Developing a “Train the Trainer” Program to Identify Elder Abuse and Neglect: The Jewish Home Lifecare System Model

Abstract

Numerous elders are victims of abuse and neglect. Although in a better position than most health care staff to observe and report abuse and neglect in the home, many in the home health care services are not adequately equipped to identify the signs of abuse, much less know how to effectively navigate the vast web of available resources. Many staff are unclear regarding how to report and to whom, and often there is fear of the ramifications of reporting. In addition, in many instances the elder does not wish to seek interventions. The Jewish Home and Hospital Lifecare System's Elder Abuse “train the trainer” model focuses on providing in-service training for clinical and nonclinical members of the organization, with the hopes that personnel will improve their ability to take appropriate action when identifying elder abuse and neglect. In addition, the program prepares home care personnel to act as mentors to paraprofessional home health aides.