Mary Ann Erickson

Professor, Health Sciences and Public Health

The long-term care system in the United States is a complex, fragmented one.  In this class, we consider both formal and informal care - why it's needed, what is in place today, and what needs to change.  We take a number of field trips to local facilities and invite experienced speakers from a variety of fields to class.  In the fall of 2011, we visited 4 facilities and heard from a social worker, an elder-law attorney, a nursing home administrator, and a geriatrician.  Students also look at the long-term care system in other countries to bring a broader perspective.