RESPITE CARE Provider Training (RCPT)
The Respite Care Provider Training (RCPT) is designed for people interested in providing respite care to individuals with varying disabilities and ages across the lifespan. It is an entry-level training program suitable for individuals who have never provided respite before and individuals who are currently respite providers. Learners can work at their own pace to complete the ten required online courses, stopping and starting as needed. There is no cost for the courses in this program.
Upon completing the RCAW Respite Care Provider Training, learners will earn a certificate of completion of 7 hours. They will also be offered the opportunity to be added to the Wisconsin Respite Care Registry, available to primary caregivers to search for Respite Care Providers in their community.
The Ten RCPT Courses:
- 101: What is Respite?
- 102: Disability Basics for Respite Providers
- 103: Client Care for Respite Providers
- 104: Medication Awareness for Respite Providers
- 105: Safety Procedures for Respite Providers
- 106: Caring for Challenging Moments for Respite Providers
- 107: Wellness, Household, and Respite Activities
- 108: Professional Ethics and Interpersonal Skills for Respite Providers
- 109: Meeting with the Caregiver and Care Recipient
- 110: Next Steps in Becoming a Respite Provider
The Respite Provider Recruitment, Training, and Retention Project, responsible for developing the Respite Care Provider Training, is a partnership between the ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center and the Respite Care Association of Wisconsin in collaboration with the National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP).
One objective of the project is to develop, test, and scale a respite workforce recruitment, training, and retention program to better meet the respite needs of families caring for individuals of any age and condition, particularly considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the workforce.
As a part of this project, a national expert work group created recommendations for Respite Care Professional Core Competencies. These are meant to serve as a baseline for entry-level respite care professionals. Additional training may be required depending on the unique needs of the care recipient and their family. Each course meets at least one of the core competencies.