DEFT: A Training Center Providing Skill Training and Education for Caregivers
The Duke Elder Family/Caregiver Training (DEFT) Center is a free service available to caregivers of DUHS patients. Supported by the Duke Endowment, DEFT reinforces training on skills, education and support to caregivers of older patients being discharged to home from Duke University and Duke Regional Hospitals. DEFT training classes are available to caregivers of older patients aged 55 and above. Our program includes training on medication reconciliation, signs and symptoms of infection, pain management, delirium prevention, falls precautions, nutrition and hydration, activity and exercise. In addition, they also offer skills training on drain care, wound care, subcutaneous injections, central line/site care and feeding tubes.
After training, the DEFT team follows the patient/caregiver for 14 days post hospital discharge with a minimum of three tele-health phone calls. To place an inpatient consult order in Maestro Care, just type "DEFT." Once the order is received, the DEFT team will contact the caregiver.