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Abstract

In an effort to continue with a progressive approach to the booming senior population within the United States, we must focus on creating senior friendly communities, both big and small, in an effort to address the growing needs for this vulnerable population. Senior friendly requires more than just a focus on infrastructure, but rather an in-depth effort to enhance empathy, communication skills and provide purposeful engagement for the elders in our lives. This can be accomplished by addressing the social aspects of aging, the fundamentals of the physical changes that occur as we age as well as a focus on empathy enhancement through the use of sensitivity training, education on dementia and open discussions on shared experiences. In the research conducted in the City of Blue Island, Illinois, first responders were given a self-reporting pre-test followed by sensitivity training, dementia education and empathy enhancement training. A self-reporting post-test was given after the training modules. The pre and post questionnaire explored the first responder�s amount of training received on senior issues, confidence level with interacting with a senior and ability to relate to and understand the fundamentals of dementia. Within 6 months of training provided to police, fire, medics and the building department within the city of Blue Island, it was determined that: First responders receive no training on senior issues prior to active duty. It was also determined that the Sensitivity Training yielded an increase in understanding of physical and emotional aging issues by 23%. Dementia education provided yielded a 31% increase in self-reported understanding and awareness of dementia related issues. Finally empathy enhancement through the discussion of shared experiences yielded an 18% increase in confidence level and acceptance level of a senior�s daily struggles and experiences. The improvements seen in the self-reported post tests indicate that a social model of training, education and hands on sensitivity experiences will result in higher levels of positive interaction among first responders and the seniors that they serve as well as a potential decrease in the negative interactions and escalations of situations involving seniors and those with dementia. The Silver Dawn training modules utilized within community settings can prepare the United States to become more senior friendly, empathic and empowered to successfully engage our growing senior population.

Biography

Email: silverdawnsfc@gmail.com