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.
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.”
Martha Neal’s journey into caregiving began when her mother developed dementia (Alzheimer’s) and required full-time support. With no prior experience as a caregiver, Martha sought training to provide the best possible care, leading her to the Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA).
Prior to enrolling in the six-week Alzheimer’s program for in-home caregiver training, Martha had taken multiple CCA courses, including the Emergency and Disaster Readiness (EDR) training. These classes provided her with invaluable caregiving skills.
CCA’s Emergency and Disaster Readiness course is incredibly helpful! After that course, I was able to build emergency kits and prepare disaster communication plans to help me manage future emergencies.”
Martha Gained Vital Skills and Insights That She Now Uses When Caring for Her Mother, Who Has Alzheimer’s
The CCA training coursework and teachers were great, but what Martha found most impactful about her courses were the real-life tips shared by fellow students. Simple insights—such as keeping keys out of reach to prevent an Alzheimer’s person from leaving the house and wandering—helped her navigate the unique challenges of caring for someone with dementia.
The Alzheimer’s course was particularly transformative for Martha, equipping her with crucial safety measures to protect her mother. She learned to lock away sharp objects, remove tripping hazards like rugs, and adjust the lighting to minimize shadows that could confuse her mother. One especially eye-opening tip was covering mirrors to prevent distress caused by reflections, which some individuals with Alzheimer’s perceive as strangers in the room. These small but significant changes have made her home a safer and more comfortable environment for her mother.
Patience Is Essential When Caring for Someone with Memory Loss
Beyond safety, the course also reinforced the importance of patience and emotional connection. One of the biggest adjustments Martha made was learning to embrace her mother’s memory loss with compassion.
They have always enjoyed watching movies together, and despite repeatedly watching the same films many times, Martha’s mother had no memory of having seen the movies before. At first, Martha was frustrated by this, but she has learned to go along with it.
My mom forgets the movies and watches them as if for the first time every time. I have learned to just let her watch the same movies we used to watch and let her experience them anew each time.”
A particularly meaningful moment came when she reflected on “The Vow,” a movie based on a true story about a man helping his wife rediscover their love after she experiences memory loss. This movie reminded Martha that caregiving is about meeting her mother where she is, with patience and understanding.
Training in Proper Caregiving Skills Has Eased Martha’s Stress and Brought Her More Fulfillment
Although caregiving for a loved one is challenging, Martha has found fulfillment in the knowledge she gained through CCA.
Caregiving for someone you know is very difficult and is probably the hardest job you will ever do, but it is so important. The best thing you can do for your loved one with Alzheimer’s or other dementia is to take the CCA Alzheimer’s class. It will help you in so many ways!”
Looking ahead, Martha hopes to transition into nursing or become a mentor for other caregivers, recognizing the emotional toll this role can take. She passionately encourages others to take CCA’s Alzheimer’s caregiving and disaster preparedness courses, emphasizing how these programs provide essential skills that can ease the caregiving journey. For Martha, CCA has not only helped her care for her mother, but it has also inspired her to support other caregivers in their own journeys.
LOS ANGELES – February 26, 2025 – The Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA), California’s most experienced provider of free, accessible training, has been awarded three grants to support and expand its critical training programs for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) workers and caregivers across the state. This funding will enable CCA to continue advocating for the essential workforce that provides care for California’s most vulnerable communities.
In recognition of CCA’s pioneering Emergency and Disaster Readiness (EDR) training, the California Community Foundation (CCF) has awarded CCA an unrestricted grant to strengthen the caregiving workforce. EDR is the first and only training program designed to equip caregivers with the skills to prepare for, respond to, recover from, and adapt to climate-related emergencies and natural disasters.
Following the Southern California wildfires in January 2025, CCA provided resources on its website, made itself available to stakeholders who are working on all phases of recovery efforts, and contacted former students in the affected areas. This grant builds on a previous CCF investment in CCA that helped lay the foundation for its EDR courses.
“This grant to the Center for Caregiver Advancement will ensure that caregivers have the skills they need to respond during times of crisis and need,” said Rosemary Veniegas, Ph.D., director of health programs at the California Community Foundation. “A longtime supporter of CCA’s disaster response efforts, CCF appreciates the Center’s quick actions during the LA wildfires.”
