College program focuses on senior care
Flathead Valley Community College trustees adopted a new program Monday linked to the aging population.
The new 16-credit gerontology program will provide specific training for working with the elderly.
Linda Hunt, director of Project Training in Health and Education Opportunities, said the mission of the gerontology program includes graduating people who will enhance the quality of life for the elderly.
She said the program develops knowledge about the aging process as well as diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
"Research in this area has been explosive," Hunt said.
She said she was impressed by the need for this program recently when she made a presentation to a group of personal care attendants and certified nurse assistants who work for a private home-care provider.
She said 15 percent of people over 65 suffer from Alzheimer's while 45 to 50 percent have the disease by the time they reach 85.
The number of Americans 65 or older increased from 3 million in 1900 to 35 million in 1996. The senior population is projected at 70 million by 2030, when one in five Americans will be 65 or older.
Because of these growth trends, the college expects career opportunities in gerontology and geriatrics to expand significantly.
During a PowerPoint presentation Monday, Hunt said that the gerontology certificate also would help people interested in developing new businesses to serve the elderly population.
Courses will provide a basic background in gerontology. Students will acquire skills in one-on-one relationships, group work and activities for older adults.
In one course, Hunt said students learn what it actually feels like to be elderly. The goal is to build empathy in the people who work with seniors.
The certificate design allows students to choose a path relevant to their interests.
Examples include working in geriatric rehabilitation, assistive and extended care, nonprofit support groups, case management, recreation for healthy aging, meals on wheels and other programs.
A 10-member advisory committee recommended that the college adopt the gerontology certificate.
Following the presentation, college trustees voted unanimously to adopt the new 16-unit certificate.
Reporter Candace Chase may be reached at 758-4436 or by e-mail at cchase@dailyinterlake.com.