Seeley-Swan Area Urgently Needs Caregivers

The Seeley-Swan area has a critical shortage of caregivers, according to Missoula Aging Services Resource Specialist Linda Howard. She wants to do something about it.

“In keeping with our mission to promote the independence, dignity and health of older adults and those who care for them, MAS helps people remain in their homes as independent individuals as long as possible,” Howard says. “This is a challenging endeavor, because aging people need in-home caregiver support to successfully facilitate this life choice.”

Howard staffs the MAS Seeley-Swan office which opened in the Bison Bear Center last fall. She has received frequent calls from people in Potomac, Seeley Lake and Condon requesting Personal Care Attendants. She says currently there are two caregivers in Seeley Lake with whom she has dealt, and both of them are “all booked up.” By offering training information and resources to help facilitate employment, Howard hopes to get more caregivers to fill the area’s needs.

Caregivers are categorized by their level of training and certifications. A Personal Care Attendant (PCA) certification can be achieved in a free online, 16-hour course, plus one-on-one training with a Registered Nurse (RN).

Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) training is available at Missoula College and the Lifelong Learning Center. Costs for CNA trainings vary however, scholarships are available to individuals willing to complete the training program and who will live and work as caregivers in Seeley Lake, Condon or Potomac. The PCA or CNA can then be employed by a caregiving agency such as Consumer Direct, Case Management Caregiving or Express Employment, and work for clients in the Seeley-Swan.

“My goal is to create a current listing of certified, available caregivers to meet the needs of our aging people in the Seeley-Swan,” Howard says.

If you live in the area, are already a certified CNA or PCA, or would like to be trained to become either and be employed in the Seeley-Swan area, please call Howard at 406-541-7688. She can also be reached via email at: lhoward@missoulaagingservices.org.