Continuing education
Workshops related to aging
A continuing education activity presented by the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Social Work, through support from the Virginia Center on Aging, for social workers and other professionals who work with the geriatric population in Virginia.
- Workshop A – A Lifespan Look at Developmental Gerontology: Looking for the Yellow Flags
- Workshop B – Difficult Choices: Common Ethical Issues in Caregiving with Older Adults
- Workshop C – Pharmacology and Aging Persons
- Workshop D – Caregiving: Issues and Interventions to Reduce Stress and Improve Well-being
Workshop locations
Cost and registration
Workshop A – A Lifespan Look at Developmental Gerontology: Looking for the Yellow Flags
Course description and objectives
In the year 2011, the baby boomers, who have already altered American culture in so many ways, start turning 65. This drastic change in demographics will have a tremendous impact on all professions. Are you prepared to enter the workforce with this change looming? Many myths currently exist regarding what is in fact to be expected as part of normal aging. Taking a lifespan approach suggests that there are both gains and losses at all life stages. This session with explore normal developmental gains and losses as well as warning signs or yellow flags to be aware of to prepare for working with a growing elder population and their families.
By the end of the workshop series, participants will be able to:
- Define Gerontology and the Lifespan Perspective.
- Understand the core competencies necessary in effective gerontological practice.
- Identify components of the Biopsychosocialspiritual framework necessary in Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment.
- Understand age-associated sensory and physical issues and their impact on effective communication with elders.
- Understand psychological and lifestage factors that impact effective life planning.
- Identify Warning Signs pertinent to effective gerontological practice.
- Identify sources of community support for elders and their care providers.
Category I contact hours: 2 contact hours for each workshop or 8 contact hours for all four workshops.
Continuing education units: 0.2 for each workshop or 0.8 for all four workshops (available upon separate CEU registration).
About the facilitator
Ayn Welleford, Ph.D., is chair of the VCU Department of Gerontology. Dr. Welleford is an associate professor in the department and serves as the associate director of the Virginia Geriatric Education Center. She received her B.A. in Management/Psychology from Averett College, M.S. from the Department of Gerontology, and Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from VCU. She has taught extensively in the areas of Lifespan Development, and Adult Development and Aging. As an educator, researcher and previously as a practitioner she has worked with a broad spectrum of individuals across the caregiving continuum. As a gerontologist she currently works extensively with formal and informal caregivers to improve elder care through education. Outside the classroom and working with various community agencies, Dr. Welleford provides community education on a variety of topics, including Steps to Aging Well, Building Successful Mother-Daughter Relationships, Intergenerational Programs and Family Caregiving. She conducts research, through mixed methodology, in the areas of caregiver burden, coping with distress, adult mother-daughter relationships, successful aging and geriatric education.
Date/Time
July 11, 2008
10 a.m.–noon
Workshop B – Difficult Choices: Common Ethical Issues in Caregiving With Older Adults
Course description and objectives
Caregivers face many challenges in providing care to their aged loved ones. But determining the best course of action for an impaired loved one can be among the most difficult. When should we take over our loved one’s finances? When should they stop driving? When is it appropriate to consider admitting them to a nursing home? Deciding on the “right” thing to do is not always easy. Balancing competing demands (e.g., a loved one’s preferences versus their safety) can be complicated and emotionally draining. This seminar will explore some commonly encountered ethical issues in caregiving, and will provide caregivers with insights and guidance to aid in making these important decisions.
Upon completion of this seminar, participants should be able to do the following:
- Understand the definition of an “ethical dilemma.”
- Recognize common dilemmas and emotions related to decision-making and their loved ones.
- Discuss the roles of values and moral standards involved in decision-making.
- Appreciate the importance of a good “person-environment” fit for their loved ones.
- Understand how to make caregiving decisions that maximize benefits and minimize harm toward their loved ones.
Category I contact hours: 2 contact hours for each workshop or 8 contact hours for all four workshops.
Continuing education units: 0.2 for each workshop or 0.8 for all four workshops (available upon separate CEU registration).
