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Higher Education Invests in AGE-u-cate Programs to Support Workforce Development

NIU Amber Godinsky2

Industry

Education

Challenge

The demand for medical and health services leaders continues to grow at an accelerated rate. The Bureau of Labor & Statistics projects a 17% demand through 2024, which is significantly faster than average. Higher education institutions play a critical role in exposing students to career opportunities and supporting the nation in closing workforce gaps for aging services providers.

Results

Incorporating AGE-u-cate training into the courses in NIU's gerontology minor helped students develop skills for serving seniors living with dementia, supporting the development of Illinois' aging services workforce.

Key Product

Compassionate Touch®

www.niu.edu

I believe that sharing these connections in a care partner relationship is essential to giving and receiving quality care.

Amber Godinsky

NIU Alumna and Meals on Wheels Program Coordinator for Volunteer Action Center for Northern Illinois

campus-beauty-east

About the University of Northern Illinois

The College of Health and Human Sciences at Northern Illinois University (NIU) offers a Gerontology Minor that students from any NIU college can access and pair with their degree. The minor includes field placement designed to offer a dynamic experience for students in collaboration with an aging services provider. 

The Challenge

The demand for medical and health services leaders continues to grow at an accelerated rate. The Bureau of Labor & Statistics projects a 17% demand through 2024, which is significantly faster than average. 

Higher education institutions play a critical role in exposing students to career opportunities and supporting the nation in closing workforce gaps for aging services providers. 

The Solution

College of Liberal Arts student, Amber Godinsky, took advantage of the Gerontology Minor in her pursuit of a degree in non-profit and NGO at NIU. Amber was introduced to AGE-u-cate's Compassionate Touch® program and took a 6-hour course to become a Compassionate Touch Coach as part of her field placement work. 

Outcomes:

Knowledge and Empathy: Through the 6-hour course, Amber learned about the therapeutic value of incorporating expressive touch into the care of elders and the research­informed techniques of Compassionate Touch. 

Community Outreach and Education: Amber presented a Compassionate Touch education session for the Dementia Friendly Elgin Commission that included attendees from Elgin's Elderday Center, public library staff, a township representative, a home health provider, and a real estate service for seniors. 

Post-graduation Impact: Following graduation, Amber secured a leadership role with Meals on Wheels where she currently enjoys 2 years of tenure. Amber also became a Dementia Friend in her local community to support ongoing advocacy for people living with dementia. 

Download the full case study.

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