CCA has also received a High Road Training Partnership Healthcare (HRTP HC) 24-25 Program Grant from the California Workforce Development Board (CWDB), a key initiative of the California Jobs First program. This grant is part of CWDB’s $28.5 million investment in advancing job quality, economic equity, and climate resilience across the state. CCA will allocate this funding to expand its training programs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara for some of the 730,000+ IHSS workers in California, a workforce that remains understaffed, undertrained, and underpaid.
Additionally, a contract with the Personal Assistance Services Council Los Angeles (PASC LA) marks the first agreement between CCA and a public authority in California to provide training for both IHSS providers and consumers. PASC LA, the public authority for IHSS in Los Angeles County, works to improve IHSS, support independence, and enhance the quality of life for those who provide and receive care. Training programs cover topics such as emergency and disaster readiness and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
“We’re grateful for this vital funding to support us in advancing CCA’s mission of equipping caregivers with the skills and support they need to provide high-quality care for their loved ones,” said CCA President and CEO Corinne Eldridge. “This investment strengthens our efforts to expand training programs and uplift the essential role caregivers play in our communities.”
About the Center for Caregiver Advancement
The Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA) was founded in 2000. CCA 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.
Gabriel Peinado’s journey into caregiving began as a necessity when a family member became permanently disabled. Faced with the challenge of providing care while making ends meet, he discovered the Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA). He learned that CCA offered in-home caregiver training programs that allowed him to develop his skills while earning a living and fulfilling his family responsibilities.
Gabriel found CCA through his research into social security and disability resources, a discovery that would equip him with invaluable knowledge and support to become a more effective caregiver.
A Huge Benefit of CCA Caregiver Training is Finding a Community of Other Caregivers
One of the most impactful aspects of Gabriel’s training at CCA was the sense of community and support he found among fellow caregivers. Before joining the program, he rarely had the opportunity to connect with other caregivers who shared the same struggles.
In the CCA course, he was surrounded by individuals with similar concerns and experiences, providing him with a strong support system. The ability to exchange practical caregiving tips with his peers proved to be one of the most beneficial aspects of his training. From learning proper medication administration techniques to effective hygiene practices, these small yet essential insights helped him improve his daily caregiving routine.
For anyone considering the CCA caregiver training, I would tell them that it offers a variety of tips that you will use on the job.”
Among the most valuable lessons he learned at CCA was the importance of communication with his care recipient. The training emphasized how to approach sensitive topics with empathy and respect, making difficult conversations more manageable.
Hearing firsthand experiences from the instructor and other students who faced similar communication challenges reinforced the importance of clear and compassionate dialogue. These lessons have since helped Gabriel foster a better relationship with his family member, ensuring their needs are met while maintaining their dignity.
This training is fun and easy to follow, with excellent instructors who make it accessible and engaging.”
Gabriel gained other critical skills from CCA, such as CPR training and proper handwashing techniques, which he applies regularly in his caregiving role. The CPR training was particularly impactful, and he wished his family members could have attended the course with him. The skills he learned at CCA have now become second nature to him, ensuring a safer and healthier environment for his care consumer.
Caregiver Training Essentials Are a Good Foundation for Future Work in Healthcare
Looking ahead, Gabriel remains open to continuing his work in caregiving, because he recognizes its importance and the rewards that come with it. While he has other avenues for earning a living, he values the advocacy and support that CCA provides, making his role as a caregiver more fulfilling.
Gabriel strongly encourages others to consider CCA training. He highlights the practical tips, strong sense of community, and excellent instruction that made his experience so worthwhile. For Gabriel, caregiving is not just a job. It is a meaningful and rewarding way to support his loved one while improving their quality of life.
Through CCA you will gain helpful skills you will use daily, and you will find strong support and make amazing connections with other caregivers.”
A February 19, 2025 news story by health reporter Ana B. Ibarra on the CalMatters.org website highlighted the need for emergency preparedness among caregivers assisting people who are disabled or those with limited mobility during wildfires and other emergencies. The Emergency and Disaster Readiness training provided by the Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA) is part of the solution.
The CCA offers its Emergency and Disaster Readiness course to workers of the In-Home Supportive Services program in San Bernardino County as part of a partnership with SEIU, the labor union representing caregivers. CCA CEO Corinne Eldridge reported that CCA has provided this training to about 4,000 In-Home Supportive Services workers across California since 2021.
