FRANKLIN—More and more elderly people are choosing to stay at home rather than go to nursing homes, and some need personal care aides to maintain that independence.

Noticing that trend, First Class Home Care Services is offering a class to get locals certified in this career. The class is this week, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the office on 501 N. Main St.

Hester Cutler, R.N., is teaching this 40-hour class, which runs through a curriculum that includes personal hygiene, grooming, transferring, home management and safety precautions.

“It is an asset to the community to help people disabled who need assistance at home,” Cutler said. “It helps them stay at home.”

She said studies show that the elderly who remain in their home settings live longer lives.

“If they are in their home, relatives can see them and so can neighbors,” Cutler said. “Or they can sit on their porch and feel the breeze and watch the flowers grow. They are happier and more content.”

Brenda Lewis of Southampton County said that helping her parents inspired her to take this class and go into this field.

“I always wanted to take care of the elderly,” Lewis said. “Both of my parents got sick, and I had to take care of them. That inspired me to want to help other people out.”

She said the class has been interesting and educational, and she hopes to stay in Franklin to work.

Cutler said that it can also open up the medical field up for an individual.

“Once you are a certified personal care aide, you can become a certified nursing assistant, which certifies you to work in a hospital setting,” Cutler said. “If you get in and find that you kind of like it, you can go on to be a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse.”

The class costs $200, and Cutler said that First Class Home Care Services will inform interested parties about potential means for financial aid in taking the class.