The Paraprofessional in Home Health and Long-Term Care Training Modules for Working with Older Adults By Ellen Cervantes, M.S.W., Jeanne Heid-Grubman, L.S.W., & Charlotte K. Schuerman, L.C.S.W

Ellen Cervantes, M.S.W.

Ellen Cervantes, M.S.W., is the Supervisor of The Center for Applied Gerontology, a division of the Council for Jewish Elderly, Chicago. She joined the Center in 1990 after serving as the Educator for the Council’s Living-at-Home Program, and is responsible for designing and coordinating monthly educational programs for practitioners in the field of gerontology on medical, policy, and counseling issues.

Ms. Cervantes received her master’s degree in social work from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1977. After receiving her degree, she was appointed Program Coordinator for the Brotherhood Way Jewish Community Center in San Francisco. She became the Director of the Berkeley Jewish Community Center in 1980. In 1982, Ms. Cervantes moved to Chicago in order to use her group work and education skills at the Board of Jewish Education, the Jewish Family Service, and the Council for Jewish Elderly.

As a volunteer, Ms. Cervantes has been active on the board of directors of Resolve of Illinois, an organization that provides information and support to people with infertility problems.

Ms. Cervantes contributed “The home care paraprofessional and adult learning principles” to Challenges and innovations in home care, Beverly Hills, CA: Sage Publications (1994) (with Charlotte Schuerman); “Respite Care—What is it and why use it” to Elder Care Service 1990-1991, The greater Chicago area guide to eldercare, Phoenix: Oryx press (1990); and Classic Residence activities manual, New York: Classic Residence by Hyatt (1989).

Jeanne Heid-Grubman, L.S.W.

Jeanne Heid-Grubman, L.S.W., is the Education Coordinator at the Center for Applied Gerontology, where she coordinates workshops for home care aides, supervisors, and consumers. She has 17 years’ experience in the aging field, in both direct service and administration. As Vice President of United Methodist Homes and Services from 1982 to 1991, she was instrumental in developing a comprehensive community health center for senior adults as well as a teaching nursing home model.

Ms. Heid-Grubman is a licensed social worker and nursing home administrator and a certified assisted housing manager. She earned her master’s degree from the School of Social Service Administration at the University of Chicago, with an individual specialty in geriatric program planning and administration.

Charlotte K. Schuerman, L.C.S.W.

Charlotte K. Schuerman, L.C.S.W., is the Director of Home and Community Based Service, at the Council for Jewish Elderly, Chicago. In addition to supervising the Center for Applied Gerontology and the Living-at-Home Program, she is responsible for the Adult Day Care, In-Home Personal Services, Home Repair, Senior Companion, and the In-Home Shopping Service Programs. Her responsibilities include the development of program ideas, management of staff, fundraising and collaborative ventures with educational institutions, social agencies and centers on aging.

Prior to working at the Council for Jewish Elderly, Ms. Schuerman was Project Director at the Edwin F. Mandel Legal Aid Clinic of the University of Chicago Law School, where she was responsible for the design and administration of the project. She trained law students and social work students to provide legal and social work services to poor, minority, and chronically mentally ill clients. Ms. Schuerman holds a master’s degree in social service administration from the University of Chicago.

Charlotte Schuerman is the coeditor (with J. Hardy) of Challenges and innovations in homecare, San Francisco: American Society on Aging (1994), and the coauthor (with Ellen Cervantes) of “Respite Care—What is it and why use it” In Elder services: The greater Chicago area guide to eldercare, Phoenix: Oryx Press (1990).