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Caregiver Training Improves Skills & Knowledge of Alzheimer’s, Study Shows

According to a research article by Jarmin Yeh, PhD, MPH, MSSW, et al. published online in a June 2025 edition of the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia, the rising prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) in California’s aging population necessitates a specially trained care workforce.

The study article was co-authored by Dr. Yeh and colleagues at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and collaborators at the Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA). The study found that home care workers’ dementia knowledge and skills improved significantly after receiving condition-specific ADRD caregiver training.

For this study, Dr. Yeh and the researchers evaluated a multi-week online training program created by CCA to help caregivers provide specialized support to care recipients with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. The training was offered for free to IHSS providers through the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program in California. The researchers assessed caregivers’ dementia knowledge, self-efficacy, distress, and depression before and after training. They also assessed care recipients’ use of healthcare services and care resources before and after the training.

Study Results Show That Training Improves Alzheimer’s Care

The study results showed that ADRD training significantly improved caregivers’ dementia knowledge, caregiving skills, and confidence. Care workers learned how to better support consumers (care recipients) who experience memory loss, wandering, sundowning, and related symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

These findings are encouraging, but the study also showed that the ADRD skills training did not reduce caregivers’ distress and depression. Training also did not appear to decrease care recipients’ hospitalizations or visits to the emergency room.

The findings of this California-based study highlight the value of specialized dementia training for enhancing caregiver knowledge and skills. It opens up the possibility for similar training programs to be implemented across the United States. Future training curricula might include methods for bolstering caregiver self-care and well-being.

This is curated content using information from the original article. For details, please read the published article online in Alzheimer’s & Dementia.


Source Citation: Yeh J, Beld M, Pond B, et al. Competency-based training boosts dementia knowledge and skills in home care workers. Alzheimer’s Dement. June 2025; Vol. 21, Issue 6:e70323. https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.70323

Image Credits: Alzheimer’s & Dementia, Wiley, Jarmin Yeh, et al; rawpixel/freepik

IHSS Providers Are a Caregiving Lifeline for Californians

In this compelling video from the Personal Assistance Services Council (PASC), you will hear personal stories from people with age-related needs or disabilities who receive much-needed services from in-home caregivers. Their caregiving services are provided through the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program in California, which enables them to live quality lives with more autonomy and independence than they could have imagined.

In Their Own Words: “My Caregiver is a lifesaver.”

Hear firsthand accounts from consumers on how in-home caregivers from the IHSS program have changed their lives for the better. Discover how IHSS is a lifeline that upholds dignity, autonomy, and quality of life for thousands of Californians.

What is IHSS?

The IHSS program provides in-home assistance to eligible aged, blind, and disabled individuals. In-home caregiving services can be an alternative to nursing home care. IHSS enables recipients to remain safely in their own homes by receiving care from an eligible care provider through the PASC Homecare Registry.

IHSS caregivers can provide services to individuals in their home — the environment where they are most comfortable. An IHSS provider may work with a care recipient (consumer) for many years. IHSS caregivers learn to be very sensitive to the needs of their consumers over time and often become like another family member, but they cannot know everything about providing care services without proper training. That is where the Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA) comes in.

CCA Provides Caregiver Training as a Partner to IHSS and PASC

The Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA) is proud to partner with the IHSS and PASC to provide caregiver training. CCA caregiver training courses are offered free to eligible IHSS and PASC members. The CCA courses provide caregivers with the essential skills they need to improve the quality of care they provide to people with age-related issues, chronic conditions, or disabilities. Skilled caregivers help consumers better manage their health and their daily lives.

What Caregivers Learn in Free Classes at CCA

CCA caregivers learn practical skills, such as communication styles grounded in clear messaging and respect. Caregiving skills taught in CCA classes may also include how to use proper body mechanics when moving a consumer, optimal hygiene and sanitary protocols for germ control, safety measures to follow during emergencies, special approaches to use for consumers who have memory loss or specific conditions like diabetes, and more.

