June 24, 2025 | Riverview Retirement Community
Riverview Launches In-House Home Care Aide Certification Program!
In an ongoing effort to strengthen our commitment to excellence in resident care, Riverview Retirement Community is proud to announce the launch of a comprehensive Home Care Aide (HCA) certification program for our employees!
This initiative responds to the increased demands on caregiving staff, especially intensified since the COVID-19 pandemic, and aligns with Riverview’s mission to foster a thriving, resilient, and well-trained caregiving team.
Chandra Dunker, our RiverCare Administrator overseeing the program, brings with her a wealth of expertise in adult education, skilled nursing, home health, and hospice care. Her extensive background positions her uniquely to develop a training model that is both effective and tailored to Riverview’s specific community needs. In light of staffing shortages and the evolving needs of residents, Chandra recognized the necessity of investing in internal training solutions that could quickly bolster our caregiving workforce while maintaining high standards of quality and safety.
“Our goal is to prepare caregivers who are not only certified according to Washington State requirements, but also deeply familiar with Riverview’s care philosophies and routines,” Dunker explains.
The certification training will be taught by Riverview’s Clinical Training Coordinator, Kali Cox, who has a Master’s in Public Health. Kali brings a unique combination of hands-on caregiving experience and a public health perspective to her role. “A Home Care Aide is a trained caregiver who helps residents with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, mobility, and basic health support,” says Cox. “HCAs are an essential part of our care team. They provide hands-on assistance while promoting dignity, comfort, and independence.”
The new program encompasses a minimum of 75 hours of comprehensive instruction, combining classroom learning with practical, hands-on experience. Trainees will be guided through essential topics including resident rights, communication strategies, infection control, dementia and mental health care, mobility assistance, and basic health support – equipping them to serve residents with compassion, dignity, and professionalism.
Participants will also obtain CPR and First Aid certifications, further reinforcing their ability to respond effectively in emergency situations. The goal is to produce caregivers who are well-prepared from day one, capable of providing safe and empathetic assistance in various settings such as home care agencies, assisted living facilities, and adult family homes.
When asked about the benefits of in-house HCA training, Kali shared:
“Training in-house allows us to teach new caregivers exactly how we do things at Riverview – from our routines to our expectations. It helps them get comfortable in the environment, learn directly from experienced team members, and build connections early on. This results in more consistent care and better support for our residents.”
Cox’s approach ensures that new HCAs are not only industry-certified but also aligned with Riverview’s standards of care – creating a workforce that reflects the community’s values and commitment to resident well-being.
Beyond addressing immediate staffing needs, the program underscores Riverview’s dedication to providing meaningful employment opportunities within our community. Certification as a Home Care Aide opens pathways for staff to pursue further career advancements in healthcare, fostering professional growth, and longevity in the field.
If you are interested in becoming a certified Home Care Aide or would like to learn more about the program, please contact us via our RiverCare Page.
Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve!
