Engage with® Older Adults Skills Training – Understanding Substance Use

The Engage with® Older Adults Skills Training Program is designed to help anyone who regularly interacts with older adults—whether you’re a caregiver, healthcare worker, first responder, librarian, or customer service professional. This training gives you the tools to build deeper, more meaningful connections by teaching respectful communication, de-escalation strategies, and ways to better understand older adults, including those experiencing cognitive challenges like dementia.

Maryland Social Workers and Licensed Counsellers may earn up to 1.75 CEUs for completing each advanced supplement training offered. Please note that partial credit is not possible.

Engage with® Older Adults ADVANCED CERTIFICATION

Advanced Certification introduces participants to critical skills that will help them be the best caregiver possible. After completing the introductory Core Skills Part 1 and Core Skills Part 2, participants may complete one or more of our supplemental courses (2 hours each) offered, in any order desired. Supplement sessions cover the following topics:

• Responding to Mental Health – This class covers redefining perspectives on mental health, interventions to reduce suicide risk, dealing with anxiety and using a trauma-informed approach.
• Navigating Dementia and Traumatic Brain Injury – This class covers early signs of dementia, differentiating dementia and delirium, and understanding TBI.
• Partnering in Care – This class covers understanding core needs, developing a self-care plan, and how to engage with the public like a partner.
• Understanding Substance Use and Misuse– This class provides information about drug effects, addiction, and how drug use impacts the older adult.
• Managing Aggression– This class covers skills to help de-escalate emotionally charged situations.

Please note that all sessions are run in a virtual training center. A stable internet connection and computer, laptop or tablet with external keyboard and speakers is required to successfully complete this training.