The goal of this 4-week, self-paced, online course is to inform clinicians of the role that hospice and related settings play within the health care system for older adult patients. Current evidence has shown that the purpose and benefits of hospice services is not well-understood by rehabilitation clinicians as it is not a realm in which physical and occupational therapists are typically seen as effective or useful. As a result, older adults often miss out in this vital service as clinicians often don’t understand when to refer their patients to hospice and end of life care services. This class will cover the physiologic and social implications of death and dying; the purpose, service components, and patient care model of hospice; the role of the rehabilitation professional in hospice and end of life management; as well as ethical and legal considerations surrounding death and dying. At the end of this course, participants will be competent enough to be able to educate their patients in the role of hospice in their care as well as be able to refer to this service and assist in the end-of-life process.

Course Outcomes

• Recognize the physiological processes and social implications of death and dying
• Summarize the purpose, services, and care model of hospice
• Assess the role of the physical and occupational therapist within the hospice model
• Evaluate the ethical and legal considerations surrounding death and dying

Applicability

• • Advanced Geriatric Certification