Education
Person-Centered, Trauma-Informed Essentials for Aging Services
Online Course
Welcome to the Center on Aging, Trauma, and Holocaust Survivor Care’s (Center) online course on the person-centered, trauma-informed (PCTI) approach. As leaders in advancing care for aging populations, particularly those affected by trauma, the Center is proud to offer this free, comprehensive training to organizations and individuals providing care in the aging services sector.
Why Learn About the PCTI Approach?
Given that most Americans will experience a traumatic event in their lifetime, it is essential for aging services professionals and volunteers to adopt a person-centered, trauma-informed (PCTI) approach. The PCTI approach is a holistic model of care that prioritizes health and well-being of individuals by accounting for the role of trauma across the life course, resisting retraumatization, and promoting the strength, agency, and dignity of people receiving care. This approach has emerged as the gold standard in aging services as it can improve the health and well-being of people receiving care, the quality and experience of service delivery, and organizational operations and staff experiences.
To learn more about the PCTI approach, click here.
Why Enroll in this Course?
Free: The course is offered at no cost
Expert-Led: Developed by leaders in the PCTI approach, and includes expert interviews
Universal: Designed to educate any professional or volunteer, regardless of position or experience level
Practical: Real-world exercises, implementation planning, and downloadable resources
Flexible: Fully online, asynchronous course designed to fit within your schedule
Recognized: Receive a certificate upon completion
Continuing Education Credits: Eligible social workers can earn five continuing education credits
Course Overview
This free, self-paced, online course is designed to educate professionals and volunteers on the impact of trauma on health, aging, and service delivery. The course is delivered through written instruction which is complemented by videos, downloadable resources, and exercises which include group discussions, reflections, scenarios, and knowledge assessments.
What You'll Learn
Course participants will learn how to:
- Explain how trauma impacts health and well-being, aging, family caregiving, and service delivery
- Explain the PCTI approach and its relevance in serving older adults and family caregivers
- Apply the PCTI approach in different contexts, including across roles and diverse populations
The course covers a wide range of topics across six parts: an introduction, four parts of instruction, and a conclusion. Click on the course parts below to see more information.
Course Introduction (0.5 Hour)
Readings about course navigation, learning expectations, and course speakers.
2 Videos
Pre-Course Assessment
Part 1 – Understanding Trauma and its Impact on Healthy Aging (1 Hour)
Readings about trauma and its impact on health, aging, family caregiving, and service delivery.
1 Video
1 Exercise
1 Knowledge Check
Part 2 - Understanding the PCTI Approach (1.5 Hours)
Readings about the PCTI approach and implementation strategies.
8 Videos (Including 6 Expert Interviews)
3 Exercises
1 Knowledge Check
Part 3 – Implementing the PCTI Approach (1.5 Hours)
Readings about how to apply the PCTI approach across roles and diverse populations.
5 Videos (Including 4 Expert Interviews)
6 Exercises
1 Knowledge Check
Part 4 – PCTI Action Planning (1 Hour)
Readings about how to use the PCTI approach in real-world scenarios through the PCTI Approach Toolkit.
2 Videos
5 Exercises
1 Knowledge Check
Conclusion – Course in Review (0.5 Hour)
Readings about the course’s main takeaways and resources, and resources for continued learning.
2 Videos
1 Exercise
Post-Course Assessment
Learn More
Click below for more information about the course including a course brochure, course outline, frequently asked questions (FAQ), and continuing education credit (CE) eligibility.
Join the PCTI Movement
Whether you're an individual or an organization leader, this course offers invaluable insights and practical skills to enhance care for aging populations.
Group Enrollment
If you are interested in registering multiple learners at your organization to take the course together, click ‘Register for Group Enrollment’. Group enrollment is helpful for those running professional and volunteer development programs and training initiatives.
Accessibility
If you need support in registering or completing this course, please contact the Center at PCTItraining@JewishFederations.org.
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