ACADEMY FOR VOLUNTEERS IN AGING-ATLANTA

MISSION

The Academy for Volunteers in Aging-Atlanta provides continuing community education focused on building the skills of volunteers to meet the emotional, psychological, and physical needs of the aging population. Following organizations collaborated in the planning stages:

• Piedmont Hospital Sixty Plus ? Nancy Morrison, DeAnna Gilliam
• Piedmont Hospital Réhabilitation Services?Anne Marie Fitzgerald
• Education Consultant, Geriatrics and Gerontology? Lois Ricci
• Alzheimer?s Association, Georgia Chapter?Sarah Carson
• Georgia State University School of Social Work?Master Students Nicole Corley, Ashley Williams, Jevita Northern, and Dr. Fred Brooks
• ARC Area Agency on Aging?Patrice Earnest, Kristie Sharp
• LIFESPAN Resources?Laurie Stokes, Jane Kilgore, Deke Grinnell

Planning started with discussions in June 2006 and included a survey of organizations to determine interest in a community wide opportunity to educate volunteers on the special aspects of growing older.

CURRICULUM

Collaborative members have committed to establishing a semi-annual curriculum of classes that will cover specific needs of the aging toward the goal of educating volunteers who will be working with the aging.

• The Normal Aging Process And Effective Communication
  • Communication with Hearing Impaired
• Chronic Disease: Understanding the Process
  • Communication with Visually Impaired
• Memory Loss: Understanding and Communication/Behavior Issues
• Mobility Assistance and Safety: Creative Leisure Time Activities
• Community Resources
• End of Life Issues

Six consecutive, monthly sessions will be offered beginning in January. Lunch and free parking will be provided through donations of sponsoring senior agencies. Participants will receive a certificate upon completion of all six sessions. Participants will be asked to evaluate each class and instructor. This program is offered free to agencies, organizations and congregations with volunteers who serve the elderly. Each agency will provide their own orientation of their volunteers. The Academy will be able to offer each agency the ability to give their volunteers the best information available for work with aging from medical professionals and trained experts. Therefore, this program will enhance the quality of care volunteers are able to provide to the elderly.

Contact Laurie Stokes at 404-237-7307 or email her, or contact any one of the collaborating partners with further questions.