Introduction
As the global population ages, the demand for specialized care for older adults continues to grow. Geriatric Health Management is a critical field that focuses on addressing the unique health needs of elderly individuals, promoting healthy aging, managing chronic conditions, and improving the quality of life in later years. This course is designed for healthcare professionals, caregivers, and managers who want to deepen their understanding of geriatric care, enhance their ability to manage the complex health issues faced by aging populations, and lead initiatives aimed at improving geriatric health outcomes.
Through an exploration of medical, psychological, social, and environmental aspects of aging, this course provides participants with advanced knowledge and skills to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care for older adults. Topics such as polypharmacy, dementia, frailty, and end-of-life care are addressed, empowering participants to apply evidence-based practices in geriatric health management.
Because aging well isn’t just about managing disease—it’s about enhancing quality of life at every stage of life.
Latest Trends in Geriatric Health Management
The field of Geriatric Health Management is evolving in response to new challenges, opportunities, and advancements in healthcare. Key trends shaping the field include:
1. Focus on Preventive Care and Healthy Aging
There is an increasing emphasis on promoting healthy aging through lifestyle interventions, disease prevention, and early detection of health issues to enhance the quality of life in older adults.
2. Multidisciplinary Approach to Care
Geriatric care is becoming more collaborative, with integrated care teams that include physicians, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, and other specialists working together to address the complex needs of older adults.
3. Rise of Telehealth and Digital Health Solutions
Telemedicine and digital tools are playing a larger role in managing geriatric health, particularly in monitoring chronic conditions, providing remote consultations, and improving access to care for those in remote or underserved areas.
4. Management of Multimorbidity and Polypharmacy
As older adults often have multiple chronic conditions, there is growing attention on managing polypharmacy and ensuring safe medication use to reduce the risk of adverse drug reactions and interactions.
5. Addressing Dementia and Cognitive Decline
With the rise in dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, there is an increased focus on early diagnosis, care strategies, and research into treatments to improve cognitive function and quality of life for those affected.
6. End-of-Life Care and Palliative Approaches
There is a growing recognition of the importance of providing compassionate, patient-centered end-of-life care that respects the wishes of older adults and their families, including hospice and palliative care options.
Who Should Attend
This course is designed for healthcare professionals, caregivers, and leaders in the aging services sector who are involved in the care and management of older adults, or those seeking to specialize in geriatric health.
This course is ideal for:
- Geriatricians and healthcare providers specializing in aging care
- Nurses and nurse practitioners working with older adults
- Social workers, psychologists, and counselors involved in elderly care
- Care managers and long-term care administrators
- Occupational therapists, physical therapists, and rehabilitation specialists
- Public health professionals focusing on aging populations
- Family caregivers and home care providers
- Students and researchers in geriatric health, public health, and related fields
Whether you’re providing direct care, managing services, or researching elderly health issues, Geriatric Health Management provides the advanced knowledge and tools needed to excel in this growing and important field.
Learning Objectives and Outcome for the Course Sponsor
Geriatric Health Management ensures that participants can confidently manage the complex health needs of older adults, improve patient outcomes, and lead the development of effective geriatric care programs in various healthcare settings.
