Supporting an aging population is the goal of a plan to pump more money into education and training for care aids and the Coquitlam campus of Douglas College will benefit with money for training programs.
This week the province announced it’s providing approximately $3.64 million over the next two years to create 418 new health care assistant seats in 14 post-secondary institutions, including Douglas College, which will get $200,000 to train health care assistants also known as care aides or community health workers.
The money will create 16 spots at the Coquitlam campus of Douglas College for a training programs that is seven months long.
There are currently an estimated 25,500 health-care assistants employed by health authorities and affiliated employers in British Columbia.
Health care assistants provide personal support services for people living with disabilities and those living with acute or chronic illnesses, including seniors.
They work in a variety of settings, including long-term care homes, acute care, home support and assisted living.
At Douglas College, the program will teach students to assist people with grooming, support them in participating in social and recreational activities and help them maintain mobility.
Once graduated, students can find work in hospitals, assisted living and care facilities, recreation centres and other places where these services are needed.
