Continued Education at Steadfast Care Services
At Steadfast Care Services, our commitment to providing an RN-led care starts with the continuous growth of our team. We believe that a highly trained caregiver is a confident and compassionate one.
This page serves as a curated resource for our staff to access accredited, state-recognized, and clinical-level training. Ranging from advanced dementia certifications to behavioral health and infection control. By prioritizing specialized education and Massachusetts-funded workforce development, we ensure our team stays at the forefront of home care innovation, providing your loved ones with the expert support they deserve.
Why Education Matters at Steadfast
- Career Growth: Providing our CNAs and HHAs with pathways to professional advancement.
- Clinical Integrity: Training modules vetted by our RN leadership.
- Specialized Expertise: Advanced tracks in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and ABA.
Acute Care & Hospitalization in Dementia
This clinical seminar, led by a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner, focuses on the complexities of managing dementia patients within a hospital setting. Participants learn strategies for crisis prevention, emergency room preparedness, and effective communication between home caregivers and hospital staff. The program meets the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing requirements for one contact hour.
Link: Register via Alzheimer’s Association MA/NH
Date: April 15, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Cost: Free
Focus: Managing crises, ER preparation, and communication with health providers.
Person-Centered Dementia Care (Train-the-Trainer)
This comprehensive certification program covers the Habilitation Therapy model, a non-pharmacological approach to dementia care. The curriculum focuses on maintaining a patient’s independence and dignity by focusing on their remaining abilities rather than their deficits. It includes modules on communication, environmental adjustments, and managing behavioral symptoms through person-centered techniques.
Link: Dementia Care Train-the-Trainer Details
Date: June 9 & 10, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM (Must attend both)
Deadline: Register by May 27, 2026
Cost: Check for subsidized slots, standard rate vary.
May Institute: ABA & Behavioral Intervention Modules
Provided by the May Institute, this training series introduces caregivers to the fundamentals of Applied Behavior Analysis. The modules focus on evidence-based strategies for supporting individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Key topics include social communication techniques and managing challenging behaviors in a home or community setting.
Link: May Institute Virtual Trainings
Date: Recurring / On-demand options in Spring 2026
Cost: Many foundational modules are free or low-cost.
Focus: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for autism and severe challenging behaviors.
QCC Healthcare Monthly Tours & Workforce Workshops
These local workshops, hosted by Quinsigamond Community College, are designed to bridge clinical skill gaps for home health workers in Worcester County. Programs range from foundational HHA skills to advanced CNA clinical competencies. These sessions often serve as a gateway to state-funded certifications and specialized healthcare career pathways.
Link: QCC Healthcare Events
Next Tour/Info Session: April 22, 2026 | 3:00 PM (Worcester Campus)
Cost: Free to attend; workshops are often 100% grant-funded.
MassFamilies: Leadership & Advocacy Series
This hybrid training series focuses on the “Vision” of care for individuals with disabilities and complex medical needs. Participants explore leadership skills, advocacy within the Massachusetts healthcare system, and collaborative care planning. It is designed to help professional caregivers and family members navigate state-funded support systems like the Department of Developmental Services (DDS).
Link: MassFamilies Series Information
Date: January – April 2026 (Final sessions in April; check for May/June “Vision” workshops).
Location: Hybrid (Chicopee/Virtual)
Focus: Leadership, advocacy, and creating a “vision” for long-term care.
PHCAST (Personal and Home Care Aide State Training)
This state-sanctioned, self-paced curriculum provides a comprehensive foundation for home-based care in Massachusetts. The training covers essential competencies including infection control, household management, nutrition, and personal care. It is the recognized baseline for professional home care aides across the Commonwealth.
Link: Mass.gov PHCAST Online Training
Availability: Ongoing / Self-Paced
Focus: Housekeeping, personal care, and infection control.
Caring for the Caregiver: Parkinson’s Awareness
Led by a multidisciplinary clinical team, this session provides specialized instruction on the unique challenges of Parkinson’s Disease. Caregivers learn about mobility assistance, medication adherence, and the “Parkinson’s Village” care philosophy. The training emphasizes both clinical management and the psychological well-on-being of the patient.
Link: Dignity Alliance Event Registration
Date: April 29, 2026 | 12:00 PM
Cost: Free
Focus: Parkinson’s Disease management and caregiver self-care.
Managing Money: A Caregiver’s Guide to Finances
This webinar provides a framework for managing the intersection of professional caregiving and client finances. It outlines legal and ethical boundaries, strategies for preventing financial exploitation, and practical advice for caregivers who assist with daily financial tasks. The program ensures that caregivers operate with transparency and integrity.
Link: Webinar Registration
Date: April 29, 2026 | 12:00 PM
Cost: Free
Focus: Financial empowerment and ethical boundaries in home care.
MassBay Community College: HHA Bridge Program
This accredited bridge program is designed for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) seeking to specialize in home health care. The curriculum transitions hospital-based skills to the home environment, focusing on home safety, independent living support, and specialized nutrition. It provides the specific credentials required for advanced home health placement.
Link: MassBay HHA Training Details
Dates: April 13th was the last start, but they run monthly cohorts. Check for May/June start dates.
Cost: Low-cost.
CDC Training: Infection Control (Project Firstline)
Developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this training provides the latest evidence-based protocols for infection prevention. Participants learn the science of germ transmission, the correct use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and environmental cleaning standards. The modules are designed to be concise and applicable to real-world caregiving scenarios.
Link: CDC Project Firstline Training
Availability: On-demand
Focus: PPE, germ transmission, and environmental cleaning.