Training improves skill set at COAs

Rick Charmoli | Cadillac News From left, Wexford County COA Direct Care worker Rose Nelson talks about her schedule with Lisa Hopkins, Wexford County COA in-home service supervisor. On Wednesday, Nelson, Hopkins and other workers from the Wexford County COA as well as workers from the Missaukee County COA will be attending a Skills Lab Day at Baker College.

CADILLAC — Rose Nelson is excited about an opportunity.

The Wexford County Council on Aging direct care worker is hoping that an all-day training session will help her do her job better. The Skills Lab Day at Baker College in Cadillac will give her hands-on training that she can use when she is working in homes with various senior citizens who receive COA care or help.

“I like it a lot. A lot of times the training is book learning. Baker College is hands-on,” Nelson said. “Everyone gets encouragement from each other. We actually get to do it hands on and it’s not boring.”

Lisa Hopkins, Wexford County COA in-home service supervisor, said the best part of the training on Wednesday will be getting everyone on the same page to begin with.

“The biggest thing is we get a standard level of care. Everyone is getting the same info,” Hopkins said. “We do training throughout the year but this is really focused. We do have requirements but this way we group it together.”

Things that will be covered during the training include but are not limited to personal care, hair care, nail care, foot care, how to take vital signs, dealing with dementia, how to give a bath, respite care, HIPPA, problems with equipment and how to deal with family members.

In addition to workers from the Wexford County COA, workers from the Missaukee County Commission on Aging also will be attending the event.

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