Whether you’re a caregiver, a policymaker, or someone who benefits from IHSS, this video underscores the urgent need to protect and expand access to these vital services for thousands of Californians.

This story was curated from the video produced by the Personal Assistance Services Council (PASC) of the greater Los Angeles area.

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVGN_VNcG-8

https://www.youtube.com/embed/IVGN_VNcG-8?si=yC0nRRRv9G5qd46c

Photo and video credits: PASC LA

Georgina’s Joy: From a Calling to a Caregiver Career

When Georgina Hodgson-Castillo talks about caregiving, her voice carries a quiet strength, the kind that comes from years of lived experience. Her formal entry into caregiving occurred when she became a mother, but she says she was always a caregiver, right from the start.

Caregiver Training Brought Skill to a Job That Requires Heart

“I’d always wanted to be a nurse,” she shares. “I felt that I had the caregiver instinct in me.” That instinct first revealed itself when she was younger, helping a neighbor-mother care for her child. As an adult, Georgina provided part-time caregiving to older adults, while also providing care for her own son, Henry, who has intellectual challenges. Her days are filled with compassion, patience, and a sense of purpose. “When you do something with your heart, it pays back,” she says.

Gaining Skills & Confidence — Caregiver Training Through CCA

Although Georgina had years of personal caregiving experience, she knew there was more to learn. That’s why she decided to take the in-home supportive services (IHSS) Essentials caregiver training course offered by the Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA) in partnership with the L.A. Care Health Plan (LA Care). She learned about the program through a call from a CCA outreach coordinator, along with some text messages promoting available classes.

The training included vital caregiving skills—CPR, administering medication properly, nutrition, and more. But it was the CPR training that left the deepest impression on Georgina.

“The first time I learned CPR, I didn’t fully understand the responsibility it came with,” she says. The CCA course helped her see CPR from a more serious, practical perspective. She now understands the importance of not just knowing the steps to perform CPR but being mentally and emotionally prepared to act in the moment to save someone.

“I appreciated how supportive and reassuring the CCA instructor was. That made all the difference.”


The CCA instructor made sure all the students understood every aspect of each lesson. “She could see when some students were confused about the details—even through Zoom. She had a lot of patience with us, reviewed lessons if we were confused, and encouraged us to ask questions.”

Heart-Centered Skills Put into Practice

Today, Georgina applies the knowledge she gained through CCA in her day-to-day life as her adult son’s primary caregiver. One of the most practical skills she learned? Nutrition.

Henry, who has autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), is high-energy and sensitive to sugar. “Instead of giving him medication for the ADHD, I manage his diet,” Georgina explains. “I don’t give him sweets after 4:00 PM, and I make sure he eats balanced meals.” Thanks to her attentive care and the healthy nutrition choices she learned, Henry is seizure-free, well-behaved, and thriving.

Georgina’s approach isn’t purely technical, it’s deeply intentional. She treats caregiving as both an art and a science, customizing her strategies to meet her son’s unique needs.

“I learned that good caregiving is about treating our consumers with dignity, compassion and clear communication.”

Some Caregiving Lessons Go Beyond the Textbook

One of Georgina’s favorite parts of the CCA classes was the opportunity to connect with fellow caregivers and hear about their experiences. During discussions, she shared a story about how she encouraged an older adult consumer to bathe by making the activity fun—inviting him to wear a suit afterward to make it feel special. This kind of creative thinking resonated with her classmates.

“We all shared our caregiving tips. I learned that giving a consumer more autonomy—even something as small as letting them take their own medication from a cup instead of placing it directly in their mouth—can make a difference.”

Georgina believes this kind of shared learning is invaluable for any level of caregiver. “It doesn’t matter how much you already know—even skilled nurses can learn more. There’s always something new that can help you provide better care.”

A Caregiver with Ambition — Aspiring to a Future in Nursing

Georgina isn’t done learning. In fact, she’s just getting started. She has her eyes on becoming a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) and is considering taking more classes through CCA. The bilingual instructors and welcoming environment have given her the encouragement to keep going. “I’d recommend CCA to anyone who is a caregiver or wants to become one,” she says with confidence.

Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that caregiving is more than a job—it’s a vocation. It’s a calling that requires both skill and heart, and Georgina embodies both in abundance.

A Tribute to Everyday Heroes Who Provide Skilled Care

In a world that often overlooks the tireless work of in-home caregivers, Georgina Hodgson-Castillo shines as a beacon of quiet resilience and compassion. She represents the many caregivers who go the extra mile because they genuinely enjoy providing quality, skilled, and compassionate care to another person.
Her story is one of dedication, love, and a lifelong desire to grow. And in every action she takes—from preparing meals to practicing CPR—Georgina proves that caregiving, when done with heart, truly transforms lives.

About CCA’s Partnership with LA Care
In 2017, the Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA) partnered with the L.A. Care Health Plan to provide training to in-home supportive services (IHSS) providers caring for its members. In 2019 and 2023, LA Care released utilization studies showing statistically significant drops in emergency room visits and inpatient utilization among its members whose caregivers completed their skills training through CCA.

CCA CEO Joins New National Care Workforce Advisory Council

An April 22, 2025 press release from the National Skills Coalition (NSC) announced the launch of the Care Workforce Advisory Council. The Council is comprised of a group of respected thought leaders in the care industry and supporting agencies. Corinne Eldridge, President and CEO of the Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA) was selected to join the Council. Eldridge and other Council members will draw on their industry knowledge and expertise to address urgent challenges facing the care workforce.

There is growing demand for care providers who can provide skilled assistance to aging adults and people of all ages who have disabilities and need long-term care.  Skilled caregivers can provide support to consumers within their homes through in-home supportive services (IHSS) and other programs. They can also complete training and licensing to work as certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in skilled nursing facilities.

Despite the essential role that caregivers play in filling healthcare gaps, many care workers face low wages, long hours, limited benefits, and few opportunities for career advancement. This results in high turnover and instability in the home care and nursing home care sectors.

Through the Care Workforce Advisory Council, NSC’s partnership with care industry leaders aims to develop actionable strategies that will strengthen care jobs, and ensure that care workers have access to the skills training, and support they need.

To learn more, please see the press release on the NSC website, which includes a complete list of council members.

Read the NSC’s brief on “Building a Stronger Workforce.”

Photo Credits: National Skills Coalition (NSC), Care Workforce Advisory Council

Lifelong Dedication to a Loving Daughter with a Disability

Maria Johnson’s life changed forever when her daughter, Michelle Christine, had a severe seizure at just seven months old. This led to a disability. The seizure, triggered by a high fever after routine immunizations, led to brain damage caused by the emergency medication used to stop the convulsions. From that moment, Maria embraced the role of caregiver, dedicating her life to supporting Michelle, who is now a non-verbal 53-year-old woman in a wheelchair.

I have been dedicated to Michelle for many years. She is now a beautiful, adorable, non-verbal adult lady, and I am her primary care provider.”

Over the years, Maria balanced work, family, and caregiving. With help from her husband and a supportive caregiver through the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program, she managed to work and care for Michelle. Now retired, Maria’s days revolve around her daughter’s well-being — a role she fulfills with unwavering love and patience.

Finding Support and Reinforcement Through CCA Caregiver Training

Despite decades of experience, Maria remained eager to learn new ways to care for Michelle. She discovered the Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA) through messages she received from IHSS and decided to enroll in the IHSS Essentials course funded through LA CARE in September 2024, which provided Home Care Integration Training.

I thought, ‘That class might help me learn how to take even better care of Michelle.’ And it did — it reinforced what I already knew, but everything in the course was very helpful.”

One of the most valuable lessons from the CCA class for Maria was learning proper lifting and transferring techniques. “My daughter is getting heavier as she ages, and I am not getting any younger,” says Maria. “Learning how to lift and move her safely and easily has made a huge difference.”

Caregiving for a Person with Disabilities Presents Unique Challenges

While the CCA course provided valuable insights, Maria noted that some lessons didn’t fully apply to her unique situation. “The class taught us how to interact with our care consumer, but Michelle communicates non-verbally,” she explains. “For example, I can’t hand her a toothbrush and tell her how to brush her own teeth — I have to brush her teeth myself.”

