Donna B. Fedus, M.A., Director, Elder Program

Gerontology Training for Professionals. An effective and efficient staff has never been more essential given the challenging economic times combined with the dramatic increase in population aging. Training on various issues of aging is available to professionals to enhance their ability to work with older adults and their families. Each session provides theory, best practices, and applied techniques using a prevention and health promotion framework. Workshops are appropriate for health professionals and human service providers who serve older adults and families. Each workshop has been approved for continuing education credits from the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).

Practitioners can access training in three ways:

1. Check the current calendar of programs offered in the Gerontology Training Series. These programs are held at The Consultation Center, 389 Whitney Avenue, New Haven. Topics change in fall and spring.
2. Request the Gerontology Training Catalog for a list of programs that can be delivered at your place of business throughout Connecticut and beyond. This list is expanded as new workshops are added. Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
3. Arrange for customized training on issues of aging facing your staff or family caregivers.

Caregiver Coaching Service. This service offers increased knowledge and support to family caregivers who are creating an eldercare plan, dealing with an impending eldercare transition, or are in the midst of an eldercare crisis. Services are provided by a masters-prepared gerontologist on a fee-for-service basis, and include telephone or in-person consultation and support, identification of options and thinking through the ramification of various options, targeted research, referrals to local and long distance resources, and facilitation of family meetings. Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information or call her at (203) 789-7645.

Education for Family Caregivers. Educational programs for families on various issues of aging can be sponsored by a housing facility, hospital, senior center, AARP chapter or club. Topics for family caregiver programs vary widely. Possible formats include a one-time lecture or discussion group, a book group series or an ongoing support group. Consultation is also available to community-based groups who are informally assisting in the care of a family member, friend or neighbor who is suffering from a chronic illness. Sample topics include: Learning to Speak Alzheimer's, Brain Fitness: Staying Sharp Beyond Crossword Puzzles, Family Conversations With Older Drivers, Managing Across the Miles “ Long Distance Caregiving, Emotional Dynamics and Legal Issues in Grandfamilies, The Influence of Aging on Family Dynamics. (Note: This is not an exhaustive list. Please don't hesitate to call if you are interested in other topics.) Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call her at (203) 789-7645 for more information and to discuss fees.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. Since 1995, The Consultation Center has been providing grandparents and other relatives raising children with a range of services and supports. Benefits for members include monthly group meetings both days and evenings, opportunities for respite and socializing for grandparents and children, telephone information and referral to resources, newsletter and legislative advocacy. In addition to these core program benefits, members of our group also participate in a number of special initiatives. Current special initiatives include Health and Wellness Program for Grandfamilies and College Culture for Grandfamilies. Always seeking creative solutions, The Consultation Center collaborates with local, state, and national organizations to develop programs and services to support relative caregivers. We also provide training and consultation on the emotional dynamics and legal issues that often arise in grandfamilies.