Geriatric Care Management Course Descriptions

GC362: Introduction to Geriatric Care Management
This course offers an overview of geriatric care management, including issues, trends, and career options. Business strategies for the organization and growth of a geriatric care management practice, such as marketing and networking concepts, are presented. The role and function of geriatric care managers is addressed. Principles of case management as applied to eldercare are discussed in correlation with professional geriatric care standards of practice. Public and private resources to meet the individual needs of elderly clients are reviewed. Revenue sources and reimbursement methods for the provision of geriatric care are emphasized. The impact of the modern health care delivery system on the elderly population is critically analyzed.
GC364: Aging as a Reality
This course reviews the anatomy and physiology of aging. Expected physiological changes are distinguished from those changes associated with specific illnesses of the elderly, such as cardiac, endocrine, and neurological diseases and cancer. Consideration is given to how technological and cultural changes have affected the perceptions of aging and its impact on intergenerational relationships. Economic influences on public policy related to aging are presented.
GC366: Psychosocial Issues in Aging
This course addresses the unique psychological issues associated with aging, including loss and grieving, social isolation, sexuality and aging, driving and aging, dealing with change, and hope. Students explore research related to the psychosocial factors of aging. Practical methods for geriatric care managers to utilize when dealing with the various psychosocial stressors of the elderly are discussed.
GC368: Balancing Aging and Independence
This course focuses on the geriatric care manager's role in educating their elderly clients regarding care issues. By promoting autonomy, geriatric care managers assist their clients in directing their own health care. Discussion includes polypharmacy, patient education and right to information, and independent and assisted-living arrangements.
GC370: Financial Considerations of the Elderly
This course provides the geriatric care manager with a general understanding of the financial concerns and lifestyle issues faced by the elderly client. Topics covered include housing concerns of the elderly, long-term care, long-term care insurance, Medicare, sources of retirement income, retirement plan distributions, special investment needs of the elderly, and estate planning principles. Case studies provide students with opportunity for practical application.
GC372: Legal and Ethical Issues in Geriatric Care Management
This course addresses ethical and legal issues encountered in the practice of geriatric care management, including end-of-life decisions and elder abuse and neglect. Current law and mandatory reporting processes are described.
GC374: Successful Aging
This course examines issues related to a healthy and aging population. Topics include health and wellness, empowerment, and adjustment to change. Trends observed in the growing elderly population, their impact on society, and the increasingly important role of the geriatric care manager are discussed.