CANADA, June 2 - Canadian citizens and permanent residents in PEI can receive training to become a respite care professional at no cost through a new program.

In partnership with Holland College, Your Life Design Inc. will be delivering the Respite Care Professional (RCP) program. The 10-week hybrid program is available to two groups of 25 participants and is done 60 per cent virtually and 40 per cent in person.

“Holland College continues to work hard to identify, develop and deliver training that positively impacts our workforce. The new Respite Care microcredential will provide caregivers with in-depth training, ensuring that they are able to effectively respond to the needs of their clients and that they are providing them with the best care possible,” said Holland College President Dr. Alexander (Sandy) MacDonald.

The RCP program will develop participants’ knowledge in supporting people with complex needs and challenging behaviours; health, safety and wellness; ethics and professionalism; building relationships and communication; and providing meaningful care in a respite role.

Participants will also receive first aid training and have the opportunity to apply what they have learned in a work-integrated learning module as part of this program.

“Being a loved one’s primary caregiver is a 24/7 job, and that can take a significant toll on them. This is where respite care can make all the difference in how unpaid caregivers can be there for the person that needs them most. I’m proud that we can work with Holland College to train more people in respite care so we can do our part to support those who work around the clock for their loved ones.”

- Workforce, Advanced Learning and Population Minister Jenn Redmond

Media contact:
Vicki Tse
Department of Workforce, Advanced Learning and Population
Government of Prince Edward Island
vickitse@gov.pe.ca

Greg Arsenault
Director of Marketing and Communications
Holland College 
gjarsenault@hollandcollege.com