On July 8, 2025, Corinne Eldridge, President & CEO, Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA), joined host Robert Espinoza on the latest episode of his podcast “A Question of Care” to talk about why more people aren’t using consumer direction to guide caregiving.
Eldridge believes this is one of the most underrecognized options in long-term care. Eldridge and Espinoza also discuss why independent providers of care deserve better training, more government attention, and stronger policy support.
A Podcast Conversation About How to Boost Consumer Direction in Long-term Care
During the conversation about how consumer direction can help inform and improve caregiving, Robert asks the provocative question: “What would happen to families everywhere if more than 5 million direct care and childcare workers in this country were to vanish overnight?”
He explores the answers to this question, and the vast care network of independent providers with Eldridge, the leading expert in the space.
The Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA) is committed to building the workforce of highly trained caregivers that many Californians can’t live without. CCA is the state’s most experienced provider of free, accessible caregiver training that focuses on a supportive, experience-based learning environment.
Research studies about the impact of our training programs help to advance policy initiatives to develop career pathway opportunities and build professionalization within long-term care. For more information, we invite you to explore our caregiver training programs and caregiving impact stories.
Image Credits: Robert Espinoza, A Question of Care; CCA
Training gives an IHSS caregiver the skills she needs to protect her young consumers in any emergency.
At the Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA), we are continually inspired by the dedication and professionalism of the caregivers in our community. Behind every enrolled student is a powerful story of perseverance and a deep sense of responsibility. One such story belongs to Dennisse Hernandez, an In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) caregiver who recently completed our CPR for Caregivers and Emergency & Disaster Readiness (EDR) courses.
Dennisse’s caregiving role is not just about clocking in and out of work—it’s about protecting the most vulnerable, even in life-or-death situations. And if an emergency happens, she now has the tools, knowledge, and calm confidence to help the consumers in her care.
Caregiving Requires More Than Common Sense and Intuition
Dennisse works for two different families as an IHSS provider, caring for two young boys — one with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and one with epilepsy. Every day she steps into their homes, she becomes more than a caregiver — she becomes a guardian, a lifeline, and a trusted friend while their family members are away at work or school.
Though Dennisse had always relied on her instincts and common sense, she knew it wasn’t enough if a real emergency occurred. “I was doing the best I could,” she says, “but I felt 100% responsible for those children and, deep down, I knew I needed more than just my intuition. I needed training.”
When she received an email from the IHSS program about new caregiver classes being offered through CCA, she didn’t hesitate. “The moment I saw the email, I took action,” she recalls. “It felt like it came at just the right time.”
Learning Life-Saving Skills After Long Days of Care
Dennisse was able to fit the online classes into her evenings, after long caregiving shifts. She remembers feeling a little unsure at first, but that soon changed.
“The CCA teachers were wonderful, and the course booklet helped so much,” she says. “I did the homework, the pre-quizzes, and asked all my questions. I wanted to learn everything I could.”
Through the EDR course, she learned exactly how to respond in disasters like earthquakes or fires—how to evacuate with children who may panic, how to prepare a “go bag” filled with essentials and medications, and how to stay connected with families during chaos. She learned that she should always keep a list of emergency contacts with her so she can contact her consumers’ families to let them know where they are and that they are safe.
From Panic to Preparedness: “I Feel 100% Ready”
“Before this training, I would have been scared to make the wrong move,” Dennisse shares. “Now, I know what to do. I think I’ll be able to stay calm and focused—and I know what I need to do in any emergency.”
Among the most valuable lessons in the CCA courses were the first aid skills: how to sterilize and dress a wound, how to use gloves properly, and how to manage a child who wants to touch a cut. And when it came to CPR, Dennisse learned hands-on techniques that gave her even more confidence.
“The CPR class was empowering,” she says. “It’s something I hope I never have to use—but if I do, I’ll be ready.”
When It’s Time to Evacuate, She Won’t Hesitate
Now, when Dennisse thinks about an emergency like a fire or earthquake, she feels prepared. “I know I need to grab the go bag, get the shoes, and leave fast. It’s not about saving the house or grabbing valuables. It’s about keeping me and my consumers safe. It’s about saving lives.”
She’s even learned how to guide children with emotional or developmental challenges through those intense moments. “If my consumer doesn’t want to leave, I know that I can redirect the conversation. I will stay calm and speak to them firmly to help them understand we’re going somewhere safe.”
And she knows how to stay in touch with their families—what numbers to call, what evacuation centers to head to, and how to reunite everyone safely.
A Caregiver’s Training Can Change Lives—Even Beyond Her Own
Dennisse didn’t keep the new caregiver skills she learned to herself. She shared what she learned with her mother, who also works as a caregiver. “I wanted her to be ready, too,” she says.
This kind of ripple effect is something we see again and again at CCA: When one caregiver is trained, studies show that up to four lives can be positively impacted—the caregiver, their consumer(s), and their extended families.
“We’re Not Just Caregivers. We’re Protectors.”
Dennisse’s story is a beautiful reminder that caregiving isn’t just a job — it’s a professional calling. And when caregivers are equipped with the right skills and resources, they’re not just assisting people through the tasks of daily living—they’re also preparing to save their lives.
“I’m so grateful I took these classes,” Dennisse says. “Because now, I feel like a professional caregiver who can really make a difference.”
Giving Caregivers a Voice, Impacting Future Training
In May 2025, Dennisse visited the CCA and SEIU Local 2015 offices in Los Angeles, California for a CCA meeting with the California Workforce Development Board (CWDB). CCA is a grant recipient of the CWDB’s High Road Training Partnership program, which funded CCA’s most recent offering of EDR training courses. The CWDB supports programs that mitigate climate emergencies, such as wildfires. The CWDB team wanted to learn more about how CCA’s caregiver training can help build the skills needed by long-term care workers during disasters, such as the wildfires that tore through several Los Angeles communities in January 2025.
Dennisse spoke to the group about the practical skills she gained from her EDR and CPR classes at CCA, and how they prepared her to better assist her consumers during future emergencies. They were interested in hearing about which aspects of the training worked well for Dennisse and where she thought there might be room for improvement. The group also heard from consumer Cynde Soto, an adult with disabilities, who described how the EDR course increased her IHSS provider’s knowledge, making her feel more confident that they are both prepared for the next emergency in California.
Hearing the perspectives of an IHSS caregiver and an IHSS consumer proved to be very insightful, and will be used to inform training curricula as CCA develops future caregiver training programs that build more caregiver resiliency and meet the needs of both caregivers and the consumers in their care.
According to a study 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 caregiver 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
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.
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.
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.
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 DaughterWith 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.
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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Media Contact Neyda Campos Account Coordinator | Miller Geer & Associates 3532 Katella Ave., Suite 110 Los Alamitos, CA Office: 562.493.6023 Cell: 626.692.2592 www.MillerGeer.com
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.
