Strategic Workgroups

Isolated Older Adults

Workgroup Leader:

Patty Black, Pillars

Goal

This workgroup is responsible for creating the at-risk older adult card campaign to help first responders (police, fire, paramedic) identify and properly refer isolated and at-risk older adults in the community.

The Isolated Older Adults workgroup researched and determined characteristics of isolated and at-risk older adults and guidelines for identifying them. The workgroup has designed a functional, laminated card (that can be placed in a car visor, wallet or on a desk) and a binder card that list theses characteristics along with information about who to contact to get help for someone who may be at-risk.

Starting in June 2007, members of the workgroup trained first responders on how to identify and refer isolated and at-risk older adults. These trainings were done in conjunction with the elder abuse trainings conducted by Southwest Suburban Center on Aging. Members of the workgroup conducted 33 trainings to nearly 300 police officers, fire fighters and EMTs in greater Lyons Township. Southwest Suburban Center on Aging has already reported an increase in calls from police officers referring at-risk older adults.

The workgroup received approval from the Governing Council for its evaluation plans and has begun evaluating its presentations. Early results show that 2/3 of fire fighters and EMTs did not know where to refer at-risk older adults prior to the training. To date, all survey respondents have found the trainings useful with nearly 80% stating that the training was “extremely useful.” In the coming days, the workgroup will follow-up with first responders to determine the usefulness of the materials and refine them, if necessary.

Accomplishments

• Developed a binder insert card and a wallet card to assist first responders in identifying and referring isolated and at-risk older adults
• Trained nearly 300 police officers, fire fighters and EMTs on how to identify and refer at-risk older adults
• Trainings resulted in a significant increase of referrals from first responders

Strategic
Workgroups

Central Access Point

Community Outreach

Direct Care Worker Employer

Isolated Older Adults

Planning for the Future

Transportation