Service-learning computing courses assist with technology needs in community based organizations serving older adults

Abstract There is a growing population of older adults who are living longer and acquiring chronic illness and disabilities, making it difficult for them to complete everyday activities and age in place. More than 2 million of these older adults are homebound and 5 million need help leaving their homes. They experience social isolation, food insecurity, and lack of connection to community resources which has intensified since the pandemic. Integrative service learning models can provide home-based support to older adults while offering valuable, hands-on learning experiences for students. This study examined findings for a community-based program which trained university students to provide practical home-based support for older adults and their caregivers. Data was collected for 109 older adults who were connected with student trainees. Students provided services with groceries, companionship, and help accessing needed services. Findings from t-test results using the UCLA Loneliness Scale indicated that older adults reported less loneliness after engagement with students (mean difference = 6.15, t = 3.14, df = 82, p < 0.01). Qualitative process data suggested that older adults benefited from services and a connection to their assigned students prior to and during the pandemic. Student trainees reported that the experience enriched their learning and reaffirmed their commitment to working with older adults. Community-based service learning can address home-based needs of older adults and their caregivers and enhance learning opportunities for students. Policies and practice can support a pipeline of geriatric health professionals through innovative service learning models to benefit older adults, caregivers and students.

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Knowledge Transfer in Information Security Capacity Building for Community-Based Organizations

International Journal of Knowledge Management ◽

10.4018/ijkm.2015100104 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 52-69 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Janine L. Spears ◽

Tonia San Nicolas-Rocca

Keyword(s):

Service Learning ◽

Information Security ◽

Knowledge Transfer ◽

Initial Study ◽

Security Risk ◽

Security Risks ◽

Community Based ◽

Services Sector ◽

Community Based Organizations ◽

Study Results

Community-based organizations (CBOs) in the health and human services sector handle very sensitive client information, such as psychiatric, HIV testing, criminal justice, and financial records. With annual revenue often in the range of $1 to $10 million, these organizations typically lack the financial, labor, and technical resources to identify and manage information security risks within their environment. Therefore, information security risk assessments were conducted at CBOs as part of a university service learning course intended to ultimately improve security within participating CBOs. Knowledge transfer between trainees and trainers is essential in order for security improvements to be realized. Therefore, this paper constructs a theoretical model of knowledge transfer that is used as a lens through which to examine initial study results of the CBO interventions as part of an exploratory study.

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BUILDING DISASTER RESILIENCE FOR OLDER ADULTS AGING IN PLACE: THE ROLE OF COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.1234 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S340-S341

Author(s):

Claire Pendergrast ◽

Basia Belza ◽

Ann Bostrom ◽

Nicole Errett

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Social Services ◽

Aging In Place ◽

Well Being ◽

Local Context ◽

Disaster Resilience ◽

Community Based ◽

Senior Centers ◽

Community Based Organizations

Abstract Older adults are more susceptible to adverse health outcomes during and after a disaster compared with their younger counterparts. Developing community resilience, or strengthening communities to reduce the negative impacts of disasters, has the potential support older adults’ health and well-being. Community-based organizations (CBOs), such as senior centers and Villages, provide social services and programming that support aging in place and may support older adults’ resilience to disasters. This study examines CBO leadership perspectives on the role of CBOs in building disaster resilience for older adults aging in place, as well as perceived barriers and facilitators to incorporating disaster resilience activities into organizational programming. In-depth interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of staff-members of CBOs serving older adults aging in place in King County, Washington. Participants included representatives from 14 organizations that varied in size, geographic setting, organizational structure, and ethnic, linguistic, and socio-economic backgrounds of organizational members. The sample included five government-run senior centers, seven non-profit senior centers, and two Villages. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. We used a combined inductive and deductive approach to code and thematically analyze the data. Results indicate that local context, leadership risk perception, collaborations, and existing services and programming influence CBOs’ willingness to engage in activities supporting disaster resilience for older adults aging in place. Findings suggest that CBOs supporting aging in place may support disaster resilience for older adults by serving as a trusted source of disaster preparedness information and tailoring disaster-related messages for an older adult audience.

