Trained Caregivers Increase 30 Percent In Oregon: Report

From OR Care Partners: A Department of Human Services’ funded training initiative, Oregon Care Partners, increased the number of direct care workers and family caregivers who completed classes by 30 percent since July 2017 with 530 participating in a dementia care workshop in June, according to a recent progress report. The progress report measured performance of the program in the new funding period which began in July 2017 compared with the prior three years. Oregon Care Partners also developed five new in-person and three new online training courses to prepare for requirements set by the Long-Term Care Quality and Safety Improvements bill (House Bill 3359) which passed in 2017. Caregivers are in high demand as Oregon’s population is aging. Between 2010 and 2014, nearly all of Oregon’s counties experienced a more than 10 percent increase in residents who are 65 and older. This demographic shift, in addition to requirements set by HB 3359, brings with it the need for programs that educate both professional and unpaid caregivers. The Long-Term Care Caregiving Training Initiative has provided funding for Oregon Care Partners since August 2014, so that the courses can be offered for free. Since July 2017:

• 7,662 caregivers statewide received training from Oregon Care Partners, including 1,363 who work in memory care facilities;
• Paid and unpaid caregivers completed more than 31,698 in-person and online classes with 57 percent of caregivers completing multiple courses.

“The results that Oregon Care Partners has delivered reflect a meaningful step forward in ensuring a better-supported and well-trained workforce of caregivers to support older adults and people with disabilities in Oregon,” said Ashley Carson Cottingham, director of DHS Aging and People with Disabilities. “We appreciate that the Legislature made this important initiative possible.” Of the 7,662 caregivers who have taken courses with Oregon Care Partners, 59 percent are paid for the work they do, 22 percent work in adult foster homes and 15 percent provide care without being paid. In follow-up surveys conducted by Oregon Care Partners, 97 percent of respondents said they feel better equipped to maintain and improve the health and safety of the person in their care; 49 percent reported a reduction in falls and 20 percent reported a reduction in hospital and emergency room visits. In addition, 78 percent said they are now better equipped to recognize and respond to signals of unmet needs and growing distress. “Our goal is to ensure that Oregonians have access to quality training programs that can make a difference in people’s lives,” said Angela Neal, project director for Oregon Care Partners. “It is gratifying to see that since the program’s inception, it has benefitted caregivers in every county in the state.” All caregiver trainings offered by Oregon Care Partners are free and open to anyone working or living in the state of Oregon. Family members, all levels of professional caregivers and members of the public are encouraged to visit www.OregonCarePartners.com to register for free training.

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