ANNE Cohen was a flight attendant with Air Jamaica for 37 years. She lost her job when her position was made redundant in a wave of restructing last year.

“I was completely devastated. I joined the company at age 18 and that was the only life I knew. I didn’t even have a résumé,” the energetic

But the 55-year-old didn’t give up on employment prospects and today, she doesn’t even miss flying.

Several weeks ago she saw a brochure promoting a home care workers course in which individuals between the ages of 18 and 65 are trained to care for senior citizens or sick patients in their homes. She had no previous experience in the area but decided to jump in with both feet.

“Now, I don’t miss flying because I have found what I want to do for the rest of my life,” she said eagerly.

Cohen describes the eight weeks of training as one of the best decisions she has made in her life.

The course — developed by the Institute for Workforce Education and Development Limited (IWED), a subsidiary of Manpower and Maintenance Services — ended in January, so Cohen is now back on the job market. She volunteers with a home care service group and is gaining more practical experience, but she hopes to land a permanent job soon or to start her own business.

“I want to encourage others to have hope because the closing of one door may be the opening of a brand new opportunity,” she said.

Esmine Lundy, a lecturer in communication at one of the country’s prominent universities, saw the need to pursue the course after her husband and fellow course participant, Donovan, suffered a stroke.

“I want to open my own health facility. I have already acquired a property and I am currently in the process of refurbishing it. The course has given me a solid foundation and inspired me to continue to build and be the best,” Lundy told the newspaper recently. She added that not only has the knowledge gained from the course helped with the care of her husband, but her 89-year-old mother as well.

At the recent graduation ceremony at the Manpower Centre in Kingston, regional programme director of Visiting Nursing Services and VNS Choice Community Care in New York Marilyn Price-Edwards encouraged the 12 graduands to be amongst the best health care professionals in the country.

“The need for home care services is growing rapidly due to the major increase in our aging population who seek assistance. Thanks to advances in technology, people are living longer because of improved medications and treatments,” Price-Edwards said.

The Home Care Workers course was led by nursing tutor Brenda Scarlett Miller. It covered a variety of subjects including basic anatomy and physiology, personal care techniques, identifying vital signs, recognising early warning signs of illness, and techniques to meet the physical and nutritional needs of clients.

Since January 29, a new group of students have been registered and are currently undergoing training. Those interested in pursuing the course can contact Manpower and Maintenance Services. They must at least have Grade Nine Achievement Test qualifications and be able to write and do simple arithmetic.