Volunteers Working with the Elderly and Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Problem Prevention

This course is for volunteers in programs serving older people. The workshop allows participants to explore ways to incorporate prevention into existing services for the elderly. Workshop participants will acquire knowledge and skills in the following areas: (1) CSAP Training System mission and CSAP resources available to volunteers; (2) changes associated with the aging process and the impact of these changes on alcohol and drug use; (3) techniques that empower elderly individuals in a helping relationship; (4) principles of primary prevention of alcohol and other drug problems with the elderly; (5) prevention programs that target elderly populations; (6) impact of cultural and generational differences in working with the elderly; (7) how and why misuse of medication occurs and strategies to prevent this misuse; (8) role of caregivers, benefits and rewards of caregiving, and strategies specific to caregiving; (9) strategies to recruit elderly persons to participate in prevention programs; and (10) strategies to incorporate prevention activities into existing programs and services for the elderly.