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Sensitivity Training
July 2, 2007
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A local healthcare group is making a big difference in the elderly community. Medical
professionals at every level have some training in assisting the elderly but Lee
Memorial takes pride in enhancing their employee's understanding of the aging process.
Teresa Frank-Fahrner says, “We utilize this training at every level for all of our
employees. It benefits our housekeepers from our front desk staff, also to our physicians
and our nursing staff.” Buildings are now constructed to help prevent safety hazards
and make mobility easier for the elderly. For example, door handles which are easier
to turn and grip.
According to Teresa, the training was developed about twenty years ago, and is wonderful.
They locally train most of their employees at Lee Memorial. The training puts employees
in the eyes and ears of the elderly. They use goggles to simulate vision difficulties
that come with age, such as seeing blurry images and the inability to see peripherally.
Teresa says, " It’s real important that the staff of Lee Memorial understand the
aging process. They understand some of the physical challenges that some seniors
may have, therefore we can provide better customer service, and better care.”
Employees are asked to use a glove to take off their jewelry and tie their shoe-
this relates to seniors decrease in strength and mobility of their joints. These
exercises help employees understand a wide range of the physical challenges seniors’
experience.
Lee Memorial staff not only train locally, but also sell this sensitivity program
nationally in the hopes to ensure the safety of seniors and minimize safety hazards.
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