Healthcare Workers: What They Need to Better Support Aging Adults

Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in helping older adults age comfortably at home. To do this well, they need solid training in nutrition and physical activity. A recent study dug into what these professionals need and want when it comes to learning more about these topics. The study found that healthcare workers want practical, hands-on training. They also want a mix of online and in-person learning options. This way, they can choose what works best for them. Many felt that online learning is convenient, but in-person training can be more effective. They also want training that focuses on real-life situations they encounter with patients. Healthcare workers also want more training on specific topics. For example, they want to learn more about nutrition for older adults and how to handle patients with multiple health conditions. They believe that continuing education should help them improve their practice and better support older adults in their communities. The study also found that healthcare organizations need to do more to support their workers. They should offer a variety of learning opportunities that reflect the common health conditions they see. This way, healthcare workers can stay up-to-date and provide the best care possible. In short, healthcare workers want practical, relevant training that fits their needs. They want a mix of online and in-person learning options. And they want to learn about specific topics that will help them support older adults aging at home. Healthcare organizations need to step up and provide these opportunities. After all, the goal is to help older adults age comfortably and safely at home.