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 3030
Non-Traditional Format
This course will be taught 95% or more online.
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
