RETURN TO PROGRAMS A-Z ry 2) Program courses GERO 200 - CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN GERONTOLOGY The rapidly aging population of industrialized countries will impact or change all aspects of our society over the next 50 years. This course will provide a historical perspective and overview of aging in Canada. A study of theories of gain, demographic trends and current research will lead to an exploration of the implications of aging in our culture. Prerequisites: Admission to the Advance Diploma in Gerontology program. IPHE 400 - INTERPROFESSIONAL CARE OF THE OLDER ADULT This course will detail the unique roles and functions of geriatric care by exploring historical underpinnings, societal needs, and current issues. Two conceptual models for care of acutely ill, chronically ill or frail elders will provide groundwork for use of assessment tools and critical analysis. A focus on health promotion and wellness in later life will guide and direct leadership in the care of older adults. Web, electronic and journal resources that support nursing practice will be identified Prerequisites: Admission to the Gerontology program and GERO 200. IPHE 401 - SPIRITUALITY AND AGING As the physical body ages it declines and deteriorates. In contrast, the human spirit continues to develop and mature until the end of life. Participants in this course will examine the importance of spirituality in aging, and its positive effects on health, wellness and achievement of meaning in life. Conversely, suffering or spiritual distress can rob an older adult of the older adult of the opportunity to end life peacefully and geriatric practitioners must know how to respond. Roles and opportunities for caregivers to promote and support the spirituality of aging persons will be explored. Research methods and assessment tools to assess spiritual needs will be examined. IPHE 402 - PHYSIOLOGIC FUNCTIONING IN THE AGED This course focuses on the normal changes of aging in all body systems. Select chronic diseases or conditions and their treatment modalities will be reviewed. Using Carol Miller’s (2009) Model for Promoting Wellness in Older Adults, an exploration of potential risk factors, iatrogenic complications, and functional challenge will lead the professional caregiver to critically think about how to enhance health function. The compounding effect of acute 106 Selkirk College Academic Calendar 2019-20 illness on chronic health problems will also be examined. Prerequisites: GNUR 200 IPHE 410 - MEDICATION USE AND ABUSE Most aging people use medication (prescription or over-the-counter) to treat a variety of chronic or symptomatic problems. This course seeks to define professional’s role in medication management with aging clients. An understanding of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics related to the aging body will assist the gerontological caregiver in understanding drug reactions. Reasons for drug misuse and abuse will be explored, and principles and strategies developed to improve drug regime compliance. Tools to assist with medication profile analysis will be presented. Prerequisites: GNUR 200 and GNUR 300. IPHE 501 - PSYCHOSOCIAL ISSUES IN AGING As people age, cognitive and affective function can be impacted by life events, role change, personal choice and behaviour, acute and chronic disease, or environmental stressors. With a view to helping the older individual attain their optimal level of wellness, this course will explore those psychosocial issues through the lens of two theories: Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and Successful Aging. Readings and course dialogue will help gerontological professionals develop strategies to assess coping ability, identify risk factors that undermine independence and well-being, and promote psychosocial health. Prerequisites: GNUR 200 and GNUR 300. IPHE 503 - DELIRIUM, DEMENTIA AND DEPRESSION This course will look at current theories of causality, presenting behaviours, risk factors and therapeutic approaches for each of these conditions. The impact on the family and professional caregivers will be assessed. Dementia care and interventions will focus on methods to enhance and retain patient abilities. Prerequisites: Admission to the Advance Diploma in Gerontology program. IPHE 504 - SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXTS INFLUENCING AGING This course focuses on the broader context of an aging person’s life. Topics will include senior- appropriate housing, financial viability, changing family dynamics, caregiver assessment, and culturally diverse responses to aging, driving and more. Discussion will encompass societal responsibility, health policy and responsiveness to the needs of an aging population. GERONTOLOGY selkirk.ca/gerontology IPHE 505 - MAXIMIZING PHYSICAL FUNCTION IN AGING Personal independence and feelings of wellness are profoundly impacted by a person’s ability and capacity to mobilize, utilize adaptive tools, or enhance the environment to improve safety and function. This course will enable participants to apply assessment techniques to ascertain a client or patient’s strength and physical flexibility, cognitive capacity for change and personal resources. Goals of care will be aimed at improving the individual’s ability to successfully maintain activities of daily living with reduced fatigue and improved competence. IPHE 512 - MENTAL HEALTH, ADDICTIONS AND WELLNESS IN LATER YEARS This course provides students with the opportunity to examine the vulnerabilities that predispose older adults to mental distress, addiction and illness, and identify early intervention strategies. Participants will discover that mental wellness and brain health can be boosted by timely assessment and diagnosis with appropriate treatment. Students will utilize education or social support with an end goal of improving the older adult’s ability to problem-solve, make sound personal decisions, and maintain personal integrity and dignity. Prerequisites: Registration as an RN, LPN or RPN, Social Worker, Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist or Human Services Diploma; Minimum of +-year experience with adults; Professionals in other fields please contact the Program Coordinator. IPHE 513 - END OF LIFE CARE AND PALLIATION Begins by helping each participant understand their own perceptions of death and palliation by reflecting on their experiences with dying people. Palliative care is the unique way caregivers think, respond, and act as they give skilled and compassionate care to a dying person and the support system of that person. After exploring the concept of a Palliative Approach, each participant will gain specific and current knowledge about symptom assessment and management, and how to deal with selected palliative emergency situations. Essential aspects of caring for the dying, including family care, communication, grief, and self-care are also explored. Prerequisites: GERO 200 and IPHE 400 Contact DISTANCE HEALTH Phone: 250-365-7292 ext 21324 Direct: 250-365-1324 Email: distancehealth@selkirk.ca selkirk.ca/programs