Human Services and Gerontology Programs
Professional Development Opportunities
Drugs and Aging
(Core Gero Certificate Program)
Offered in partnership with Franciscan Skemp Healthcare
Learn the proper use of medication with noted geriatric medical staff. Using case studies, drugs commonly used for cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal problems, diabetes, and neurological diseases are discussed.
Explore drug interactions, adverse drug reactions, and ineffective outcomes. Pain management and psychotropic drugs are included in the program.
Overall Program Purpose: Learn about the effects of medication on the aging body.
April 7:The effects of aging on how the body absorbs, processes and eliminates medication. Includes discussion on the social and cultural factors affecting drug use by elders.
April 14:Common drug classes used to treat illness in the elderly, including common prescriptions and pain management.
April 21:Safe medication use for elders, including over the counter drugs and drugs to treat pain and depression.
Audience:
Health care professionals who work with the geriatric population. It includes, but is not limited to nurses, physicians, pharmacists, counselors, social workers, administrators, nursing assistants and other health professionals.
Instructors:
Linda Butterworth, GNP, is a geriatric nurse practitioner with Franciscan Skemp HealthCare. She provides medical services to nursing home patients, teaches inservice programs, and has an expertise in symptom control and pain management.
Thomas Loepfe, MD, is chair of the department of Geriatrics; medical director of nursing homes, hospice and home care; and director of the Alzheimer’s program at Franciscan Skemp Health Care. Dr. Loepfe completed a fellowship in geriatric medicine with the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine.
Fall 2010 (Dates to be determined)
UW-La Crosse Campus
$120; $100 Gerontology certificate participants
1.2 CEUs (12 contact hours)
Discounts may apply.
Discounts on registrations are available for members of the Coulee Region LTC Workforce Coalition, senior citizens, and students. If you are a La Crosse County caregiver over the age of 60 or caring for someone over the age of 60, contact the La Crosse Aging Unit at 608.785.9710 for assistance with fees and respite services.
11.25 nursing contact hours offered
Franciscan Skemp Healthcare, La Crosse, WI, is an approved provider of continuing nursing education by the Wisconsin Nurses Association Continuing Education Approval Program Committee, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.
Planning Committee
Kathleen L. Roberts MSN, RN
Linda J. Butterworth CNS, RN, BSN, GNP
Thomas R. Loepfe MD
Christine L. Brown CSW
Andrea Hansen MS
Programs may be taken as part of the UW-La Crosse Gerontology Certificate program.
Information about our 60 and 120 hour programs can be found at www.uwlax.edu/conted/gerontology
For more information: 608.785.6508, toll-free 1.866.895.9233 or langaard.kare@uwlax.edu
Printable Registration Form (1 page PDF)
