All Stories

Tags: , , ,
Category: CCA News

Public Authority Supports ‘Vital Skills’ Training for IHSS Caregivers

Friday April 17, 2026 by CCA Comms

In April 2026, the Personal Services Assistance Council (PASC) renewed its successful training partnership with the Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA) to provide free training for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) caregivers in Los Angeles County.

PASC LA, the public authority for IHSS in Los Angeles County and California’s largest public authority, renewed a grant that enables CCA to provide side-by-side training for both caregivers and consumers. 

“Caregiver training for IHSS workers provides them with the vital skills needed to support low-income older adults and individuals with disabilities in their homes. We are delighted to collaborate with CCA on this important initiative,” said PASC Executive Director Luis Bravo.

Training Prepares Caregivers and Consumers to Navigate Emergencies & Improve Quality of Home Care

The CCA training program covers topics such as emergency and disaster readiness and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). CCA aims to fill up to 1,800 seats with caregivers and consumers in the renewed program, with a focus on emergency and disaster readiness. Caregivers and their care recipients will learn skills that improve their quality of care, including how to safely navigate wildfires and other climate-related emergencies that are occurring with more frequency in L.A. County.

Online Training Program Serves Both Home Caregivers and Their Care Recipients

Enrollment for this unique side-by-side training program opens in April 2026, with classes starting in May 2026 and ending in June 2026. The training is offered online for easy access and convenience. 

“This program partnership allows our organizations to continue developing and advocating for the essential caregiving workforce that supports our most vulnerable communities in L.A. County,” said Center for Caregiver Advancement CEO Corinne Eldridge. “By making this training accessible online, we’re ensuring IHSS caregivers and consumers have the tools they need to improve their lives and protect themselves when disasters strike.”

To qualify for the program, applicants must be residents of Los Angeles County, active IHSS providers or members, and be part of the PASC registry. The courses will be available in English, Spanish, and Cantonese, and will take approximately 15 hours to complete.

For additional information about this training program, please contact PASC LA:

Website: www.pascla.org
Email: recruitment@pascla.org
Call: 1-877-565-4477
Enrollment Form

IHSS Caregivers can learn more about joining the PASC Registry here.

Related Reading

Learn about other caregiver training programs here.

Photo Credit: Adobe

Tags: , , ,
Category: CCA News
Tags: ,
Category: Research & Reports

Report: L.A. Care Health Plan Members Get Quality Care via Trained Caregivers

Tuesday April 14, 2026 by CCA Comms

The Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA), L.A. Care Health Plan, and SEIU Local 2015 have established a partnership over nine years that has developed a team of skilled caregivers who play a vital role in enhancing their care recipients’ health and well-being. Since 2017, CCA has trained 8,680 IHSS providers in six languages through this partnership with L.A. Care and SEIU 2015.

Providing Skilled Care to L.A. Care Members in Their Homes

The L.A. Care Home Care Integration Training Program (IHSS+) at CCA is a comprehensive 10-week course designed to educate and empower caregivers who assist seniors and people with disabilities through the California In-Home Support Services (IHSS) program. This training provides IHSS caregivers with the skills they need to perform multiple roles, such as Monitor, Communicator, Coach, Navigator, and Care Aide. Learning skills in each of these categories enables caregivers to keep care recipients safer at home and communicate more effectively with their Care Teams.

Surveys Show Caregiver Training Improves Care Quality

Before and after each IHSS+ training course, CCA’s Home Care Program Team conducts pre- and post-course surveys of students and their consumers.

These surveys incorporate a section that evaluates students’ baseline knowledge before and after receiving skills training.

Survey results show that students have a significant knowledge gain as a result of their training, and their performance as caregivers notably improves. Many students report finding it easier to communicate with their consumers and their consumers’ care teams as a result of training.

Their consumers, who are members of the L.A. Care Health Plan, also report a marked improvement in the quality of care they receive from their IHSS providers after training.

Student Survey Responses Before and After Caregiver Training

Knowledge Gains Among Caregiver Students Pre- and Post-Training

Student Survey Responses from L.A. Care Interim Report T26, March 2026
Student Survey Responses from L.A. Care Interim Report T26, March 2026

Testimonials from L.A. Care Health Plan Members Whose Caregivers Completed Training at CCA

SURVEY QUESTION: What is the most important thing your caregiver learned in this training?

