Topic |
Session VII Date |
Session VIII Date |
I. The normal aging Process and Effective Communication |
Jan 26, 2011 |
July 25, 2011 |
Louis Ricci, RNC, GNP, Ed.D.
Education Consultant Geriatrics/Gerontology, Institution of Geriatrics in School of Public Health at University of Georgia
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| That the aging process brings with it physical, mental and emotional challenges is a certainty, but that older adults will enjoy good aging and move through the process as easily as they did through adolescence, adulthood, and middle age is not a certainty. The wealth of information and resources that are available make it possible for people to manage many of the aspects of the aging process. There are connections between healthy living and healthy aging and dealing with the multiple challenges demand open, honest communication. Family and social dynamics and communication can be as important as the medical regime. This session will introduce the participants to the program to the normal aging process and to how to talk about the issues. |
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| Communication with Hearing Impaired Individuals
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| Helena Solodar, Au.D., Audiological Consultants
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| During this training session, the volunteer will learn techniques to communicate effectively with older adults who may have hearing impairment. Volunteers will be given tools in order to connect with their client through the spoken word, physical touch, and body language thus preserving their client?s dignity and enhancing their independence. Trained professionals who are experts in their field will teach this session.
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II. Chronic Disease:
What Every Volunteer Should Know |
Feb 22, 2011
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Aug 22, 2011
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Lois Ricci, RNC, GNP, Ed.D.
Education Consultant Geriatrics/Gerontology, Institution of Geriatrics in School of Public Health at University of Georgia
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| Volunteers will be introduced to the symptoms of common chronic disease as well as healthy ways to assist the older adult in coping with the frustrations of living with a chronic disease. As an added bonus, each participant will learn how to identify types of problems that require emergency attention and how to get the most out of each emergency room visit.
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| Communication with Visually Impaired
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| Nell Robinson, Social Worker/Case Manager, Center for Visually Impaired
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| During this training session, the volunteer will learn techniques to communicate effectively with older adults who may have vision impairment. Volunteers will be given tools in order to connect with their client through the spoken word, physical touch, and body language thus preserving their client?s dignity and enhancing their independence. Trained professionals who are experts in their field will teach this session.
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III. Memory Loss: Understanding Dementias, Effective Communication, and Challenging Behaviors |
Mar 28, 2011
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Sept 26, 2011
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| Sarah Carson, LCSW ? Family Support Programs Manager - Alzheimer?s Association, Georgia Chapter
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| The older we get, the more susceptible we are to developing a dementia. This class will cover the basics of dementias ? what they are, how they are diagnosed and treated. Also, learn how to communicate more effectively with a person who has dementia, and how to cope with some behaviors that may occur in the person with dementia. This class will provide you with the basic tools to feel comfortable and competent in volunteering to assist with a person with memory loss.
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IV. Mobility Assistance and Safety |
Apr 25, 2011
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Oct 24, 2011
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| Tim Charleston, DPT Rehabilitation Services of Piedmont Hospital
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| Each volunteer will learn how to properly and safely assist his or her clients with mobility issues. Whether transferring to a car or utilizing stairs, the volunteer will gain insight as to techniques for providing appropriate assistance as needed. This session will be taught by licensed physical and occupational therapists.
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| Creative Leisure Time Activities |
Lisa Kiely, Leisure Services Director, Park Springs Community
Certified Activities Director and Group Exercise Instructor
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| Through this session, each volunteer will learn about creative leisure time activities that benefit their client psychologically and socially. Volunteers will be shown techniques as to how to keep their client mentally and physically active while bonding with them at the same time.
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V. Community & Caregiver Resources |
May 23, 2011
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Nov 14, 2011
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| Identifying and Reporting Abuse and Neglect |
| Susan P. Bentley, District Manager, Metro Atlanta Region Adult Protective Services, Division of Aging Services, Department of Human Resources |
| This session will provide volunteers with information needed to help identify and report possible cases of abuse, neglect or exploitation of disabled or older adults. |
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| Overview of the Aging Network |
Patrice Earnest, M.S., CIRS-A, CRS, Education & Resources Coordinator
Area Agency on Aging, Atlanta Regional Commission |
| May is Older Americans Month and volunteers attending this session will become educated about local programs and services for older adults. Participants will learn about local demographic trends in our communities and will be informed about the aging services network and how they can link to local resources |
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| Caregiver Resources |
Mary Lou Vergara, MSW, M.Div. Caregiver Program Coordinator
Area Agency on Aging, Atlanta Regional Commission |
| During this session, volunteers will be introduced to the needs of the family caregiver in a variety of care giving situations. Volunteers will also learn about many of the innovative support programs and services that are now available for caregivers in the Atlanta region. |
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V. End of Life Issues |
June 27, 2011
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Dec 12, 2011
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| Lisa Roling, Palliative Care, Compassionate Care Hospice and St. Joseph?s Hospital |
Palliative care (from Latin palliare, to cloak) is any form of medical care or treatment that concentrates on reducing the severity of disease symptoms rather than providing a cure. The goal is to prevent and relieve suffering and to improve quality of life for people facing serious, complex illness.
Individuals will learn ways to help people deal with chronic illnesses to assure a better quality of life?a major focus for the aging individual. Discussion will also include differences between hospice and palliative care. |
