A TRAINING PROGRAM FOR PERSONAL CARE HOME AIDES

This paper describes and analyzes a model demonstration project developed to train family care home operators and personal care home aides. Both populations are the frontline care providers for minimally impaired adults, approximately two-thirds of whom are elderly. The focus is on skills in using a social-adaptive approach on a multiplicity of levels. Conceptual material, examination of attitudes and values, and introduction of specific skills to be used in practical work settings are major emphases. Five content areas are: process of aging, specific interpersonal skills needed in working with the impaired elderly, personal care, medical nursing, and community and/or institutional resources. By emphasizing a social-adaptive approach, the working hypothesis is that improving interpersonal skills will enhance the quality of care provided the impaired elderly. Overall findings strongly support this hypothesis. Discussion focuses on interpersonal skill development programs for paraprofessionals to upgrade the quality of care provided the elderly in institutional or surrogate family settings. The goal of the project is to develop a package of training materials for dissemination, including a training manual and audio-visuals for adaptation by agencies and institutions throughout the country. Evaluation measures include pretests and posttests of knowledge and values, observer ratings, reading level analysis, trainee evaluations, and onsite, posttraining interviews with trainees and their supervisors. A unique evaluation measure is the use of weekly "homework" assignments to estimate the use of the skills taught in the on-the-job setting.