Free Toolkits for Aging Services Professionals
These free toolkits go with each BRIDGES training module and turn what you learn into practical, ready-to-use tools. Topics include recognizing anxiety, depression, and substance use concerns; working with behavioral health providers; engaging and keeping older adults in programs; reducing barriers to participation; supporting care partners; and taking care of yourself while you care for others. Each toolkit is built for people in aging services, including case managers, program facilitators, senior center staff, and community health workers. No clinical background is needed. Download the toolkits you need, whether you're working through the modules or using them on their own.
Download the BRIDGES Toolkits
Module 1 | Recognize
Self-Assessment Checklist
Self-assessment and skill-building exercises to strengthen recognition of behavioral and emotional changes in older adults.
Normal Aging vs Behavioral Health Concern Comparison
Comparison charts and real-world scenarios to help distinguish typical aging changes from possible behavioral health concerns.
Normal Aging vs Behavioral Health Concern Comparison
Comparison charts and real-world scenarios to help distinguish typical aging changes from possible behavioral health concerns.
Normal Aging vs Behavioral Health Concern Comparison
Comparison charts and real-world scenarios to help distinguish typical aging changes from possible behavioral health concerns.
Module 2 | Respond
Pause and Check- A Self Regulation Tool
A printable reminder tool with grounding steps, a self-awareness scan, and prompts for regaining calm before or during interactions.
Responding with empathy- Compassionate Communication Quick Guide
A quick guide to supportive communication, including what to do, what to avoid, and why each approach matters.
Responding with empathy- Script guide for commonly seen behavioral health moments
Ready-to-use phrases and questions for common sensitive or difficult behavioral health moments with older adults.
Self-assessment checklist
A readiness checklist with skill-building exercises for responding calmly, confidently, and compassionately to behavioral health concerns.
Module 3 | Refer
Follow-Up Questions for Short or Noncommittal
Responses to an Evidence-Based Program Recommendation
Suggested follow-up questions when an older adult gives short, uncertain, or noncommittal responses to a program recommendation.
Warm Handoff Self-Readiness Checklist
A pre-referral checklist covering trust, permission, choice, plain-language explanations, referral partners, and continued connection.
Warm Handoff to Behavioral Health Services Common Scenarios & How to Navigate Them Using Effective Communication
Sample scenarios, prompts, and scripts for discussing evidence-based programs and navigating referral conversations.
Warm Handoff to Behavioral Health Services Do and Don’t List
Quick reminders for respectful, permission-based warm handoffs, including supportive language and common mistakes to avoid.
Module 4 | Anxiety
Recommending WRAP- A Pathway Map
A step-by-step pathway for recommending the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP), including noticing concerns, introducing the program, respecting choice, locating services, connecting, and following up.
Responding to Panic Attacks- A Simple, Action Based Guide
An action guide describing immediate responses and follow-up support when an older adult experiences a panic attack.
WRAP Quick Reference Guide
An overview of the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP), who it supports, how it helps with anxiety through daily wellness practices and action planning, and how to find WRAP learning and facilitator training.
Module 5 | Depression
Depression Signs & Safety Awareness Quick Reference
A quick reference describing depression warning signs, suicide safety concerns, and suggested response steps.
Healthy IDEAS Quick Reference Guide
An overview of Healthy IDEAS, who it serves, how it supports older adults, and ways to connect with the program or training.
PEARLS Quick Reference Guide
An overview of PEARLS, who it serves, its problem-solving and activity-based approach, and program and training connections.
Recommending PEARLS or Healthy IDEAS- A Pathway Map
A step-by-step pathway for noticing concerns, explaining PEARLS and Healthy IDEAS, offering choice, locating services, and supporting connection.
Module 6 | Substance Use Disorder
BRITE Quick Reference Guide
An overview of BRITE, its focus on older adults with alcohol or medication concerns, and program and training connections.
Recommending SBIRT or BRITE- A Pathway Map
A repeatable pathway for introducing SBIRT or BRITE, offering choices, locating support, and helping an older adult connect.
SBIRT Quick Reference Guide
An overview of Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment, including its components, intended audience, and access and training information.
Substance Use Disorder- Red Flags & Risk Factors
A reference describing possible substance-use warning signs, late-life risk factors, and medications or substances associated with misuse.
Module 7 | Systems Of Care
Continuum of Care Ladder Map
A ladder-style map explaining the behavioral health continuum of care and the facilitator’s supportive role at different stages.
Levels of Care Quick Reference
A plain-language guide to behavioral health treatment settings and levels of support, including outpatient and more intensive care.
Module 8 | Building and Partnering With BH Providers
Behavioral Health Partner Outreach Email & Call Templates
Email, phone, and short-introduction templates for initiating or following up on partnerships with behavioral health providers.
Trust-Building in Collaboration Checklist
A before-and-after collaboration checklist covering respectful communication, role clarity, transparency, shared goals, and follow-through.
Module 9 | Recruiting, Engaging, And Retaining Targe Audiences
Stigma-Free Program Description Language Sheet
Suggested wording for describing programs in welcoming, plain language that reduces stigma and supports participant choice.
Trusted Messenger Outreach Card-Script
Short invitation scripts for trusted community contacts to introduce evidence-based programs through existing relationships without pressure.
Module 10 | Reducing Barriers To Participation
Supportive Language for Participation Barriers Guide
Suggested phrases and language to avoid when low motivation, anxiety, pain, fatigue, or distress interferes with participation.
Re-Engagement After Absence Mini Guide
A practical follow-up guide with supportive wording for missed sessions, recurring absences, and welcoming participants back.
Module 11 | Front Line Care
Front Line Grounding Practices
Brief breathing, sensory-awareness, and tension-release practices for staff to use before, during, or after emotionally demanding interactions.
My Personal Self-Care Support Plan Worksheet
A personal worksheet to identify grounding activities, supportive people, early signs of emotional strain, and one manageable self-care step.
Module 12 | Supporting Care Partners
Role Clarity & Boundary Language Sheet
Sample language for explaining the facilitator’s role, setting boundaries, and redirecting requests beyond scope while maintaining trust.
Care Partner Conversation Guide
A conversation guide for engaging care partners as allies, acknowledging concerns, reducing pressure, respecting choice, and identifying practical next steps.
Need Help Putting These Tools to Work?
Get technical assistance with using the BRIDGES resources in your program or organization. Whether you have questions about a toolkit, adapting your approach to your community, or identifying next steps, reach out for guidance.
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