Second-year students in the Generations course recently learned first-hand about elder care and senior living facilities, and the patients who call them home.

On December 15, students fanned out to 13 locations in the Burlington area to tour facilities, learn more about the care provided, and meet residents. Facilities ranged from skilled nursing centers with rehabilitation services to assisted living facilities with independent living options and Visiting Nurse Association adult day care programs. Students learned more about the history and mission of the facility before taking a tour. They also discussed the admissions process, as well as the cost of care and the system of payment. Students met with staff members from various rehabilitation services when possible to discuss speech, physical and occupational therapy. At the end of the visit, students had the opportunity to talk to a resident one-on-one, followed by small group meetings later where students shared their experiences.

Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living Commissioner Susan Wehry, M.D., opened the day’s activities with a lecture on elder abuse. Course director and family physician Charlotte Reback, M.D., says the elder care facilities event is designed to introduce students – prior to clerkships –to this growing patient population, as well as get them thinking about the varying needs of this group and the different levels of care available.