ABSTRACT
Due to age-related factors and illnesses, older adults may become vulnerable to elder investment fraud and financial exploitation (EIFFE). The authors describe the development and preliminary evaluation of an educational program to raise awareness and assist clinicians in identifying older adults at risk. Participants (n = 127) gave high ratings for the program, which includes a presentation, clinician pocket guide, and patient education brochure. Thirty-five respondents returned a completed questionnaire at the 6-month follow-up, with 69% (n = 24) of those indicating use of the program materials in practice and also reporting having identified 25 patients they felt were vulnerable to EIFFE. These findings demonstrate the value of providing education and practical tools to enhance clinic-based screening of this underappreciated but prevalent problem.
Subject(s)
Education, Medical, Continuing , Elder Abuse , Fraud , Geriatrics/education , Investments , Theft , Aged , Humans , Program Development , Program Evaluation , Surveys and Questionnaires , Vulnerable PopulationsABSTRACT
In just over 20 years, all 78 million baby boomers will have reached their "coming of age". When this demographic milestone occurs, one in every five Americans will be at least 65 years old; millions will have comorbid and chronic conditions requiring better prepared health care providers and markedly improved services than are presently available. Thus, geroeducators must teach current and future practitioners what they need to know to help their patients have the best possible old age. To ensure that this outcome occurs, teachers must observe students and practitioners demonstrating their ability to perform taught skills competently. Using microteaching and feedback can help clinical educators be those better teachers of the caregivers of older people.
Subject(s)
Art , Communication , Geriatrics/education , Teaching/methods , Feedback , Humans , Models, EducationalABSTRACT
Frail elders living alone or in long-term care settings are particularly vulnerable to bioterrorism and other emergencies due to their complex physical, social and psychological needs. This paper provides an overview of the recent literature on bioterrorism and emergency preparedness in aging (BTEPA); discusses federal initiatives by the health resources and services administration (HRSA) to address BTEPA; describes the collaborative efforts of six HRSA-funded geriatric education centers (GECS) to develop BTEPA geriatric curricula and training; and offers recommendations for BTEPA education and training, clinical practices, policy, and research. The GEC/BTEPA collaboration has produced model curricula, including emergency planning for diverse groups of older persons; enhanced networking among stakeholders in a fast paced environment of information sharing and changing policies; and developed interdisciplinary educational resources and approaches to address emergency preparedness for various settings in the elder care continuum.
