Students in this 22-24 hour program will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe personal care services for the elderly, sick or disabled in their homes or continuing care settings. Students will learn skills essential to care giving, including hand washing, gloving, mouth care, bathing, skin care, perineal care, foot care, grooming, dressing and undressing, bed making, assistance with transfers, ambulation and positioning, toileting, care of the incontinent patient, care of urinary catheters, and assistance with appliances, nutrition, medications and oxygen. Throughout the training program, the emphasis is on providing care in an expert and responsible manner that promotes client safety, comfort and independence. The training provided in this course is based on the curriculum outlined in the “Standards of Practice for Homemaker and Personal Care Homemaker Services” in Massachusetts, published by the Massachusetts Council. This training focuses on the personal care skills and competencies only.