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-Editorial
California’s vast population of caregivers forms the backbone of the healthcare system for older adults and people with disabilities who live at home or in private nursing homes. Many of these caregivers are unpaid relatives and friends who volunteer their time to care for their loved ones.
To help these caregivers provide the vital support that elderly and disabled Californians need, the state Department of Aging has hundreds of free — and paying — online courses through its CalGrows training program for unlicensed caregivers, home health aides, and certified nursing assistants. The courses end this September 30. If caregivers enroll by August 31, however, they may earn up to $6,000 to learn and use new skills.
This press briefing explained the CalGrows classes, who qualifies for the stipends, how to enroll, and the skills that caregivers can learn. Speakers include trainers, caregivers, and clients.
To meet the growing demand for caregivers in California, the state’s Department of Aging has introduced a robust and accessible training program designed to empower both professional and unpaid caregivers. Connie Nakano, Assistant Director of the Office of Communications at the California Department of Aging, discussed the program’s expansive offerings and its significance in the context of California’s aging population during a webinar session.
Nakano emphasized the program’s diversity, noting that it includes over 600 courses, each tailored to different aspects of caregiving. “The beauty of the program is that there’s something for everyone, with courses ranging from 5-minute tutorials to 5-hour in-depth sessions,” she explained. These courses cover topics like CPR, dementia care, mental health, and general caregiving, and are available in nine different languages. Nakano stressed that the courses are designed to fit into the schedules of all caregivers, whether they are looking for in-person, live online, or self-paced learning options.
For more information and to explore the course offerings, Nakano encouraged caregivers to visit the program’s website at CalGrows.org, where they can filter courses based on their preferences and needs.
When asked about the program’s role in supporting aging in place, Nakano highlighted the program’s flexibility in training caregivers to meet the diverse needs of the aging population. “This program allows people to choose how they want to age, whether it’s in a nursing facility or their own homes. We’re ensuring that there’s a diverse selection of caregivers available to support those choices,” she said.
The program aligns with California’s Master Plan on Aging by providing the necessary training to caregivers, ensuring that older adults have the support they need, regardless of their living arrangements. This is particularly crucial as the state’s population continues to age, and the demand for various types of caregiving increases.
One of the critical questions raised during the discussion focused on the demand for caregiving services and how it is being met. Nakano noted that the program has seen a balanced demand from both professional caregivers and unpaid family members or friends. “The demand has been pretty equal overall, with both paid and unpaid caregivers participating in the training,” she observed.
This equal demand underscores the importance of making these resources accessible to all, regardless of whether caregiving is a paid profession or an unpaid duty. The program’s flexibility ensures that everyone who needs caregiving training can access it.
As California’s older adult population grows, there is a natural increase in the number of individuals with disabilities who require caregiving. While Nakano did not provide specific statistics, she acknowledged this trend and its implications. “Naturally, as the number of older adults increases, so does the likelihood of them becoming individuals with disabilities, which in turn increases the demand for caregiving services,” she stated.
This increase highlights the critical need for well-trained caregivers who can address the unique needs of older adults and those with disabilities, further emphasizing the importance of the state’s training program.
Another significant aspect of the program is its accessibility, particularly for undocumented immigrants. Nakano confirmed that the training is available to everyone, regardless of their citizenship status. “This program is completely free, and while there are different requirements for paid and unpaid caregivers, undocumented status does not impede enrolling in the courses,” she assured.
The program’s inclusivity ensures that all caregivers, including undocumented immigrants, can access the training they need to provide quality care for their loved ones or clients. Nakano urged caregivers to visit the program’s website to determine which courses they qualify for and to take advantage of the free resources available.
As California continues to navigate the challenges of an aging population, the state’s commitment to training and supporting caregivers remains a priority. Nakano’s insights into the program reveal a well-rounded initiative aimed at empowering caregivers with the knowledge and skills they need to provide exceptional care.
For caregivers across the state, the message is clear: whether you’re a professional or an unpaid caregiver, there are resources available to help you meet the demands of caregiving. The state’s training program is not just about education—it’s about ensuring that every Californian has the support they need as they age and that caregivers are equipped to provide that support.
