What should a geriatrician try to teach caregivers?

Next Tuesday, on December 17th, I’ll be trying something new: a free Q & A conference call, for caregivers of older adults.

Why? Because after spending the past several years writing articles and blog posts for family caregivers, I’m interested in taking things in a slightly new direction. These Q & A sessions will help me learn more about what kinds of questions caregivers have regarding the health issues of the people they care about.

In fact, I’m considering the possibility of creating some kind of small course or curriculum, to help caregivers learn more about how to manage the health issues of aging adults.

What I have in mind would be similar to a “mini-med school” course, but with the following features:

• The topic would be related to some aspect of geriatrics, i.e. health and healthcare that’s adapted for frail and vulnerable aging adults. This means that either I could plan a course about the geriatric approach to a common condition (such as diabetes, or osteoarthritis), or we could address a geriatric “syndrome” such as memory problems, falls, pain, physical declines, etc.

• The course would take place largely online. I’m not considering a MOOC; I don’t have the resources to create a “massive open online course.” But I am envisioning a course that would leverage Internet technologies in some way, such as by combining online course material with teleseminars, and maybe even an online forum for the learners.

Now, this upcoming Q & A call is not part of a course. But it should be a good learning experience for those caregivers who call in, and will help me learn more about what topics would be useful in a class for caregivers.

And, I’m really looking forward to doing these calls and working on some kind of course, as I’ve long believed that we geriatricians should be actively teaching caregivers more of what we know. After all, health issues are almost always part of what caregivers end up dealing with, or at least worrying about.

If you’re a caregiver with questions for me, or if you’re otherwise interested in learning how geriatricians approach health issues in aging adults, I hope you’ll join my conference call next Tuesday, December 17th, at 12:30pm Pacific Standard Time.

Can’t make it on Tuesday 12/17 at 12:30pm PST? Those who register for the call beforehand will later have an opportunity to download a recording of the call.

Questions? Comments? You can speak your mind below, or send me an email at info [AT] drkernisan [DOT] net.