Enhancing self-efficacy among informal and entry-level professional caregivers: Exploring the success and challenges of a community-based caregiver training program

Background: Caregivers are an important component of the public health system, providing necessary care to seniors and people with disabilities in our communities. The demand for caregivers has increased tremendously in the past ten years, a trend that will continue to rise with the expanding aging population. In 2006 the Caregiver Action Group was formed by a dozen community-based organizations in Santa Cruz County, CA to provide learning opportunities for informal and entry level paid caregivers. The result was an innovative series of seven classes offered through the community college community extension program. Methods: An assessment of caregivers and employers was instrumental in prioritizing the classes that were chosen to be included in the series. Each individual class was conceptualized and developed by a small team followed by a peer review process and multiple revisions. The evaluation plan included pre and post-tests and telephone interviews. Results: Over two years, nearly 140 caregivers enrolled in the series, the majority of whom were white, educated women, over the age of 40. Half were caring for a family member and nearly 80% were also working as a paid caregiver. The demand has remained high and evaluations consistently commend the program for innovativeness, relevance, and quality content. Implications: This program has succeeded by increasing the pool of qualified caregivers through knowledge acquisition, skill development, confidence, and social support. The program is sustainable with full enrollment and the model could be adapted and replicated in localities with community education services.