Start Date
6-6-2013 1:45 PM
End Date
6-6-2013 2:55 PM
Description
It is well recognized that there is a significant shortage in the global workforce trained to care for the elderly. The World Health Organization estimates that this shortage will continue to dramatically increase as the number of people aged 65 or older doubles from 11% to 22% by the year 2050. To meet the growing needs of an aging population, a wide range of professionals with health and social service expertise are required to help older people live independently and with dignity. Research on service-learning in gerontology indicates that this type of coursework plays a vital role in exposing students to career opportunities in the field of aging and changing their perceptions and confidence about working with the elderly. A service-learning course was developed by the School of Aging Studies, College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, University of South Florida and implemented at ElderNet, a telephone safety and reassurance program operated by the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, Hillsborough County, Florida. Through ElderNet, 300 low and moderate income homebound elderly with limited support systems receive free daily telephone reassurance calls and safety checks to reduce social isolation, assess their current mental and physical status, and to monitor for physical and cognitive changes. Nearly all clients have chronic medical conditions and some type of hearing, visual, or mobility impairment. Over a third are 85 years of age or older. The overarching goal of ElderNet is to help elders prolong safe, independent living and avoid institutionalization. On a needs be basis, ElderNet connects clients with programs and community resources that provide services such as home repair and maintenance, transportation, and advocacy. ElderNet provided a venue for students to learn by meaningfully interacting with older adults and various community providers. In response to changing demographics that are coupled with a workforce shortage of trained geriatric providers, a telephone safety and reassurance program is a novel, tailored-design service for the elderly that has the potential to augment existing healthcare and social assistance programs while providing a valuable opportunity for educating students. This innovative service-learning program benefited students, ElderNet clients, agency personnel, and the community at large.
Recommended Citation
Brown, L. (2013, June). Development and implementation of a service-learning telephone safety and reassurance program to build an eldercare workforce. Paper presented at the 4th Asia-Pacific Regional Conference on Service-Learning: Service-Learning as a Bridge from Local to Global: Connected world, Connected future, Hong Kong and Guangzhou, China.
Included in
Development and implementation of a service-learning telephone safety and reassurance program to build an eldercare workforce
It is well recognized that there is a significant shortage in the global workforce trained to care for the elderly. The World Health Organization estimates that this shortage will continue to dramatically increase as the number of people aged 65 or older doubles from 11% to 22% by the year 2050. To meet the growing needs of an aging population, a wide range of professionals with health and social service expertise are required to help older people live independently and with dignity. Research on service-learning in gerontology indicates that this type of coursework plays a vital role in exposing students to career opportunities in the field of aging and changing their perceptions and confidence about working with the elderly. A service-learning course was developed by the School of Aging Studies, College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, University of South Florida and implemented at ElderNet, a telephone safety and reassurance program operated by the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, Hillsborough County, Florida. Through ElderNet, 300 low and moderate income homebound elderly with limited support systems receive free daily telephone reassurance calls and safety checks to reduce social isolation, assess their current mental and physical status, and to monitor for physical and cognitive changes. Nearly all clients have chronic medical conditions and some type of hearing, visual, or mobility impairment. Over a third are 85 years of age or older. The overarching goal of ElderNet is to help elders prolong safe, independent living and avoid institutionalization. On a needs be basis, ElderNet connects clients with programs and community resources that provide services such as home repair and maintenance, transportation, and advocacy. ElderNet provided a venue for students to learn by meaningfully interacting with older adults and various community providers. In response to changing demographics that are coupled with a workforce shortage of trained geriatric providers, a telephone safety and reassurance program is a novel, tailored-design service for the elderly that has the potential to augment existing healthcare and social assistance programs while providing a valuable opportunity for educating students. This innovative service-learning program benefited students, ElderNet clients, agency personnel, and the community at large.