New Training Program Successful in Improving Attention to Mental Health Problems that Prevent Older Adults from Achieving Successful Rehabilitation Outcomes

Wayne State University, with funding from The Retirement Research Foundation, recently completed and successfully tested a 7-hour, modular, DVD-based training program:  Integrating Mental Health into Occupational Therapy with Older Adults.  This program teaches rehabilitation and home care professionals how to identify and screen for mental health problems, how to motivate seniors who need it to accept mental health care, how to make referrals for care, and how to use their own professional skills to assist in helping patients overcome mental health problems.  The training was developed by Geropsychologist Peter Lichtenberg and Occupational Therapist Cathy Lysack of Wayne State University's Institute of Gerontology.  While the training program was designed with occupational therapists in mind, its content will be fully relevant for the wide range of therapists and other professionals who work with them in serving this population, such as social workers, home-health workers, physical or speech therapists, activity therapists, etc.

The training program is available from Wayne State and can be ordered on-line at:  http://www.iog.wayne.edu/pdfs/iog-sage.pdf.

Honor Your Father and Mother:  The Devastating Effects of Poverty on Seniors.

Since the introduction of welfare reform legislation in America more than 10 years ago, Catholic Charities has endeavored to be a voice for the people they serve by preparing a yearly paper on issues such as housing, the working poor and hunger. With the 2007 paper, Honor Your Father and Mother: The Devastating Effects of Poverty on Seniors, Catholic Charities calls further attention to the issues of aging and poverty and the moral outrage they represent. The paper was released at Catholic Charities' 90th Annual Board Meeting held in October last year. A copy of this paper may be downloaded at http://www.catholiccharities.net/media_room/media_kits/.

Educational Training Calls Available on CD-ROM from NCCHNR:  Giving Voice to Quality - A Consumer Education Project to Equip Nursing Home Residents and Their Families

This packet of five CD-ROMS from the National Citizens' Coalition for Nursing Home Reform contains four Giving Voice to Quality Educational Training Calls, recorded from August to November, 2006:  1) Affirming Dignity and Individuality: A Look at Residents' Rights; 2) Staff Communication & Respectful Work Environments; 3) Eating with Dignity: Nutrition and Hydration; and 4) Incontinence and Quality Care.  More information on this project and a link to order the packet ($20 + shipping and handling) can be found at http://www.nccnhr.org/public/245_1265_12776.cfm. 

To date, little evidence exists about the impact of various housing with services models on resident, cost, and community outcomes. The purpose of this research project is to help build the evidence base on the value of linking health-related and supportive services and publicly subsidized rental housing for low-income seniors with declining health and increasing disability. A descriptive evaluation was performed and detailed case studies were completed of 3 housing properties in the state of Colorado, each taking a different approach to providing a service link within their properties. Findings indicate that housing residences with greater service enrichment have positive effects on resident functional status and general satisfaction. Additionally, a wide range in terms of both availability and quality of the resident data currently being collected by housing providers was found.

The publication is available for download on the IFSA website.  Authors:  Michelle Washko, Ph.D.; Alisha Sanders, M.P.Aff.; Mary Harahan; Robyn I. Stone, Dr.P.H. & Enid Cos, D.S.W.

Worship kit:  Sacred Seasons:  Jewish Resources for Elders

The Reconstructionist Rabbinical College has developed materials that make Jewish holiday and Sabbath workshop accessible to frail elderly in long-term care facilities.  These kits make everything that staff or volunteers without Jewish background need to create a holiday celebration for Jewish elders:  a booklet containing background on each Jewish holiday, a step-by-step guide for celebrating the rituals, large-type handouts of prayers and blessings for participants, and a CD recording of songs and blessings.  The kits can be viewed and downloaded from www.sacredseasons.org.

Manual for Long-term Care Providers: Getting Started:  A Pioneering Approach to Culture Change in Long Term Care Organizations

This manual provides long-term care providers with a guide to first steps in transforming the culture of their care from an institutional to a person-centered approach.  Chapters cover resetting organizational values and mission, the role of leadership, enabling staff to take the lead in new approaches to care, and much more.  Copies can be purchased from the Pioneer Network at its website:  www.pioneernetwork.net.

Trainer's Manual for Senior Centers and Service Providers: Favorite "Recipes" for Engaging Older Adults

The Chicago Senior Empowerment Project, a community-based geriatric assessment, group and individual counseling program, produced a trainer's manual to be shared with senior centers and service providers interested in replicating the project.  The manual, Favorite "Recipes" for Engaging Older Adults, prepared by Nancy Bailey, MSW, LCSW, includes a history and description of the project, how to involve a retiree corps of professionals, materials used in support groups, and tips for successful project implementation.  For more information on the manual, check their website, www.whitecranewellness.org, or contact Elizabeth Cagan, Executive Director, White Crane Wellness Center, 1355 W. Foster Avenue, Chicago, IL 60640, phone 773-271-9001, e-mail wcrane@enteract.com.