The Schmieding Home Caregiver Training Program is unique. So unique in fact, it is referred to by many as the “Schmieding Method” of training home caregivers.

The Schmieding Method developed out of a desire to produce confident, capable home caregivers who are safe and compassionate performing care for older adults in the home. The method combines high-quality instructional materials with a positive, supportive, learning environment. Finally, it’s not just what we teach, or where we teach, it’s also about how we teach.

Our training program emphasizes a holistic approach to caring for older adults using the 3 H’s (Heart, Head and Hands) approach to caregiver education. We believe well-trained home caregivers must possess a combination of skills, have knowledge of safe practice standards and be sensitive to the individualized needs of older adults and their families.

Instructors for the program are licensed nurses, employed by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, selected for their knowledge and experience in home care.  Instructors use a variety of interactive teaching methods to enhance the learning experience and are committed to training high-quality home caregivers.  All of these things, combined with low student-teacher ratios, result in what we believe to be unsurpassed quality training.

The Schmieding Home Caregiver Training program originated in Northwest Arkansas at the Schmieding Center for Senior Health and Education. The Schmieding Center is one of eight Centers on Aging,a program of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging.

The program provides initial and continuing education for individuals seeking a career in home caregiving and training for family members and/or significant others caring for an older adult in the home.

TheSchmieding Home Caregiver Training program is a partner of the Arkansas Geriatric Education Collaborative (AGEC).  Schmieding Home Caregiver Training program works with the AGEC to improve the quality of care for older adults by providing educational opportunities for health care professionals, faculty, students of health professions, first responders, direct care workers, and family caregivers in Arkansas. Visit the AGEC website to learn more.

Vision

Arkansas residents will have access to certified, competent and compassionate paraprofessional caregivers and informed family caregivers to care for older adults in the home.

Mission

The Schmieding Home Caregiver Training project educates individuals to care for older adults in the home using the Schmieding curriculum and method.

Values

We believe that older adults have the right to remain in their homes and deserve access to competent and compassionate caregivers. The “S” in Schmieding signifies the values of the program:

Skills-possession of knowledge and skills to make informed care decisions for adults in the home

Standards-criteria necessary to measure and ensure caregiving competency

Sensitivity-characteristics of compassion, empathy, caring, integrity, respect, advocacy, and responsibility instilled in students throughout the training program