This course introduces the student to the field of recreation for the aging in nursing homes and community-based recreation programs. A portion of the course involves students visiting recreation sites. An explanation of some practical experiences and developments in Europe, Asia and Africa will be examined. Includes introduction to American legal system, and emphasis on underlying legal concepts and issues of special importance to older persons. The goal of this courses is to survey the mental health needs of older adults.
Consideration is given to identifying both positive mental health and pathological conditions.
Treatment interventions effective with older adults and their families are also discussed. The study of psychological, sociological and physiological factors that influence the health of the aging, with particular emphasis given to biological changes that have implications for disease and health disorders. This course is designed to familiarize the student with the identification and symptomology, basic assessment and intervention strategies associated with disorders of communication affecting older adults and geriatric patients. It is beneficial to students majoring in gerontology or speech pathology, as an elective course or as a professional enrichment course for persons working in these or related fields. Students are assigned contacts with and written reports of contacts with an older adult who manifests a disorder of communication.