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Caregivers Study from Home
NEKHC Uses the Internet to Provide Training
NEWPORT - NEKHC caregivers are working around the clock to help senior citizens remain independent and safe in their homes. Over 45 caregivers work in three counties helping dozens of seniors with personal care and companionship. The challenge of providing training to a dispersed group of employees was met through an Internet service.
"Caring for seniors is a big job," says Rena Ellingwood, Director of Homecare for NEKHC. "Like every other job, there is a lot to learn, and our goal is to provide the best service we possibly can with trained, professional caregivers."
NEKHC employees are expected to complete a 40-hour caregiver training course during their first year. The course covers such diverse topics as Duties of a Caregiver, Ethics and Personal Rights, Infection Control, and End-of-Life Care. This course, which normally costs $219, is provided free to all NEKHC employees.
By the end of their second year, employees are expected to complete an additional 30-hour module on Alzheimers and Memory Care with topics such as Memory Loss and Aging, Coping with Difficult Behaviors, and Creating Moments of Joy.
NEKHC pays the complete cost for the classes which are provided by Aquire Systems of Oregon City, OR. The service has proven to be especially suitable for employees who live in a rural area and who work diverse shifts. Caregivers complete the classes in their own homes using the Internet. The individual lessons make use of interactive features and video to reinforce the learning. A management system keeps track of each employee and documents their work.
"The management system lets me log in at any time and see how each employee is doing," says Kristy Scott, Director of Staff Services. "Certificates of completion are printed out for each employee’s personnel file, and we give raises based on completing the required classes."
NEKHC Caregivers work in Orleans, Essex and Caledonia counties. Caregivers looking for employment can call the company or complete an on-line application at www.nekhc.com.
Northeast Kingdom Homecare was started in 2004 and has grown steadily. It provides services directly to clients in their homes. Services are paid privately or through long term care insurance. All NEKHC caregivers are covered by liability insurance, and go through a series of background checks including criminal, adult and child abuse registries.
For more information on homecare services provided by NEKHC, call 334-7604.