Geriatrics

Catalog description

Geriatrics is the study of normal aging, health and disease in the elderly population. The students will study long-term care and the social and societal aspects of aging in the United States. The students will be exposed to the complex issues arising in caring for the chronically-ill elderly. The course emphasizes development of communication skills to enhance the humanistic practice of geriatric medicine, and prepares the PA to provide quality health care to elderly individuals in the community, long-term care settings, and acute-care settings. Many core geriatric problems, i.e., dementia, depression, decubitus ulcers, and incontinence are covered. Students also explore the ethical/legal issues of geriatric care.