SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--While taking care of an ill or aging family member can be rewarding, it can also be emotionally, mentally and physically draining. In an effort to ease the burden on caregivers, Amerigroup Washington and SEIU 775 Benefits Group have partnered to create a respite care online training that addresses the unique needs of a caregiver. These online trainings will also reach the largest number of learners and increase access that is available at all time frames, bringing convenience for the respite care workers.
“Our collaboration with the SEIU 775 Benefits Group is a further demonstration of our commitment in helping caregivers gain access to health care and resources they need to improve their health and wellbeing,” said Craig Smith, president of Amerigroup Washington. “We applaud the SEIU 775 Benefits Group for giving consumers access to high quality health care, and through their efforts being able to provide these online trainings accessible 24/7 in order to simplify the complexities for caregivers who are caring for loved ones.”
Respite caregivers play an important role in supporting home health care aides, because they allow caregivers the opportunity to take a break from the significant work around caring for individuals with a disability or who are aging. By allowing caregivers to take a break, respite care can help reduce stress levels. These short breaks provide temporary relief to ensure that the regular caregiver is rested and prepared for the ongoing demands of being a caregiver.
“Better preparing respite caregivers will help both the caregiver stepping in and the caregiver taking a break,” said Abby Solomon, Interim Executive Director of SEIU 775 Benefits Group. “When caregivers can step away and recharge and know their client will be well taken care of, that does a lot to reduce stress. We thank Amerigroup for their $30,000 contribution, which will allow us to train and empower respite caregivers to bring respect and dignity for those Washingtonians who are being cared for, while also provide stress relief for caregivers.”
Because these breaks are so important to aide home care givers, it is critical that respite providers receive the training that they need to be successful in their role. The current training requirement for respite caregivers is minimal. This donation will allow SEIU 775 Benefits Group to create respite online learning modules that address the unique needs of the respite caregiver. Online learning provides the opportunity to reach the largest number of participants and to ensure access to learning is available in the time frame most convenient for the respite care worker. It also allows for creative design elements such as branched learning and video-based exercises. This customized curriculum would meet the specific needs of those providing respite care in developmental disabilities or long term care settings.
For more information about this and other trainings, visit https://www.myseiubenefits.org/.
Amerigroup Washington
Amerigroup Washington helps improve health care access and quality for approximately 140,000 Medicaid Washington citizens by developing innovative care management programs and services. Members are assured care that is not only accessible, but also accountable, comprehensive, integrated and patient-centered. Amerigroup provides ongoing community relations and outreach to encourage members to become active participants in their health care. Through health education programs, members are empowered to choose and sustain a healthy lifestyle.
SEIU 775 Benefits Group
SEIU 775 Benefits Group is the nation’s leading organization dedicated to improving the skills, health and sustainability of the home care workforce. Leading with innovation and technology, SEIU 775 Benefits Group partners with government, labor and private industry ensuring that Washington home care workers have access to the skills and benefits they need to thrive. It serves 50,000 caregivers through health and wellness programs and provides 18,000 caregivers with affordable, high-quality medical, prescription and dental plans. Based on enrollment, SEIU 775 Benefits Group is Washington’s second-largest educational institution, providing an estimated 2.1 million hours of essential home care training since 2010. By caring for those who care for others, SEIU 775 Benefits Group is leading the transformation of home care into a thriving career and helping prevent the looming care crisis.