Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation has launched a new health workforce training program that helps full-time employees earn college credit while learning to speak Spanish.
The program is available through a grant that is jointly managed by the New York State departments of health and labor. Through the program, Parker employees can enroll in Spanish classes at an accredited college and earn credits for free.
The ability to speak Spanish is becoming increasingly important in healthcare in many areas of the country..
English proficiency among older Latinos has changed little since 2000, according to a 2016 Pew Research report. It found 80% of Hispanic Gen X-ers, 80% of Baby Boomers and 83% of Hispanic adults older than that speak Spanish in their homes.
Other studies have examined the loss of language skills as a result of dementia and found that a second language — English, for many American immigrants — is often the first to go.
Officials at Parker, based in Hyde Park, NY, said employees who can communicate in Spanish build trust and understanding with patients and residents, helping to ensure continued quality care.
Parker has its own medical department and provides skilled nursing and community-based healthcare, including adult daycare, home health, medical house calls, palliative care and hospice services.
The workforce training program enables employees to grow not only professionally and personally by expanding career opportunities.
“This newest initiative that encourages employees to learn Spanish furthers Parker’s ability to support patients and residents by helping to remove language barriers,” said Michael N. Rosenblut, Parker’s president and CEO. “It also enhances the skills of our already highly trained staff members, making them even more valuable employees.”
