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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.
   
For the past several years, we’ve led a citywide effort to address anticipated shortages in the Provider workforce for IHSS and other long-term care services. We are proud to announce that, in March 2010, with support from the San Francisco Department of Aging and Adult Services, the Consortium officially launched TAPCA, the Training Academy for Personal Caregivers and Assistants.

TAPCA’s model incorporates community-based recruitment of individuals with the skills and attitude to succeed as personal care providers and utilizes an adult-centered, competency-based training curriculum (PHI’s Personal Care Services Training Model). In addition, TAPCA provides retention support, continuing education, and job placement services.

For more information on TAPCA or to register for a class, visit www.tapca.org, or call 1-888-41-TAPCA (82722).
 
 
TAPCA Web site


 
 

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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