While the number of people in nursing homes has been decreasing, the number of older individuals has increased. More and more care is being provided at home.
Last year, the state of Arkansas passed a law requiring training for home caregivers.
Act 1410 was passed with the intention that it would assure disabled citizens and the constantly expanding population of senior citizens in Arkansas be cared for by trained and competent individuals.
The law intends to ensure that a direct-care worker is properly trained, which should contribute to a reduction in per capita health care costs for Arkansans.
There are more than 40 million people over 65, and this number increases by 10,000 every day. Many of these individuals will have health challenges that will require medical intervention. Some may need nursing home care, while others will be able to be cared for at home.
The law states that a person providing home care services for compensation have documentation that they have completed 40 hours of home care training and have demonstrated specific skills.
There are exemptions in place for those already certified, licensed or a family member.
The Schmieding Centers for Senior Education in Springdale and Bella Vista provide a course titled "In-Home Assistant."
It is offered in the daytime, evenings and online. This is a 40-hour course and meets all of the requirements of the law.
In addition, two advanced courses are also available.
One is titled "Family Care Advocate" and the other is "Alzheimer's/Dementia Care." When a person has successfully completed all three courses, they are certified as a home care specialist. The number of hours required is approximately the same as the hours required to become a certified nursing assistant.
Usually, a home care specialist is compensated at the same level as a CNA. A CNA is trained to care for individuals in an institutional setting.
A home care specialist is trained to care for individuals in their home.
According to sources at the Schmieding Center, anyone who needs home care services should ask for documentation of this training.
All of these classes are offered by the Schmieding Center in the daytime and are being planned for evenings and weekends.
All also will be offered online by early 2015. Interest-free tuition loans are available for qualified students.
If you have questions about home care training, call 479-751-3043 or 479-876-2335.
General News on 09/17/2014