Care Partner Camp
A Free, Hands-On Training for Family Caregivers and Care Partners
Care Partner Camp is a one-day, interactive event designed to teach the technical skills of caregiving to family members and care partners. Whether you are supporting a loved one with mobility challenges, memory loss, or other health concerns, this event provides practical training to help you feel more confident and prepared.
Participants will rotate through small-group stations led by experienced professionals and supported by health professions students. The camp is designed for care partner dyads—care recipients and their care partners—to attend together. Each pair will receive a Caregiving Essentials Kit to take home.
This event is free to attend, but space is limited.
Registration is required.
Respite support is available for activities throughout the day.
Respite volunteers are unable to assist with feeding or restroom use. A family bathroom is available onsite for the convenience of dyads attending together.
Event Agenda
9:30 – 10:00 AM
Arrival and Check-In
10:00 – 10:15 AM
Welcome
Morning Rotations: Physical Caregiving Skills 10:15 AM – 12:15 PM
- Transfer and Mobility Assistance — Karena Laswell, OTD, OTR/L
- Repositioning and Skin Integrity — Katie Jo Lawton, OT & Andrew Martian, PT
- Feeding, Swallowing, and Oral Cares — Sheila Sparling, SLP
- Bowel Health and Monitoring — Cara Heiman, RN
12:15 – 1:35 PM — Lunch (Provided) (70 minutes)
Afternoon Rotations: Health and Communication Support 1:35 – 3:00 PM
- Recognizing Emergencies — Des Moines Fire Department
- Monitoring Vital Signs
- Communication Strategies — Jenni Bodensteiner, SLP
- Navigating Advanced Care Planning — Jacque Heiter
3:00 – 3:15 PM — Closing Circle
2:55 – 3:15 PM Closing Circle
