The World of the Elder
I. Course Prefix/Number: ECS 1-1
Course Name: The World of the Elder
III. Course (Catalog) Description
IV. Learning Objectives
o Describe the sensory, physical and psychosocial changes of aging.
o Differentiate between normal aging and aging with chronic illness.
o Describe the effect of culture change on the caregiver, elder and family.
o Recognize common health and safety concerns that Elders face.
o Describe techniques to promote elder independence.
V. Academic Integrity
• plagiarism (turning in work not written by you, or lacking proper citation),
• falsification and fabrication (lying or distorting the truth),
• helping others to cheat,
• unauthorized changes on official documents,
• pretending to be someone else or having someone else pretend to be you,
• making or accepting bribes, special favors, or threats, and
• any other behavior that violates academic integrity.
There are serious consequences to violations of the academic integrity policy. Oakton's policies and procedures provide students a fair hearing if a complaint is made against you. If you are found to have violated the policy, the minimum penalty is failure on the assignment and, a disciplinary record will be established and kept on file in the office of the Vice President for Student Affairs for a period of 3 years.
Details of the Code of Academic Conduct can be found in the Student Handbook.
VI. Sequence of Topics
Normal aging process
Independence/focus on abilities
Physical and psychosocial changes of aging
Person Centered Care Philosophy
Understanding caregiver, client and family values
Myths of aging
Impact of chronic illness
In-home environmental safety strategies
Fall prevention tactics
Elder abuse prevention
VII. Methods of Instruction
Course may be taught as face-to-face, media-based, hybrid or online course.
VIII. Course Practices Required
Requirements for Use: DVD player, computer.
IX. Instructional Materials
Media-based components, both television-viewable and computer-readable DVDs, will allow students to access complementary instructional materials at personally convenient times and places. Books and articles will be referenced similar to American Medical Association Guide to Home Care… by American Medical Association, The Complete Eldercare Planner, Revised …by Joy Loverde
X. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
XI. Other Course Information
Students who wish to be awarded a certificate must have a Fingerprint Criminal Background check for the IDPH Health Care Worker Registry. Criminal Background checks are required and initiated during the PES101 course.
If you have a documented learning, psychological, or physical disability you may be entitled to reasonable academic accommodations or services. To request accommodations or services, contact the Access and Disability Resource Center at the Des Plaines or Skokie campus. All students are expected to fulfill essential course requirements. The College will not waive any essential skill or requirement of a course or degree program.