Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program

The Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP) is a federally funded initiative supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). GWEP aims to improve healthcare outcomes for older adults by enhancing the training and education of the healthcare workforce in geriatrics. The program here at Delaware State University fosters collaboration between academic institutions, the Wesley College Behavioral Health and Social Science (WCBHS), Nursing Department,  primary care providers, Education Health & Research International EHRI community-based organizations, and caregivers to promote age-friendly, person-centered care.

Purpose

GWEP’s primary purpose is to:

• Strengthen the skills and capacity of the healthcare workforce to meet the complex needs of an aging population.
• Promote the integration of geriatrics into primary care.
• Support family caregivers through education and community-based services.
• Advance equity and address social determinants of health in aging populations.

Program Goals

• Educate and Train the Healthcare Workforce
  Provide interdisciplinary training to healthcare professionals, students, and direct care workers in geriatrics and age-friendly care practices.
• Integrate Geriatric Principles into Primary Care
  Support primary care practices in implementing the 4Ms framework of age-friendly care: What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility.
• Support Family and Informal Caregivers
  Offer evidence-based programs, tools, and resources to help caregivers better support older adults at home and in the community.
• Foster Community Partnerships
  Build sustainable relationships between academic institutions, healthcare systems, and community-based organizations to improve care for older adults.
• Promote Health Equity
  Address disparities in care and access among older adults, particularly those in underserved and rural communities.

Who GWEP Serves

• Older Adults and Their Families
• Primary Care Providers
• Nurses, Social Workers, and Allied Health Professionals
• Health Professions Students
• Community-Based Organizations
• Policy Makers and Advocates

Key Activities and Programs

• Workshops and Continuing Education for health professionals on topics like dementia care, falls prevention, and chronic disease management.
• Curriculum Development for health professions schools to include core geriatrics competencies.
• Caregiver Training and Support groups, webinars, and community resources.
• Practice Transformation Support to embed age-friendly principles into clinical workflows.
• Community Outreach and Health Promotion events targeting older adults and underserved populations.

Our Partners

The DSU-EHRI partnership started on July 1, 2024. Clinical placements for nursing and social work students will begin during the fall 2024 semester as part of the Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program.

Education, Health and Research International, Inc., is a community-driven incubator focusing on health and education research that improves the health and well-being of older adults and challenged populations. It provides new and improved services by learning, piloting, and disseminating best practices across education and healthcare sectors.