Northern New England combines one of the oldest populations in the nation, a rural population with many medically underserved areas, and a small healthcare workforce. Conventional approaches to education and training have limited content focusing on the healthcare needs of older adults.
Our goal is to advance northern New England's capacity by developing a rural geriatric workforce.
- Develop reciprocal partnerships between academia, primary care sites/delivery systems (including nursing homes), and community organizations to transform clinical training environments into integrated geriatrics and primary care sites/delivery systems that are age-friendly and dementia-friendly.
- Provide interprofessional geriatrics clinical training and education to students, residents, fellows, faculty, and preceptors in Tribal, Tribal Organizations, Underserved and/or Rural (TTOUR) primary care sites/delivery systems with the intent to have them practice in these sites upon completion of their program.
- Establish and/or maintain education and training programs in TTOUR primary care sites/delivery systems that provide the supportive care workforce, direct care workers, and the primary care workforce with the knowledge and skills to improve the care of older adults, including persons living with dementia, by using innovative technology and methods.