Preserving Sufficient Aging Programs and Staffing to Maintain and Improve Wellness

In order to improve the communications skills and professionalism of direct care workers and volunteers, the Aging Communications Training Project (ACT) developed and disseminated a training curriculum, based on extensive evidence-based research. This project occurred with support from the Retirement Research Foundation and the SPRY Foundation. Following development and pre-testing with employees and volunteers from the Baltimore City Commission on Aging and Retirement Education, the curriculum was finalized in 2007. Area Agency on Aging Master Trainers from thirteen states were selected and trained in its use at the 2007 National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4A) Conference. The Master Trainers then trained at least twenty local trainers in the aging network in their states. Extremely positive evaluations were received in interviews and surveys for the next two years. However, with major shifts in public and private funding for agency staffing and services in the 2010-2012 time frame, careful staff and volunteer training was a common target for cuts. This presentation reports on an extensive 2012 follow up survey of the ACT Master Trainers, and of the local aging agency and public health staff and volunteers they trained; including their perspectives on the effects of shifts in funding, training, and services available through the Area Agencies on Aging and related aging network organizations. Implications of these changes for the wellness of future elders are described and discussed.