Training

WTN will provide a minimum of eight (8) hours of initial training for each caregiver.  Four (4) hours of training will be provided prior to the caregiver’s first assignment and the remaining four (4) hours will be provided within the caregiver’s first thirty (30) days after employment.  All training is documented and maintained in the caregiver’s file and/or training log for tracking purposes.

Initial caregiver training includes the following topics:

1. An extensive orientation to WTN’s philosophy and standards of care.  This includes a review of WTN’s employee policies and procedures (Roles and Responsibilities) manual. A signed acknowledgement form is obtained.
2. A review of the caregiver’s job responsibilities and limitations.
3. Standard Precautions/Infection Control – WTN employees are trained in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.   Employees are required to use the necessary protective equipment and supplies in order to comply with those regulations.  Initial focus is on hand washing, basic hygiene and basic infection control practices.
4. Confidentiality and security of clients’ personal, financial, and health information in accordance with applicable Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations. A signed acknowledgement form is obtained.
5. Information on the signs, symptoms and reporting of elder abuse.
6. Explanation of the client’s individualized Service Plan.
7. Instruction for observation, reporting and completion of documentation of services provided, including changes in functional ability and mental status demonstrated by the client. Emphasis placed on objective vs. subjective reporting.
8. How to assist with personal care tasks.
9. Basic body mechanics for employee safety. Specific “how to” instructions are given for transferring client using proper techniques.
10. WTN’s procedures for the safety of the employee and client along with guidelines for handling emergency situations including disaster/emergency preparedness. WTN’s procedures for emergency situations include but are not limited to fire, home security, personal, weather related, power outage, etc. Caregivers are trained in basic first aid and to be aware of all known hazards or potential hazards.
11. Communication skills in areas such as with people who are hard or hearing, have dementia or other special needs.
12. Promoting client dignity, independence, self-determination, privacy, choice and rights.
13. Maintaining a clean, healthy and safe environment.
14. How to assist a client in the use of specific adaptive equipment, such as a mechanical lifting device, if the caregiver will be working with clients who use such devices.
15. Basics of hydration and information on the signs and symptoms of dehydration.
16. Overview of basic human needs specific to aging and disease processes.
17. Basics of nutrition requirements and the guidelines for meal preparation including training or explanation of dietary requirements for client illness or condition.

Note:  In addition to the above initial training requirements, each WTN caregiver must complete a minimum of eight (8) hours of continuing education/training annually.  This may include hands on demonstrations, self-study packets, corporate training programs, DVD’s, workshops on pertinent senior care topics as well as individual training for the unique needs of the client receiving care.