PROGRAM PRINCIPLES

The program must adhere to the following principles: (1) the intent of the program is to evaluate, through the operation of pilot projects, whether providing the services of a trained volunteer advocate selected by an elderly individual or the individual's designated caregiver is effective in achieving the following goals: (A) extend the time the elderly individual can remain in an appropriate home setting; (B) maximize the efficiency of services delivered to the elderly individual by focusing on services needed to sustain family caregiving; (C) protect the elderly individual by providing a knowledgeable third party to review the quality of care and services delivered to the individual and the care options available to the individual and the individual's family; and (D) facilitate communication between the elderly individual or the individual's designated caregiver and providers of health care and other services; (2) a volunteer advocate curriculum must be maintained that incorporates best practices as determined and recognized by a professional organization recognized in the elder health care field; (3) the use of pro bono assistance from qualified professionals must be maximized in modifying the volunteer advocate curriculum and the program; (4) trainers must be certified on the ability to deliver training; (5) training shall be offered through multiple community-based organizations; and (6) participation in the program is voluntary and must be initiated by an elderly individual or the individual's designated caregiver.