GRN4210EN - Ethics and Elderly Abuse

Course description

In this course, students will utilize case reports, definition, discussion and determine where and how ethics apply to the various aspects of a case and to the individuals involved. Neglect, self-neglect, abuse (physical, mental, emotional, sexual, nutritional) are a few of the types of abuse common with elderly

How this course benefits students

Limited study of elder mistreatment in the community as well as long-term care suggests that annually between 1 and 2 million elders are mistreated. These numbers are likely to escalate as the future with longer life and more co-morbidities, less children/siblings across which care taking can be spread, and changes in the healthcare system are not geared to address the needs of the elderly sufficiently.

Why this course is important

Opportunities to observe, role play and interaction related to the cases.

Credit hours
3 hours
Subject area
Gerontology
Educational level
Bachelor
Learning type
Instructional
Prerequisites
None
Upcoming terms
Pending
* Schedule subject to change. Please contact the Registrar's office with schedule questions.
Professor
Dr. Debra Newell, Distinguished Professor of Gerontology

How this course relates to missional core values

Biblically based

Scripture provides specific guidelines for dealing with specific offenses, how to approached the acused, how an offended person may proceed. Ethics are not totally biblically based, but have underpinnings. Additionally, the Bible speaks of the honorable treatment of elders. The course will touch on these concepts, with discussion of how it fits together.

Missionally driven

We would like to think that with sharing the gospel around the globe, customs and practices of elder abuse would decline and that elders would be treated well, or there would be ramifications for the perpetrator.

Contextually informed

A large part of the discussion is surrounded by the context of the culture and the community. Having a sense of upon what this is overlaid onto is foundational.

Interculturally focused

Ethics do not change from one culture to another

Practically minded

their interpretation and application may vary. Participants will want to engage to explain in multiple cultures.

Experientially transformed

Abuse and mistreatment of any kind is abhorent in a society, particularly for those who are most vulnerable.