This course involves reviewing evidence-based services and critical application of the role of the occupational therapist with geriatric/aging populations. Students will explore the continuum of current care services for the older adult population, including hospital, rehab, long term care, assistive living, home health, and hospice. Documentation and reimbursement using Medicare/Medicaid guidelines are also included.
Students will be engaged in activities that support the development of professional competencies in assessments and interventions for the aging population. Evidence-based assessments and interventions for sensorimotor, behavioral, cognition, social, and older adult care are included. An emphasis will be placed on understanding the unique skills required to practice with this population in rural contexts.
Students in good standing with all previous semester coursework to date will be assigned a Level I fieldwork experience in a geriatric/aging population setting. Students will analyze occupational engagement and participation within the geriatric setting during the Level I fieldwork experience embedded within the course. Level I experience is designed to enrich didactic coursework through directed observation and participation in selected aspects of the OT process.