RHINELANDER, Wis. (WXPR) — A severe shortage of in-home care workers has prompted two organizations to offer free classes to future care workers.
The College of the Menominee Nation and the Oneida County Health Department are sponsoring the Home Health Care sessions from now through May.
College spokesperson Debra Norton says they’re offering a three-credit college personal care workers course. She says they found a need in the Northwoods for this type of training. “There’s actually a movement to keep elders in the home versus putting them in formalized nursing facilities, which might be necessary for some people. We’re finding that the longer people live in their own home the longer they tend to live and thrive.”
Norton says this person can do a range of jobs from putting groceries away to doing an assessment on the person.
A state Certified Nursing Assistant is one step up from a Home Health Aide. A background check is done, and training in CPR and First Aid is included. Classes are held two nights per week at the Oneida County Department on Aging. Because of a grant, there is no charge to the student. Norton says there is the potential to earn $10-$12 dollars an hour.
More information is available at the Northern Advantage Job Center in Rhinelander or from Norton at 920-965-0070 at the College of the Menominee Nation. The next classes start on March 23.
