GC 362: Introduction to Geriatric Care Management
This course offers an overview of geriatric care management, including issues, trends, and career options. Business strategies for the organization and growth of a geriatric care management practice, such as marketing and networking concepts, are presented. The role and function of geriatric care managers, from taking care of geriatric patients to the management, growth, and financial considerations of a business to ethical issues, are addressed. Principles of case management as applied to eldercare are discussed in correlation with professional geriatric care standards of practice. Public and private resources to meet the individual needs of elderly clients are reviewed. Revenue sources and reimbursement methods for the provision of geriatric care are emphasized. The impact of the modern health care delivery system on the elderly population is critically analyzed. The course presents a thorough introduction to the tools, procedures, and functions discussed in the Geriatric Care Management Certificate program.
GC 364: Aging as a Reality
This course reviews the anatomy and physiology of aging. Expected physiological changes are distinguished from those changes associated with specific illnesses of the elderly, such as cardiac, endocrine, and neurological diseases and cancer. Knowledge of these distinctions is imperative to the care of geriatric patients. Consideration is given to how technological and cultural changes have affected the perceptions of aging and its impact on intergenerational relationships. Economic influences on public policy related to aging are presented. This knowledge serves as a foundation for further study in the Geriatric Care Management Certificate program.
GC 366: Psychosocial Issues in Aging
This course addresses the unique psychological issues associated with aging, including loss and grieving, social isolation, sexuality and aging, driving and aging, dealing with change, and hope. These psychological issues could be the cause of confusing symptoms that may present themselves when caring for geriatric patients. Students explore research related to the psychosocial factors of aging. Practical methods for geriatric care managers to utilize when dealing with the various psychosocial stressors of the elderly are discussed.
GC 368: Balancing Aging and Independence
This course focuses on the geriatric care manager's role in educating their elderly clients regarding care issues. By promoting autonomy, geriatric care managers assist their clients in directing their own health care, an indirect but important facet of caring for geriatric patients. Discussion includes polypharmacy, patient education and right to information, and independent and assisted-living arrangements.
GC 370: Financial Considerations of the Elderly
This course is an important component of the Geriatric Care Management Certificate program and provides the geriatric care manager with a general understanding of the financial concerns and lifestyle issues faced by the elderly client. Topics covered include housing concerns of the elderly, long-term care, long-term care insurance, Medicare, sources of retirement income, retirement plan distributions, special investment needs of the elderly, and estate planning principles. Case studies provide students with opportunity for practical application.
GC 372: Legal and Ethical Issues in Geriatric Care Management
This course addresses ethical and legal issues encountered in the practice of geriatric care management, including end-of-life decisions, elder abuse, neglect, and other serious issues one may confront when providing care to geriatric patients. Current law and mandatory reporting processes are described.
GC 374: Successful Aging
This course examines issues related to a healthy and aging population. Topics include health and wellness, empowerment, and adjustment to change. Trends observed in the growing elderly population, their impact on society, and the increasingly important role of the geriatric care manager is discussed.