Vashon needs Home Care Aides

In response to the need for competent, trained caregivers, the Vashon Care Network, in partnership with the Vashon Senior Center, is offering six scholarships to cover the cost of training to become a Home Care Aide (HCA) certified by the State of Washington.

The Department of Social and Health Services requires HCA certification to provide care to low-income individuals and families who qualify for care services paid through the state’s Community Options Program Entry System (COPES) program. The Senior Center received an award from the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy (VSHSL) to fund these scholarships.

On Vashon, there is a chronic need for qualified HCAs. This means that even if a low-income family qualifies for assistance for a loved one at home, they may have a hard time finding a qualified caregiver. The scholarships expand the skilled island caregiving workforce. The reality is, finding competent, well trained caregivers, no matter what one’s income, is a huge challenge for aging islanders.

Applications and guidelines are available at vashoncarenetwork.org. Applications will be accepted through August 10 with selection completed by September 2. For additional information, email Tory Hayes at victoriansmith@comcast.net or Kate O’Hare at keohare@gmail.com.

Tory Hayes