Thirty-one students celebrated the completion of caregiving classes offered by the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Public Authority on June 25. The six core classes are free and open to anyone who wants to learn skills essential to providing care. For graduation eligibility, students completed the six classes within twelve months and learned how to help those they care for live independently in their own homes.
“These caregivers have gone above and beyond the call of duty,” said Rick Simonson, Acting Executive Director for In-Home Health Services. “By participating in these free classes, they took the initiative to increase their skills and provide better care.”
The IHSS program was created to help disabled adults and children, as well as elderly, continue to live in their own homes. With support from an in-home caregiver, the IHSS Public Authority works to empower those who need this service by providing them with a registry of qualified caregivers and free education to caregivers and to those who use the services.
Since 2006, more than 230 students have graduated from the 6 core classes.
“I love taking care of people,” said Patricia Western, one of the graduates from the program. “I have been in the field for more than seven years and I would like to help people expand their knowledge of how to provide the best care for others.”
Margaret Dodson, RN, a retired Sacramento State professor, hospice nurse and author of the book, The Last Visit, spoke at the graduation. She told graduates that their work was important and they should never underestimate their presence in the life of someone needing care.
Writer: Kaitlin Bane, Communication and Media Intern