Free Respite Care Training for Volunteers Set for Oct. 18

Learn how to become a skilled volunteer respite care worker and be able to confidently help out caregivers in the community.

REST, (Respite Education and Support Tools), a nonprofit program dedicated to training quality respite care trainers and volunteers, will present a free one-day training program for volunteer respite workers this month. This originally developed program thoroughly equips volunteers with the skills needed to help care for children and adults with disabilities in order to support caregivers in their communities.

Offering respite means to give a much-needed break to people who are providing care in their homes to family members. Respite care provided by volunteers has become a growing need throughout the country as family members are having to provide round-the-clock care to loved ones and cannot always afford to hire professional assistance.

Standardizing the training for volunteer respite care workers will send a message to caregivers that they can feel confident in leaving their loved one with someone else – even for a short time – and not feel fearful or guilty about doing so.

Training will be held Saturday, Oct. 18, at Bethel Baptist Church in Schaumburg. To register or get more information on REST, contact Lisa Esposito, REST Assistant, at lesposito@restprogram.org or 630-397-5656, ext. 3290, or visit www.restprogram.org.