[Continued education of personnel in geriatric care - an empirical report]

Although the practical basic and advanced training of honorary workers within the framework of old-age care is of major importance, above all with respect to ecclesiastical and deaconic work, there have only been very few empirical reports regarding this topic up to the present. This is the reason why the beginning of our work was characterized by an extensive experimental phase. From experience we then discovered certain principles, which can be of use in setting up similar seminars in future. Emphasis is laid upon the "open planning" of the seminars. Planning and performance of the meetings are elaborated together with the participants. In this context, however, the leader of the seminar is supposed to provide essential assistance as to the organization of the meeting and the final methodical make-up of the seminar. With regard to methodical procedures we are striving for multiplicity, laying great stress on concrete ideas, respectively putting different ideas to the test. Working in small groups favours reflection on practical experience. Furthermore we consider it very important to meet again regularly after the termination of said seminars. It is only then that we can check to what extent the subject of the seminar could be put into practice. Systematic interchange of experience amongst colleagues in this context is of essential use for exploiting the different subjects and methods for one's own work.