This course examines
the myriad of programs and services available to the elderly individuals
and his/her families. It explores legislative, historic and demographic
trends in the field of aging, health and mental health employment
and senior centers.
You will complete
the following:
• Investigate
demographic implication of an aging population and how that relates
to services and program needs and translate these issues into trends
for the future
• Understand the variety of programs and services available in
the community setting for seniors and relate how these programs/services
assist the senior's quality of life
• Understand the Older Americans Act and other major Federal
and state programs that impact the quality of life for older adults
• Examine vocational opportunities serving older adults and special
training needed for those jobs.
Course Goals:
At the conclusion of the course, the student will be able to:
• Read and understand professional publications dealing with
programs and services for the older adult.
• Examine and analyze current federal, state and local funding
sources available to serve both frail and well elderly.
• Explore and analyze the services currently available for the
older adult population.
• Insightful understanding of the attitudes about aging.
• Identify and analyze basic issues raised in a complex provider
arena.
• Understand a myriad of services and programs for the older
adult population and how each crosscut each other.
• Apply problem-solving skills to study and resolve practical
and professional questions that arise in a complex setting.
• Outline, research and develop a written project relating to
an existing program/service or to a new concept of delivering a program/service.
Teaching Strategies:
Diverse instructional methods,interdisciplinary group sessions and
assignments, and collaborative strategies will be utilized. Class
sessions will utilize large, small and list serve/email seminar formats.
Required TextBook:
Wacker, R., Roberta, K and Piper, L (1998), Community Resources
for Older Adults. Thousand Oaks, CA: Pine Forge Press.