CCA appreciates Ibarra’s recognition of the need for disaster readiness training to help caregivers navigate fires and other emergencies.
To read the full news story, please visit CalMatters.org.
Andrew So is a dedicated educator and mentor whose diverse experiences have shaped his unique approach to teaching. As a bilingual (Cantonese) instructor at the Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA), he brings a natural flair for teaching to his in-home caregiver training courses. Andrew feels that he is enriching the lives of his students through education and personal connection.
Transitioning from Entrepreneur and Music Teacher to Caregiving Teacher
Born and raised in Hong Kong, Andrew moved to Los Angeles for his studies. He spent eight years there before returning to Hong Kong. He later married and worked in his home city. He even started his own business — a café offering specialty coffees. However, he and his wife decided to raise their family in the United States, settling there after briefly considering Canada.
With a degree in music composition, Andrew has a strong background in the arts. He has taught music extensively. He transitioned into providing training for in-home caregivers at CCA through a mixture of luck and personal experience. A friend told him to consider applying to CCA because of his role as an in-home caregiver for his grandfather, who had dementia. This firsthand exposure to caregiving fueled Andrew’s interest in learning more about the field. He now finds great fulfillment in equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to care for others effectively.
“I see that I am having an impact on my students and on the care consumers they serve.”
Andrew has discovered that teaching, regardless of the subject, is his true calling. Whether he is mentoring college students in music, training people in coffee brewing, or educating caregivers, Andrew finds fulfillment in sharing his knowledge. Today, he teaches in-home caregiving courses to Cantonese-speaking students at CCA. He also conducts coffee brewing workshops for at-risk youth, providing them with practical skills and a constructive outlet.
Teaching Caregiver Students of All Levels Has Challenges and Rewards
For Andrew, the most rewarding aspect of teaching caregiving is witnessing the impact it has on his students. He often receives messages of gratitude from graduates who have successfully applied his teachings in their caregiving roles. The heartfelt messages he receives, especially during Chinese New Year, affirm the value of his work. He takes pride in knowing that he is helping caregivers provide compassionate and competent care, particularly for individuals with dementia.
“In-home caregivers are not very highly paid workers, but they are people with good hearts. I am very touched by my students, and I’m grateful for the connections I form with them.”
Teaching Cantonese-speaking students at CCA comes with its challenges, due to the wide disparity in educational backgrounds among his students. Some students have advanced degrees, while others struggle with basic literacy and technical skills. Andrew addresses this challenge by taking a step-by-step approach in his classes. This ensures that all students, regardless of their starting point, become proficient in digital learning technology by the end of a 6-8-week course.
Andrew has developed a deep appreciation for the emotional connections he forms with his students. Although he considers himself an unsentimental person, he finds the compassion and care that his students bring to their work very moving. Reflecting on his own caregiving journey, he wishes he had received the type of training that CCA provides, which would have better equipped him to care for his grandfather.
CCA Training Offers Value, Resources, and a Community of Supportive Caregivers
In addition to CCA’s caregiving courses for the elderly, Andrew highlights CCA’s unique offering of courses on autism and spectrum disorder care. He sees these as invaluable resources for parents and caregivers alike. Beyond providing essential caregiving knowledge, CCA classes also serve as a support network, where caregivers can share their experiences and challenges in a safe environment. The sense of community fostered in these classes helps caregivers navigate the emotional and physical demands of their work.
With a deep commitment to education and caregiving, Andrew So continues to inspire and empower his students at CCA. His journey — from being a music educator and café owner to caregiver instructor — reflects his adaptability and passion for teaching. Whether he is guiding students in caregiving, or mentoring youth in coffee brewing, Andrew’s impact extends far beyond the classroom, changing lives one lesson at a time.
Andrew So was recently recognized by CCA leadership for his teaching contributions to the CCA training programs, with a promotion to Lead Instructor.
Aida Rustemova Bonfiglio, a single mother and immigrant from Kazakhstan, had always dreamed of working in the medical field. She never imagined that a paid apprenticeship would make that dream a reality. Inspired by her family’s deep roots in healthcare—her grandmother was a nurse who became a surgeon, and her mother was a doctor—Aida grew up with a strong desire to care for others. But heeding her mother’s advice not to follow in their footsteps because of the demanding work and long hours in the medical field, she earned a bachelor’s degree in international relations and a master’s in international law in Kazakhstan. However, as a newcomer to the United States, Aida faced a range of challenges: language barriers, financial instability, and the daunting task of supporting her young daughter as a single parent.
Despite her background as an attorney with a bachelor’s degree in international relations and a master’s in international law, Aida’s credentials were not recognized in the U.S. Instead of pursuing a career in law, she found herself drawn to the healthcare field—a dream that, for a while, seemed out of reach.
The Game-Changer: CCA’s CNA Registered Apprenticeship Program
Aida’s life changed when she heard about a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) registered apprenticeship program offered by the Center for Caregiver Advancement. The program promised more than just training—it provided a holistic support system, including paid tuition, financial stipends, and mentorship, giving Aida the opportunity to continue her studies without incurring debt. “It felt like someone always had my back,” Aida shared, reflecting on her experience.
“The financial support allowed me to focus on my studies and care for my daughter at the same time. I didn’t have to choose between my family and my education.”
Support Every Step of the Way
The apprenticeship program was a game-changer for Aida. As a single mother who doesn’t receive child support, she long struggled to make ends meet. The apprenticeship paid for her time in class, making it possible for her to support her family while gaining the education and experience she needed to enter an allied health profession. The program also covered tuition and stipends for food and gas, relieving the stress of living paycheck to paycheck.
What Aida appreciated most about the program, however, was the mentorship. “It wasn’t just about the training. It was about the people who supported me every step of the way,” she explained. From her initial interview with her program coordinator, Martha, to ongoing guidance from a dedicated mentor once she started working as a CNA, Aida felt encouraged and empowered throughout her journey
A Career Transformed: Thriving as a CNA
Today, Aida is thriving in her career as a CNA, with a renewed sense of purpose and a growing passion for caregiving.
“This program changed my life. I’ve always wanted to help others, and now I’m living my dream.”
But Aida’s ambitions don’t end there. She dreams of becoming a Licensed Vocational Nurse, a goal she is actively working toward to make an even greater impact on the lives of her patients.
Advice for Aspiring Apprentices: Go for It
Aida’s story is a powerful example of resilience and determination. It highlights how apprenticeship programs not only provide individuals with the skills and training needed for a successful career but also offer essential support during times of personal struggle. For Aida, the apprenticeship program was more than just a job opportunity—it was a life-changing experience that gave her the tools to build a better future for herself and her daughter. When asked what advice she would give someone considering the apprenticeship program, Aida’s answer is simple yet profound.
“Go for it. CCA’s program offers you everything you need to succeed—training, financial support, and the chance to build a career without experience. It changed my life, and it can change yours too.”
As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week this November, Aida’s journey is a testament to the power of opportunity and the importance of support in overcoming obstacles. CCA’s CNA Registered Apprenticeship Program provided her with both and helped Aida realize a lifelong dream.
For Cassandra Parker, becoming a full-time caregiver wasn’t something she expected, but when her family faced crisis after crisis, it became a role she embraced with grace and determination. Her story is one of resilience, love, and learning—both as caregiver and daughter.
In 2021, Cassandra’s life took a turn when her father was diagnosed with stage four kidney cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic, making it difficult for him to get the surgery he needed. This came just after she had lost her mother to stage four pancreatic cancer. With her sister preoccupied with a newborn, Cassandra took on the responsibility of caring for her father. “The baton was passed to me,” she explains.
Despite her limited knowledge of caregiving systems like IHSS (In-Home Supportive Services) at the time, Cassandra quickly stepped into her role, beginning her journey as a full-time caregiver for her father.
Navigating Dual Roles: Caregiverand Daughter
One of the hardest parts of Cassandra’s journey has been finding a balance between being a caregiver and a daughter. “Asking for help has been crucial,” she shares. “When you’re a caregiver, your focus is on making sure your consumer is properly taken care of, but as a daughter, especially after losing my mother, it’s tough. You need that emotional support.”
Cassandra found solace and structure in CCA’s courses, which provided her with tools to manage the dual roles.
“Participating in CCA’s course gave me permission to be a daughter again.”
The courses not only allowed her to take a step back from the constant demands of caregiving but also gave her the knowledge and skills to better support her father.
