Caring Network Frequently Asked Questions

Classroom Training

What is the schedule like?

April 8, 2010

8:30 - 9:00 am: Registration

9:00 am - 4:00 pm:

• Introductions and Pre-test
• Disability Basics
• American Red Cross Family Caregiving:
  • Positioning and Helping Your Loved One Move
  • Assisting with Personal Care
  • Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect Mandatory Reporter Training Program (SCAN-MRT)
  • Medication Administration
  • Free Time Activities

April 9, 2010

9:00 am – 4:00 pm

• Be the Horizon: Caring for Challenging Moments
• Communication Techniques/ Basic ASL
• Making Connections
• Post-Test/ Evaluation

April 10, 2010 (optional)

9:00 am – 4:00 pm

• American Red Cross Professional CPR/ AED
• American Red Cross First Aid

I am not able to attend both days; can I still sign up?

We require you to attend the entire training on April 8th and 9th (April 10th is optional). We understand that everyone will be coming in with different experience levels, but in order to receive a certificate of attendance, you need to be there for the entirety.

Which certificates will I receive?

You will receive a Certificate of Completion from SCAN-MRT, two certificates of attendance for the American Red Cross Family Caregiving modules, and the optional American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer and American Red Cross Community First Aid certifications.

Upon completion of the two-day Caring Network Training, you will receive a certificate of attendance from Easter Seals WI’s Caring Network Training Program. Participants must pass a written test in order to receive each certificate.

What is the lodging like?

Lodging is at Easter Seals Respite Camp located in Wisconsin Dells. You will be staying in dorm-style housing with 2-4 people in same-gender rooms, sharing bathrooms and showers. Bedding will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own.

What meals will be provided?

A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided each day. Participants must provide their own dinner. A list of restaurants will be provided at the training.

What should I wear?

Comfortable clothing is recommended. You will be participating in some active sessions and activities.

Hands-On Practicum

What should I expect?

You will be working one-on-one at an Easter Seals Respite Camp weekend. There are 25-35 campers each session who have a variety of disabilities. You will be paired with a camper and assist them throughout the day with anything that is needed. You will assist the camper with morning routines, personal care, meals, recreation activities, social interactions and evening routines. Sometimes campers need assistance during the night; you will also assist with this.

What is the schedule like?

On Friday, staff and participants will start arriving at 5:00 pm. During this time, you will meet with the Respite Director. You will be shown where you and your camper are staying, get a schedule of activities and review your camper's informational file. After dinner, your camper will arrive and you will talk to the parents/caregivers, asking any questions regarding the weekend. After check-in, campers and staff participate in activities until it is time to get medications and get ready for bed. Campers are usually in bed by 9 pm. The wake-up call is at 7:45 am, with breakfast at 8:30. There are many different activities happening throughout the day that are led by AmeriCorps members and program staff. You will be assisting in and adapting activities for your camper. Lunch is at noon and dinner is at 5pm. At some point during the weekend, there will be a community trip. This may include going to the zoo, bowling or swimming. Campers leave on Sunday at 1 pm. After packing, you will receive your final eval and paperwork.

What are the campers like?

The campers are a variety of ages (5-65) and have a variety of disabilities. The Respite Director will pair you up according to your experience and any requests. You will be supervised and assisted by the Respite Director and other lead staff. Some of the campers have aggressive and challenging behaviors, some need more assistance with personal care, and others need assistance in making appropriate choices. You will have the opportunity to observe and interact with a number of the campers in attendance.

What are the dates?

You can choose one of the following weekends: April 16-18, April 30-May 2 or May 14-16.

I cannot make any of the dates. What now?

Because these are the only Respite Camp sessions in the spring, it is important to be in attendance one of these weekends. If it absolutely does not work, contact Val at 608-254-2502.

What is the lodging like?

You will be staying in a cabin or a dorm with campers and staff. There are 4-5 campers and 5-6 staff in every cabin. We will supply bedding, if needed.

Which meals do I need to supply?

All meals are provided during the weekend, including snacks.

What do I need to bring?

You will need enough clothing for two days/two nights. It is suggested to bring one extra change of clothes, just in case. You will be participating in arts and crafts programs as well as outdoor activities, so wear appropriate clothing. We will be going on a trip and you will be informed if you need anything special (i.e. a swimsuit and towel). You will need to bring any toiletries and a towel.

Caring Network Registry

What is the Caring Network Registry?

The Caring Network Registry is a list of trained individuals who are interested in providing in-home respite care in their communities. Parents and caregivers will have the opportunity to search the database by region to find highly-trained workers.

How do I become a part of the Registry?

To be eligible for the Registry, you must attend the Caring Network Level Two Training: Classroom and Hand-on Practicum, and be certified in CPR. Staff who work at Easter Seals Camps during the summer will also have the opportunity to be included in the Registry.

What is the cost to the families?

There is no cost to access this information.

I’m a parent/caregiver of an individual with a disability. How do I access the list?

We are still working on these details. Parents and caregivers will have to register through our website so that we can keep track of who is accessing the information. Please check back in April 2010 for more information.