Free caregiver preparedness training offered through Philadelphia Corporation for Aging
Over the past year, individual states as well as the nation at large have faced a number of emergencies including severe weather, mass power outages and a global health crisis. While emergency planning can be challenging for families living in the same household, it can be even more challenging for caregivers who may not reside with those receiving care.
Through its Caregiver Support Program, Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) is slated to hold its semi-annual caregiver training titled Caregiver Preparedness: How to Stay Safe and Be Ready During an Emergency on Friday, May 7 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. via Zoom webinar and telephone. Hosted by PCA’s Director of Caregiver Support, Cheryl Clark, and Lutheran Settlement Home, the webinar will feature a presentation from Marialisa Ramirez, MPH, of Philadelphia’s Department of Public Health, Bioterrorism & Public Health Preparedness Program.
The presentation will include examples of emergency situations and how to plan for an emergency as a caregiver, including:
- Proactively identifying critical resources in an emergency
- Identifying the needs of those being cared for and those of the caregiver
- Packing a “preparedness kit” (aka creating an emergency toolkit)
“The COVID-19 pandemic has brought challenges to many, including our caregivers. This training is one of the many ways PCA continues to support caregivers by providing valuable information and emergency resources for those who are caring for older loved ones, persons with a disability, or older relatives raising children or friends,” Clark said.
Offered to both caregivers of older adults or individuals with disabilities and grandparents caring for grandchildren, PCA’s Caregiver Support Program provides resources and financial assistance to hundreds of Philadelphians each year. For more information, call the PCA Helpline 215-765-9040.
Caregiver Preparedness: How to Stay Safe and Be Ready During an Emergency is open to the public and free to register at pcacares.org/CaregiverTraining.
