REST- Respite Education and Support Tools

On January 9-10, a fantastic group completed a REST Train-the-Trainer event at Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County, Boynton Beach, Fla., through the Special Needs Advisory Coalition. The goal of the training event was to improve ties within the community by offering workshops to those who provide companionship to caregivers, and to identify needs of caregivers in the community in which they belong.

The REST program – an evidence-based respite-training program – provides the skills and tools needed to provide quality respite.

To help create a network of individuals who are trained in providing quality, compassionate respite care, REST–Respite Education and Support Tools–a unique educational program was developed.

• It is a professionally designed ‘Train-the-Trainer’ course that provides respite education to those who will then go out and train others to be REST Companions™, also known as respite care workers or providers.

The ‘Train-the-Trainer’ course is an intensive, interactive two-day program which provides new trainers with materials they need to conduct their own trainings. Representatives from senior services and healthcare organizations, Area Agencies on Aging, faith-based organizations, adult daycare, or other social service organizations are eligible to receive this training and then share this information among their own communities.

Since launching in 2013, REST has Trainers in 29 states and Canada to date.

REST also includes two other training options:

• REST Companion training course, an eight-hour course that provides education directly to people who serve care receivers one-on-one.

• REST Essentials™ training course, a four-hour program that prepares volunteers or paid respite workers to provide respite in supervised group settings, such as adult daycare, drop-off or camp programs.

Each program is interactive and highly detailed in order to prepare individuals to care for people across the lifespan, who have chronic healthcare needs or disabilities.

With our partner trainers, FLRA plans to bring REST training to communities throughout Florida. This valuable program will empower highly qualified volunteers to provide relief to caregivers through respite care.