Free online course equips caregivers to support children with diabetes
“What do I ask when a child with diabetes is placed in my foster care? How do I work with doctors, schools and care teams? Where do I find helpful tools and resources?”
These are just some of the questions answered in Diabetes Essentials for Caregivers—a new pediatric diabetes education program designed for any parent or caregiver, with a special focus on those involved in foster care.
This free, 10-minute online course covers the essentials: understanding diabetes and its effects on the body, monitoring blood sugar, ensuring proper nutrition and managing medications, including dosages and applications.
“This is a ‘just-in-time’ type of training,” says Robbie Jensen, director of strategic program design and development for the College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPCE). “Caregivers can take it as soon as they learn a child with diabetes will be arriving. It’s a quick, go-to resource that helps them jump in with confidence, and it also provides valuable training for caregiving facilities.”
Creighton’s health sciences campus in Phoenix was approached by a community partner to develop a much-needed resource for parents and caregivers of children with diabetes, particularly in foster care.
Course design services were donated by Symbiosis Educational Consultants, an established Creighton partner, with medical expertise provided by Phoenix Children’s Hospital’s diabetes training team, Banner Hospital’s diabetes team and endocrinologists.
The course, available through Creighton Lifelong Learning, gives caregivers the knowledge and confidence to manage a child’s diabetes effectively, reducing the risk of preventable, diabetes-related emergencies at home.
For Katie Christenson, EdD, executive director of executive education and strategic partnerships at CPCE, the project carried personal meaning.
“Having started my own life in foster care before being adopted, I have a deep appreciation for families who open their homes to children in need,” she says. “Any education and resources we can offer ultimately benefit these children and set them up for success. I’m grateful that Creighton contributes to this important work and supports foster caregivers and their families through diabetes education.”
In solidarity with Christenson—and to deepen their understanding of the foster care experience—the CPCE team recently volunteered with Foster Heart + Hope, a local nonprofit serving children and families impacted by foster care. After the organization’s Shopping Day at Trey’s Boutique event, the team helped restock inventory and reset the space for the next shopping day.
“Each minute volunteered is instrumental in changing lives,” says Amber Richardson, founder and executive director of Foster Heart + Hope. “Building relationships with community partners is vital for raising awareness about the needs present in our own neighborhoods.”
“Living out Creighton’s mission often means supporting the underserved community,” Jensen adds. “Our time there filled the team with gratitude for their mission. We hope to find ways to offer even more free resources to caregivers.”