About the facilitator
Andrew L. Heck, Psy.D., ABPP, is a licensed clinical psychologist and director of Psychology and Research Director at Piedmont Geriatric Hospital in Burkeville, Va. He is a diplomate in clinical psychology from the American Board of Professional Psychology and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Clinical Psychology. Heck has dedicated his career to the care and understanding of elderly individuals with moderate to severe mental illness. He is an active clinician, supervisor and lecturer — touring locally and nationally to speak on a variety of geropsychiatric issues. His particular areas of clinical interest include dementia evaluation, decision-making competency and capacity, behavioral treatment and ethics in working with the elderly. Heck maintains clinical faculty appointments at VCU in the Departments of Gerontology, Psychology and Psychiatry.
Date/Time
July 11, 2008
1–3 p.m.
Workshop C – Pharmacology and Aging Persons
Course description and objectives
Social workers are or will become involved directly with aging persons involved in medication treatment. Social workers are in most frequent contact with clients and are often in the best position to observe symptomatic improvement, side effect problems and issues involving medication compliance. In some settings social workers assume a role in monitoring aging clients who are on numerous medications and find that they need to have an understanding of the client responses to medications, particularly psychotropics. Pharmacology and Aging Persons is a workshop for social workers and other professionals working with the geriatric population who are interested in developing a general understanding of pharmacology issues and challenges with aging persons.
Upon completion of this program, participants will be able to:
- Describe types of medication-related problems (inappropriate prescribing, polypharmacy, underuse, nonadherence, drug-drug interactions and adverse drug reactions) and their impact on older adults.
- Identify physiological changes associated with aging and their effects on drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
- Assess and resolve medication-related problems using appropriate tools and collaboration.
- Discuss ethical issues associated with assisting older adults in managing medication issues.
Category I contact hours: 2 contact hours for each workshop or 8 contact hours for all four workshops.
Continuing education units: 0.2 for each workshop or 0.8 for all four workshops (available upon separate CEU registration).
About the facilitators
Janice Berry Edwards, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in the School of Social Work at VCU. She holds a doctorate in social work from Catholic University School of Social Service. Her teaching areas include micro and macro practice (e.g. advanced clinical practice, psychopharmacology and social work practice and social justice). Her areas of specialty are mental health practice, psychopharmacotherapy and social work, clinical theory and research. She is the author of publications in the area of social work and mental health, and social work education. Her research and scholarship interests include African American women, multiple intelligences, social work education, relational/cultural theory applied to teaching in social work education, field instruction, psychopharmacology and the aging person, and domestic violence in law enforcement.
Patricia W. Slattum, Pharm.D., Ph.D., is associate professor, Geriatric Specialist, Vice-Chair for Graduate Studies in the Department of Pharmacy at VCU. Slattum’s teaching, research and practice interests are improving pharmacotherapy for older adults residing in the community and assisted-living facilities, the effects of medications on cognition, and medication management in Alzheimer’s disease. She partners with a pharmacy located in a large retirement community to develop pharmacy practice models to provide care to seniors. She is the 2008 recipient of the American Society of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutic Society’s William Abrams Award in Geriatric Clinical Pharmacology. She was recognized as the 2005 Teacher of the Year by the VCU School of Pharmacy and the 2005 Gerontology Educator of the Year by the Virginia Association on Aging. She received her B.S. in Pharmacy, Certificate in Aging Studies, Pharm.D. and Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics from VCU. She completed an NIH postdoctoral traineeship in drug disposition and aging at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Date/Time
July 18, 2008
10 a.m.–noon
Workshop D - Caregiving: Issues and Interventions to Reduce Stress and Improve Well-being
Course description and objectives
Marcia Harrigan, Ph.D., and Beverly Koerin, Ph.D. will provide an overview of the caregiving literature and will engage participants in problem-solving exercises using caregiver case studies. They will discuss caregiver issues and interventions, existing and emerging caregiver resources and policies, and implications for professional practice.
By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:
- Discuss multiple issues related to caregiver stress and well-being.
- Identify caregiver issues, interventions, policies and resources, and implications for practice.
