Safe Transfers & Body Mechanics
Learn how to help a loved one move safely between bed, chair, and wheelchair while protecting your own back and shoulders.
Wisconsin Family Caregivers
Free Family Caregiver Training
Build the skills and confidence to care for your loved one at home. Our no-cost training covers safe transfers, medication management, and advocacy — in English or Spanish.
What you'll learn
Training built for real family caregiving
These sessions focus on the daily skills that keep your loved one safe and your family confident — taught by experienced care coordinators.
Medication Management
Understand medication schedules, storage, reminders, and how to spot concerns to discuss with a nurse or doctor.
Advocacy & Communication
Build confidence speaking with doctors, care teams, MCOs, and IRIS consultants so your loved one's needs are heard.
Care Coordination Basics
Get practical guidance on schedules, paperwork, and working alongside nurses and care coordinators.
Session Format
Sessions are offered online and in-person across southeast Wisconsin. New dates are added monthly. Register and we'll send you the next available session.
Time Commitment
Each core training is approximately 90 minutes. Optional follow-up sessions cover advanced topics like dementia communication and fall prevention.
Who Should Attend
Family members, spouses, adult children, friends, and informal caregivers helping a loved one in Wisconsin. No clinical background needed.
Register for free caregiver training
Fill out the form below and we'll email you upcoming dates, format options, and any materials you need.
Why attend
Caregiving is easier with the right skills
Many family caregivers feel overwhelmed because they were never shown how to lift, transfer, or manage medications safely. Our training gives you practical techniques and a team to call when questions come up.
- No cost to family caregivers
- Taught by experienced care coordinators
- Bilingual English and Spanish options
- Practical skills you can use immediately
- Open to all informal caregivers in Wisconsin
What caregivers say
“I didn't realize how much I was doing wrong until I took the training. Now I feel safer helping my mom, and I know who to call when something changes.”
— Maria, family caregiver
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about caregiver training
Who can attend the free family caregiver training?+
Sessions are open to family members, spouses, adult children, friends, and informal caregivers supporting a loved one at home in Wisconsin. No clinical background or certification is required.
What topics are covered?+
Training focuses on safe transfers and body mechanics, medication management and organization, advocacy with providers and insurance, and practical communication with MCOs, IRIS consultants, and clinics.
Is the training really free?+
Yes. Avida offers this training at no cost as part of our mission to strengthen family caregivers and keep loved ones safe at home.
How do I sign up?+
Fill out the registration form on this page or call (414) 348-4600. We'll send you upcoming session dates, format details, and any materials you need.
Is training available in Spanish?+
Yes. We offer bilingual English and Spanish sessions and materials whenever requested. Let us know your language preference when you register.
Where are the training sessions held?+
Sessions are held in the Milwaukee area, with scheduling that works for family caregivers. When you register, we'll share upcoming dates, locations, and any virtual options that are available.
How long does the training take?+
Sessions are designed to be practical and manageable for busy caregivers. Exact length varies by topic — safe transfers, medication management, and advocacy are each covered in focused sessions. We'll confirm timing when we send you the schedule.
Do I get a certificate or documentation of the training?+
Yes. Participants receive confirmation of completed training topics, which can be helpful for families who want a record of the skills they've learned for caregiving at home.
I care for my parent with dementia. Will this training help?+
Yes. The safe transfers, medication management, and communication skills covered in training apply directly to dementia care at home. You'll also learn advocacy strategies for working with doctors, MCOs, and IRIS consultants to get your loved one the right support.
Can more than one family member attend?+
Absolutely. We encourage everyone involved in a loved one's care — spouses, adult children, siblings, and friends — to register so the whole caregiving team shares the same safe techniques.
What should I bring or prepare?+
Nothing special is required. Bring your questions about your caregiving situation, and wear comfortable clothing if you'd like to practice transfer techniques during hands-on portions.
Explore more from Avida
Family & household support
Respite, bilingual care, and coordination with MCOs and IRIS.
Our services
Full list of personal care, supportive care, and family support.
Chore services
Heavy cleaning, yard work, snow removal, and seasonal tasks.
Contact us
Talk with a coordinator about training and family support.
Ready to talk? Call us today.
Our team is fluent in English and Spanish, with many other languages supported through a translation partner.