Certified Home Caregiver Training

The ElderStay@home Certified Home Caregiver Training program includes 4 levels:

• Elder Pal™
• Dementia and Alzheimer's Training
• Personal Care Assistant
• Home Care Assistant

Each level of training builds on the previous level to increase knowledge and competency in skills.

For questions or to register for a course, call 479-751-3043 or 888-866-8991.

Pre registration is required.

Elder Pal™ (EP): A 25-hour foundation course
Elder Pals provide companionship, safety and support for elders who need minimal assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, walking, light housekeeping, meal preparation and running errands.

Tuition: $75.00

Dementia and Alzheimer's Training Program (DEM): A 15-hour course
Pre-requisite: Graduate of Elder Pal or CNA
Provides information about the needs and care of the person with dementia.

Tuition: $50.00

Personal Care Assistant (PCA): An additional 25 hours of content and skill competency
Prerequisite: Completion of Elder Pal course
Personal Care Assistants provide primarily "hands-on" personal care for elders who need minimal-to-moderate assistance. In addition to using EP skills, they work with the elder to achieve the goal of maximum independence under family or professional supervision.

Tuition: $75.00

Home Care Assistant (HCA): An additional 50 hours of content and skill competency on home care, long-term care and aging issues
Prerequisites: Completion of Elder Pal and Personal Care Assistant courses
Home Care Assistants provide "hands-on" personal care for elders who need moderate-to-maximum assistance. In addition to using EP and PCA skills, they can perform uncomplicated nursing and therapy procedures under the direction of a medical professional in the home setting. These graduates can perform routine nursing-related services in hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health agencies and other settings under the supervision of a licensed nurse.

Tuition: $75.00

Option: After completion of all four courses, graduates are eligible to become CNAs by successfully challenging the state written and skills competency certification exams in Arkansas.

Click here for a schedule of classes.

Caregiver Directory
Upon completion of each level of training, graduates may place their names in the Caregiver Directory, which includes the following information:

• Graduate's Name
• Training Level
• Phone Number
• Days, Hours, Preference of Geographic Work Area

Those seeking to hire a caregiver may obtain a Caregiver Directory by contacting the Schmieding Center.

Graduates are required to attend 12 hours of continuing education each year to remain in the Directory.

Contact Schmieding Center for Senior Health and Education for additional information at info@schmiedingcenter.org or 479.751.3043, or call toll-free at 888.866.8991.