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THE IMPACT OF THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC ON OLDER ADULTS: FINDINGS FROM A NATIONAL SURVEY OF COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.2706 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S738-S738

Author(s):

Kathleen A Cameron ◽

Lauren E Popham ◽

Angelica Herrera-Venson

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Rural Communities ◽

National Survey ◽

National Council ◽

Opioid Epidemic ◽

Opioid Misuse ◽

Strategic Partnerships ◽

Community Based ◽

Community Based Organizations ◽

The Impact

Abstract The National Council on Aging (NCOA) conducted a national survey of community-based organizations (CBOs) in early 2019 to better understand how older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers are affected by the opioid epidemic and identify new resources and tools needed by CBOs to better serve their community needs. Specifically, the survey asked about the extent to which CBOs’ service delivery and level of effort has changed as a result of the opioid epidemic; unique issues reported by this population, directly or indirectly resulting from opioid misuse by them or loved ones; how organizations screen and refer older adults and individual with disabilities for support associated with opioid misuse; how organizations may be connecting with local or state initiatives addressing the opioid epidemic, or forming strategic partnerships to respond to emerging client needs; and pinpoint gaps in resources that may help organizations to more effectively respond to these issues. Over 200 organizations, representing urban, suburban and rural communities, responded to the survey and included senior centers, area agencies on aging, Senior Health Insurance Assistance Programs, as well as health care organizations. Seventy percent of organizations report spending more effort to address the needs of older adults/caregivers who are adversely affected by opioid misuse/abuse since 2 years ago. Common health and financial concerns, current strategies related to screening, partnership development, and educational programming as reported by CBOs will be presented. This session will include a discussion of opportunities to assist CBOs address the opioid-related needs of their older adult clients.

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CATCH-ON Educational Interventions for Providers, Older Adults, and Caregivers

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.1909 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 497-497

Author(s):

Erin Emery-Tiburcio ◽

Robyn Golden ◽

Michelle Newman

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Learning Community ◽

Small Groups ◽

Medical Center ◽

Educational Interventions ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

Healthcare Team ◽

Community Based ◽

Community Based Organizations ◽

Practical Recommendations

Abstract CATCH-ON, the collaborative GWEP led by Rush University Medical Center, is working to create Age-Friendly Communities by assuring that health systems, community-based organizations, and older adults and families are educated about the 4Ms. For providers, CATCH-ON offers a monthly Learning Community that focuses on one of the 4Ms each quarter. Each session provides practical recommendations for 4Ms implementation and opportunities to share experiences in small groups. CATCH-ON also partnered with Community Catalyst, older adults, and caregivers to develop a 4Ms educational brochure. The brochure is available electronically and by paper to educate older adults and caregivers about the 4Ms and discussing them with their healthcare team. Additionally, CATCH-ON created 4M online modules for older adults and families. This session will explore the success and lessons learned in developing educational interventions for diverse audiences and how this approach strengthens Age-Friendly Communities.

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“What Am I Doing Here?”

Culturally Engaging Service-Learning With Diverse Communities - Advances in Educational Technologies and Instructional Design ◽

10.4018/978-1-5225-2900-2.ch006 ◽

2018 ◽

pp. 89-106 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Wei Ming Dariotis ◽

Arlene Daus-Magbual ◽

Grace J. Yoo

Keyword(s):

Service Learning ◽

San Francisco ◽

Asian American ◽

American Studies ◽

Asian American Studies ◽

Community Service Learning ◽

Community Based ◽

Learning Partnerships ◽

Community Based Organizations ◽

Bay Area

Creating and maintaining meaningful, educational, and culturally engaging service learning partnerships between Asian American studies programs and Asian American community-based organizations (CBOs) is both challenging and rewarding. The Asian American Studies Department at San Francisco State University was founded in partnership with both student organizations and community-based organizations, and has sought to maintain the promise to bring university resources and knowledge into the community, while bringing community resources and wisdom into the university through a variety of campus-community partnerships. This study reviews that history in order to contextualize current relationships and practices within institutionally structured community service-learning (CSL) designated courses. A survey of students, community organization partners, and faculty engaged with Asian American service-learning in the San Francisco Bay Area reveals the benefits and challenges of culturally engaged service-learning, suggestions for best practices, and future directions.

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How GWEPs Are Impacting Age Friendly and Dementia-Friendly Communities: Baystate Health

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.1775 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 545-545

Author(s):

Maura Brennan

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Health Care ◽

Health System ◽

Healthy Aging ◽

Community Based ◽

Community Based Organizations ◽

Healthcare Improvement ◽

The Press ◽

State And Local ◽

Additional Area

Abstract Baystate has collaborated with Community Based Organizations (CBOs) to secure designation for Springfield, MA as both age and dementia friendly. We worked together so our city could be recognized as the first in the nation which was age and dementia friendly and also had an age-friendly health system within it. Baystate joined a Springfield coalition of CBOs; with the assistance of the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Coalition, AARP, State and local Elder Affairs, the Massachusetts Councils on Aging and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, we secured and celebrated all three recognitions at a public forum in June 2019. The event was attended by the Mayor, Baystate Health and local Elder Affairs leaders, the press and other stakeholders as well as older adults from the community. Along with ongoing efforts to improve transportation and housing, access to age-friendly health care is now also an additional area of focus for the coalition.

