ERIC Number: EJ857214
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0270-1960
EISSN: N/A
Perceived Educational Needs and Preparation of Adult Protective Services Workers for Practice with End-of-Life Issues
Csikai, Ellen L.; Durkin, Daniel W.
Gerontology & Geriatrics Education, v30 n2 p146-163 2009
As the number of older adults in the United States increases, so will the expected number of allegations of elder abuse. Adult protective services (APS) staff are likely to handle much more complex situations, and in growing numbers, due to the presence of chronic and life-limiting conditions of their clients. The APS workers, in this national study, identified frequent encounters with older adults with serious illnesses. However, less than one half received educational content about issues of death and dying in their degree programs, and only slightly more than one half reported ever attending a continuing education program on these topics. They perceived the greatest educational need for content about practical resources, the use of advance directives, and making end-of-life decisions. The indication also given by these respondents was that end-of-life issues were among the most difficult situations they faced in practice. This warrants a call for increased end-of-life content in educational degree programs and continuing education. (Contains 3 tables.)
Descriptors: Educational Needs, Elder Abuse, Continuing Education, Older Adults, Death, College Instruction, Curriculum, National Surveys, Educational Gerontology, Geriatrics, Aging (Individuals), Instructional Effectiveness, Allied Health Occupations Education, Allied Health Personnel, Social Services, Diseases, State Agencies, Health Conditions
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Adult Education; Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A