Effect of planned training provided to care staff in nursing homes on their attitudes toward the elderly

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of planned training provided to care staff in nursing homes on their attitudes toward the elderly. Materials and Method: The study was conducted between July and September 2018 using the one-group, pre-test–post-test trial model and quasi-experimental study design. The study population comprised 45 care staff members in only one nursing home, and the study sample comprised 38 care staff members. Data were collected through the Information Form, Attitude toward Old People Scale, and Ageism Attitude Scale. Necessary ethical approval and permissions for the study were obtained. Care staff members were provided planned training 3 days per week for a month, and the effectiveness of the training was evaluated pre- and post-test. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the pre- and post-test mean scores of the Attitude toward Old People Scale and Ageism Attitude Scale (Restricting Life of the Elderly, and Positive Ageism and Negative Ageism subscales) (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Planned training provided to care staff positively affected their attitudes toward the elderly and ageism. These results indicate that establishing a planned training program for care staff in a nursing home is important in terms of the quality of care they provide.