I2CARE

<< Background >>FSBE applied for this project to address critical gaps in caregiver training and support. Our goal was to develop a comprehensive training program that aligns with our mission of promoting physical activity (PA) as a preventative tool and supporting active ageing in the EU.Our project targeted several key needs:Caregiver Support: Many caregivers lack specialized training to manage the physical and emotional demands of their role. Our project aimed to provide them with practical knowledge and tools to improve their caregiving skills and overall well-being.Health Enhancing Physical Activity for Older Adults: As older adults face declining autonomy, incorporating PA into their care routines is vital. Our program was designed to equip caregivers with strategies to enhance the physical health and quality of life of the individuals they care for.Sustainability and Accessibility: We sought to create an accessible program that could be used widely across Europe. By offering the training online, we ensured that caregivers, regardless of their location, could benefit from our resources.This project was a crucial step towards a more inclusive society and aligned with our strategic goal of reducing gaps in education and training for care<< Objectives >>The project aimed to develop a robust training program to upskill caregivers working with older adults, particularly those facing the challenge of losing autonomy. Our goal was to create learning modules that would equip these caregivers with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide better support and care for this vulnerable population.We focused on key areas such as managing chronic illnesses and the frailty they cause, achieving behavioural change, promoting active lifestyle and delivering tailored physical and cognitive exercises. These modules were designed to be practical and easily implemented across different European contexts, ensuring that trainers could effectively address the unique needs of older adults. By achieving this, we aimed to significantly enhance the quality of life and autonomy of older individuals, empowering trainers to deliver high-quality care that meets the specific challenges faced by this group.<< Implementation >>We conducted a Learning Needs Analysis (LNA) to assess caregivers' skills in physical exercise and active ageing, with Siel Bleu's experience informing the needs of older people. Siel Bleu Spain led project management to ensure effective delivery of all activities.Our project was organized into five work packages (WPs) supported by management and dissemination efforts:WP 1 - Project Management: We coordinated the project through regular meetings, using tools like Google Suite, with key activities including a kick-off meeting and progress reviews. This WP focused on staying on budget, on schedule, and maintaining smooth communication.WP 2 - Analysis of Learning Needs: We assessed caregiver and trainer needs in Spain and France via focus groups, interviews, and surveys. This informed an online training program addressing caregiver stress and physical activity.WP 3 - Training Design and Audiovisual Production: We created a training program with theoretical and practical modules, using storytelling to enhance engagement.WP 4 - Implementing the Pilot Project: The training was piloted on the Podia platform, with feedback confirming its relevance.WP 5 - Recognition and Certification of Informal Skills: We validated participants<< Results >>The project exceeded expectations, particularly in developing learning modules. We planned two modules but successfully created three, resulting in six comprehensive modules (theoretical and practical) in each language. These modules, covering topics like illness management, communication, and exercise supervision, were enhanced with high-quality audiovisual materials.Key outputs include:WP 1: Effective project management ensured timely completion of all deliverables.WP 2: Needs assessments in Spain and France directly shaped relevant and tailored training content: 75 in Spain and 82 in France participants have participated in the quantitative questionnaires providing concrete output about needs WP 3: Developed six modules (three theoretical, three practical) with audiovisual content, enriching the learning experience.WP 4: The pilot on the Podia platform engaged 94 caregivers and 125 fitness trainers, with 96% of Spanish participants and 90% of French participants finding the content highly relevant.WP 5: A robust system for skill recognition and certification was created, adding value to participants' professional development.Overall, the project delivered significant resources and training that exceeded our initial goals