Volunteers needed to take free training
The REST (Respite Education & Support Tools) program has entered into a one-year agreement with Bloomingdale Township Mental Health Board and Voice of Care to train a respite workforce to assist caregivers living in the township.
REST received a $15,000 grant to implement the respite pilot program. It has the potential to provide respite services to 100 Bloomingdale Township caregivers, providing them with a break to run errands, go to an appointment, exercise, or meet a friend for lunch.
The pilot provides free REST Companion training for volunteers who would like to provide respite for caregivers of seniors and individuals with developmental disabilities or mental illness.
Within this new pilot program, REST will work with social service agencies, faith-based organizations, advocacy groups and volunteer organizations. REST Trainers will conduct REST Companion courses, which will increase access to respite for caregivers. These volunteer respite care workers, called Companions, will provide eight hours of respite per month for one year and give caregivers a break from their routine caregiving duties.
"We are pleased to begin this new partnership with the Bloomingdale Township and Voice of Care, to bring respite care where it is needed," said Lois Sheaffer, national director of REST. "This pilot program is truly an alignment of community partner agencies, REST, and community volunteers."
According to caregiver.org, approximately one in every six Americans is providing caregiving services to someone who is elderly or with developmental disabilities.
The goal of the pilot program is to train 50-100 respite providers by the end of the one-year period.
They will support families by allowing caregivers to take a break without incurring the cost of private caregivers or placing them in long-term care facilities.
For information, visit www.restprogram.org.
If your organization can host a REST Companion course, contact Lois Sheaffer, at lsheaffer@restprogram.org, or (630) 397-5655.
REST is an evidence-based respite-training program whose mission is to deliver education and support to those offering a break to caregivers.
Currently, REST has trainers and companions in 29 states.
Participants who complete the training overwhelmingly respond that the program prepares them to feel confident in providing quality respite to families.