Advocacy and Ethics in Elder Care

2 Units

Course Description

Learn to Ethically Advocate for the Care of Older Adults

Advocacy and Ethics in Elder Care examines the ethical principles, legal protections, and advocacy strategies that shape decision-making in the care of older adults. Students explore key concepts such as autonomy, decisional capacity, informed consent, and surrogate and supported decision-making.  The course covers recognizing and reporting elder abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and financial exploitation, as well as mandated reporting obligations. Additionally, students will analyze the legal rights of older adults across various care settings, the roles of Adult Protective 91Ô­´´(APS) and Long-Term Care Ombudsman programs, and the broader policy landscape governing elder justice. Through case analysis and applied activities, students develop practical skills for resolving ethical dilemmas, navigating conflicts between older adults, families, and care teams, and advocating effectively for the dignity, safety, and self-determination of older adults.

Course Details

Number of Units: 2.0 graduate-level extension credit(s) in semester hours

Who Should Attend: This continuing education course is intended for those who seek to understand health and wellness in aging populations.

Technical Requirements

Course Options

Course Date Units Price

What You Will Learn

  • Apply core ethical principles—autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice—to decisions in elder care
  • Evaluate decisional capacity, informed consent, and surrogate or supported decision-making arrangements
  • Recognize and respond to elder abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and financial exploitation, including mandated reporting obligations
  • Identify the legal rights, protections, and advocacy resources available to older adults and their families
  • Develop and defend an advocacy plan that promotes dignity, safety, and self-determination in complex elder care situations

Instructors

Professional development courses offered by the 91Ô­´´ of San Diego’s Division of Professional & Continuing Education are taught by faculty that possess a depth and breadth of academic and real-world professional experience.

Why USD?

The Professional and Continuing Education program nurtures key partnerships on the local, national, and international level. The goal is to better serve working professionals who seek to enhance or build their careers and help achieve their highest value and potential. Contact us today to learn more.

Informative Stats and Facts

600+

High-quality, career-building courses to choose from

50+

In-depth, innovative, and relevant topics

25+

Career advancing certificates

Learning Method Information

Courses offer a convenient, yet rigorous style of learning that allows you to structure your education to suit your schedule while keeping you on pace toward achieving your educational goals.

Key Benefits of Healthcare Courses

Innovative Curriculum

Our in-demand courses provide cutting-edge education sought after by the healthcare industry.

Small Class Sizes

Small class sizes with real-world healthcare professionals are an important part of the USD experience.

Work-Life Balance

Our healthcare courses offer flexible course formats and class times to help you balance your work, USD studies, and family life.