Home Based Primary Care (HBPC)– Community Health Workers (CHW) as Promotors of Health in Aging

Objective – To expand geriatric knowledge of Community Health Workers in the areas of primary, secondary prevention in care delivery to high-risk vulnerable elders (VE)

Methods: 6 Community Health Workers (CHW) were trained in screening VE for dementia, depression, function and functional decline using validated screening tools. Each Training session was followed by a small group discussion and written reflections. Post-training self-reflections questionnaire structured to identify domains of interactive, reflective and integrative reasoning. Each CHW was then instructed to apply the use of the tools to 10 of the panel VEs enrolled in a HBPC and present screening results to the GIT.

Results A total 30 hours training time integrated into GIT. Attendance rate was 85%. Post-training self-reflection questionnaires revealed overall enhancement of interactive, reflective and integrative reasoning. Pre-Test Estimated time for completion of screening tools ranged from 45-60 minutes. At the completion of 3-month period, mean time of completion ranged from MMSE 10 minutes, Mini-Cog 3 minutes, ADLS & IADLS 5 minutes each, CGS – 5 –10 minutes depending on patient.

Conclusion This study shows the feasibility of expanding enhancing the skill set of CHWs in primary and secondary intervention in the care of VE. Extending the role of the CHW in a Geriatric Team Model of Home Care delivery carries potential of alleviating health disparities in our aging community.