GERONTOLOGY selkirk.ca/gerontology Graduates will have the ability to analyse trends and challenges in the field of Geriatrics, and the tools and skills to meet the complex physical, social, environmental, cognitive and spiritual needs of the elderly. Facility care (all levels), acute care, community nursing (home care and case management), mental health, health promotion agencies, clinics and primary health care settings are all potential areas of employment for nurses with specialized skills and knowledge in gerontology. Application Information — Fill out the application form. — You will receive a conditional acceptance letter from the Registrar's Office at Selkirk College with an assigned student number. — Submit a copy of transcripts or certificate from the post-secondary institution where your health care provider credential was obtained. Mail, email or fax to: Selkirk College Admissions 301 Frank Beinder Way Castlegar BC VIN 4L3 Email: DistanceHealth@selkirk.ca FAX: 250-365-3929 — When required documents are received and reviewed, you will receive a final acceptance letter for the next available program intake and instructions for registration and associated course payment. Program Courses 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 Pre-requisites: GERO 200 is preferable. Registered Nurses, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Social Workers, Human Services Diploma graduates. 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. This course examines the importance of Spirituality 12. Selkirk College Academic Calendar 2017-18 in aging, and its effects on health, wellness and achievement of meaning in life. Current research and tools to assess spiritual needs will be examined. Roles and opportunities for caregivers to promote the spirituality of aging persons will be explored. Pre-requisites: Recormmended for all interested professionals 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 illness on chronic health problems will also be examined. Pre-requisites: GERO 200 is preferable. Registered Nurses, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Social Workers, Human Services Diploma graduates. 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 the professionals’ 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. Pre-requisites: Recommended for Nurses or other interested professionals 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. Pre-requisites: GERO 200 is preferable. Registered Nurses, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Social Workers, Human Services Diploma graduates. 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. Pre-requisites: GERO 200 is preferable. Registered Nurses, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Social Workers, Human Services Diploma graduates. 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. Pre-requisites: GERO 200 is preferable. Registered Nurses, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Social Workers, Human Services Diploma graduates. 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. Pre-requisites: GERO 200, and GNUR 400 are preferred. Registered Nurses, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists. IPHE 512 - MENTAL HEALTH, ADDICTIONS AND WELLNESS IN LATER YEARS Mental decline is not synonymous with old age. Mental health may be negatively affected by particular mental illnesses, by depression, by stress and poor adaptability, or by medical factors. Mental wellness and brain health can be boosted by timely assessment and diagnosis with appropriate treatment, education or social support. This course will explore vulnerabilities that predispose older adults to mental distress or illness with a focus on stabilizing and improving ability to problem-solve, improving ability to sound personal decisions, and maintaining personal integrity and dignity. Pre-requisites: Recommended for all interested professionals selkirk.ca/programs