“The most important thing my caregiver learned in this training was how to provide care safely, respectfully, and with greater awareness of my individual needs. The training emphasized communication, patience, and proper techniques to support daily activities.”

“My caregiver learned several important skills, such as how to properly lift heavy items, how to properly wash my hands for good hygiene, how to get in contact with my health providers, and how to deal with a care recipient like me, who has weak muscle tone.”

“The most important thing my caregiver learned in this course was patience. In other words, she learned different ways to deal with me when I’m upset or when I need extra help. I really appreciate her and all she does for me, and I thank you for giving her this opportunity to improve her skills so she can take even better care of me.”

“The most important thing my caregiver learned was giving herself time to rest. My IHSS provider is a great caregiver already. She is very organized and structured. It can be overwhelming for her to manage all my medications, doctor appointments, and physical therapy, so I was glad she learned tips on how she can relax and relieve her own stress.”

L.A. Care Health Plan logo

These testimonials were culled directly from the written survey responses received from L.A. Care Members.

To read more feedback from caregivers and consumers, visit our “Caregiving Testimonials” page.

Tags: ,
Category: Research & Reports
Tags: , , , ,
Category: Impact Stories

Three Outstanding Caregivers Share Their Stories

Monday April 13, 2026 by CCA Comms

Most people would agree that anyone who works as a caregiver to support the health, safety, and well-being of another person is an exceptional individual. Caregiving is a job that requires patience, sensitivity, strength, skill, steadfastness, and compassion — to name just a few of the qualities the role requires.

Most long-term caregivers demonstrate these admirable attributes, which makes it challenging to identify the truly outstanding individuals among the caregiving community. In truth, all caregivers are outstanding!

Despite the challenges, the Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA) aimed to find a way to publicly recognize caregivers and highlight their hard work and dedication to the many older adults and people with disabilities or chronic illnesses who rely on their care.

In 2026, CCA launched its first-ever “California Caregiver of the Year Awards” with an invitation to all caregivers, care recipients, and community members across California to submit nominations for awards in three categories: 1) Nursing Home Worker of the Year, 2) In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Provider of the Year, and 3) Family Caregiver of the Year.

The judges acknowledged that choosing only three winners was incredibly difficult because, as one judge said, “They are all winners in my mind.” After reviewing more than 100 entries, the judges selected three outstanding caregivers to honor in 2026. Here we share their stories.

Quaniko Franklin was named the 2026 “Nursing Home Worker of the Year”

2026 Nursing Home Worker of the Year Award winner Quaniko Franklin, with SEIU 2015 E-Board Members
Quaniko serves as an E-Board Member for his union, SEIU Local 2015

Quaniko has worked at Kyakameena Nursing Home in Berkeley, California for 25 years. He started working in the janitorial/housekeeping department, but has expanded his role to take on additional responsibilities that include taking residents to their appointments in the company van and assisting with admissions and discharges.

Quaniko does all this with a positive, friendly attitude and a ready smile, which eases any stress or tension that the residents might feel. Quaniko is also very active in the SEIU Local 2015 labor union, where he serves as an executive board or “E-Board” member.

According to the colleague who nominated Quaniko for this award, his warmth, friendliness, and commitment to helping others shine through everything.

She says, “He has formed special bonds with his residents, and he has bonded with their families as well!”

Maria Elizabeth Salas de Lemus was named the 2026 “IHSS Provider of the Year”

2026 IHSS Provider of the Year Award winner Maria Elizabeth (in black dress)
Maria Elizabeth accompanies her care recipient to family events and activities.

Maria Elizabeth was nominated by the family that hired her through IHSS to care for their aging mother. They have been impressed by the way she approaches caregiving with the same love and dignity she would offer her own family. She clearly finds deep purpose and fulfillment in helping their mother feel safe, respected, and cared for, especially during times when she is feeling vulnerable or confused.

Not only has Maria Elizabeth taken the time to learn her care recipient’s history and personality, she has learned what activities and things bring her comfort. She integrates these into their days together to bring her care recipient more joy and a sense of well-being.

