REST Program Offers 2 Respite Care Trainings in January

REST, (Respite Education and Support Tools), a nonprofit program dedicated to training quality respite care trainers and volunteers, will present a two trainings in December in the Chicagoland area. Training dates are Thursday and Friday, Jan. 8 and 9, at Windsor Park Retirement Community in Carol Stream, as well as Thursday and Friday, Jan. 15 and 16, at El Valor - Guadalupe Reyes Center. 1951 W. 19th St. in Chicago.
This unique Train-the-Trainer program equips volunteers and professionals with the skills needed to support caregivers in their communities through respite. 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.

All REST training materials are available in English as well as in Spanish for bilingual trainers.

“The goal is to get as many people trained to provide this necessary services on a volunteer basis wherever it is needed.” explained Lois Sheaffer, REST Master Trainer.

Having trained for volunteer respite care workers available will allow caregivers to feel confident in leaving their loved one with someone else – even for a short time – and not feel fearful or guilty about doing so.

Those who complete the REST training program will then be able to provide trainings on their own at faith communities, respite coalitions, community groups and other organizations who wish to create a corps of skilled volunteer respite care workers.

The REST program was designed to train the average lay person on how to provide respite breaks to caregivers and to connect with the care-recipient,” Sheaffer said. “This is not a medical program—you don’t have to have any kind of a medical background to be trained as a respite care volunteer.”

The cost for the training is $500, however discount/scholarship opportunities are available. In addition, through a partnership with the Illinois Department of Human Services, this fee is waived for anyone living in Illinois and working with people with Developmental Disabilities.

For information on REST, contact Wendy Berk, Program Coordinator, at 630-397-5659 or wberk@restprogram.org or visit www.restprogram.org.