Geriatric Syndromes

This course focuses on the assessment, diagnosis and management ofcommon health problems seen in older adults in long-term care, acute and primary care settings emphasizing the specialized knowledge of the changes of aging that are critical to provision of safe care to this group. Within this context health promotion, illness prevention, case finding, physical, functional, and mental health assessment, decision making, and management of complex and multi-system health problems are emphasized. The focus is on rehabilitation and maintenance of quality of life. The leadership role of the advanced practice nurse, case load management, interdisciplinary collaboration, regional and national resources, consideration of learning needs and ethical concerns relative to working with frail clients ,family and staff are addressed. Students are expected to critically appraise current research concerning diverse populations of older adults to form the basis of the assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and evaluation of their care. Interventions for the older adult are developed within a framework of ethical and socio-cultural competency that promotes safe, quality patient-centered care congruent with concern for the best available use of the patient’s economic resources and wishes.