Additionally, because her care recipient has diabetes, Maria Elizabeth has gone the extra mile by taking classes to learn more about diabetes care and nutrition.

When her care recipient started showing signs of dementia, she participated in training courses and webinars to learn about caring for a consumer with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia.

According to her nominator, “Elizabeth is a real blessing to us!”

Deidra Gossett was named the 2026 “Family Caregiver of the Year”

COYA 2026 Family Caregiver of the Year Award winner Deidra Gossett
Deidra is the primary caregiver for her mother, her care recipient.

When Deidra’s mother could no longer care for herself, Deidra stepped in to take on the role of her full-time home caregiver.

Her sister Portia says, “When our mother’s health declined, Deidra became the steady anchor our family relied on.”

The short list of things that Deidra did as her mother’s primary caregiver includes arranging for a hospital bed at home, an air mattress, a PureWick system, Hoyer Lift, recliner, wheelchair ramp, and safety bars for the bathroom.

She also researched, applied for, and received a grant to renovate her mother’s shower for better accessibility. All of this effort reflects both her advocacy and hands-on problem-solving skills.

Deidra has also attended conferences on caregiving and is an active member in adult caregiver groups in Los Angeles, where she attends skill-building programs and stress-buster workshops designed for caregivers.

These award winners were honored at a special “California Caregiver of the Year Awards” luncheon that was held in Los Angeles in March 2026. Read more about that event here.

Tags: , , , ,
Category: Impact Stories
Tags: , ,
Category: CCA News

CCA Offers Digital Literacy Course for Home Caregivers

Monday April 13, 2026 by CCA Comms

In April 2026, the Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA) announced a new, free digital literacy training course to support In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) providers in select counties in California who care for low-income older adults and people with disabilities. The “Digital Literacy for IHSS Providers” program helps caregivers build the foundational skills needed to navigate online learning in caregiving essentials and chronic conditions.

Why Digital Literacy Is Essential for Home Caregivers

A lack of digital literacy has been a barrier for expanding caregiver training, which increasingly leverages digital technology platforms for online lessons in specialized caregiving skills. Providing caregivers with digital literacy instruction would help remove this barrier and increase access to e-learning and skill-building opportunities.   

In the new CCA Digital Literacy course, live instructors will provide lessons via Zoom in English and Spanish. Participants will learn about devices, internet access, digital communication tools, and digital safety. The course is divided into three separate modules, which are taught over three weeks. CCA students who complete all three modules will receive a free device (either a laptop or tablet).

“Digital literacy training provides practical skills and tools that can serve IHSS providers for a lifetime, and be put to immediate use in CCA’s online caregiver training courses,” says Center for Caregiver Advancement CEO Corinne Eldridge. “The digital skills they gain in this course may also be applied on the job, as they help their consumers navigate health plan portals and other online resources.” 

To be eligible, caregivers must be IHSS providers who wish to enroll in an online caregiver training course at CCA (i.e., Caregiving Essentials, Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Disorders, Emergency & Disaster Readiness), but feel challenged by digital technology and online learning formats. Eligible IHSS providers must reside in a qualifying county: Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Mateo, or Santa Clara.

CCA is now enrolling students for digital literacy classes that begin in June. To learn more about eligibility and to apply, visit our IHSS Digital Literacy Training page.

This program is made possible by grant funding from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). 

Tags: , ,
Category: CCA News
Tags: , , ,
Category: Impact Stories, Profile

A Caregiver Training Class Saved Her Sister’s Life

Wednesday April 8, 2026 by CCA Comms

When Jennifer Reynaga signed up for a caregiver training course, she thought she was simply becoming better at her job as an In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) provider. She never imagined those lessons would one day help her save her sister’s life.

Jennifer is an active IHSS caregiver in Southern California, caring for two people who depend on her deeply: an older adult who is a member of the L.A. Care Health Plan, and her young son, who lives with chronic health conditions. Wanting to provide the highest level of care possible, she jumped at the opportunity to develop her caregiving skills.

What made her eligible for the free caregiver training course offered by the Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA) was exactly what defines her daily life: she is an active IHSS caregiver providing care for an L.A. Care Health Plan member.

The decision to take this course would soon prove lifesaving.