For Cassandra, caregiving is more than just tasks—it’s about preserving her father’s independence and humanity. “You want them to feel like they can still take care of themselves. We don’t want them to feel like they’re less than,” she explains.
The Power of a Community and Lifelong Learning
According to Cassandra, one of the most valuable aspects of CCA’s courses is the peace of mind they provide. She learned critical skills, like managing medications and navigating healthcare, but also discovered something even more powerful: the importance of self-care. “You can’t take care of anyone else unless you take care of yourself,” she stresses.
Cassandra first learned about the courses through her involvement with SEIU Local 2015. “I came across Rodney, one of the field assistants. He told me about the free course—worth $9,000—and I thought, ‘I have to take this.’ It wasn’t just about the stipend; it was about gaining the knowledge I needed to take care of my father.” For Cassandra, the course was transformative. “I got so much more than I expected. It wasn’t about the money; it was about making sure I was doing everything I could for my father.”
A Message for New Caregivers
To those considering caregiving, Cassandra’s advice is clear: “You can do it. It’s not going to be easy, but you’re not perfect, and that’s okay. It’s important to take care of yourself mentally and emotionally before you can take care of your consumer.”
Cassandra’s journey has taught her the importance of community. Through the courses, she found a support system that helped her care for her father and herself. “You’re not on your own,” she reminds others. “You’ve got this.” As she continues to care for her father, Cassandra is thankful for the resources and community CCA has provided.
“Being a caregiver is the most rewarding thing. CCA really cares about their caregivers, and I’ve learned that you have a community—you’re not in this alone.”
A research article appearing in the March/April 2024 edition of the peer-reviewed journal Professional Case Management suggests that high-quality caregiver training provided by the Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA) contributes to reduced emergency room visits for the consumers in their care. The study also suggests that receiving care from a CCA-trained caregiver appears to reduce healthcare costs for these consumers.
The study led by co-authors Susan A. Chapman, Melinda T. Neri, and Robert J. Newcomer, followed caregivers who completed 16 weeks of in-person In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) training through CCA. The researchers compared the caregivers who received CCA training to a group of caregivers who did not take the IHSS caregiver essentials skill-building course. The research team tracked each group of caregivers for three years.
The caregiver skill-building program was developed by CCA with support from a Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Innovation Grant, established by the Affordable Care Act.
Summary of the Impact Study
The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether training a California In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) home care worker impacted the health care utilization of the IHSS consumers. Home-based personal care services are provided through California’s IHSS program. The research team used a quasi-experimental design involving a group of IHSS consumers whose IHSS (home care) workers completed 16 weeks of in-person home care worker training from the Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA).
Researchers also used a comparison group of IHSS consumers whose IHSS workers had not received this training. Both groups were members of the same health plan and were enrolled in the IHSS program at the time of enrollment into the study. The training effect was evaluated over three years, comparing emergency room (ER) use and inpatient (IP) hospital stays: 12 months prior to IHSS worker training, 12 months after training, and 13–24 months after training. Researchers collected demographic information on the workers and post-training perceptions.
CCA Training for Caregivers Delivers Positive Results for Consumers and Healthcare Systems
Reduction in Hospitalizations: 30% reduction in hospital readmissions for consumers who received care from trained home care workers compared to those who did not receive training.
Emergency Room Visits: There was a reported 25% decrease in emergency room visits among consumers cared for by trained caregivers.
Healthcare Cost Savings: These reductions in utilization led to an average savings of $1,500 per consumer annually.
Impact of CCA Training: Skilled Caregivers Are Key
Training through CCA was associated with several other factors that impact quality of life. For consumers who receive care from trained caregivers, researchers saw:
20% fewer complications for consumers with chronic illness
35% increase in adherence to care plans
40% increase in consumer satisfaction with their care
CCA was founded in 2000. Over the years, CCA has established itself as California’s most experienced provider of free, accessible training that focuses on a supportive, experience-based learning environment. CCA believes in building a workforce of highly trained caregivers that many Californians can’t live without.
It is estimated that 20% of Californians (1 in 5) will be 65 or older by 2030. California is in a care crisis, with high demand for trained caregivers — a demand that will increase over time as the population in California ages. Research studies that investigate the impact of CCA training have helped to advance policy initiatives that are designed to develop more career pathway opportunities and build professionalization for long-term care workers.
The findings from this research study were published in Professional Case Management.For details, please read the original article here.
