What is West Virginia Pathways to Professional In-Home Care (WVPPIHC)?
WVPPIHC is a free program designed to train and reward people of all ages to start a career in the healthcare field in a non-medical role. The curriculum was developed by a national leader in direct-care training to ensure you get the best education available. The training is given by local providers throughout West Virginia who know the struggles of in-home care firsthand and will provide the knowledge you need for the job. The program is a West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) initiative to help with the critical shortage of direct-care professionals in West Virginia. Funding for the program is provided by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
What does a direct-care worker do?
Direct-Care Professional | Caregiver
The role has many titles, and the services may vary depending on individual needs:
- Helping with personal care, like bathing, dressing, shaving, eating, moving, toileting, and exercising.
- Providing supportive home care, such as supervision and monitoring, household tasks like laundry, food preparation, or yard work, as well as running errands and accompanying the participant on outings.
Direct-care professionals take care of people who need help with their mental and physical health. This includes individuals with behavioral health needs, mental health challenges, physical health limitations, cognitive or intellectual disabilities, developmental disorders, and older adults.
What are the benefits of becoming a direct-care professional?
Direct-care professionals find joy in their daily interactions with those in their care. The work is rewarding and meaningful and provides the opportunity to give back to the community. Most direct care professionals can find flexible shifts, which allows them to balance family obligations and personal responsibilities.
Who can apply for the training program?
The program is open to everyone – students, career changers, retirees, unemployed individuals, military veterans, and family members of those people who require in-home care. Participants must be 18 years or older and a resident of West Virginia to be eligible for the training program.