Evaluator Training

February 2, 2006

Training Overview

• Welcome & Introductions• The Senior-Friendly Concept• The Work of an Evaluator• The Walk – Thru • The Team Meeting• Catch Them in the Act –

“Thank You for Being Senior-Friendly”

• Review & Questions

The Senior-Friendly Concept

An Overview

Today, more and more businesses are recognizing that older adults are valued employees and customers in their community. The Senior-Friendly Business Program was created to acknowledge those businesses which have instituted and promoted best practices toward employment, independence and service to older adults. Specifically, it seeks to recognize businesses that have not only met the legal compliances of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), but have also demonstrated a clear and conscious effort to be senior-friendly. The certification is for businesses that go above and beyond!

Business Recognition• As part of the program, those deserving of this acknowledgement

will be awarded with a Senior-Friendly Business recognition seal. This seal, designed to be displayed at the entrance of the building, will:– serve as a symbol to patrons, staff, and others in the community of the

business’ commitment to quality service towards hiring, accommodating and serving older adults; and

– encourage other employers to apply similar practices to their own companies.

• In addition to the recognition seal, businesses will have the opportunity to be highlighted in their local newspaper or similar media outlets, and to be listed on the Upper Coastal Plain Area Agency on Aging website. Certified businesses will also be kept abreast of senior-friendly business practices and opportunities for promotion of their business within the senior community.

Business Requirements

• Must request certification as a Senior-Friendly Business

• Must meet ALL of the Required questions• Must meet at least 80% of the Suggested

questions• Must agree to three volunteers stopping in to

complete the questionnaire – unannounced, but not undercover

• Must send at least one manager and 25% of their employees to the Senior-Friendly Business Training offered by the Area Agency on Aging

• Must agree to a recertification process

Senior-Friendly Goals

• Change negative attitudes about seniors to positive attitudes

• Improve the quality of life for seniors• Show that Senior-Friendly is good for all ages• Provide a way for groups to disseminate Senior-

Friendly ideas and developments• Remind everyone that it is a two way street –

seniors and businesses both have responsibilities

The Work of an Evaluator

Wanted: Senior Volunteers

The Area Agency on Aging and the Nash County Aging Department – Senior Friendly Action Team are seeking volunteers to conduct Senior-Friendly Business assessments. Volunteers must be at least 60 years old and willing to attend training and volunteer approximately three hours per assessment.

Thanks for volunteering - A Volunteer Job Description is enclosed for your review.

Volunteers Should Be…

• Observant

• Aware of All Senses– Sight, Sound and Smell

• Comfortable with Asking Questions

• Strict, But Realistic

• Dedicated to the Senior-Friendly Concept

• Proud to be a Senior Adult!

The Walk - Thru

The Team Meeting

Making a Determination as a Team

• The role of the NASH Senior Center– Tally Sheet

• The role of the Senior Volunteers– Tally Sheet Review– Disagreement Process– Final Determination

• The role of the Area Agency on Aging– Business Certification

• Team Meetings will last no more than 1 hour, often less time will be spent for completion of this phase

Catch Them in the Act

“Thank You for Being Senior-Friendly”

Keep your eyes and ears open and catch people in the act of being senior-friendly. When you do, hand them a Senior-Friendly pin as a thank you. Use your own words to praise them and encourage them to share their award with their manager.– extra special attention given by a pharmacist to help a senior

adult enroll in Medicare Part D– a grocery bagger uses an umbrella to help a shopper to her car

and loads her groceries in the pouring rain– a cashier saves coupons and uses them to help a senior

purchase their paper products– a techie is observed assisting a couple in purchasing a laptop for

their grandson who is a college freshman…the techie takes the time to explain the most important computer features for a student

– what other acts would you consider above and beyond?

Review & Questions

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