WHO ARE THE ELDERLY? DISPELLING MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTIONS

Course overview

Best practice approaches to the care of residents requires that Administrators, nurses and health care providers understand who their residents are as individuals - rather than whom they assume them to be based upon long held myths and misconceptions. Clearly, we all have preconceived notions concerning the elderly, acquired from family, friends and even the media. However, when examined, these assumptions often prove to be far from accurate at best, and harmful at worst. This course will illuminate many commonly held belief systems concerning our elderly residents and provide accurate information which may then be applied to the delivery of care. Specific Objectives include: Identify personal and professional belief systems regarding the elderly Gain an accurate understanding of the personal, social and psychosocial characteristics of the elderly Examine the influence of cultural and personal misconceptions regarding the elderly upon the deliver of care