Abstract:

The frequent absence of social services in housing for the aged & budgetary constraints & manpower shortages that preclude having this need met by graduates from degree programs are discussed. A more efficient alternative is to train existing personnel. A 5-year-old training program funded by the National Institute of Mental Health has trained over 150 people in South Bend & Albuquerque. Many were personnel from housing- those in tenant services, supervision & building management. In addition to general classroom instruction on aging, these workers received individualized supervision on housing issues. e.g, some trainees were encouraged to develop peer support programs in housing sites. A multifaceted evaluation procedure indicated marked improvement in many areas (eg, the counseling skills of listening, genuineness, problem identification, & definition of intervention goals). Also, self-perceived improvements were found in confidence, problem solving, advocacy, helping skills, & other areas.