An unpaid caregiver is any person, family member, neighbor, friend, companion, volunteer staff, or co-worker who provides uncompensated care, training, guidance, companionship or support to the participant.
Unpaid Caregiver Training and Supportprovides education and support to an unpaid caregiver of a participant with goals to increase confidence, stamina, and empowerment to support and care for the participant. The goals may vary based on the unpaid caregiver and need; each unpaid caregiver ‘curriculum’ is individualized based on the needs of the unpaid caregiver. Examples include (but are not limited to) providing training on how to teach a daily living skill (e.g., brushing teeth), providing training on increasing communication with a waiver coordinator or school professionals, providing guidance on how to oversee or train a direct hire, and other similar needs families may have.
Unpaid Caregiver Training and Support focuses on promoting harmony in the home and fostering growth and independence for both the participant and their caregiver. This service is typically provided virtually (occasional in person support can be provided, geographically dependent) via ongoing one-hour sessions by a BCBA or BCaBA.