KANE, Pa. – According to a recent study by AARP, an estimated 63 million American adults provide ongoing care to a family member, friend, or neighbor with a medical condition or disability. That care can include support with critical daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding, as well as everyday needs like shopping, financial management, and transportation. However, most individuals who take on a caregiving role at home have never received formal training. That’s why three local businesses are teaming up to provide knowledge and support to caregivers in need.

Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC), UPMC Kane, and The Lutheran Home at Kane have partnered to offer Home Care Basics: Practical Support for Caring for a Loved One. This non-medical, educational program is designed to help caregivers feel more confident, prepared, and supported as they navigate the challenges of caring for someone.

A series of monthly programs will offer training and information to assist caregivers. All programs are free and open to the public. The next program will be held on September 1 at 6:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall of the Presbyterian Church of Kane, using the Chase Street entrance. This program will focus on ways to create a safer home environment and support the activities that help individuals maintain their independence. Presenters will include Stoeffaunnie Thomas, Director of Nursing at the Lutheran Home of Kane; and Kellie Ely and Mary Yeager of UPMC Kane speaking on physical and occupational therapy.

Additional programs will be offered on October 6, November 10, and December 1, with each covering a different aspect of caring for someone at home. Participants may attend as many or as few sessions as they would like. For more information, contact NPRC’s Director of Community Development Dannielle Fickenworth at dfickenworth@nrpc.edu or visit https://bit.ly/NPRC-HomeCareBasics to register.