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Lessons Learned
 
grade A

» Two days after graduating from the Basic Training Course, a Provider went to see her client. When she knocked on the door, no one responded. As taught, the Provider immediately called her supervisor. When the supervisor was unable to reach the client by phone, police were summoned. The client was found in bed semi-conscious — the result of an accidental overdose of medication. She was taken to the hospital, treated, and able to return to her home.

» During training, Providers are taught to focus on building a trusting relationship with clients. They are taught that many clients refuse care because they are not secure with the individual caring for them. One Provider had a client who refused to participate in personal care — and would not allow the worker to bathe her even though she had a strong body odor. The Provider learned in the course to use alternative methods to manage such situations, and began using a fragrant skin lotion on the client so the client would become comfortable with being touched. After a few months, the client was willing to allow the Provider to give her a shower.
   
The Training and Development program’s primary focus is to provide training to the Consortium’s Home Care Providers. The department also helps provide and coordinate training for Case Managers, Service Delivery Supervisors, and other agency staff. The Consortium has a classroom equipped with a hospital bed, Hoyer lift and other types of durable medical equipment — dedicated to offering a professional setting for training sessions.
 
blackboard


Training is provided in multiple areas:

  • Home Care Provider 83-Hour Basic Training Course
  • Monthly trainings
  • Individualized instruction

Our Home Care Provider training focuses on skill development, understanding the needs of our clients, and Provider support. Before being assigned to clients, newly-hired workers undergo a two-week, 83-hour Basic Training conducted by our Training Manager, Peer Mentors, and other Consortium staff. Refresher training also is given regularly to teach new skills, to reinforce basic skills that require continuing education (such as universal precautions, transferring techniques, and body mechanics), and to address issues arising from changing client needs. Classes include interactive training, role playing, group discussion, films, and testing.

Topics for monthly classes are based on requests from the Home Care Providers and client or agency needs. Previous monthly trainings have included:

  • Dementia
  • Durable Medical Equipment
  • Universal Precautions
  • Grief and Dealing with the Death of a Client
  • Dealing with Difficult Clients/Families
  • HIV/AIDS Education
  • Mental Illness
  • Substance Abuse
  • Empowerment of the Home Care Provider
  • Hoarding and Cluttering
  • Body Mechanics

The monthly trainings are held on multiple evenings and on one Saturday morning each month.

Mandatory training on Elder Abuse is held annually for Providers, Program Managers, Case Managers, Service Delivery Supervisors, and Peer Mentors.

The 83-Hour Basic Training course covers:

  • Duties and Responsibilities
  • Personal Safety
  • Timekeeping
  • Care Plan
  • Universal Precautions
  • Paramedical Services
  • Dementia, Mental Illness
  • Problem Solving
  • Client Dignity
  • Substance Abuse
  • Dealing with Difficult Situations
  • Client Nutrition
  • Hoarding and Cluttering
  • Pests and Rodents
  • CPR/First Aid.
  • Other subjects Providers need in order to provide care for the Consortium’s clients

Individualized training is also provided to Home Care Providers focusing on specific skills for which they or their Supervisors request assistance.

The goals of the Consortium’s training and development program are:

  • Educate the Home Care Providers on the needs of the Consortium’s clients.
  • Assist Providers with managing the needs of clients.
  • Encourage workforce development and retention.
  • Instill in Providers a level of professionalism.
  • Provide ongoing support to Providers.
 
 

Elder Abuse
 
 

All Consortium Home Care Providers, Program Managers, Case Managers, Service Delivery Supervisors, and Peer Mentors undergo annual training on issues related to elder abuse. Elder abuse occurs when someone knowingly or unknowingly causes harm or a risk of harm to an older adult. It can take on several forms, including:

» Physical. Assault, battery, inappropriate or chemical restraint, and sexual assault

» Psychological Abuse. Infliction of mental anguish by threatening, intimidating or humiliating an older person

» Neglect. Failure to provide basic care or necessities to frail or impaired individuals by those responsible to do so

» Financial Exploitation. Misappropriation of money or property, often committed by persons in positions of trust

If you suspect elder or dependent adult abuse, call the APS Hotline immediately at (415) 557-5230. In California , you can fill out a form online, print it, and fax it to your local APS office. The form can be found at the Department of Social Services Web site: http://www.dss.
cahwnet.gov/pdf/
SOC341.pdf. The fax number in San Francisco is (415) 557-5377.

If you suspect elder abuse, you must report it immediately!

 
 
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