LITTLE ROCK -- The UAMS/ Schmieding Home Caregiver Training Program has been designated as an intermediate-level, evidence-based health promotion program, making it possible for other caregiver training providers to seek federal funds to purchase the program's curriculum materials and through them, expand the program's reach and positive influence.
The Arkansas Department of Human Services -- Division of Aging and Adult Services made the designation in October. Before the designation, training programs could not access federal Older Americans Act Title IIID funding to buy the materials. These funds are made available for education activities that support healthy lifestyles and reduce the need for more costly medical interventions.
The Schmieding program provides education and skills training to family members and paid caregivers caring for older adults in the home, allowing older adults to have choices about how they are cared for.
"The Schmieding curriculum's designation as an evidence-based program ultimately will mean more caregivers will be able to receive training and gain the knowledge they need to provide better care in the home," said Gary McHenry, Ed.D., director of education in the Schmieding Center in Springdale, in the press release. "Because of this, more seniors will be able to age at home for as long as possible, achieving a better quality of life and reducing the cost of care."
To receive intermediate-level, evidence-based status, the Schmieding program has:
• Demonstrated through evaluation to be effective for improving the health and well-being or reducing disease, disability and/or injury among older adults.
• Proven ready for translation, implementation and/or broad dissemination by community-based organizations using appropriately credentialed practitioners.
• Been published in a peer-review journal.
• Proven effective with older adult population.
Evidence-based programs are founded on rigorous study of interventions and models of care carried out with multiple populations in a variety of settings. They are more likely to produce positive changes or outcomes for people who participate, according to the National Council on Aging.
Business on 11/23/2015