Human service practitioners specializing with the elderly learned to maintain older persons at home using behavioral methods. A 15‐hour training curricula was taught in three formats: a continuing education institute; a 5‐week class followed by consultation sessions; and an inservice training program. Content included behavioral assessment, reinforcement based interventions, evaluation designs, and maintenance methods that improve self‐care, social contacts, and decrease negative behaviors. Findings revealed significantly improved knowledge of gerontological information, practice skills, and relevant behavioral principles. All three formats produced significant outcomes with no important differences between groups. Generally, participants described the training as relevant, effective, and applicable to their practice. The procedures were useful in teaching practitioners to develop satisfying alternatives to behavior problems, thereby improving family living conditions, and reducing unnecessary long‐term c...

Joseph A. Papsidero

Papers

Preparing Health Assistants for Service Roles in Long-Term Care