GERIATRIC SITTER COURSE TO START MAY 7

CAPE GIRARDEAU - Southeast Missouri Hospital and Southeast Missouri State University will offer a five-session geriatric sitter training course May 7.

The course is designed to train individuals who wish to assist elderly adults at home. It is taught by a certified gerontology nurse.

Classes will be held at the hospital's Jackson Outreach office from 1:30 to 4 p.m. May 7, 9, 14, 16 and 21. The office is in the Heartland Plaza on Highway 61 East.

The course includes information on normal versus abnormal aging; dietary needs; assisting the elderly with personal care; stress management for care givers; communication techniques and understanding the elderly; emergency procedures and when to call for help; and Alzheimer's disease and coping with the confused elderly.

Those who successfully complete the course will receive geriatric sitter certification.

The registration fee is $25. To register, or for more information, contact Janet Stewart by calling the outreach office at 243-5349.