Lidia Mawalu, a dedicated caregiver hailing from Fiji, has taken her passion for elder care to new heights through an innovative online training program offered by Stanford. With a deep-rooted cultural tradition of caring for the elderly, Lidia has long been known for her warmth, compassion, and exceptional care. However, this new training has provided her with additional tools and knowledge, enhancing her ability to support her clients.
“My experience with the courses was excellent and fantastic,” Lidia shared. “I would highly recommend them to anyone with seniors in their lives. These courses offer a wealth of knowledge that has been invaluable to me as a caregiver.”
Lidia’s journey as a caregiver began in Fiji, where caring for elders is an integral part of the culture. “Back home, we’re raised in extended families, and it’s natural for us to take care of the elderly,” she explained. This cultural background, combined with the rigorous training she received, has made her a standout in the caregiving community.
The Stanford program, which Lidia completed through a combination of Zoom classes and in-person training, provided her with insights into the medical and emotional needs of seniors. “The knowledge I’ve gained about what’s happening inside a person medically helps me understand what they need and how to provide preventive care,” Lidia said. “It’s not just about administering medication; it’s about making their lives enjoyable and fulfilling.”
Her client, Corrina Rucka, who has benefited from Lidia’s care for years, noticed a significant difference after Lidia completed her training. “Lidia has always been helpful and aware, but now she’s even more attuned to my needs,” Corrina remarked. “The training has enhanced her already excellent caregiving skills.”
Lidia’s success has inspired others in her community to pursue similar training. She has received numerous inquiries from fellow caregivers, eager to improve their skills. “This course has increased my confidence in my work, and I want to spread the word to others. It’s important for caregivers, especially those from the Pacific Islands, to know that these resources are available and accessible,” she said.
Carmen Contreras, a recent graduate of the CalGrows program, has shared her experience with the training that has not only enriched her caregiving skills but also deepened her commitment to providing compassionate care for those in need.
Contreras, who completed the Home Health Aide (HHA) and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) courses, emphasizes the importance of the comprehensive training she received. “The patient is often new to the illness they may be experiencing, and they just need to know that there’s somebody there who’s going to help them and guide them,” she explains. “Having someone there to explain step by step everything that needs to be done works wonders for the patient.”
The courses, which included both online and in-person components, provided Contreras with the foundational skills necessary for her role. Reflecting on her personal experience caring for her father after a stroke, she shared how the training prepared her for the practical aspects of caregiving. “I had been a professional caregiver before, but it was something I needed to brush up on,” she says. “The training opened up many different avenues for me in the medical field.”
Contreras also highlighted the value of the certification she earned, which requires renewal every two years with continuing education units. “It’s a career path, and it makes a huge difference. I see it daily with my classmates, and it’s changed them and what they can do now,” she adds.
The CalGrows program, she believes, offers a legitimate and validated career path for caregivers, providing essential skills that can be built upon for future advancements in the medical field. “This training has given me the initial steps to see what I can do in the medical field, whether it’s becoming a phlebotomist or exploring other specialties.”
Sean Hidalgo, Classes Manager at ACC Senior Services, expressed his gratitude for the strong community response to the CalGrows program, which the center has been actively involved in. “We wanted to host agencies for the CalGrows program, where I help people sign up and register for classes,” Hidalgo shared, emphasizing the importance of these educational opportunities for caregivers and community members.
Located in Sacramento, ACC Senior Services has hosted a variety of classes, both in-person and online, through the CalGrows program. “We’ve seen a huge influx of people signing up recently, which has been wonderful,” said Hidalgo. The center has worked diligently to reach out to the community through various methods, including distributing multilingual flyers and conducting facility site visits to ensure widespread awareness of the program.
Hidalgo also shared his personal experience with the program, having taken several classes as a direct care worker. “It’s been beneficial, especially working in a community setting,” he said. He highlighted the importance of classes such as “Processes of Aging” and dietary and mental health courses, which have equipped him with valuable skills to better serve the seniors at the center.
As the CalGrows program approaches its deadline, Hidalgo urges those interested to take action soon. “The deadline for the last class is at the end of August, and the opportunity to file a claim for incentives ends in September,” he noted. While the funding for the program is set to expire, Hidalgo emphasized that ACC Senior Services will continue to offer classes beyond this period, depending on the organization and availability.
