ABSTRACT
This chapter briefly discusses the concept of dependency and presents the text of a training program that was designed and used by the authors to facilitate the resolution of problems which emerged when Cluster Care was introduced into a home care agency and implemented in a senior residence. Cluster Care enables a cognitively aware elderly person to utilize a minimum number of aide hours because the aide is shared with others who require assistance and who live in the same building or nearby. Cluster Care is, therefore, less expensive and less invasive of privacy, since an aide is only present when tasks need to be done. The work of a home health aide can be frustrating, especially when dealing with newly dependent elderly clients who are denying their losses and detesting the fact that they need aide help. The chapter describes a short in-service course that documents some of the know-how necessary to do this challenging job.
