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. This course introduces the student to personal, professional, ethical, and legal issues that affect the practice of counseling and related professions. The student explores how one's own values, the ethical codes of one's profession, legal statutes, and agency policies interact in ethical decision-making. Emphasis is placed on understanding the physical, psychological, and spiritual context of elders in counseling with this population.