Answering the Call to Learn More Caregiving Skills

Jennifer first heard about the caregiver training through a fellow SEIU Local 2015 union member, who encouraged her to enroll in CCA’s class. Through CCA’s partnership with L.A. Care and SEIU 2015, caregivers like Jennifer can access specialized training at no cost.

She signed up for the IHSS+ Home Care Integration Training Program, eager to strengthen her skills. What she gained went far beyond the basics.

Jennifer learned how to safely move care recipients using proper body mechanics, how to communicate with empathy and clarity, and—most importantly—how to observe subtle changes in behavior, speech, and physical condition.

She learned to notice what others might miss: a shift in tone, a facial droop, a moment of confusion.

“I thought I already knew quite a lot,” Jennifer said. “But the skills I gained in observation and communication completely changed the level of care I provide.”

Her dedication stood out. After completing the program, she was even invited to join CCA as a part-time Outreach Intern on the Home Care Programs team.

Still, nothing could have prepared Jennifer for what came next.

A Caregiver’s Training—And a Sister’s Instinct

Life stayed busy between work and parenting, but Jennifer made it a point to check in on her older sister, Sandra, who had been struggling with stress, job loss, and ongoing health issues.

Something felt off.

Sandra had begun isolating herself more, retreating to her room. Then one day, Jennifer received a call that stopped her cold. Her younger sibling said Sandra wasn’t speaking normally.

Jennifer’s instincts kicked in, and her alarm bells went off. She asked another sibling to check on Sandra. The response? Sandra was probably just sleepy.

But Jennifer knew better. Her training had taught her to notice changes in behavior — and to act.

Training Helped Her Recognize Signs That Others Missed

Jennifer immediately arranged coverage for her care recipients and rushed to her sister’s home. What she found confirmed her fears. Sandra was disoriented. She couldn’t answer simple questions. And then Jennifer saw it — one side of her sister’s face was drooping.

In that moment, everything she had learned clicked into place. These were classic signs of a stroke.

Jennifer didn’t hesitate. She called 911, alerted her nephew to watch for the ambulance, and stayed by her sister’s side. When emergency responders arrived, she clearly and confidently described every symptom she had observed.

Her voice was calm. Her information was precise. And it made all the difference.

A Race Against Time—And a Life Saved

At the hospital, doctors confirmed what Jennifer already suspected: Sandra was experiencing a stroke on the right side of her brain.

Because Jennifer acted quickly, Sandra received the urgent care she needed in time to save her life.

While the stroke caused damage affecting her memory, speech, and mobility, Sandra survived—and is now on the road to recovery, working through physical therapy to relearn speaking and walking, and to regain her strength and independence.

“The Caregiver Training Helped Me See What Others Couldn’t”

Jennifer reflects on that day with gratitude—and certainty.

“If it wasn’t for the caregiver training that I received at CCA, I don’t think I would have recognized the signs,” she said. “My instincts told me something was wrong, but the training gave me the tools to understand what I was seeing and how I needed to act on it.”

The Power of Preparing Caregivers

What began as a simple step toward professional growth became something far greater.

Because Jennifer was an active IHSS caregiver supporting an L.A. Care Health Plan member, she had access to training that not only improved her work—it saved a life.

Her story is a powerful reminder: when caregivers are equipped with the right knowledge and skills, they don’t just provide care. They become lifelines.

Read more amazing caregiver stories here.

Read caregiving testimonials here.

Read about CCA’s partnership with L.A. Care Health Plan.

Tags: , , ,
Category: Impact Stories, Profile
Tags: ,
Category: CCA News

Caregivers Honored at CCA’s Caregiver of the Year Awards Event

Tuesday March 24, 2026 by CCA Comms

On March 20, 2026, the Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA) hosted its first-ever “California Caregiver of the Year Awards” event at The Huffington at Saint Sophia in Los Angeles. Nearly 100 guests gathered at the private event, which honored three outstanding caregivers in California who were nominated and judged for their exceptional dedication, excellence, and positive impact on the lives of those in their care and in the caregiving community.

