Feb. 8 classes offered for interested sitters

The staff of the Upper Cumberland Development District Area Agency on Aging and Disability will be at the Warren County Senior Center Friday, Feb. 8 at 10 a.m. to offer information regarding the Companions for Recovery Program. Individuals who are interested in becoming a paid sitter by learning skills in basic health care are invited to attend the meeting.

Participants will be trained, free of charge, in four separate classes taught by trained professionals. In the first class, participants will be orientated on polices and procedures and the job description of the Companions for Recovery Program. They will also learn about medical equipment safety in the home, common Diseases, nutrition, body techniques ‘ transferring and lifting, skin care, bathing, personal care, elder abuse, and depression/mental status changes in the elderly.

In the second class, participants will be trained in infection control, fall prevention in the home, fire safety in the home, vital signs, and confidentiality and ethics.

In the third class, participants will learn about end of life issues, living wills, durable power of attorney, and legal issues.

In the fourth class, participants will be given instructions in CPR, and be given the final exam. Each participant will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the training.

Upon completion of the program, each person’s information will be put on the UCDD/AAAD sitter’s list that is distributed to hospitals, social workers, home health agencies and other individuals interested in hiring a sitter. The sitter will offer the caregiver an option for in-home care that will be provided for their homebound loved one. For more information, contact the Warren County Senior Center at 931-473-6559.

Trained sitters and clients negotiate rates for service. Call for a list of available sitters.