Overview of Aging and Elder Law
This course will provide an overview of contemporary gerontology and aging concerns as they relate to care models, autonomy, and capacity. The course will examine the role of the law as it intersects with elder care and the role of elder law attorneys. In addition, this course will explore effective communication strategies and the skills needed to identify and resolve common elder law issues.
Objectives:
- Appreciate the importance of a legal perspective in every facet of elder care.
- Understand how the demographics of the United States are shifting and how this shift affects organizations, facilities, policies, laws, and individuals.
- Recognize the primary types of facilities and services engaged in elder care.
- Learn which governmental agencies regulate and pay for elder care.
- Describe the components of autonomy and capacity and patient bill of rights.
- Understand the role of the elder law attorney and their responsibilities.
Government Benefits and Long-Term Care Regulation
This course surveys the different levels of government benefits, including Social Security Disability Income and Medicaid. The course will further review the regulation of long-term care services and issues in Medicare and Medicaid Fraud. The final module will focus on service providers’ responsibilities and ethical duties as well as effective communication that supports quality care.
Objectives:
- Examine the sources of payment for long-term care as well as the different levels of federal and state government benefits for long term care.
- Understand the governing regulations and their impact on facilities and individuals.
- Be aware of practices and penalties related to Medicare and Medicaid Fraud.
- Recognize provider responsibilities and professional ethics related to service delivery and communication with clients and families.
- Practice effective communication strategies and skills for preventing harm and solving problems.
Assisted Decision Making and End-of-Life Considerations
This course will examine the different models of supported decision making, including end-of-life health considerations. This course will explore the various purposes, processes, and ramifications of the substitute decision making process.
Objectives:
- Understand the various levels of substitute decision making, including powers of attorney, health care directives, guardianships, and conservatorships.
- Comprehend concepts of person-centered planning and least restrictive alternatives to formal supported decision making.
- Examine the options for end-of-life health decisions and articulate the differences and consequences of each.
Harm and Remedies
This course will provide an overview of the law relating to harm and breach, and the available avenues for remedies. In addition, this course will examine vulnerable adult maltreatment and elder abuse.
Objectives:
- Understand harm, breach, and available remedies and the differences between criminal and civil complaints.
- Analyze the statutes and regulations pertaining to vulnerable adult maltreatment and identify the signs of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation.
- Recognize the statutory and regulatory framework and resources for responding to suspected abuse, neglect or financial exploitation.
- Examine a case study, identify possible resources, and develop plans/options to address client/patient concerns.