Aging CE Bundle (16 CE)

Courses Developed By: Jennifer Kolb, LCSW

Jennifer Kolb, LCSW; Social Work Consultant, reviewed and determined the course meets requirements for continuing education in the field of social work. This course is appropriate for masters and clinical level social workers. Jennifer graduated with a Master’s degree in Social Work with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Louisville, Kentucky. She specializes in school-based psychotherapy with children and adolescents, as well as licensing exam coaching and preparation.

Issues with Aging: As the population ages, therapists are increasingly finding themselves dealing with the many challenges faced by older adults and the often conflicting issues of their adult children. This comprehensive course provides in-depth knowledge of specific issues related to seniors such as grief and loss, health issues, sexuality and conservatorship, as well as the broader areas of psychotherapy with seniors and elder abuse. Techniques for assessment and treatment planning are included.

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Define a range of psychosocial issues confronting seniors.
2. Define a range of medical and legal issues confronting seniors.
3. Develop and adjust treatment plans to meet the needs of seniors.
4. List and describe the legal mandates related to elder abuse.

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Aging and Long Term Care:
This six hour video course will cover topics in aging and long-term care. Myths and stereotypes of aging will be explored, which can impact your ability to effectively assess and treat the elderly and their children and grandchildren, who may be struggling to assist them with a myriad of physical, psychological and social needs. Additional topics will include: distinguishing "normal" aging changes in intellectual, cognitive and memory functioning from those which are a consequence of disease; introduction to the biopsychosocial model of assessment and psychotherapeutic treatment of older adults; and issues involved when working with the elderly and their families when they confront long-term care. You will also have a chance to challenge assumptions about your own aging and potentially look at issues which may impact how you plan for your life as a senior. This course meets the requirement for the mandatory three hour continuing education course in aging and long term care required by California Senate Bill 953, Chapter 541.

This audio/video course is compatible for viewing on both PC and MACs.

Learning Objectives:
As a result of taking this course, you will be able to:

1. Understand the components of the biopsychosocial model and how it can be applied to assessing mental illness in the elderly
2. Distinguish changes in intellectual, cognitive and memory functioning from those which are a consequence of disease
3. Be better prepared to assist their clients who are struggling to understand and care for their physically and/or mentally ill aging relatives
4. Be aware of multicultural, ethnic and racial issues which can impact your work with the elderly
5. Be sensitive to sexual and gender orientation concerns of the elderly

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Baby Boomers, Mental Health and Aging Well: This course focuses on baby boomers: the people born between 1946 and 1955. This review sets out to explore whether the lives they have lived and their generational attitudes and behaviors have any implications for their mental health and any experience they may have of mental illness, as they grow older. Despite their positive health advantages and attitudes, baby boomers have poorer health levels than might be expected or indeed possible, with implications for the future. Many baby boomers have taken on caring roles, particularly in recent years as their own parents have needed care. This, together with the high profile of social care issues in public debate, has given them a critical perspective of care, plus an acknowledgment that they are unlikely to be able to count on public services for their own future care needs. Among people interviewed there was a mostly positive view about change through their lives, although mixed with concerns about future opportunities for younger people. There is strong evidence about the relationship between mental health and relationships. Isolation, loss or lack of family and friendship networks, bereavement and loss of emotional support, and living in unsupportive neighborhoods are all risk factors for mental illness.

Note: While this publication is based on UK research, the conclusions drawn from this research can provide useful information for a U.S. population.

Learning Objectives:

1. Summarize the benefits of integrating health and mental health services across the ages
2. Delineate the harmful impact of negative attitudes towards older people
3. Summarize the psychological, social and vocational resources available within the baby boomer population across all ethnic groups
4. Evaluate the benefits of a healthy lifestyle as a protective measure against some forms of dementia and cognitive decline
5. Evaluate the negative impact of health and social inequalities in older generations on health and well-being
6. Summarize key findings regarding the impact of employment, finances, social care, and isolation

Approvals: