Training

Training

The training program for caregivers at HWS includes a minimum of ten (10) hours of initial training. Five (5) hours of training are provided before the caregiver’s first assignment, and the remaining five (5) hours are provided within the caregiver’s first thirty (30) days after employment. All training is documented and maintained in the caregiver’s file and/or training log for tracking purposes.

 The initial caregiver training covers the following topics:

1. Orientation to HWS philosophy and standards of care, including a review of HWS employee policies and procedures (Roles and Responsibilities) manual.
2. Review of the caregiver’s job responsibilities and limitations.
3. Communication skills for interacting with people who are hard of hearing, have dementia, or have other special needs.
4. Standard Precautions/Infection Control in accordance with CDC and OSHA regulations, focusing on hand washing, basic hygiene, and infection control practices.
5. Confidentiality and security of clients’ personal, financial, and health information in compliance with HIPAA regulations.
6. Instruction for observation, reporting, and documentation of services provided, with an emphasis on objective reporting.
7. Assistance with activities of daily living and personal care tasks, including ambulation, bathing, dressing, exercise, feeding, hair care, medication reminding, mouth care, nail care, positioning, shaving, skin care, toileting, and transfers.
8. Training on the use of specific adaptive equipment, such as a mechanical lifting device, if the caregiver will be working with clients who use this equipment.
9. Understanding dementia and problem-solving skills for caring for clients with challenging behavior.
10. Identification of abusive or neglectful behaviors, along with legal prohibitions and reporting requirements.
11. Explanation of the client’s individualized Service Plan.
12. Basic body mechanics for employee safety, including proper techniques for transferring clients.
13. Procedures for employee and client safety, as well as guidelines for handling emergency situations.
14. Maintenance of a clean, healthy, and safe environment.
15. Basics of hydration and information on the signs and symptoms of dehydration.
16. Overview of basic human needs specific to aging and disease processes.
17. Nutrition requirements and guidelines for meal preparation, including dietary requirements for clients’ illness or condition.
18. Any other tasks that HWS may assign to the caregiver.

In addition to the initial training, each HWS caregiver must complete a minimum of ten (10) hours of annual training to maintain placement availability. This may include hands-on demonstrations, self-study packets, corporate training programs, workshops, and individual training for the unique needs of the client receiving care. Annual training shall cover:

1. Promoting client dignity, independence, self-determination, privacy, choice, and rights.
2. Disaster procedures.
3. Hygiene and infection control.
4. Abuse and neglect prevention and reporting requirements.
5. Activities of daily living related to ambulation, bathing, feeding, nail care, client positioning, and transfer of clients, within the scope of work for a home services worker.