KTLA TV Channel 5 Reporter and “KTLA Cares” Manager Wendy Burch served as the event emcee. Speakers at the Awards Event included CCA President and CEO Corinne Eldridge and CCA Chief Programs Officer Sabrina Ullah. The award trophies were presented to the winners by Sergio Donis, Statewide Field Director at SEIU Local 2015 and CCA Board Member, and Edith Gong, Director of Public Authority Services of Santa Clara County and Board President of the California Association of Public Authorities (CAPA).

Wendy Burch, KTLA TV, Emcees the CA Caregiver of the Year Awards 2026, Los Angeles

Many distinguished guests attended the awards event to support the caregivers, including Luis Bravo, Executive Director of PASC LA, the Public Authority for Los Angeles, Janet Heinritz-Canterbury of the California IHSS Consumer Alliance (CICA), and Fay Gordon, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman at the California Department on Aging.

Three Outstanding California Caregivers Received Awards

CEO Corinne Eldridge, three Winners, CPO Sabrina Ullah-CA Caregiver of the Year Awards 2026
L to R: CCA CEO Corinne Eldridge with winners Deidra, Maria Elizabeth, Quaniko, and CCA CPO Sabrina Ullah

The winners in three caregiving categories were:

Maria Elizabeth Salas de Lemus — In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Provider of the Year

Deidra Gossett — Family Caregiver of the Year

Quaniko Franklin — Nursing Home Worker of the Year

These winners were nominated by others who were familiar with their work and impressed by their level of compassion and dedication, as well as their skill, efficiency, and reliability.

Winning caregivers received a cash prize of $2,000 and an engraved commemorative trophy.

A Distinguished Panel of Judges That Support Caregivers

The judging panel included CCA partners, labor union officers, and public authority leaders from across the State, including:

  • Christina Lockyer, SEIU Local 2015
  • Sally Cantwell, PACS Group
  • Carly Roman-Woo, Archstone Foundation
  • Linnel Walker, CalOES
  • Francisco Oaxaca, L.A. Care Health Plan
  • Edith Gong, Santa Clara Public Authority & CAPA
  • Meygan Maciel, Office of California Assemblymember Avelino Valencia

The ‘Spirit of CCA’ Award Went to a Special California Legislator

California Assemblymember Matt Haney won the “Spirit of CCA” Award for his dedication to strengthening the State’s home and community-based care system, particularly the IHSS. Haney was recognized for authoring Assembly Bill 283, a landmark legislation that seeks to establish statewide collective bargaining for the IHSS workforce. He also founded a new Care Caucus in the Assembly to make care a standing legislative priority. Haney accepted his award via a recorded video speech that was screened at the awards event. View Matt Haney’s Acceptance Speech on YouTube.

Why CCA Thinks That Honoring Caregivers Is Important

CCA, California’s most experienced provider of free and accessible training for caregivers, wanted to host these awards to honor the long-term care workers whose contributions are critical, yet often overlooked. According to California‘s Master Plan for Aging and other sources, nearly 5,000,000 caregivers across California provide essential daily support to parents, spouses, and loved ones, helping them live safely and comfortably in their homes and communities. More than 750,000 caregivers are paid IHSS workers, who assist eligible low-income older adults and people with disabilities in their homes. Additionally, there are approximately 145,000 workers employed in skilled nursing facilities in California.

“Caregivers are essential workers who play a critical role in supporting our most vulnerable populations, enabling them to live independently at home or to receive high-quality care in skilled nursing facilities,” said Corinne Eldridge, President and CEO of the Center for Caregiver Advancement. “The California Caregiver of the Year Awards recognize outstanding individuals who demonstrate exceptional skills, compassion, dedication to their work, and support for caregivers in their community.”

California Caregiver of the Year Awards 2026, photo montage

About the California Caregiver of the Year Awards by CCA

There are nearly five million caregivers in California. These awards are organized and hosted by the Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA) to recognize outstanding caregivers across the state who demonstrate exceptional skills, knowledge, and commitment to providing quality, person-centered care. Awards are given to one winner in each of three categories: In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Provider of the Year, Family Caregiver of the Year, and Nursing Home Worker of the Year. Learn more here.

