Local Entities Collaborate To Combat Caregiver Shortage Problem in Valley

(PHOENIX, Ariz., June 8, 2005) - Phoenix College collaborates with local entities and key employers to combat the state's caregiver shortage with a two-week pilot course based on recommendations by the Governor's Citizens Workgroup on the Long Term Care Workforce. The pilot training program is a joint endeavor spearheaded by Valley Interfaith Project and East Valley Interfaith. Sixteen students are being sponsored by local service providers: Arizona Bridge to Independent Living (ABIL), Comfort Keepers and the Foundation for Senior Living.

"This partnership is a major step in addressing the shortage of home and community based caregivers," said Dr. Rose Pfefferbaum, Phoenix College Gerontology Department Chair. "Many of us have been working for years to respond to the shortage. We are finally making headway thanks to the Governor's interest in solving the problem, the efforts of the interfaith community and the involvement of local service providers."

The 45 clock hour curriculum is based on recommendations of the Governor's Citizens Workgroup on the Long Term Care Workforce. Follow-up will be done in coordination with Phoenix College and the three service providers at 30-day and 90-day intervals to determine success of the pilot and the need for curriculum modification. One of the goals is to create a model that can be replicated in urban and rural settings throughout Arizona.

"Valley Interfaith Project and East Valley Interfaith heard the needs and concerns of our families about long term care," said Bonnie Danowski, Valley Interfaith Project. "In response, we brought the stories into the public arena. As a result, this pilot project is happening and will begin to provide a solution to the stories of need that we heard. We were thrilled to be able to bring together Phoenix College, the Foundation for Senior Living, ABIL and Comfort Keepers in the development of this training program. It is proof that when we all work together, we can make a difference."

The two-week pilot training program is one step in an effort to bring together public and private sectors for the benefit of both entities. Eventual benefits are expected to include:

• Improved quality of care for those in need of home-based services;
• The availability of accessible, high quality, low cost, uniform training across the state; and,
• The establishment of career paths for entry-level caregivers.