Caring for Caregivers

Rachelle Wallace-Krank

As a caregiver, it can sometimes be problematic to obtain information, guidance, and support for dealing with the needs and issues related to caring for an aging loved one. GuardiaCare Services has a solution!  Enroll in Caregiver University On-Line. With funding from KIPDA, GuardiaCare has again teamed with the Auerbach School of Occupational Therapy to provide programming for caregivers in a fresh and truly flexible on-line format. Participants will be able to access educational and informational modules over the Internet via Spalding University’s Blackboard software. Caregiver University On-Line’s availability means that students will be able to take classes at their own pace, and at times convenient to their own schedules.

Caregiver University On-Line is offered free of charge to any person acting as caregiver to a senior age 60 or older, who lives in KIPDA’s seven-county service region. Our first module, “Home Safety and Preventing Falls,” will be available in January. Other modules will follow soon, with topics including "Understanding the Aging Process," "Medication Management," and "Navigating the Healthcare Maze."

As baby boomers age and the number of families in the sandwich generation steadily increases, caregiver support and education will be in even greater demand. We at GuardiaCare take great pride in offering this technology-based initiative to better serve those caring for aging loved ones.

Participants must register in advance to enroll in courses, and will have 60 days from the date of enrollment to complete a module. Anyone interested in becoming a student of Caregiver University On-Line can contact Edie Allen at (502) 585-9949 for registration.

This project is funded, in part, under a contract with KIPDA Area Agency on Aging through the Cabinet for Health and Family Services with funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Rachelle Wallace-Krank is a Geriatric Care Manager for GuardiaCare Services