The Elm

GAIT Project Overview: The Geriatric Assessment Interdisciplinary Team (GAIT) project is funded by the University System of Maryland (USM) Redeployment Grant System. The project is designed by the Maryland Area Health Education Centers (MAHECs) in partnership with the Geriatrics & Gerontology Education and Research (GGEAR) Program at the University of Maryland, Baltimore Graduate School.

The GAIT project is a free program for health and social science undergraduate, graduate, and professional students enrolled in a University System of Maryland (USM) institution. GAIT introduces students to the comprehensive geriatric assessment and the fundamentals of interprofessional (interdisciplinary) collaboration through both didactic and clinical sessions. 

During the Spring 2023 semester, we will be offering both virtual and in-person GAITs. The virtual GAITs will use the Blackboard platform and Zoom conferencing services. This online training site is designed with the same mix of activities that normally take place on site and will take approximately 8 - 9 hours to complete.

The GAIT project provides an opportunity for students to:

• Interact with students and professionals from a variety of disciplines;
• Participate in team-building exercises that focus on the value of an interdisciplinary approach to improve quality of care for older adults;
• Understand services provided to older adults; and
• Learn about the needs of underserved older adult communities within our state.

As an interprofessional learning experience, GAIT is designed to help students:

• Understand the uniqueness of interprofessional teams and its value in providing person-centered care;
• Recognize barriers to effective communication in health care teams and identify ways to reduce conflict and disagreement;
• Explain aging processes and the diversity of the older adult population;
• Evaluate best practices in honoring the autonomy of older persons; and
• Employ effective intergenerational communication skills (verbal, non-verbal, written) to recruit prospects and engage with members.

Participant Expectations

• Register at least two weeks before the scheduled start date of your select GAIT experience(s)
• Participate fully in the GAIT experience. Information about expectations will be sent after your registration has been processed.

LEARN MORE

SPRING 2023 GAIT TOPICS AND DATES (may register for more than one)
Note: Others may be added and announced as they are scheduled.

Topic: Providing Care and Service to Isolated LGBTQ Older Adults (Virtual)
Date: Blackboard site opens for Independent Work, Friday, Feb. 10
Required Group Activity: Saturday, Feb. 18, 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Register Now
REGISTRATION CLOSES Feb. 3
Information: Meredith Hochman

Topic: Judgment and Insight of Medical Diagnosis Related to Dementia (Virtual)
Date: Blackboard site opens for Independent Work, Thursday, March 16
Required Group Activity: Thursday, March 23, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Register Now
REGISTRATION CLOSES March 10
Information: Joy Taylor

Topic: Assessing What is Going Well: Collaborating with Caregivers to Keep the Good Things Going (In Person) 
Date: Wednesday, April 19, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Register Now
REGISTRATION CLOSES April 5
Information: Joy Taylor

Topic: Planning for Aging in Place: Continuing Care at Home and Supporting Older Adults through Their Aging Journey (Virtual)
Required Group Activity: Tuesday, April 25, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Register Now
REGISTRATION CLOSES April 11
Information: Meredith Hochman

Topic: Falls Later in Life: Risk Assessment, Prevention, and Management (Virtual)
Date: Blackboard site opens for Independent Work, Wednesday, April 26
Required Group Activity: Wednesday, May 3, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Register Now
REGISTRATION CLOSES April 19
Information: Joy Taylor

Contact Information

• General Information: Diane Martin, PhD, diane.martin@umaryland.edu
• Blackboard Credentialing and Troubleshooting: Min Park, minkyoung.park@umaryland.edu