Category I contact hours: 2 contact hours for each workshop or 8 contact hours for all four workshops.
Continuing education units: 0.2 for each workshop or 0.8 for all four workshops (available upon separate CEU registration).
About the facilitators
Marcia Harrigan, Ph.D., is the senior associate dean and associate professor of the VCU School of Social Work. She received a B.A. from Muskingum College, New Concord, OH, and an M.S.W. and Ph.D. from VCU. Dr. Harrigan has taught in the B.S.W., M.S.W. and Ph.D. programs during her 29 years at VCU. Her areas of focus for teaching and research have been on family dynamics, nontraditional family structures and more recently on caregiving. She was a founder and group leader for family caregivers of persons with mental, emotional or behavioral disorders.
Beverly Koerin, Ph.D., is an associate professor emerita of the VCU School of Social Work. She received a B.A. and M.S.W. from VCU and a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Virginia. Koerin taught in the B.S.W. and M.S.W. programs and held numerous administrative positions during her 28 years at VCU. Her most recent research and service activities have focused on caregiving. She served on the advisory committee for the employed caregiving initiative through Senior Connections and has co-facilitated a caregiver support group for the Greater Richmond Alzheimer’s Association for the last nine years. She and Dr. Harrigan have made presentations at national and international conferences and have published several articles on caregiving.
Date/Time
July 18, 2008
1–3 p.m.
Workshop locations
Richmond
July 11 and July 18, 2008 (see times for each workshop above)
VCU Medical Center
George Ben Johnston Auditorium
305 North 12th Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219-2029
Bristol
July 11 and July 18, 2008 (see times for each workshop above)
Virginia Department of Transportation – Bristol District
870 Bonham Road
Bristol, Virginia 24201
Phone: (276) 669-6151
Suffolk
July 11 and July 18, 2008 (see times for each workshop above)
Virginia Department of Transportation – Hampton Roads District
1700 North Main Street
Suffolk, Virginia 23434
Phone: (757) 925-2500 or (888) 723-8400
Chantilly
July 11 and July 18, 2008 (see times for each workshop above)
Virginia Department of Transportation – Northern Virginia District
Avion Lakeside I
14685 Avion Parkway
Chantilly, Virginia 20151-1104
Phone: (703) 383-VDOT
Fishersville
July 11
Anderson Large Classroom in Switzer Building
Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center
292 Woodrow Wilson Ave.
Fishersville, Virginia 22939-3407
Phone: (540) 332-7000
Note: View directions to the center and more specifically directions to Switzer Building.
Salem
July 11 and July 18, 2008 (see times for each workshop above)
Virginia Department of Transportation – Salem District
P.O. Box 3071
731 Harrison Avenue
Salem, Virginia 24153
Phone: (540) 387-5320
Staunton
July 18, 2008 only (see times for each workshop above)
Virginia Department of Transportation – Staunton District
P.O. Box 2249
811 Commerce Road
Staunton, Virginia 24401
Phone: (540) 332-9075
Cost and registration
Regular: $20 each or $60 for all four workshops.
Student: $10 each or $30 for all four workshops.
Senior: $15 each or $45 for all four workshops.
VCU faculty and field instructor: $15 each or $45 for all four workshops.
Agency group of three or more: $15 each or $45 for all four workshops per registrant.
Please note: Lunch is not included with registration as food and beverages are strictly prohibited in the distance learning rooms. Information about nearby eateries will be provided by the facilitators at each site.
Please register online at www.pubinfo.vcu.edu/conf/socialwork/register.asp.
Pre-registration is required. Registrations cannot be accepted on site. Registrations must be received at least one week prior to the day of the event to ensure availability of materials/handouts at videoconferencing sites (July 4 for July 11, July 11 for July 18). Late registrants will be accommodated if space is available.
Participants may register for CEUs by completing a CEU registration form and making a check payable to the VCU School of Social Work in the amount of $15 on the day of the event. No cash or credit cards will be accepted for this purpose.
Questions?
Contact Pamela Duffus at (804) 828-1036 or Linda Gupta at (804) 828-3405, sswce@vcu.edu.