Consortium members include Clemson University, Coastal Carolina University, Lander University, the Medical University of South Carolina, South Carolina State University, the University of South Carolina, Winthrop University, S.C. Department of Health and Human Services, AARP South Carolina, South Carolina Geriatric Education Center, South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, South Carolina State Budget and Control Board, South Carolina Hospital Association and South Carolina Silver Haired Legislature.
Consortium universities and faculty currently are engaged in programs and projects such as the following:
- Advanced practice in gerontologic/complementary care (Medical University of South Carolina, Division of Nursing)
- All-inclusive care for frail elderly veterans (University of South Carolina, School of Medicine, Dorn Veterans Administration Medical Center and Palmetto SeniorCare)
- Certificate of graduate study in gerontology program (University of South Carolina)
- Comparative effectiveness of antipsychotic medications in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other drug studies (Medical University of South Carolina)
- A comprehensive program to strengthen physicians’ training in geriatrics (University of South Carolina, School of Medicine)
- Continuing education/lifelong learning for retired older adults (Coastal Carolina University)
- Creative retirement center for lifelong learning (University of South Carolina-Beaufort)
- Gerontology certification program (Coastal Carolina University)
- Rural geriatric care management program (Medical University of South Carolina and S.C. Department of Health and Human Services)
- Senior mentor program (University of South Carolina, School of Medicine)
- The South Carolina geriatric education center (Medical University of South Carolina, College of Health Professions; consortia members include the Medical University of South Carolina, South Carolina State University, University of South Carolina, Coastal Carolina University and South Carolina Area Health Education Consortium)
The center was recommended by the Committees of Health and Medical Education and Academic Affairs of the S.C. Commission on Higher Education and approval was granted on Nov. 1, 1984.
The major objectives of the consortium are as follows:
- Promote and strengthen instructional activities in gerontology and geriatrics
- Promote and strengthen research and research expertise in gerontology and geriatrics
- Promote and strengthen collaborations among faculty and service providers with gerontological and geriatric interests from public and private sectors throughout the state
- Identify gerontological and geriatric research, educational and service resources within the state
- Identify needs and potential needs related to gerontology and geriatrics in the state
- Facilitate dissemination of new information to those involved in teaching, research and service delivery in gerontology and geriatric settings
Faculty research and publications address numerous topics such as:
- Medication for agitated elderly persons with dementia
- Comorbidity associated with dementia
- Use of life review for preventing despair in nursing homes
- Reminiscence in dementia care
- Managing transitions and placement of relatives with Alzheimer’s disease
- Caregivers in crisis
- Training of nursing home administrators
- Strength training for older adults
- Responses to symptoms of illness in African-American and white elderly persons
- Hospitalization in the program of all-inclusive care for the elderly
- The church and social services
- Growth and change in graduate level gerontology education
- Intervening when grandparents raise grandchildren due to substance abuse
- Community service activities of retired professional athletes
- Geriatric assessment
- Organizational and individual commitment to community service activities by retired professional athletes