Course Description
Course introduces students to medical care for older adults, focusing on unique health needs, care models, and age-related challenges in healthcare.
Athena Title
Medical Older Adults
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in GRNT 3030E
Prerequisite
BIOL 1103 or BIOL 1103E or BIOL 2103H or BIOL 1107 or BIOL 1107E or BIOL 2107H
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
- Students will learn to describe the basic physical and cognitive changes with aging.
- Students will learn to identify and explain various healthcare models tailored to the needs of older adults.
- Students will learn to analyze the social, economic, and environmental factors that impact health outcomes in older adults.
- Students will learn to develop strategies to support autonomy and informed decision-making for older patients.
- Students will learn to describe effective management approaches for common chronic conditions affecting older adults.
- Students will learn to develop effective communication skills tailored to interacting with older adults, their families, and interdisciplinary care teams.
Topical Outline
- Fundamentals of physical and cognitive changes with aging
- Understanding Key Care Models
- Ageism in Healthcare
- Promoting Autonomy in Aging
- Ethical Advocacy
- Social Determinants of Health
- Management of Chronic Conditions and Caring for Comorbidities
- Addressing Polypharmacy
- Addressing Cognitive Health Needs
- Ensuring Safety in Care
- Supporting Family and Caregiver Needs
- Integrating End-of-Life Care Principles
- Cultural Competency in Gerontology
- Effective Communication Skills
