Many older Vermonters living in our small towns do not have access to needed health care because the workers needed to provide it are leaving their roles. Health care can support good quality of life and independence for seniors. But with fewer health care workers in rural communities, older Vermonters are experiencing the effects. These professionals – nurses, social workers, health assistants, to name a few – do not have adequate opportunities for the professional development and support that might lead to higher job satisfaction and retention. As one of the nation’s oldest and most rural states, tackling this barrier to health care access is vital for senior Vermonters, their families, and their communities.

The Learning Enhancement in Aging Program (LEAP) brings the UVM Center on Aging’s professional development curriculum for health and social services workers to areas of the state it has not yet reached. With the support of the Vermont Association of Area Agencies on Aging and Services at Home (SASH), LEAP will address core knowledge gaps for participants: aging and disability, assessment, dementia, mental health and suicide prevention. The program includes five learning modules and participants receive a certification upon completion. UVM student interns will be involved in facilitating group sessions, data collection and analysis. UVM will also build a statewide network so these professionals can stay connected.

LEAP hopes that increased knowledge in key areas of need for senior care and professional development support will boost health care outcomes for older Vermonters and lead to more job satisfaction and retention among workers. 

This project brings UVM’s Center on Aging together with the state’s Area Agencies on Aging and the Services at Home (SASH) programs to deliver professional development to health care providers in rural communities throughout the state. Together, the partners hope to increase competencies in geriatric care among providers and create a professional network to connect providers from across the state for mutual support and further professional development opportunities.