In-Depth Simulated Training in Chicago for Families and Caregivers of Children with Complex Medical Needs

August 28th, 2024

A woman in a mask checking the tracheostomy tube of an infant medical training mannequin in a simulation room setting

This free in-person training will take place Sept. 24-25 at UIC’s Simulation and Integrative Learning Center in Chicago.

Registration is now open for a special in-person training program for the families and caregivers of children with complex medical needs.

This free two-day training will take place Tuesday, Sept. 24, and Wednesday, Sept. 25, at the University of Illinois Chicago Simulation and Integrative Learning (SAIL) Center on the fifth floor at 1220 S. Wood St. in Chicago.

Families have shared the need for more support for parents/caregivers of children with complex medical needs. We are excited to partner with Almost Home Kids to provide this valuable training opportunity. It will offer essential tools and knowledge to help you in your caregiving journey.

You may attend this training if you:

  • Are the parent or caregiver of a child in the Home and Community-Based Services Waiver for Those Who Are Medically Fragile Technology Dependent (MFTD waiver)
  • Have prior experience in caring for a child with a tracheostomy (trach) tube and/or a child with a trach tube and ventilator
  • Are able to commit to online learning before the in-person learning days
  • Can attend both dates to complete the training

The training will be from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. The in-depth curriculum will include:

  • Reducing the risk of infection
  • Skin care
  • Daily care of the child with a tracheostomy and ventilator
  • Activity and movement
  • Equipment and alarms
  • Gastrostomy care and feeding
  • Tracheostomy basics
  • Respiratory assessment and interventions
  • Ventilator training with hands-on practice
  • Emergency preparedness
  • Caregiver resiliency and well-being
  • Simulation learning experience

You can also see the Caregiver Simulated Training flyer for more details.

Please sign up online to participate in the training. There is no cost to attend.

For more information, contact Yolanda Rivera, Nursing Professional Development Specialist and Clinical Educator, at connect@almosthomekids.org or (630) 271-9155, ext. 114.

This training is part of our efforts to use federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act to improve support and services for families of children with complex medical needs.

Almost Home Kids (AHK) provides a bridge from hospital to home through an innovative community-based care system for children with medical complexities. Its services include:

  • Responding to the needs of families
  • Training caregivers
  • Advocating for accessibility and inclusion
  • Educating healthcare professionals

Almost Home Kids has locations in Chicago, Naperville and Peoria.

Leadership and Education Opportunity for Caregivers Living with Complex Medical Needs

May 12th, 2023

Camden Coalition logo

National Consumer Scholars can develop leadership skills and share their experiences to help improve care and services for people with complex health and social needs

A leadership development program is available for caregivers and advocates who live with and/or care for someone with complex medical needs.

The Camden Coalition is accepting applications for its 2023-24 National Consumer Scholars program.

In the National Consumer Scholars program, caregivers and advocates can take part in peer-led leadership development activities. They play an active role in the coalition’s annual conference and bring lessons back to their local communities. Consumer Scholars also work alongside Camden Coalition staff to develop and inform the complex care field.

National Consumer Scholars have firsthand experience living with and/or caring for someone with complex health and social needs. They also have experience working as a consumer/patient advisor/advocate and/or community leader.

The program is open to individuals from across the country who represent many different experiences.

Learn more about the program and how to apply on the National Consumer Scholars program website.

The application deadline is May 31.

For more information, contact Evelyne Kane at ekane@camdenhealth.org.