Caregivers are considered “lay persons with skills.” Many of our independent caregivers have nursing assistant (C.N.A.) or other healthcare-related backgrounds, such as naturopathic, nursing, massage or acupuncture studies. They specialize in “medical” caregiving, including hospice care.

Those who do not have verifiable experience or C.N.A. backgrounds must take a caregiver skills assessment lab.We give preference to caregivers who are interested in taking ongoing training at their own initiative and expense, and they must have a balance of experience, training and social skills. 
We have a close working relationship with the new SW Portland training school, Caregiving Careers, Inc. www.CNA-Careers.com which offers classes in the following subjects to caregivers, clients and family members.

	Person-Centered Care and Communication Skills
	Transfers, body mechanics and personal safety
	Alzheimer's and Dementia
	Hospice/end of life care
	Parkinson's, MS, ALS, stroke, brain injury, quadriplegia, cancer
	Medications
	Diabetes
	Cancer, COPD, CHF