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Age-Friendly Initiatives and Primary Care in Rural Arkansas

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.1778 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 545-545

Author(s):

Robin McAtee ◽

Leah Tobey

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Primary Care ◽

Chronic Pain ◽

Fall Prevention ◽

Educational Programs ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Community Based ◽

Community Based Organizations ◽

Geriatric Education ◽

Evidence Based Programs

Abstract The Arkansas Geriatric Education Collaborative (AGEC)’s Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program is partnering with a plethora of community based organizations (CBO) and with ARcare, an Arkansas federally qualified healthcare clinic network, to implement the 4Ms of age-friendly care in rural clinics. Baseline clinical data related to the Age-Friendly 4M Framework has been gathered and quality improvement projects initiated to improve the outcomes. Initiatives to improve depression and cognitive screenings are addressing Mentation; fall prevention screens and the offering of fall prevention programs have been added for Mobility; high risk medication screens and chronic pain educational programs are being implemented to address Medications; and finally, Medicare Annual Wellness Visits is the cornerstone to improve what Matters to older adults. A campaign that involves partnered CBOs to address health literacy and increase involvement in evidence-based programs is also helping to drive improvements in age-friendly care in rural Arkansas.

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Adapting to Create Innovative Virtual Falls Prevention Programs for at Risk Older Adults During a Global Pandemic

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.1424 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 369-369

Author(s):

Maura Brennan ◽

Rebecca Dobert

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Falls Prevention ◽

Collaborative Approach ◽

Community Based ◽

Group Medical Visits ◽

Community Based Organizations ◽

Medical Visits ◽

Global Pandemic ◽

Tai Ji ◽

High Level

Abstract Baystate Health’s Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP) postponed implementation of Group Medical Visits focused on falls reduction for older adults in Springfield, Massachusetts due to COVID-19 and quickly shifted efforts to participate in Dartmouth’s Falls Prevention Training Program. Long standing GWEP Community Based Organizations (CBOs) were consulted, and all believed that the virtual Tai Ji Quan Moving for Better Balance® (TJQMBB) program would combat social isolation and improve older adults’ comfort with technology in addition to reducing falls during the COVID-19 pandemic. Baystate’s GWEP was able to reallocate grant dollars to support the purchase of equipment for CBOs to deliver TJQMBB virtually. While many challenges continue to arise, the innovative and collaborative approach between the two GWEPs and Baystate’s CBOs leveraging Administration for Community Living falls prevention funding has led to high level engagement and rapid implementation. Dartmouth’s model capitalizes on and strengthens existing GWEP partnerships with its CBOs.

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Recruiting Older Adults With Functional Difficulties Into a Community-Based Research Study: Approaches and Costs

Journal of Applied Gerontology ◽

10.1177/0733464818786612 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 39 (6) ◽

pp. 644-650 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Manka Nkimbeng ◽

Laken Roberts ◽

Roland J. Thorpe ◽

Laura N. Gitlin ◽

Alice Delaney ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Low Income ◽

Low Cost ◽

Community Outreach ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Community Based ◽

Community Based Research ◽

Government Organizations ◽

Functional Difficulties ◽

Community Based Organizations

The CAPABLE (Community Aging in Place, Advancing Better Living for Elders) trial in Baltimore City tested whether an interdisciplinary team of occupational therapists, nurses, and handymen reduces disability and health expenditures in community-dwelling older adults with functional difficulties. This study describes methods and associated costs of recruiting 300 low-income, cognitively intact, older adults with functional difficulties into this study. Sources of participant enrollment included direct mailings (35%), government program referrals (19%), community-based organizations (16%), ambassador referrals (15%), and media (4%). Fifty six (30%) of 187 older adults referred through government organizations were enrolled, while 49 (7.6%) of 648 referred from community-based organizations were enrolled. Total recruitment costs were US$81,453.12. Costs per participant for mailings, media, ambassadors, and community-based organizations were respectively US$745.10, US$256.82, US$22.28, and US$1.00. Direct mailings yielded the most participants but was the most costly method per participant. Ambassadors were least expensive and may offer a low-cost addition to community outreach for recruitment of older adults into research.

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