December 18, 2013

New Certification Law Affects Home Caregivers

NEW CERTIFICATION LAW AFFECTS HOME CAREGIVERS

Beginning in April 2014, all caregivers in Arkansas who are paid to provide care for someone in their home will be required to hold a certification with at least 40 hours of training or at least one year’s experience in a long term care facility.  This change will affect many who already have a great deal of experience in this field, but no formal training.

At Schmieding, we recognize the great need for educating home caregivers.  In light of the new law, we will be offering a new class, In Home Assistant (IHA) which provides the 40 hr certification needed to fulfill the new requirements.  Also called a Personal Care Assistant (PCA) this class will offer instruction and  information necessary for providing support and assistance to older adults requiring minimal to moderate assistance. During a 2 week course, you will learn how to assist with basic activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, walking and meal preparation; how to provide companionship, engagement in conversation and activities and how to maintain a clean and safe environment.