Welcome to Module #7 entitled "Challenges in the Care of Hispanic Elders". 

This module is designed to introduce you to important issues in the care of older Americans from
Hispanic/Latino backgrounds. Included are: demographic data; a review of mortality and morbidity data; background information on (1) historical background on the specific ethnic groups; and (2) cultural traditions, health beliefs and values, including complementary and alternative medicine and end-of-life care; background and skills needed to provide a culturally competent geriatric assessment; treatment issues with Hispanic/Latino elders; and review of access and utilization of health care.

After completing this module, the learner will be able to:

• Identify demographics and the growth patterns available for Hispanic elders;
• Identify the major risks of diseases that face older Hispanic/Latino elders and their implications;
• Describe culturally based traditions, health beliefs, values, attitudes and behaviors;
• Describe end-of-life health care decision-making;
• Understand some of the important components of a culturally appropriate ethnogeriatric health assessment for Hispanic/Latino elders;
• Identify validated assessment instruments;
• Recognize cultural issues that affect treatment plans;
• Discuss treatment issues in working with families and social support issues;
• Present information on access and utilization of services, including long term care.

In this module you will need to complete all of the components that have been provided for you to receive full credit. These components will include:

• Pre-test (to see how much you already know and don't know about this subject)
• Reading: "Health and Health Care of Hispanic/Latino American Elders" by Melissa Talamantes, MS, Robert Lindeman, MD, Charles Mouton, MD, MS
• Post-test (to see how much you learned)
• Evaluation

We would suggest that you approach this module in a sequential manner as it is layed out for you. The buttons on the left margin will allow you to return to any particular section. We would suggest that you avoid the temptation to jump around and not read all of the content provided. At the bottom right hand corner of each section you will find a link taking you to the next section of the module. 

Start with the "Pre-test". Be sure to complete all of the questions and don't forget to click on the "Submit" button. Then move on to the "Reading". Review all of the learning material provided to you. Finally, finish with the "Post-test" and submit your answers. We also ask that you complete a short evaluation about the module (this is part of the assignment - so please complete the evaluation!). Your feedback will help us in making this learning module as effective as it can be. Contact Pam Racansky if you have any problems with the module. Good luck!