School of Social Work

Concentration Curriculum

Older Adult/End-of-Life Care Concentration

The Older Adults/End-of-Life Care concentration curriculum strengthens and deepens students' understanding of the biological, psychological, social, and cultural forces that affect the well being of older adults and all persons, across the life cycle, who are involved in end-of-life care. The Older Adult/End-of-Lift Care Concentration is conceptualized and designed to provide students with the following:

• an understanding of concepts and theories pertinent to the addressing the needs and strengths of older adults and persons of any age who involved with end-of-life care;
• knowledge of the social policies that affect older adults and persons involved with end-of-life care as well as the advocacy skills necessary to improve policies and services for these at-risk populations;
• skill in advanced practice pertinent to assessment, intervention, and leadership development;
• skill in conducting research relevant to older adults and all persons involved with end-of-life care;
• a field education practicum that will support the development of practice skills specific to advanced generalist practice with older adults and persons involved with end-of-life care.

Upon graduation, students who have selected the Older Adult/End-of-Life Care Concentration typically assume positions in programs specific to adult day care, senior services, home care, and hospice care as well as nursing facilities, hospitals, and geri-psychiatric institutions.