Thesis (M.G.S.)--Miami University, Dept. of Sociology and Gerontology, 2004. / Title from first page of PDF document. Includes bibliographical references (p. 45-49).

Geriatric board-certified specialists (GCSs) address health care needs of the growing geriatric population. The study's purposes were to: examine career paths of GCSs, identify influencing factors, and explore implications for higher education. Twelve of 14 original 1992 GCSs participated. Data included document collection and interviews. Using a qualitative methodology, commonalities were sought among individuals and HyperRESEARCH software was used for data management. The participants were adventurous, valued education, and were enthusiastic about physical therapy (PT), geriatrics, and specialization. Their career path began with choosing PT as a career, professional education, and their first job. One GCS moved directly into geriatrics. Others went to different settings before geriatrics. As participants recognized they "fit" in geriatrics, they pursued postprofessional education to increase knowledge before choosing board certification. In choosing PT, volunteer experience and personal research were common influences. In choosing to work with elders, influences throughout life gradually built a social context supporting the decision. GCSs chose specialist certification to assist in professionalization of geriatric PT, because they were highly skilled, for career advancement, and for self professionalization. Specialist certification had few financial consequences. Participants gained friends and professional networks. They experienced improved patient care, increased educational opportunities, and/or increased professional service. GCSs' vision was for a better society and health care system. This vision included successful aging - that it is possible and would benefit society. To bring about global change, GCSs perceived they had to influence older individuals, legislators, PT students, peers, and other professionals. Implications for higher education are as follows. Professional schools should not base admission on expressed intentions to work with elders. Curricula and clinical experiences should be such that a nonageist generalist is produced. Higher education's role postprofessionally can be through continuing education, formal degrees, and geriatric residency programs. Gerontology programs also could meet educational needs. Higher education can play an important role in the professionalization of individuals and ultimately the profession itself.

La idea de negocio que se presenta en este proyecto incluye la creación de una página web y aplicativo móvil denominada CUIDA+, la cual permitirá a los familiares y responsables de adultos de la tercera edad, poder conectarse a una red de geriatras especializados en su cuidado. Con el fin de dar tranquilidad a la familia, los geriatras serán seleccionados durante un estricto proceso de selección para garantizar que nuestros clientes sean aptos con el cuidado de adultos mayores. Para que este proyecto brinde la seguridad requerida de manera global, contaremos con el apoyo del campo legal y de Recursos Humanos, quienes nos apoyarán en la realización de la formación y perfiles para logar un mejor equipo de trabajo. Nuestro aplicativo móvil se puede descargar de forma gratuita desde la AppStore y Play Store, esto dependerá del sistema operativo del usuario. Así mismo, tendremos un diseño web que permitirá una correcta visualización desde diferentes dispositivos, como laptops, notebooks, pc´s, entre otros. CUIDA+ obtendrá un margen de ganancia del 40% para el primer paquete, el cual consiste en 4 horas de servicio, el mismo porcentaje para el paquete de 8 y 12 horas la cual será considerada en las tarifas cobradas al momento de solicitar los servicios. El precio promedio del servicio varía desde los S/116 por un servicio de 4 horas, por un servicio de 8 horas S/206 y por un servicio de 12 horas / The business idea presented in this project includes the creation of a website and mobile application called CARE+, which will allow family members and caregivers of elderly adults to connect to a network of geriatricians specialized in their care. In order to provide peace of mind to the family, the geriatricians will be selected during a strict selection process to ensure that our clients are suitable for the care of older adults. For this project to provide the required security in a global way, we will have the support of the legal field and Human Resources, who will support us in the realization of training and profiles to achieve a better work team. Our mobile application can be downloaded for free from the AppStore and Play Store, this will depend on the user's operating system. Likewise, we will have a web design that will allow a correct visualization from different devices, such as laptops, notebooks, pc's, among others. CARE+ will obtain a profit margin of 40% for the first package, which consists of 4 hours of service, the same percentage for the 8 and 12 hours package which will be considered in the rates charged at the time of requesting the services. The average price of the service varies from S/116 for a 4-hour service, S/206 for an 8-hour service and S/206 for a 12-hour service. / Trabajo de investigación