Elder Care - Gerontology

Academic Division of Professional Programs

Human services involve the art and science of working with people and helping others. Within the broad category of human services is the subspecialty of social work. The essential aim of the social work profession is to enhance social functioning of people within social and cultural frameworks.

The Quincy College Elder Care – Gerontology program prepares graduates to engage in the helping professions at entry level in their communities. This concentration focuses upon helping students develop the knowledge, skills, experience, and values that will assist them in working effectively with people in a variety of community settings.

Elder Care - Gerontology Courses

- Code
- Course
- Credits
- HSV 103
- Introduction to Social Work
- 3
The student will explore, In depth, the concepts of social work, in terms of knowledge, values and skills that are required for an effective introduction to the profession of social work. Special populations, foundational theories, functions and roles of a social worker, as well as emerging issues in society will be evaluated on a multi-systemic level. This course will assist the student In preparing for the state II censure examination at the LSWA level.
- HSV 112
- Introduction to Gerontology
- 3
This course studies human aging from a developmental and multidisciplinary perspective. The bio-social-psychological factors involved in changes throughout the aging process, including retirement, family, leisure, aloneness, death, and bereavement are considered together with additional distinct concerns of older adults such as widowhood, finances, religion, sexuality, and health problems.
- HSV 114
- Substance Addiction and Older Adults
- 3
This course provides students with an overall view of Substance Addiction among older adults. Instructors will outline best practices for identifying, screening, assessing, and treating the abuse of alcohol, prescription and illicit drugs in the older adult population. Emphasis will be on addressing the greater toll of the misuse and addiction of alcohol and other drugs and the psychosocial issues that are unique to the older adult.
- HSV 200
- Human Behavior and the Social Environment
- 3
This course provides a conceptual framework for organizing and analyzing knowledge of human behavior and the social environment with a focus on individuals and families. Social systems, life course, and assets and resiliency-based perspectives and theories are presented. Special attention is given to the impact of poverty, discrimination, and oppression on the ability to reach or maintain optimal health and wellbeing.
- HSV 201
- Counseling Skills
- 3
An examination of the helping relationship in individual and group work with emphasis on techniques such as listening skills, questioning, and interviewing. Topics covered include assessment, treatment planning, and techniques of intervention including behavior modification, psychodynamic, existential-humanistic, and cognitive therapies.
- SOC 140
- Aging in America
- 3
Students will explore the process of aging in America from a sociological perspective. Explore roles of the aged today as they compare to other societies and times, the status of elderly in America, the effects of elderly boomers on commercial and cultural images, and the ethical dilemmas raised by the new elders in our society. Prerequisite: SOC 101 or permission of the instructor.