PHI to Train Thousands to Prevent Elder Abuse in Michigan
PHI Michigan is leading an effort to train more than 2,000 staff in home and community based services (HCBS) settings in elder abuse and neglect prevention by September.
The trainings are being funded by a grant from the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging‘s (OSA) Prevent Elder and Vulnerable Adult Abuse, Exploitation, Neglect Today (PREVNT) initiative.
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder (R) has publicly stated that he intends to increase focus on issues concerning elder justice. Elder abuse is estimated to affect 90,000 Michigan residents each year.
The trainings will begin in April with two separate three-day train-the-trainer sessions:
- April 7-9 at Chalgian and Tripp Law Offices in East Lansing
- April 13-15 at the Hampton Inn in Gaylord
At the train-the-trainer sessions, 40 attendees will learn how to lead trainings with staff HCBS settings in a curriculum known as Training to Prevent Abuse and Neglect (TPAAN), which is an adaptation of a previous Adult Abuse and Neglect program, targeted to staff working in nursing facilities.
People who are interested in becoming a TPAAN trainer can apply by sending an email to project coordinator Susan Steinke.
The TPAAN curriculum uses specialized techniques to teach the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary to prevent elder abuse.
Interested in Becoming a TPAAN Trainer?
Download these application materials in PDF format: Cover sheet / Application packet
Those who participate in the training sessions will also master the ability to identify the signs of and know how to report possible abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation to the state.
Although the subject matter of the training can be difficult, Steinke says that the training itself is highly interactive and engaging.
Following the April train-the-trainer sessions, the 40 newly-minted trainers will each go on to train approximately 50 staff in HCBS settings supporting elders by September 2015.
Trainers will be provided with the materials and equipment to conduct the trainings, as well as the tools and resources to assist in recruiting participants for their training. They will receive a stipend to support their training efforts.