Key Learning Objectives
- Understand the Biological, Psychological, and Social Aspects of Aging
- Explore the physiological changes associated with aging, as well as the psychological and social factors that influence health and well-being in older adults
- Understand how aging impacts functional capacity, cognition, and mental health
- Manage Chronic Conditions in Older Adults
- Learn best practices for managing common geriatric conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and osteoporosis
- Understand the complexities of multimorbidity and the challenges of treating multiple conditions simultaneously
- Address Polypharmacy and Medication Management
- Learn how to assess and manage polypharmacy, ensuring that medications are used appropriately to avoid adverse drug reactions and interactions
- Understand how to optimize medication regimens for older adults, considering age-related physiological changes
- Develop and Implement Preventive Care Strategies for Healthy Aging
- Design interventions to prevent or delay the onset of chronic diseases, frailty, and disability in older adults
- Promote health education and wellness programs that focus on physical activity, nutrition, and mental health
- Provide Care for Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment and Dementia
- Learn how to recognize early signs of cognitive decline, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease
- Develop effective communication strategies and care plans for individuals with dementia or cognitive impairments
- Offer Support for End-of-Life Care and Palliative Management
- Understand the principles of palliative care and end-of-life decision-making, focusing on symptom management and the patient’s quality of life
- Learn how to provide compassionate care for individuals in hospice settings or during the dying process
- Use Technology to Enhance Geriatric Care
- Explore the role of telemedicine, health apps, and wearable devices in managing the health of older adults
- Implement digital tools to monitor chronic conditions, track medication adherence, and improve healthcare access
- Advocate for Policy and Program Development for Older Adults
- Learn how to develop and advocate for policies that address the health and social needs of aging populations
- Understand the roles of healthcare systems, government programs, and community services in supporting older adults
Organizational Outcomes
- Improved Quality of Care for Older Adults
Organizations will enhance their ability to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care for aging populations, improving overall health outcomes and quality of life. - Enhanced Workforce Capacity in Geriatric Care
Healthcare providers will be better equipped to manage the complex health needs of older adults, ensuring that patients receive timely and appropriate care. - More Effective Chronic Disease Management
With advanced knowledge in chronic disease management, institutions will reduce hospital admissions, complications, and readmission rates for older adults. - Better Support for Families and Caregivers
Organizations will improve their support systems for families and caregivers, offering resources, education, and guidance to ensure that older adults are cared for in a safe and supportive environment. - Stronger Public Health Initiatives for Aging Populations
Public health programs will be more effective in promoting healthy aging and addressing the unique needs of aging populations, helping to reduce the burden of disease and disability in the elderly.
Course Methodology
This course utilizes a blended learning approach, incorporating lectures, case studies, practical exercises, role-playing, and real-world applications. Participants will engage in interactive sessions to apply geriatric health management strategies and solutions to various healthcare settings.
Core training components include:
Aging and Physiology Workshops
- Explore the biological, psychological, and social changes that occur with aging
- Analyze case studies that illustrate common age-related health issues
Chronic Disease and Multimorbidity Management Labs
- Develop strategies to manage chronic conditions in older adults, focusing on coordinated care and preventing complications
- Discuss approaches to polypharmacy and medication management
Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Care Clinics
- Learn how to recognize and manage cognitive impairment and dementia
- Develop communication techniques and care strategies for individuals with memory loss and confusion
Preventive Health and Wellness Strategy Sessions
- Design personalized health and wellness plans for older adults to maintain independence and prevent decline
- Promote physical activity, balanced nutrition, and mental health strategies
End-of-Life and Palliative Care Simulations
- Practice providing palliative care in real-life scenarios
- Learn how to handle ethical and emotional issues surrounding end-of-life care
Technology and Innovation in Geriatrics Training
- Explore the use of telehealth, digital tools, and wearable devices in managing the health of older adults
- Learn how technology can improve healthcare delivery and patient engagement
Public Health Policy and Advocacy in Geriatrics Workshops
- Discuss public health policies affecting aging populations
- Develop strategies to advocate for improved healthcare services and policies for older adults
Capstone Geriatric Health Management Project
- Teams develop a comprehensive geriatric health management plan for a healthcare setting or community, incorporating all aspects of patient care, technology, and policy
- Present the project to instructors and peers for feedback
Participants will receive a digital toolkit including:
- Geriatric care planning templates
- Medication management and polypharmacy resources
- Dementia care guides and communication strategies
- Public health policy frameworks for aging populations
The course is available as a 5-day intensive in-person workshop, a modular online program, or a blended learning option for healthcare institutions, universities, public health organizations, and community care services.
Why It Matters in Today’s World
As the global population continues to age, the demand for skilled professionals in Geriatric Health Management has never been higher. By focusing on the unique needs of older adults, healthcare professionals can improve the quality of life, extend healthy life expectancy, and reduce the burden of disease and disability in aging populations.
This course prepares participants to deliver high-quality, compassionate care for older adults and drive systemic improvements in the management of aging health challenges.