About the Center for Caregiver Advancement

The Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA) is building the workforce of highly trained caregivers that many Californians cannot live without. Founded in 2000 by SEIU Local 2015, CCA is California’s most experienced provider of free, accessible training for long-term care workers. Since our founding, we have trained more than 40,000 skilled nursing facility workers and in-home caregivers through an evidence-informed curriculum delivered in eight languages. Our research partnerships with leading institutions demonstrate the tangible impact of caregiver training on improved healthcare quality and costs.

Tags: ,
Category: CCA News
Tags: , ,
Category: CCA News

Wife of Bruce Willis Brings Attention to Caregiving as a National Crisis

Tuesday March 3, 2026 by CCA Comms

According to a February 18, 2026 Opinion piece in USA Today by Emma Heming Willis, the wife of movie actor Bruce Willis, and her co-author Steve Schwab, “Caregiving is a national crisis we can’t ignore.”

In the case of Emma Heming Willis, she provides care for her spouse, actor Bruce Willis, who lives with a form of dementia known as Frontotemporal dementia, or FTD. As explained in the USA Today opinion article, it is important to understand that caregiving for someone with dementia is not simply a set of tasks.

Caregiving Can Be an “Invisible” Job

Heming Willis describes caregiving as “the invisible labor of managing medications, coordinating appointments, navigating systems not designed with caregivers in mind.” In caring for Bruce Willis, Heming Willis has learned that the caregiver must do all this while also dealing with the daily challenges of their care recipient experiencing symptoms like memory loss, personality changes, disrupted sleep, and unpredictable behavior.

Heming Willis further describes caregiving as “…essential, unpaid labor for loved ones.” Caregiving is critical to the greater healthcare infrastructure, yet it remains largely invisible.

It is estimated that more than 100 million people in the United States provide unpaid care to an adult relative or friend with a health or functional need at home. Whether a home caregiver is an unpaid family member or friend, or a trained In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Provider who is paid to support a consumer in their home environment, caregiving is hard work.

According to the article, in 2019, unpaid caregivers provided roughly 18.6 billion hours of home care to people living with dementia. This care is valued to be worth approximately $244 billion in unpaid labor. Even the IHSS workers in California who are paid to care for IHSS members who have dementia or other chronic conditions are still struggling to earn a living wage. The fact is, even though home caregiving is essential labor that supports families, healthcare systems, and the overall U.S. economy – home caregivers are largely unseen and grossly under-compensated (if compensated at all).

This is curated content. To read the full opinion piece, please visit the USA Today News Site.

Photo Credit: Photo of Bruce Willis and Emma Heming Willis by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, Jan. 2019

Related Reading:

California’s Care Crisis: Who Will Care for Our Aging Adults and Those with Disabilities?

Tags: , ,
Category: CCA News
Tags: , ,
Category: CCA News

CCA to Train Caregivers for Emergencies Online with Grant from LA2050

Thursday January 8, 2026 by CCA Comms

Caregivers are often first responders in emergencies, helping their care recipients remain safe by sheltering in place or evacuating them quickly and efficiently. Knowing how to respond to emergencies can be challenging if caregivers don’t receive the training and resources required to assist others during wildfires and other climate-related disasters.

CCA Provides IHSS Workers with Online Training for Emergencies

To help close that skills gap, the Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA) is launching a new e-learning Emergency and Disaster Readiness course (EDR) for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) workers in Los Angeles County. The EDR e-Learning course offered by CCA was made possible for caregivers in Los Angeles through a $75K grant from LA2050, a community-based initiative that supports LA-based efforts aimed at benefiting LA communities.

LA Caregivers: Sign Up For Emergency Training in January

Enrollment for the EDR course opens in January 2026, with self-paced online classes starting in March 2026. Caregivers across LA County will learn emergency skills for navigating natural disasters and other emergencies.

“Emergency preparedness is essential for caregivers,” says Center for Caregiver Advancement CEO Corinne Eldridge. “By making this training accessible online, we’re ensuring IHSS caregivers have the tools they need to protect themselves and those they care for when disasters strike.”

Complete Emergency Training in 15 Hours Online

To qualify for this e-learning course, applicants must be residents of Los Angeles County and active IHSS providers. The online EDR course under this LA2050 program has six modules. It will take approximately 15 hours to complete. The e-learning format for the course is self-paced, allowing busy caregivers to complete the modules at times that are convenient for them.