Maria voiced her feedback to her instructor, suggesting a specialized class for caregivers of non-verbal individuals. Her instructor appreciated Maria’s input and has passed it along to the CCA team that develops curricula for their caregiver training programs.

Still, Maria found the CCA training enriching, especially lessons on nutrition and the importance of self-care.

I learned how to incorporate more nutritious foods into Michelle’s diet to keep her healthy. I learned that I need to take time for myself, too.”

A Caregiver’s Legacy and Hope for the Future of Her Daughter With Disability

At 78 years old, Maria continues to care for Michelle with boundless energy and dedication, though she is mindful of the future. “I’m in the process of finding someone to care for Michelle after I’m gone,” she says. “I’m talking to my granddaughter and exploring the possibility of a conservatorship. I need to know Michelle will be taken care of.”

Maria’s wisdom extends to aspiring caregivers. She has some advice for those who may be considering a role as a caregiver. “Your heart needs to be in it,” she advises.

It’s not easy to care for someone with a disability — you need to have a big heart for humanity. For those who do, this work is incredibly rewarding.”

Maria Johnson’s story is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the willingness to keep learning. Her experience highlights the invaluable role of caregiver training and the profound impact it can have on both caregivers and the consumers who receive their care.

“I’m proud of myself for learning how to use Zoom to take the CCA class, and I’m using so many caregiving tips I learned in the training,” she says. And through her dedication, she inspires countless others to embrace caregiving with compassion and courage.

Sabrina Ullah Joins Center for Caregiver Advancement as Chief Program Officer

LOS ANGELES – April 7, 2025 – The Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA) announces Sabrina Z. Ullah, LCSW, as the organization’s new chief program officer (CPO). She brings more than 20 years of experience in social justice, community behavioral health, program development, and leadership development to CCA, California’s most experienced provider of free and accessible caregiver training. Ullah will help CCA further develop and expand its training programs for in-home caregivers and skilled nursing facility workers across California.

“We are very happy to welcome Sabrina aboard to help us grow and build upon the caregiver training programs we offer at the Center for Caregiver Advancement,” said CCA President and CEO Corinne Eldridge. “We are proud that CCA has trained 42,000 caregivers since 2000, and we believe that Sabrina’s expertise in program development can help us multiply those numbers exponentially to ensure that we are building and growing a caregiving workforce to serve more Californians with the skilled and compassionate care they need.”

Ullah joins CCA in its twenty-fifth year as the premier provider of free training programs for caregivers in California caring for older adults and people with disabilities. Her previous roles include leadership roles in healthcare organizations where she supported behavioral health programs and community services in Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Riverside, and Ventura Counties. Ullah’s past roles and experiences have shaped her deep commitment to creating positive change, which positions her well for her new role at CCA.

“I’m excited to join the Center for Caregiver Advancement as Chief Program Officer,” said Ullah. “This role offers a unique opportunity to help advance the caregiving workforce through impactful training and development, furthering CCA’s mission to support and empower caregivers. I look forward to collaborating with this incredible team to make a lasting impact.”

Sabrina earned undergraduate degrees in Women’s Studies and Global Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California. She is passionate about teaching, learning, empowering, and collaborating with others to build stronger, more inclusive communities.

About the Center for Caregiver Advancement
The Center for Caregiver Advancement believes in building the workforce of highly trained caregivers that many Californians can’t live without. We are the state’s most experienced provider of free, accessible training that focuses on a supportive, experience-based learning environment. Our impact studies advance policy initiatives to develop career pathway opportunities and build professionalization within long-term care. For more information, visit https://advancecaregivers.org.

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Report: Examining Status of Women and Girls in California

April 2025 — Did you know? In California, one in three women is currently a caregiver for a family member or friend with a long-term illness. The vital role of caregiving is dominated by women (predominantly immigrant women), who provide this much-needed service. Caregivers help more than the person they are caring for. Caregivers in homes and skilled nursing facilities also help the overall economy and the broader healthcare system across California.

