Diabetes PATH Leader Training
Diabetes PATH Leader Training is being offered by Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan
Place: 3215 Eaglecrest Drive, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Date: August 28, 29, 30 and 31, 2017
Time: 9 – 4 pm
Lunch will be provided
RSVP BY AUGUST 17, 2017
WHAT IS DIABETES PATH?
Diabetes PATH (Personal Action Toward Health) workshop meets for 2½ hours once a week for six weeks, in community settings such as churches, community centers, libraries and hospitals.
People with type 2 diabetes attend the workshop in groups of 12-16. Workshops are facilitated from a highly detailed manual by two trained Leaders, one or both of whom are peer leaders.
Subjects covered include: 1) techniques to deal with the symptoms of diabetes, fatigue, pain, hyper/hypoglycemia, stress, and emotional problems such as depression, anger, fear and frustration; 2) appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength and endurance; 3) healthy eating 4) appropriate use of medication; and 5) working more effectively with health care providers. Participants will make weekly action plans, share experiences, and help each other solve problems they encounter in creating and carrying out their self-management program. Physicians, diabetes educators, dietitians, and other health professionals both at Stanford and in the community have reviewed all materials in the workshop.
Each participant in the workshop receives a copy of the companion book, Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions, 4th Edition, and an audio relaxation tape.*
It is the process in which the program is taught that makes it effective. Classes are highly participative, where mutual support and success build the participants’ confidence in their ability to manage their health and maintain active and fulfilling lives.
WHAT IS A DIABETES PATH LEADER TRAINING?
Each PATH workshop is led by two trained leaders, one or both of whom should (ideally) have a chronic or long term illness. Someone who attends a Leader Training can co-facilitate PATH workshops with another trained leader. Leader Trainings are 4 days long.
WHO CAN BECOME A DIABETES PATH LEADER?
A PATH Leader should meet the following qualifications:
- Possesses good listening skills, is non-judgmental
- Is a role model for healthy behaviors
- Has some experience with, and is comfortable, speaking in front of groups
- Reads, writes and speaks fluently the language in which s/he will be training
- Is able to follow a scripted manual
- Possesses life experience resulting in empathy to the needs and abilities of older adults
- Is dependable and consistent
- May or may not be a health professional. If the leader is a health professional, they must be able to facilitate as a peer leader and not has a health professional.
A PATH Leader must also meet these requirements:
- Be willing and available to attend a 4 day Leader Training
- Be willing and available to co-facilitate one workshop within twelve months of attending training
- Co-facilitate at least one workshop once a year to remain authorized
- Participate in Michigan Partners on the PATH data collection
Area Agency on Agency is offering this free training for providers who may want to offer this program to their older adults. Each provider should have two lay leaders trained, as sessions are taught in pairs.
If you are interested in attending the free training or for more information, please contact Jillian Ahumada at 616.588.2580 or email [email protected] by August 17, 2017. The training is limited to 16 participants.
APPLICATIONS DUE BY: AUGUST 17, 2017
