Gerontology with an Emphasis on Dementia Certificate

The College of Saint Rose and the Avila Institute have designed a unique program to meet the needs of those who care for the elderly, especially those with dementia and memory impairments. Through a series of rigorous academic modules, participants will learn the most up-to-date theory, solutions and standards in gerontology care.

Who should attend?
The program is designed for medical professionals and paraprofessionals who work in patient-care relationships with geriatric patients. This includes doctors, nurses, nursing assistants, home heath care aides.

Individuals who care for a family member coping with aging and dementia issues are also welcome to participate with the approval of the program director.

Professional Development
Please contact us for information about Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Be sure to request additional information at the time of registration.

Requirements
There are four required core courses in the program. Participants will also select three of six available electives in order to complete the certificate.

Core Courses
Caring for People with Dementia (15 hours)
E xamines types of dementia, causes and progression. Explores strategies and skills required to meet the needs of dementia patients, especially behavioral concerns.

Caregiver Stress and Chronic Illness (15 hours)
Discusses the many roles family members experience when dealing with aging issues, especially those caring for both children and parents. Addresses the stress of caring for someone with dementia and support systems to rely on.

Introduction to Aging / Psychology of Aging (24 hours)
Examines age-related changes (normal and pathological) in personality, social interactions, learning, memory and intellectual skills. Emphasizes learning to identify the changes of normal adult aging and distinguishing them from changes that might occur secondary to mental disorders and systemic disease.

Concepts and Issues in Gerontology (24 hours)
Explores issues facing the growing 65+ population. Looks not only at medical issues but also at social and health policies and legislation.

Elective courses
Choose three; 8 hours each
Culturally Diverse Aspects of Aging
Economics of Aging
End of Life Care
Theology of Death and Dying
Geriatric Care Management
Theories in Counseling Elders

Registration
The Office of Graduate and Continuing Education Admission at Saint Rose will process registrations. All classes will have a maximum of 20 students. Participants may also take courses of interest without pursuing the entire certificate.

Schedule
Caring for People with Dementia
March 29, April 12 and 26, 9:30 am—3 p.m, Teresian House

Caregiver Stress and Chronic Illness
April 5, 19 and May 3 9:30 am—3 p.m, Teresian House

Cost
Core courses (24 contact hours)
Introduction to Aging Concepts and Issues in Gerontology $350/course

Core courses (15 contact hours)
Caring for People with Dementia Caregiver Stress & Chronic Illness $225/course

Electives (8 contact hours)
All electives $110/course

Full certificate
$1400

To register please call 518-454-5144 or visit the online form at: www.strose.edu/noncreditform.

All students must register prior to the first class and payment must accompany registration. Checks should be made payable to The College of Saint Rose.

Please call 518-454-5144 for Mastercard, Visa, Discover payment arrangements. If your employer participates in a tuition reimbursement program please call 518-454-5144 for more information about tuition deferment.

Noncredit Programs

Send Me More Information

Meet the Continuing Education Admissions Staff

For more information
on the Gerontology Certificate email or call (518) 454-5143.

Faculty
Carole Marsh Stathis, MS, RN earned undergraduate degrees from Elmira College and Columbia University School of Nursing and a graduate degree from the College of New Rochelle. She has both written and taught a Dementia Core Curriculum for professional medical personnel working with the geriatric population.

Régine Lambrech, Ph.D. earned an undergraduate degree from Ladycliff College and her graduate degrees from the Pennyslvania State University. She is an AFA Qualified Dementia Care Specialist.

Richard T. Pulice, Ph.D., MPH, is actively involved in the Albany area and throughout New York State on issues related to services for persons suffering from a serious mental illness.

Gregory D. Gross, M.S.W., chair of the Social Work program at The College of Saint Rose, has published in journals, including the Journal of Religion and Aging, Interrace Magazine, and the Journal of Teaching Social Work.

The Avila Institute
The Avila Institute of Gerontology was established in 1988 by the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm with a mission to provide high-quality, affordable educational programs related to the care of the elderly. The Avila Institute strives to present the most recent information to enhance the field of Gerontology.

Our partnership
By combining the strengths of professional practice and an academically sound approach, Saint Rose and the Avila Institute seek to expand their contribution to excellence and innovation in health care for the elderly with this certificate program.