Four factors to consider when choosing a training course
There are many courses for caregivers to gain knowledge, skills and deeper understanding of the responsibilities in looking after their loved one. Going for training can also enhance your confidence in performing a task and be better in the caregiving role. Given the different choices available, the question is: which course should you attend?
Whether you are unsure about where to start or already know what you need to learn, here are four key factors to consider when choosing the suitable caregiver training course:
(1) What skills do you need
Start by understanding your current skillset based on the Caregiver Knowledge Domains and find out what caregiving skills you need to develop, to address your loved one’s care requirements. It can be basic caregiving techniques or more specialised skills such as providing home nursing care or effective communication with family members to prevent conflicts.
For new caregivers
Some training programmes offer packaged modules that combine multiple skills, making them especially valuable for new caregivers e.g. ABCs of Caregiving – The sets of A, B, or C courses are individually designed to suit the appropriate care needs of your loved one who is frail but Ambulant (Set A), or Bedbound (Set B), or wheelChair bound (Set C).
For experienced caregivers
For those who have been caregivers for a while, you may be keen on attending courses about communicating effectively with your loved ones, practising self-care, or understanding why your loved one may be behaving in a certain way and learning ways to better manage their behaviour.
(2) How much time you can commit
Training programmes vary widely in duration, typically ranging from 2 to 16 hours. It’s important to consider how much time you can commit. If your schedule is tight, you may prefer shorter, more intensive sessions. If you have more time, a longer course may provide a more in-depth learning experience.
(3) Which mode suits you better?
Decide on the course mode that best suits your learning style and needs.
Options include:
- Physical, face-to-face classroom settings
- Home-based sessions
- Online courses
- Blended mode that combines both online lessons and face-to-face session with a trainer
While online courses offer convenience, physical sessions are still recommended for receiving personalised feedback from trainers and engaging more effectively with other caregivers. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each mode to determine what works best for you.
(4) How much does it cost
Cost is also an important consideration when deciding which training course to attend. For most caregivers, you can tap on the Caregivers Training Grant (CTG), which provides up to $200 in subsidies annually for approved caregiving courses.
You can also use your SkillsFuture Credits for some of the courses. These courses are the result of a collaboration with SkillsFuture Singapore, the leader in promoting a culture of lifelong learning through the pursuit of skills mastery, aims to make caregiving courses more accessible to everyone.
Now that you know the factors to consider when choosing the suitable caregiving training courses to attend, you can go through the training catalogue and sign up for your preferred course.
Steps to sign up for training course using Caregivers Training Grant
1. Choose a course from the Caregivers Training Catalogue
The list of courses available under the Caregivers Training Grant (CTG) can be found here.
Note: You can make use of the filters in the catalogue to fine-tune your search, or use the search bar.
2. Contact the training provider to find out more about the course
Their details are available in the Caregivers Training Catalogue.
3. Register for the course
Inform the training provider that you wish to apply for CTG, at least two weeks before the course starts. Your trainer will give you the application form to fill out, and submit the CTG application form for you.
You can also indicate that you would like to use the CTG and SkillsFuture Credits (where applicable) when you make an enquiry/softbook about the specific course in the training catalogue.
You may download the CTG application form here.
If you have further questions about the Caregivers Training Grant, you can contact us via email, phone or visit us.