The course is available in English. Students who complete the EDR course via this LA2050 program may receive a $600 stipend and a free emergency kit.

Knowing How to Navigate Emergencies Builds Confidence

Upon completion, home caregivers will understand how to prepare emergency kids and “go bags,” plan emergency evacuation routes, safely lift and carry care recipients with limited mobility, create communication plans, and access apps that will enable them to receive timely alerts. An important benefit of this training is the confidence it instills in students, helping them to remain calm during emergencies so they can better assist their care recipients.

About the Center for Caregiver Advancement

The Center for Caregiver Advancement believes in building the workforce of highly trained caregivers that many Californians cannot 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.

Tags: , ,
Category: CCA News
Tags: , ,
Category: CCA News

Partnership Program Trains Caregivers of L.A. Care Health Plan Members

Friday January 2, 2026 by CCA Comms

In 2025, the Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA) and SEIU Local 2015 celebrated nearly nine years of partnership with the L.A. Care Health Plan, during which CCA trained nearly 9,000 In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) caregivers in Los Angeles County who serve L.A. Care members. In December 2025 alone, nearly 400 caregivers completed a 10-week program in IHSS Caregiving Essentials, further strengthening the quality of care they provide, their confidence, and communication with consumers and health care teams.

Why Training Caregivers Is Critical

In-home caregivers are essential to the thousands of older adults and those with disabilities who receive long-term care at home to support their health and independence. The role of the home caregiver is vital for ensuring adherence to medical plans and assistance with many tasks of daily living.

Filling Gaps in the Home Care Landscape

CCA’s distinctive partnership with L.A. Care and SEIU Local 2015 provides In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) caregivers with free skills training. Together, we have built a community of caregivers in greater Los Angeles that possess the essential skills and confidence necessary to support L.A. Care members who receive care in their homes.

Research shows that skilled home care workers positively impact the health outcomes of their care recipients, helping to fill gaps in our complex healthcare system. At least one study showed that trained IHSS caregivers kept more people safe at home, with 25% fewer ER visits and 30% fewer hospital readmissions. Additionally, home care from skilled IHSS workers was found to reduce complications of chronic illnesses by 20% and increase consumer satisfaction with their care by 40%.

The IHSS+ Home Care Integration Training Program at CCA

CCA developed the IHSS+ Home Care Integration Training Program (IHSS+) as a comprehensive 10-week training designed to educate and empower caregivers who assist seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Caregivers who are assisting L.A. Care Health Plan members and are also registered as IHSS providers through California’s IHSS program can take CCA’s free online training to enhance their roles as home caregivers. The training provides them with skills that enable them to perform a range of caregiving duties, including roles as Monitor, Communicator, Coach, Navigator, and Care Aide.

Caregiver Training Partnership with L.A. Care Health Plan

At a recent CCA event, L.A. Care’s Chief Medical Officer Sameer Amin, MD, joined a panel of experts discussing caregiver training as a solution for filling care gaps. Dr. Amin emphasized the growing need to enhance caregiver training with information on how to navigate local resources and programs that can benefit their care recipients. He stated that these resources, such as food programs and services for specific health conditions, are not always widely advertised or easy to identify. He said that program partners should share the responsibility of helping caregivers find and navigate these additional resources.

When caregivers are skilled and familiar with local resources, L.A. Care members will receive more consistent and coordinated care.

About L.A. Care Health Plan

L.A. Care Health Plan is the largest health plan in Los Angeles County serving more than one of every four Angelenos. It is also the largest publicly operated plan in the country. L.A. Care offers four health coverage plans, including Medi-Cal, L.A. Care Covered™, L.A. Care Medicare Plus, and the PASC-SEIU Homecare Workers Health Care Plan, all dedicated to being accountable and responsive to members. As a public entity, L.A. Care’s mission is to provide access to quality health care for L.A. County’s low-income communities and to support the safety net required to achieve that purpose. L.A. Care prioritizes quality, access, and inclusion, elevating healthcare for all of L.A. County. 

About SEIU Local 2015

SEIU Local 2015 is the largest union in California, representing more than half a million long-term care workers (home care, skilled nursing facility, and assisted living center workers) throughout the state. SEIU Local 2015 is also the largest long-term care union in the U.S. and the largest local union in SEIU.

