References

1. https://americancaregiverassociation.org/product/national-caregiver-certification-course
2. https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/getting-paid-as-caregiver
3. https://americancaregiverassociation.org

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