REST celebrates fourth anniversary
Since launching the REST (Respite Education & Support Tools) program in February 2013, a growing number of caregivers across the nation are receiving respite care, or short-term temporary relief.
Over the past four years, REST has expanded to more than 300 Trainers, more than 4,000 Companions (paid or unpaid respite workers) and a growing number of Master Trainers (those who conduct the REST Train-the-Trainer course) in 25 states.
"We have met so many inspiring people who are doing amazing things across the county," said Lois Sheaffer, program director, who has more than 30 years' experience in respite work, and who has played an instrumental role in the development of the REST program. "They include professionals, caregivers and volunteers who have a passion for increasing community resources, so individuals who are aging, or who have healthcare needs, can remain in their homes."
REST is an evidence-supported training program that prepares individuals to conduct respite training, equipping REST Companions to provide respite, in order to support caregivers who are caring for people with disabilities and health care needs across the lifespan. Participants who complete the training overwhelmingly respond that the program prepares them to feel confident in providing quality respite to families. This allows caregivers to step away to refresh and recharge, knowing their loved ones are in capable hands.
Aging organizations, social service agencies, faith-based communities, universities and other groups have used the REST program to train Trainers and Companions - and, ultimately, build networks of support for caregivers in their communities.
REST Trainers conduct the eight-hour Companion course after completing the two-day Train-the-Trainer course, which provides an overview of skills identified in the 10 core competencies for respite training published by the ARCH National Respite Network. Among the topics covered: confidentiality, communication skills, general care techniques, planning and adapting activities, and establishing successful relationships with caregivers and care receivers.
Over the course of the last four years, the program has expanded to include a four-hour REST Essentials™ training program that prepares individuals to provide respite in supervised group settings, such as an adult day care, drop-off ministry or camp program, in addition to the Train-the-Trainer and Companion courses.
Other major accomplishments of REST include:
Translating the training program and materials into Spanish. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, people of Hispanic origin constitute the nation's largest ethnic or racial minority - or 17 percent of the nation's total population. By offering the REST program in Spanish, more people and organizations can benefit from this grassroots training effort.
Developing the REST Essentials online course, allowing professionals and caregivers to gain a strong command of the ten core competencies of respite, as defined by the National Respite Guidelines. The course provides 1.5 Continuing Education hours for nurses, social workers, nursing home administrators, therapists and other healthcare professionals who pass the program. The online course is also appropriate for family, friends and volunteers who want to provide respite in a supervised group setting, such as adult day care and other drop-off program. This course is especially useful for Home Health Agencies and Hospice Organizations that offer additional training in their orientation program.
Becoming an evidence-supported training program. REST conducts research to show the positive effects respite has on caregivers and care receivers. Those findings are presented at national conferences.
Today, more than 90 million individuals in the U.S. provide care for a family member or other loved one, and respite care is one of the most frequently requested support services for caregivers, according to Caregiver Action Network.
For information on REST, visit www.restprogram.org.