About the Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA)

The Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA) believes in building the workforce of highly trained caregivers that many Californians cannot 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.

Tags: , ,
Category: CCA News
Tags: , ,
Category: Impact Stories

Nursing Assistant Career: Becoming a CNA

Wednesday December 3, 2025 by CCA Comms

When Emmanuel “Manny” Moreno walks through the halls of Windsor Gardens Rehab Center of Salinas, there’s new confidence in his step. Once part of the Activities Department, Manny has found an even more meaningful way to care for residents—this time, as a future Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).

His journey to CNA began when his manager offered him a chance to enroll in a tuition-free CNA Training Pathway program through the Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA).

“Would you like to become a CNA?”

“When my manager asked me that, I hesitated because I hadn’t thought about working on the nursing side,” Manny recalls. “But then I realized it was a great opportunity—especially since they paid for it. I told myself, if they believe I can do it, I should give it a try.”

Manny’s leap of faith was supported by his CCA Outreach Manager, Elizabeth Cabral, who guided him through the enrollment and training process.

Finding Strength in the Pursuit of New Challenges

The CNA training wasn’t easy. Manny quickly discovered how intense the coursework could be.
“It was a lot of reading and a lot of quizzes—it was insane!” he laughs. “There were moments when I felt overwhelmed and thought about quitting. But my loved ones, my instructor, Gigi, and my CCA outreach manager, Elizabeth, encouraged me to keep going. I couldn’t let this great opportunity go to waste.”


After six demanding weeks of theory classes, Manny passed his final test. The feeling? Pure pride.
“At the end of the day, I was determined. When I passed, I was so proud of myself. It reminded me that I can do hard things.”

From Activities Associate to Certified Nursing Assistant

Before training, Manny worked in the Activities Department, planning and leading programs that brought joy to nursing home residents. Transitioning into a CNA role was a whole new experience.
“I wasn’t familiar with healthcare before,” he says. “But I’m glad I took the CNA training. It opened my eyes to a new side of caregiving—and maybe even prepared me for future opportunities in healthcare.”
Manny’s new career path also has a special personal connection: his mother works as a home health aide.
“She understands the kind of work I’m doing,” he says with pride. “She’s proud of me for taking this step.”

Support Every Step of the Way

Manny credits his success to the unwavering support he received from CCA staff and his instructors.
“Gigi, my instructor, was so informative and helpful. Elizabeth from CCA always checked in and made sure I had everything I needed. Everyone was so supportive—I never felt alone in this program.”

For anyone considering the program, Manny’s advice is simple but heartfelt:
“It’s a lot to learn, but if you keep doing it over and over, you’ll get it. It’s worth it.”

More Than a Job — a Calling and a Community

For Manny, being a CNA is about more than providing care—it’s about building relationships.

“It never hurts to try something new. I never expected to be a CNA, but I love building bonds with the residents.”

Manny says that he doesn’t see the residents as patients. “I see them as family and friends. I spend so many hours with them, and I get to know their family members who visit them.”

When he told his residents that he was starting CNA training, their support gave him the confidence to succeed.
“They were so happy for me. They saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. That gave me the strength to keep going.”

Looking Ahead to the Next Steps as a Nursing Assistant

Now studying for his California State Exam to become a fully certified CNA, Manny is grateful for the journey that began with a simple question and a life-changing opportunity.

“I’m glad I said yes to this CNA training program. It has changed my perspective on what I’m capable of.”

About the CNA Training Pathway Program

The Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA) offers tuition-free CNA and LVN training programs that help SEIU 2015 union workers like Manny gain valuable skills, earn credentials, and open doors to meaningful careers in caregiving and healthcare.

If you’ve ever thought about making a change, now’s the time—just like Manny, you might discover a new career pathway you never expected.

Learn more about CCA’s nursing home caregiver training programs at: https://advancecaregivers.org/cna-training-pathway-program/

Tags: , ,
Category: Impact Stories
Aesthetic shape.
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign-up to be added to our mailing list!

By providing your email and phone number, you agree to receive emails and text messages from CCA. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies.