GAIT
Geriatric Assessment Interdisciplinary Team
The Geriatric Assessment Interdisciplinary Team, or GAIT, is an interprofessional geriatrics training program for University System of Maryland students and is funded by a University System of Maryland Redeployment Grant to the Geriatrics and Gerontology Education and Research (GGEAR) program at University of Maryland Baltimore. www.umaryland.edu/gerontology To learn more about the GAIT program, please see the PowerPoint slides just below.
There are two format options for students to participate in a GAIT:
1) A virtual GAIT where students complete four hours of independent pre-work prior to the “live” Zoom activity which then includes an educational presentation, case analysis and interdisciplinary team break-out room discussion.
2) An in-person GAIT where students travel to a rural geriatric care site to work with the older adults there in order to prepare a patient-centered healthcare plan for the host staff, faculty and students.
Recent GAIT projects in Washington, Allegany, and Garrett counties have focused on:
- SUPPORTING STAY-AT-HOME: Adult Medical Day Services
- MAINTAINING INDEPENDENCE: Healthy Older Adults Meeting Challenges of Aging
- MEDICATIONS: Identification & Management of Patients At-Risk for Hospital Re-Admission
- ASSISTED LIVING: Optimizing Independence and Support
- PAIN MANAGEMENT: In Geriatric Rehabilitation
- COMMUNITY BASED HOSPICE CARE: In a Rural Community
GAIT projects typically feature participants representing 4 or more disciplines, from:
- Frostburg State University, Salisbury University, Towson University
- University of Maryland Eastern Shore
- University of Maryland Baltimore
- Dental School
- School of Medicine
- School of Nursing
- School of Pharmacy
- School of Social Work
Recruitment
GAIT projects provide USM health professions students, without access to rural clinical rotations, an opportunity to see rural/underserved practice sites in Maryland.
A UMB School of Nursing student who recently participated in a GAIT project in Hagerstown is now employed by Meritus Health.
For more information and a program overview, see this PowerPoint presentation on GAIT:
Overview GAIT_Slide deck w_virtual info

For more information, contact Joy Taylor at 301-777-9150 x-141 or jtaylor@ahecwest.org
GGEAR Partnership
Geriatrics and Gerontology Education and Research Program
The Geriatrics and Gerontology Education and Research (GGEAR) Program at the University of Maryland Baltimore (www.umaryland.edu/gerontology) directs a University System of Maryland Redeployment Grant that, in partnership with AHEC West, supports collaborative implementation of interprofessional geriatrics continuing education based on community identified issues and topics, and education and resources for care providers addressing health care needs of Western Maryland older adults.
GGEAR staff at the University of Maryland provide ongoing mentoring and support for Western Maryland initiatives and programs by meeting with Western Maryland community partners to identify health professional educational needs and facilitates statewide contact for speakers and other resources.
Age-Friendly Specialist Certificate of Achievement Program
The Age-Friendly Specialist Certificate of Achievement Program is a non-academic program with a two-fold purpose:
- Broaden understanding of the processes of aging and the diversity of older adults’ needs and services required to support them
- Enhance skills important to interactions and working with older adults
Open to anyone whose work or personal life includes older adults, as well as individuals with a career or personal interest in the processes and effects of aging.
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE THIS POWERPOINT PRESENTATION: Age-friendly-Specialist_Information
Gerontology Programs at UMB
www.umaryland.edu/gerontology
- The Gerontology Programs at the University of Maryland Baltimore web site provides geriatric web based educational materials including MEDICATION MANAGEMENT IN ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES, DELIRIUM: A SUDDEN CHANGE IN MENTAL STATUS, Video Press geriatric education film productions, and valuable resources on clinical interventions.The web site is sponsored by the Geriatrics and Gerontology Education and Research Program, University of Maryland Baltimore with funding from the Johns Hopkins Geriatric Education Center Consortium, a Health Resources and Services Administration grant, the United States Department of Health and Human Services. For comments on the web site, please write Diane Martin, PhD., Director of the Geriatrics and Gerontology Education and Research Program of the University of Maryland Baltimore, diane.martin@umaryland.edu.
OTHER RESOURCES:
- PUBLICATIONS FROM NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGING https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication
- American Geriatrics Society www.americangeriatrics.org Free membership for health professions students.
- Oral Health resources: http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/ National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.
DELIRIUM MODULES
Modules for: Geriatric Nursing Assistants, Health Care Students, and Family Caregivers on subject of Sudden Change in Mental Status/Delirium. Full video online. UNAVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. PLEASE CHECK BACK.
VIDEOS
UNAVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. PLEASE CHECK BACK to preview video clips
GUARDIANSHIP HANDBOOK
http://www.mdlclaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Guardianship-Handbook-2011.pdf

