Introduction to Gerontology

Transcription

1 Western Technical College Introduction to Gerontology Course Outcome Summary Course Information Description Instructional Level Total Credits 3.00 Total Hours The Gerontology course identifies issues that will increase learner's knowledge in the area of aging. The focus will be on mental health issues, health issues, socioeconomic factors, and other forces that impact the aging process and the individual's adaptation to it. Learners will recognize the common elements to the aging process focusing on dynamics of the individual, social support systems, and programs to help those with special issues in the aging process. Associate Degree Types of Instruction Instruction Type Lecture Credits/Hours 3 CR / 54 HRS Textbooks Aging and the Life Course an Introduction to Social Gerontology. Jill Quadagno 6th edition Core Abilities 1 Demonstrate ability to think critically 2 Demonstrate ability to value self and work ethically with others in a diverse population 3 Make decisions that incorporate the importance of sustainability 4 Use effective communication skills 5 Use technology effectively Program Outcomes 1 Uphold ethical and legal conduct in professional settings. 2 Collaborate effectively with human service professionals, partnering agencies, and clients. 3 Apply interviewing skills with clients 4 Demonstrate a commitment to developing cultural competence. 5 Demonstrate knowledge of skillset to work with vulnerable and disenfranchised individuals/populations. Course Outcome Summary - Page 1 of 5

2 6 Access community resources for the benefit of individuals and families. 7 Examine the history, nature, and scope of human services and the role family, community, and human services plays in society and the economy. Course Competencies 1 Detemine the physiological, cognitive, and psychological changes with aging. Comparison and Critique of Popular Ssources Observation and Interview You identify common indicators of impairment. You identify common indicators of disease. You describe why professionals overlook treatable conditions. You describe the role of overmedication with impairment. You demonstrate an ability to complete screening tools for advocacy and referral. You identify up to date and assessable sources of research on aging. You identify resources and strategies for healthy aging. Identify the changes associated with normal aging. Identify the changes associated with impairment or dysfunction in aging. Determine available assessments for cognitive, psychological, and physiological impairments. Identify reliable research sources on physiological, cognitive, psychological changes in aging. 2 Determine the social cultural context and impact on attitudes and beliefs about aging. Journal - Performance will be satisfactory when: You reflect on your own bias and beliefs regarding aging. You describe the impact of internalized bias. You recognize popular images and ideas pervasive in society. You identify assumptions related to specific cultural perspectives on aging. You identify the significance of self-determination. Identify your own ageist assumptions. Examine myths and stereotypes of aging and elders. Describe cross-cultural perspectives on beliefs and attitudes on aging. Identify varieties of aging journeys. Explore self-determination in old age. Identify creativity and potential in the aging journey. 3 Develop a working knowledge of services and issues that comprise the continuum of care. Asset map Interview Course Outcome Summary - Page 2 of 5

3 You develop a community map of services. You identify needed and immerging services. You describe the qualifications, application process, and services for Wisconsin Family Care. You advocate on policy related to aging. You identify the major governmental programs and threats. You identify public funding sources. You describe the how profit motive in health delivery systems distort quality of care. You describe patterns of access related to class, race, gender, and ethnicity. You identify activism with direct care workforce. Describe the major governmental programs and issues Examine Wisconsin Family Care Program Distinguish between types, and issues impacting elder care service delivery Recognize emerging models, alternatives, and issues for elders Identify workforce issues within elder care 4 Examine current and future demographic trends related to age. You describe aging impact on health care, transportation, education, and other community systems. You identify assets for community that accompany an aging population. You describe aging friendly communities and emerging models. You compare the impact of changing demographics in wealthy and poorer countries. Identify the economic and social impact on communities and broader society. Compare the global manifestations of changing demographics. 5 Investigate specific vulnerabilities in the aging population Role Play Case study - Performance will be satisfactory when: You identify indicators neglect, physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. You identify risk factors associated with mental illness and suicide. You assess for safety. You develop a safety plan that includes a network of support. You identify the indicators of well-being and networks of support. You describe the process of advocacy in accessing needed services. You identify the gains and challenges of aging activism and disability rights movements. Explain existing and emerging mental health issues in the aging population Identify forms of exploitation of elders Identify signs of abuse and neglect Explore addiction issues within the aging population Explore the intersections of disability and aging 6 Explore work and retirement issues in later life Course Outcome Summary - Page 3 of 5

4 You define Third Age, encore careers, legacy building, and sage-ing. You recognize avenues of creativity throughout the aging process. You assess the ability for elders to meet economic needs. You recognize the diversity of ways elders material and economic challenges. Summarize the changing nature of retirement. Explore the diversity of work experiences in later life. Investigate ways to support purposeful engagment as we age. 7 Examine issues associated with death, dying, and bereavement Group activity You identify your own attitudes of death and dying. You identify common precipitators of death. You identify the strengths and shortcoming of stage theory of dying. You explain assisted suicide, active and passive euthanasia. You identify local emerging approached to palliative and hospice care. You explain the dimensions of the dying process and how people prepare. You describe the rites and rituals associated with death. You explain grieving experiences from grief to complicated grief. You identify pros and cons of burial, cremation and other means. Explain attitudes related to death and dying Classify the stages of death and dying Explore the controversity associated with the right to die Explore issues related to palliative care and hospice options Explore the grief, bereavement, and mourning process 8 Demonstrate interventions, advocacy, and relationship building skills. Role play You demonstrate attending and active listening skills. You recognize the role of power differential in caregiving relationships. You recognize how to convey respect and regard for elder s dignity. You identify NOHS standards relevant to working with the aging population. You identify challenges and ambiguities in upholding ethical standards. You demonstrate the behaviors and skills for effective team membership. You identify interventions effective for challenging behaviors. You demonstrate the ability to discuss and complete end of life planning documents. Demonstrate listening, interviewing, and assessment skills Demonstrate the ability to respond to a variety of challenging situations Demonstrate ethical decision making and appropriate responses Demonstrate creative approaches for respectful care giving Demonstrate team approach to providing care Demonstrate emphathetic understanding of elders in diverse life circumstances. Course Outcome Summary - Page 4 of 5

5 9 Explore the experiences of family caregivers and social networks of care Report You identify the economic value and extent of family caregiving. You identify the costs associated with caregiving to the caregivers. You identify the benefits associated with caregiving. You identify the tools for family caregiving. Identify the contributions of family and informal care givers Outline the constraints within family and social networks Describe the emotional and psychological responses of family Describe the community assets available to facilitate care and connection Course Outcome Summary - Page 5 of 5