The Status of Women and Girls in California

This information on caregivers was culled from the 2024 Report on the Status of Women and Girls in California™. The report is researched and compiled every year by the Center for the Advancement of Women at Mount Saint Mary’s University. Their research findings align with similar data from the Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA), which reveal that:

  • 90% of CCA-trained home care workers are women
  • 89% of skilled nursing facility workers trained at CCA are women
  • 70% of CCA-trained caregivers report they take care of a family member

Examining the Status of Women and Girls Through the Arts

In March 2025, this year’s report from Mount Saint Mary’s was presented at a standing-room-only event at the Skirball Center in Los Angeles. The CCA team attended to learn about the latest research findings on the Status of Women and Girls in California.

The research focus for 2025 is on how women and girls are (or are not) represented in the arts. It is titled, “The Art of Change: Women, Leadership and the Power of Representation.”

Why focus on the arts? Report Statistics Provide Insightful Answers

Women in the Arts:

MUSEUMS: 48% of Museums in the US are directed by women but only 14% of the displayed art is by women.

FILM & TELEVISION: Only 1 in 3 speaking parts in scripts for film and television is a woman. When women work in key positions behind the scenes as writers, producers, or directors, this statistic changes to more women being portrayed onscreen.

The Arts in Education:

SCHOOLS: Only 11% of K-12 schools in California offer courses in all 4 areas of the arts due to a lack of funding or lack of space/time in a crowded curriculum. Yet studies show that children who are exposed to dance, music, theatre, and visual arts perform better academically and have better social skills.

Event Speakers Emphasized How the Arts & Media Portray Women

“The arts shape our economy and play a pivotal role in shaping our identity,” said keynote speaker Krishauna Hines-Gaither, PhD, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships at Mount Saint Mary’s University. “The arts also influence how we see ourselves and exemplify what we value. When we experience the stories of those unlike ourselves, we can begin to bridge our differences, too.”

Dr. Hines-Gaither asked, “What do the arts reveal about the portrayal of women in this state, and how much we value women’s contributions?”

The many esteemed panelists and compelling presentations that followed answered this question in a variety of ways for a very lively, enthusiastic audience.

For details on the research and to view a digital version of the 2025 Report, visit: https://www.msmu.edu/media/website/learning-amp-research-communities/center-for-the-advancement-of-women/MSMU_RSWG_2025_FNL.pdf

https://www.msmu.edu/learning-and-research-communities/center-for-the-advancement-of-women/events/status-of-women-and-girls

For general information about Mount Saint Mary’s University, visit: MSMU.EDU/CAW

Learn more about the Center for Caregiver Advancement, here: https://advancecaregivers.org/our-vision/

Image Credit: Mount Saint Mary’s University

US News & World Report Highlights CCA’s Caregiver Training

A March 10, 2025 article in U.S. News & World Report by Claire Wolters discusses points to consider when hiring an in-home caregiver for a loved one, especially an older adult or person with disabilities.

In her article, Wolters outlines the different skill levels of in-home caregivers. Options include hiring a home-based licensed nurse, an in-home caregiver who helps with basic healthcare needs and activities of daily living (ADLs), or someone who can provide companionship for loved ones who require additional support at home. Sometimes a friend or family member can step in to provide care. The family member can receive training in essential caregiving, CPR, and other skills.

The Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA) in California offers caregiver training programs for both in-home caregivers and those who work in skilled nursing facilities (SNF). CCA president and CEO Corinne Eldridge was featured as an authority on caregiving for the article.

Eldridge explained that in-home caregiving is a great alternative to assisted living facilities if people are comfortable welcoming a caregiver into their home. She said that in-home caregivers can help provide consumers individualized care and greater autonomy.

CCA conducts research, policy, and advocacy work and provides caregiver training for in-home supportive services (IHSS) workers.

To read the full news story, please visit health.usnews.com.

