What is an Unpaid Caregiver and what is Unpaid Caregiver Training?

In life, we have those people around us that provide support without being paid to do so; sometimes they are referred to as “natural supports”. The more obvious unpaid caregivers include parents, grandparents, and family members. The less obvious include family friends, neighbors, church and social group members, and even co-workers. 

When it comes to those with disabilities, unpaid caregivers often bear the responsibility of not only ensuring the safety of these individuals, but also fostering growth and assisting them to live their best, most independent life. Overwhelming? Yes! Can it be accomplished? Absolutely!

At Forward, we provide unique training for the trainer. We have a distinct approach of knowing how to train you and other caregivers virtually to make the process as easy for you as possible. Through a tailored and systematic approach, we guide unpaid caregivers through various topics and teach them how to walk through disability support and caregiving with confidence.
 
Topics may include (but are definitely not limited to!): 

• How to increase independence and how do I prioritize what skills need to be taught?
• How do I track progress and know when the skill is acquired? 
• How do I navigate the IEP process and do so with confidence for years to come? 
• How do I help others be successful assisting my child?
• How do I prepare for certain visits or complete certain paperwork for my child?
• How do I keep all this paperwork organized?
• Where do I even start with teaching social skills?
• How do I educate my family about my child’s disability?
  
• How do I respond to certain problem behavior? And then, how do I train someone else how to respond?
• How can I more easily find and train my own staff since there are waiting lists and turnover with organized providers? 

And the list goes on and on…

With Forward Integrated Services, you tell us what would be most helpful to learn and we’ll go from there. Regardless of the topic, there is a great sense of empowerment that accompanies the phrase, “I got this!” 

We would be honored to have the opportunity to help get you there – one skill at a time! 

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