With the number of elderly people rising substantially, many have health problems that make it impossible for them to care for themselves.
That is why examining the basic needs of the elderly, the challenges they face and how these changes affect their functioning is important for staff caring for the elderly.
Penn State Cooperative Extension in Lycoming County is offering a day-long program, "Enhancing Skills for Eldercare," on March 24.
The program will provide information on "The Aging Brain" - a program aimed at updating participants on cognitive decline in the aging population; and "Cancer and End of Life Care" - a teleconference by the Hospice Foundation of America.
The Aging Brain sessions will examine ways to slow down cognitive decline.
Cognitive difficulties can be disruptive to an individual's sense of well-being. Growing older does not necessarily mean that a person's mental abilities will decline.
There are many strategies that can be used to help keep the mind sharp, fit and alert.
The Hospice Foundation of America's teleconference will address ways to help professionals understand the complexities of working with end-stage cancer patients and their families when transitioning to hospice and palliative care.
Participants will learn ways to describe the range of physical, psychological and spiritual reactions that people who are dying of cancer may have and how to respond and validate these reactions.
This Eldercare Training will be held from 9:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Lysock View Complex, Room 206, Montoursville. The cost for the day is $65, which will include lunch. Registration is required by Friday.
The training is appropriate for personal care home directors and personnel, home health providers and nursing home employees.
The training has been approved by the Department of Public Welfare, Adult Residential Licensing program for six clock hours of ongoing training.
For more information or to register, contact the Lycoming County Cooperative Extension office by phone at 433-3040 or by e-mail at vlewis@ psu.edu.
