Learn to become a respite care provider

SCOTTSBLUFF – Persons interested in becoming a respite care provider, or wanting to learn more about respite, can attend training on Aug. 28, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Harms Advanced Technology Center on the campus of Western Nebraska Community College in Scottsbluff.

Sherri Blome, respite coordinator at the Nebraska Statewide Respite Network, said space is limited and interested persons should register either online at http://www.panhandlepartnership.com/training-academy.html (scroll to REST Training) or call (308) 432-8190. Pre-registration is required and lunch will be provided.

Training topics include the definition of respite, handling emergency situations, disability awareness, dealing with behaviors, feeding, transferring, hygiene, confidentiality, building relationships with the family and the care recipient, fun activities to do during respite time, and more.

“Participants will receive the education and tools needed to be confident and successful in providing respite care to adults and children,” Blome said. “We will also help prepare respite providers to provide crisis respite if the need should arise. Trained participants may apply to become a part of the Nebraska Respite Network database of respite providers.”

She said the goal of this course is to assist individuals to become effective respite providers by learning three key steps of support: prepare, care and connect.

The training is made possible in part by a federal IDEA Part C grant awarded to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services from the Nebraska Department of Education, Office of Special Education in collaboration with Panhandle Partnership for Health and Human Services.