New program builds skills needed to deliver quality care to aged

One of the certainties in the next century is an unprecedented aging population,
which will require many more individuals to understand and respond to issues
of older persons.

A new UBC certificate program — Counselling and Working with an Aging Population
— addresses this rapidly growing need by giving individuals the skills and
knowledge to assist seniors with personal, family and social issues.

The co-developers of the innovative, seven-month, part-time program are surprised
by the wide appeal of the certificate being offered by Continuing Studies Women’s
Resource Centre (WRC).

“It’s designed to address the real need for trained individuals to interact
responsibly and respectfully with our aging population in many facets of their
daily lives,” says Clarissa Green, associate professor in the School of Nursing
and co-developer of the program.

“Originally, we thought it would interest those in their mid- to older life
who were looking for a post-retirement career that involved helping those older
than themselves,” adds Ruth Sigal, director of the WRC and the program co-developer.

Green and Sigal report that the program is also appealing to many younger
people who see the value of developing special skills to work with an aging
population, including their own parents.

Participants will spend approximately half their time learning about senior-specific
issues and the other half learning and developing counselling skills.

“By integrating academic content and personal experience, we are encouraging
participants to develop their own personal philosophy of aging,” explains Green.

“At the end of the program we want them to achieve a comfort and skill level
in working with seniors,” adds Sigal.

The program will enhance the working relationships and interpersonal skills
of volunteers, caregivers, business professionals, community workers, social
workers, clergy and health-care professionals.

The curriculum combines classroom instruction and interactive learning, which
includes working with senior clients and role-playing with fellow participants.
Classes begin in January and require the equivalent of high school graduation.
There will be a personal interview with applicants.

For more information on the WRC and its programs, call (604) 482-8588 or visit
the Web site www.cstudies.ubc.ca/wrc.


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