This 3-CEU interactive online workshop equips clinicians with the knowledge and tools to integrate trauma-informed care (TIC) principles into their work with older adults. Many older clients carry cumulative, complex trauma histories—such as war, abuse, institutionalization, racism, or medical trauma—that often go unrecognized in traditional aging services. Participants will explore how trauma impacts behavior, health, and engagement in later life, and how to apply the five core principles of TIC—safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, empowerment.—in practical, client-centered ways.
Through a blend of brief lectures, reflective exercises, and case-based breakout activities, participants will practice reframing challenging behaviors as trauma responses, adapt assessment techniques for cognitive and sensory changes, and strengthen skills to reduce re-traumatization in clinical and organizational settings. This workshop is ideal for clinicians working in health care, long-term care, hospice, behavioral health, or community-based settings.
Participants will leave with concrete strategies, a trauma-informed lens, and tools to advocate for systemic change that honors the resilience and dignity of older adults. A post-test and resource packet are included to support continued learning and application.
