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Course Descriptions

Currently accepting registrations Register now >> This program starts: In Autumn, Winter and Spring quarters Program location: Seattle Sign up to receive e-mail updates >> Contact a program representative >>

Autumn 2008

Diagnosing and Treating Older Adults with Chronic Mental Illness

Schedule: (Reg# 94915) 3 sessions; Fridays, Oct. 3, 31 and Dec. 5, 2008; 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Downtown Seattle; $395; 21 contact hours.
Instructor: Rick Crozier

This course was designed for professionals who provide a variety of services directly to older adults with mental illnesses. Emphasis is on developing treatment plans and working with older adults with mental illnesses from a holistic perspective. Topics include:

• Assessing and diagnosing mental illnesses in older adults through the use of various tools
• Psychotic disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, phobias and types of dementia
• Development of individualized treatment plans for specific diagnosis
• Preparing adequate documentation
• Therapy situations with older adults

How to Register

Winter 2009

Helping Older Adults Cope with Grief and Loss

Schedule: (Reg # 94917) 3 sessions; Thursdays, Jan. 8, 29 and Feb. 26, 2009; 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Downtown Seattle; $395; 21 contact hours.
Instructor: Jeannette Franks

This course explores the complex issues of grief and loss facing older adults, and the ways professionals working with older adults might respond effectively. Included in this course:

• Common issues of grief and loss facing older adults
• Situations where grief is likely to occur
• Ways to respond with professional discernment to help clients in their grieving process
• End-of-life issues, as well as loss of family, friends, health, independence, mobility and life roles
• Cultural, spiritual, and ethnic perspectives related to grief and loss

How to Register

Dementia: Diagnosis and Family Support

Schedule: (Reg# 94916) 3 sessions; Fridays, Jan. 9, 30 and Feb. 27, 2009; 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Downtown Seattle; $395; 21 contact hours.
Instructor: Karen Kent

Understanding what dementias are (and are not) is critical for providing care for many older adults. Distinguishing between dementias, normal age-related memory changes, and depression and delirium is the first step to being an effective service provider. This course will cover:

• A clear and concise framework for diagnosing the most common dementias
• Discussion of complex differential diagnoses using standardized testing
• Effective functional screening and assessing the environment for safety
• Differentiating among dementia, depression and delirium
• Identifying ways to support clients and their families

How to Register

Spring 2009

Mood and Thought Disorders in Older Adults

Schedule: (Reg# 94919) 3 sessions; Thursdays, Apr. 23, May 14 and June 4, 2009; 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Downtown Seattle; $395; 21 contact hours.
Instructor: Ken Ryan

This course offers a multi-faceted exploration of psychiatric, medical, and pharmacological perspectives in the diagnosis and treatment of mood and thought disorders in older adults. Learners have the opportunity to:

• Build skill in diagnosing mood and thought disorders within the backdrop of medical, neurological, organic and functional disorders
• Increase their understanding and skill in making differential diagnoses of mood and thought disorders
• Increase knowledge of psychopharmacological interventions for common psychiatric and neurological disorders, including side effect profiles as well as indications and counter indications for drug use
• Build skill in understanding appropriate interventions, including case management, psycho-education, and therapy (Cognitive Behavioral, Solution Focused, Group)

How to Register

Navigating Multiple Systems in Working with Older Adults

Schedule: (Reg #94918) 3 sessions; Fridays, Apr. 24, May 15 and June 5, 2009; 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Downtown Seattle; $395; 21 contact hours.
Instructor: Jeannette Franks

Designed for human service professionals, this course addresses effective ways to understand and access community resources for older adults. This course will cover:

• Recognizing and addressing various expressed needs and preferences of older adults, including social, financial, functional, medical and residential
• Accessing and navigating complex community resources
• Increasing skills to better serve as a client advocate, and gain cultural competence with diverse populations
• Understanding the role of guardianships, powers of attorney, and protective payeeship, while recognizing and understanding client rights
• Facilitating successful hospital discharge plans
• Considering mental health detainment
• Better understanding of the role of the Department of Social and Health Services, Medicare, Medicaid, and the Social Security Administration
• Developing and providing services in a holistic manner, maintaining optimum independence, and respecting autonomy, self-determination, and cultural differences

How to Register