Caring for the Geriatric Patient

The U.S. population of people 65 years or older is almost 60 million and approaching 20% of the population. This number and percentage of the population is growing each year. Overall, older Americans are healthier overall and living independently for longer. With that said, most older people have at least one chronic health condition. Many are dealing with multiple health issues, including heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, cancer, and obesity. Economic insecurity is also a pressure for many older adults with many living below the official poverty line. Many older Americans are struggling with higher costs related to housing, utilities, food, and health care. Many face a diminishing savings and job loss as well as limited income and saving for retirement.

The purpose of this course is to explore the many factors impacting a healthy lifestyle for older adults, including social, emotional, psychological, behavioral, and health literacy and health care. Topics include the common changes with aging, drugs and nutrition, oral care, sexuality, health concerns, finances, and access to health care. It is designed to give healthcare workers, family and caregivers, and others knowledge and skills for assisting older adults in achieving a high quality and satisfying lifestyle.

Program Objectives

After completing this program, learners will be able to:

• Explain the terms and statistics used to describe and classify age.
• Describe the aging population in the U.S.
• Identify factors that influence population aging.
• Explain the most common chronic health conditions among older adults, including the most common causes of death.
• Explain the types of services available for aging adults, their families and caregivers, and healthcare workers.
• Define ageism, including why it is harmful to the health and well-being of older adults.
• Identify factors that impact social well-being of older adults.
• Identify influencing factors and housing options for aging adults.
• Discuss loss, grief, death, and dying.
• Discuss health literacy and communication needs for engaging older adults and their families.
• Discuss current policy issues involving older adults today.
• Explain the physiology and pathology of aging.
• Discuss the common cognitive and psychological changes with aging.
• Discuss basic sensory, perceptual, and physical changes associated with aging.
• Discuss concerns associated with drugs and the older adult.
• Discuss nutrition concerns and recommendations for older adults.
• Discuss oral care concerns and recommendations for older adults.
• Discuss sexuality and aging.
• Identify responsibilities of healthcare professionals and others in the community related to older adults.

Textbook Recommendation

Gerontology for the Health Care Professional, 4e (2020) by Robnet. Jones & Bartlett Learning.

ISBN: 9781284159400

Available on Vital Source

Certification Opportunities

After completing this program, learners will have the opportunity to take the leading national/industry-recognized certification exam(s) essential to entry-level employment in this fast-growing field.

	National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) Caring for the Geriatric Patient (CGP) Certification

Optional Volunteer Externship Opportunity

Learners who complete this program are eligible to participate in an optional volunteer externship opportunity with a local company/agency/organization whose work aligns with this area of study in order to gain valuable hands-on experience.  As learners progress through their eLearning program, an Externship Coordinator will reach out to coordinate placement.

Note: Additional documentation including health records, immunizations, drug-screening, criminal background checks, etc. may be required by the externship facility.