Our Approach
Preparing those in direct care to serve the needs of Iowans by being:
Empowered, Prepared, Connected, Informed, and Inspired.
Our programs are designed especially for you, those who provide direct care including direct care workers and family caregivers.
During these times of rapid change, Iowa CareGivers takes every effort to make our programs as accessible as possible through in-person, virtual, statewide, and local events. We rely on a pool of dedicated volunteers who represent direct care workers, employers, family caregivers, our community, and consumers and serve in various roles to ensure programming meets the needs of those in direct care. Attending our programs provides you with opportunities to grow both professionally and personally.
Iowa CareGivers programs will strengthen education and caregiving skills, inspire motivation and re-energize your caregiving spirit, recognize and appreciate your work and dedication, encourage networking with others in direct care and family caregiving, and furnish a fun and relaxing learning environment.
Learn more about our programs
Conferences
Conference celebrates caregiving and all its rewards and challenges; offering motivational keynotes, educational workshops, tools and resources, networking, appreciation, and opportunities for self-care.
Events
Includes various virtual programs or in-person regional events providing direct care workers opportunities for personal and professional growth and enrichment through education and peer networking. Events will also include some public forums and strategic sessions that discuss direct care worker issues. These programs build connections with others in direct care through sharing stories, and, most importantly, knowing that direct care workers and family caregivers are a part of something bigger and greater.
Mouth Care Matters
A stable and well-prepared workforce is the cornerstone to access good oral care for persons served. The Mouth Care Matters program is a specialty training offering practical hands-on skills on how to provide the best oral care possible for Iowans of all ages and abilities. One of the greatest take-aways by participants is “a greater understanding about the link between a healthy mouth and one’s overall health and well-being.” The training is suitable for most health and long-term service and support staff including licensed nurses. Family caregivers can also benefit from this program.
Leadership Programs
Centering around professional development, direct care workers learn how to educate the public, elected officials, and others about the vital role they play in the care and support of Iowans, and the economic impact on rural and urban communities to help change the way that people think and talk about direct care, and to enhance the image of the direct care profession. These programs and resources also provide guidance and opportunities for peer outreach activities.
Partner Programs
The Iowa CareGivers partners with many different agencies and organizations. We promote and support other programs and services that can benefit or be of interest to direct care workers, family caregivers, and the Iowans they serve.