SALISBURY — A private, nonprofit organization serving Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset and Dorchester counties can help those who want to become professional caregivers or update their caregiving skills.

MAC’s Care Provider Training Program is designed for caregivers interested in employment in private care, a home health agency or an assisted living facility.

The next class begins Aug. 5.

To be registered with a home health agency, care providers are required to have four hours of Alzheimer’s or dementia training before they can go into a client’s home,” Susan Hill, the program manager said. “MAC developed this free training program to help address the shortage of trained entry-level caregivers,” Hill said.

The training is open to anyone age 18 and older who lives in Wicomico, Worcester or Somerset counties; there is an emphasis on attendees aged 50 and older.

Program participants:
• Earn certification in CPR
• Learn fall prevention strategies
• Complete Alzheimer’s and dementia education
• Learn how to deal with difficult client behaviors associated with dementia, and aging in general
• Learn critical skills for communicating with the patient and family

Topics added to the training include palliative and end-of-life care, and a nutrition component with a demonstration.

Participants get on-the-job training, working with clients in MAC’s Life Bridges Dementia Day Program and Connections senior center program.

In addition, the program’s job developer will:
• Help participants get a real feeling for the caregiving occupation
• Help participants find opportunities and funding for additional education if desired
• Market the individuals to prospective employers
The program partners with the American Job Center, with information on writing resumes, brushing up on interview skills and conducting an online job search.

Funding for the program is from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), through the Tri-County Council for the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland/Lower Shore Workforce Alliance.

For more information or to register for the upcoming session, call Susan Hill at 410-742-0505, Ext. 147, or email her at shill@macinc.org.

MAC is a member agency of the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore.