EXCEL Excellence in Eldercare Education and Employment Training

We at Seniors Action Service believe that professional caregiving is more than a job -- it’s the unique blend of compassion, listening with a third ear, being committed to understanding the needs of aging adult, and being well trained.

EXCEL- Excellence in Eldercare Education and Employment caregiver training is a grant-funded program initially supported by the Chicago Community Trust, Evanston Community Foundation, Forrest E. Powell Foundation, and the Retirement Research Foundation. The program was designed to meet the growing demands for professionally trained care providers in the community. 

Program Emphasis:

• Client-centered approach to care
• Interactive 70-hour curriculum
• Instruction by experts in the field of aging
• One week of practical hands-on experience in adult day services, assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities or client homes
• Group dynamics, self-reflection, exploration of personal ethics, creative problem-solving and effective communication skills
• Certificate awarded upon completion
• Support provided to obtain and retain meaningful positions in the field

Training Topics:

• Introduction to the World of Eldercare
• Normal Aging Process
• Intimacy and Sexuality
• Fundamentals of Mental Health and Aging
• Effective Communication and Listening Skills 
• Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
• Activity Focused Care
• Death, Dying and Loss 
• Common Medical Conditions 
• Personal Care Needs
• Emergency, Safety and Infection Control  
• Caring for the Home
• Ethics of Caregiving 
• Exercise, Body Mechanics and Transfer Techniques
• Nutrition 
• Succeeding on the Job 
• Care for the Caregiver

For information on adapting a training course to your needs, contact Director, EXCEL Program at 847-864-7274 or email at seniorsasi@aol.com