Evaluator Training
February 2, 2006
Training Overview
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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 SeniorFriendly”
• 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 SeniorFriendly 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 SeniorFriendly 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
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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