Photo Credit: Getty Images, Health.USNEWS.COM

A Mother Learns Skilled Caregiving for Her Child with Autism

Sungaya Watson has been a full-time caregiver for almost a year. Her entry into skilled caregiving began with a deeply personal connection—her 12-year-old son, who has autism. Nonverbal, with sensory processing disorder and a low IQ, her son requires constant supervision, guidance, and care.

Sungaya’s decision to take on this role full-time arose out of a realization that no one else could understand her son’s needs as intimately as she could. “Full-time caregiving was something I hadn’t even considered at first,” Sungaya reflects.

Bringing Autism Care Home and Embracing the Caregiver Role

Initially, her son attended public school and received Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy for his autism. However, despite their best efforts, Sungaya realized her son struggled with new caregivers and environments. “It was maybe a matter of trust, but I knew I was the one person who could provide the guidance and oversight he needed every day, hour by hour, minute by minute.”

For Sungaya, caregiving has become more than just a duty. It is a lifelong commitment she has embraced with a sense of responsibility and love. Her experience has given her unique insights into the caregiving world, not just for her son, but for others in her family and community as well. She acknowledges the joy she finds in caring for elderly family members and the satisfaction of listening to their stories.

Caregiving is not just about addressing physical needs. It is also about providing emotional support and companionship.”

“Life doesn’t stop because of someone’s ability or age,” she says. “We all have the right to live a good quality of life. I think in our society, we can all contribute to that in some way—whether it’s as simple as providing a meal or conversation, or more complex care like attending to a wound.”

How CCA’s IHSS Program Transformed a Mother’s Caregiving Path

Sungaya became involved with the Center for Caregiver Advancement through the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program. Although she already knew how to care for her son, Sungaya was eager to take the classes on autism caregiving offered by CCA to further her skills.

“I don’t want to be just a regular care provider,” she says. “I want to learn the correct methods and protocols so that if I’m helping others in my community, I can be properly educated and do it right.”

The CCA training, which follows person-centered care principles, has been transformative for Sungaya. It has reshaped her perspective on caregiving, making her approach more structured and thoughtful.

Caregiver training is more than providing personal care. It’s about expanding your mindset, learning new ideas, and ensuring things are done properly and in tune with the needs of the person you’re caring for.”


Sungaya appreciated that the caregiving curriculum provided by CCA included the mental and spiritual aspects of health and well-being. “We all experience anxiety, depression, joy, or happiness. It’s all energy, and it’s important to learn how to handle those different emotions when they come up.”

She sees potential for even more courses that teach caregivers how to address the mental and emotional needs of those they care for, while also addressing their own needs. “It’s about bringing balance to the care you provide, not just for your care consumers or family members, but for yourself as well.”

Words of Wisdom: Advice for New Caregivers Starting Out

To anyone beginning their caregiving journey, Sungaya offers this advice: “Get educated. Learn what person-centered care truly means, and understand the IHSS standards. It brings balance to the care you provide and helps you feel confident and prepared.”

Caregiving, she believes, goes beyond a profession—it’s a life experience that allows people to give and receive in profound ways. “Be flexible, adaptable, and open. Caregiving is not just a job; it’s a gift. You get to embrace the journey, learn from others, and contribute to the lives of those you care for. And in turn, it enriches your own life.”

Finding Strength in Community and the Power of Shared Stories

One of the things Sungaya appreciates most about the CCA program is the sense of camaraderie that develops in the classes. “Everybody’s story resonates, whether your care consumer is a 12-year-old child or a 70-year-old adult.”

Sungaya believes caregiving is about the entire community coming together to support one another.

We all have something to share, something to give, and something to learn. In the blink of any eye, anyone can suddenly need caregiving. That’s why it’s important to share your time, your skills, and your abilities with others.”

Sungaya’s personal motto captures the essence of her caregiving philosophy: “I merge the journey of spirit, home, and community. Caring for one another is at the heart of what I do.”

As she continues to care for her son and considers expanding her role in her community, Sungaya is thankful for the education she has received and the supportive network she has found through CCA. “It’s been a mind-opening experience. I’m very grateful.”

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