Perceived educational needs and preparation of adult protective services workers for practice with end-of-life issues

As the number of older adults in the United States increases, so will the expected number of allegations of elder abuse. Adult protective services (APS) staff are likely to handle much more complex situations, and in growing numbers, due to the presence of chronic and life-limiting conditions of their clients. The APS workers, in this national study, identified frequent encounters with older adults with serious illnesses. However, less than one half received educational content about issues of death and dying in their degree programs, and only slightly more than one half reported ever attending a continuing education program on these topics. They perceived the greatest educational need for content about practical resources, the use of advance directives, and making end-of-life decisions. The indication also given by these respondents was that end-of-life issues were among the most difficult situations they faced in practice. This warrants a call for increased end-of-life content in educational degree programs and continuing education.