The students are introduced to the foundations of gerontological counseling including the history, philosophy, policies, laws, and regulations relevant to the field. Additionally, students develop an understanding of social service needs and networks of service available to assist older persons as well as roles of gerontological counselors as members of service provision teams. Finally, students review the normal and pathological aspects of aging and how these affect physical and mental health. This course explores the nature of loss and grieving, especially as it relates to the older adult. Loss and grieving are explored in this developmental context.
Students learn effective strategies for counseling elders dealing with loss and bereavement.
This course introduces students to the use of psychotropic and other medications with the elderly population. Students gain a general understanding of the various medications used with elders, their advantages, and disadvantages. Students also explore ethical implications in the use of medications with elders. In this course students learn methods of assessing suicidal risk among elders. In addition to assessment skills, students learn effective interventions with elders at risk.